By Dan Paris
The Paradise Valley Café reminds me of a modern stagecoach stop. It is many things to many people. A place to refuel for many Pacific Coast Trail hikers where they can pick up packages sent from home. Locals from the Garner Valley discuss the dire state of the modern world. It is a favorite stop for bikers and car clubs on their way to the Coachella Valley or Temecula. All are welcomed by the friendly staff with the promise of a filing and tasty home-cooked meal.
Open since 1939, when Pistol Annie sporting two six-shooters on her hips decided to establish an outpost on a popular route from San Diego to Palm Desert. News traveled fast that you could get a decent meal if you behaved yourself. Over the years the restaurant changed hands and names many times until 2010 when Neel Joshi reincarnated the original Paradise Valley Café featuring Italian cuisine and some flavors of India worked into the menu.
Folks love diner food. Bacon, sausage, eggs, chicken fried steak with sausage gravy, pancakes, etc. Everything is made from scratch and the featured Italian dishes with homemade sauces are worth the trip.
You will see a real cross-section of mankind here mingling together with enhanced mountain-air appetites engage in easy discourse while the nimble waitstaff navigate their duties with a smile and kind words to those that deserve them. The outdoor dining area is spacious and allows pets to join you to enjoy the tree-filled mountain scenery. 10% off for military, firefighters, and police.
61721 CA -74
Mountain Center, CA 92561
(951) 659-3663
Monday – Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday – 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
