Crystal Lake Cafe

Adam the owner is a wonderful person he and his family always treat you as family . After hiking I always get the fritopie . The cabins are a great place to stay when you want to spend time in the mountains its home away from home.

Their hot chocolate is SO delicious. The owner of the Café recommended that I have some of their homemade chili. I am excited to try it! A very nice couple owns the Café. The area surrounding the Café looks so beautiful and green. I was glad to see it looking so nice and preserved after the Bobcat Fire took out a lot of the trees on the other side of the mountain.

The cafe is 15 miles up the mountain from the town of Azusa Comfort food that's actually very good You can also buy camping supplies Very small but very cool

The Crystal lake cafe is the place to go. Friendly owners , wilderness setting. Very close to the city. Yet so far from the city. A must visit place. Adam the owner makes the best brownies.

The chili pie is a must as well as her hot chocolate and her homemade brownies. They have a patio area and a fireplace outside. The views from the cafe as you sip on your hot coco is truly beautiful.

I had a nice chat with the owner of the Crystal lake lodge...his name is Adam! He has Lived in this spot for 28 years! Knows everything about Hwy 39 and had old newspaper clippings from late '59 that shows the start of the project and further developments until opening in '64.

It's beautiful up here an cafe really nice an good food bring enough cash because there's a $10 minimum on debit/credit.

+4

The owner has a great sense of humour and is super helpful and friendly. The coffee was decent and the hot chocolate perfect. His cabins look good- affordable rentals. Really cute ‘mom and pop’ style shop with anything camping/ winter / summer you could need. Lucky for that!! since it’s literally the only place for miles. I look forward to coming back to camp and explore some more. The park is beautiful and this is a fantastic place to come toboggan and play in the snow. He’s got toboggans and mittens for sale in the shop too!!

I have been coming to crystal lake for 35 years . My kids are now coming to the campground on there own . The best thing about the cafe is Adam and his family . Over 30 years I have grown to know Adam and I have been fortunate enough to be able to help him with some plumbing work. It’s a great place to stay the cabins are perfect . The food is excellent and just right …..

I adore this place and Adam. It is becoming a tradition when visiting my friend in the Glendora area to spend a day driving up to Crystal Lake, chilling with my fuzzy buddy and my friend enjoying Crystal Lake. An amazing hidden little spot. Then afterwards getting a snack and sitting on the patio at the Crystal Lake "Cafe" - my friend is now determined to try everything on the menu and I quite enjoy the grilled cheese. Whatever Adam does on the outside is so wonderful. This is such a wonderful experience to spend some time here - no cell service. No white noise. Fresh air from the trees. This quaint little spot really does make the experience so much more.

The Special Frito Pie, surprisingly fantastic. The other food my group ordered was also all pretty good. We all enjoyed camping, but would camp again just for the Chili, (the special Frito pie is a chili with cheese, onions, peppers, and Fritos)

Seemed like a great place. Didn’t eat as I wasn’t sure if it was any good. Looks like from the reviews it’s a winner so next trip up I’ll get some chili. Owner was super nice and provided some directions even though he was busy. Would like to rent a cabin as well they looked great. As far as the lake, more like a pond, but that’s probably due to low rainfall but not much to see so keep those expectations low.

Fun drive and plenty cool stops with viewing along the way there, though must be careful with cyclist all along the way and did see a fresh wreck dodge challenger on my way up with police on site, the young couple seemed in good shape but not the challenger apparently. The mini shop/restaurant and owner at Crystal Lake were nice. The breakfast burrito with coke was good, along with the environment, that was excellent. I shared a little bit of my burrito with a kitty who seemed to really enjoy my food. On my way back down, I had to wait 10min for the wrecked dodge challenger it was just finishing getting loaded on the flat bed truck. The sheriffs were cool and waved all cars to proceed once things were cleared and nobody was injured most importantly. Now that's a nice day.

Beautiful day roads were free of any falling rocks or sand totally clear ! The ride to Crystal Lake was great! Its well worth the trip . Had one of the best cheese burgers very good stuff! Its a great way to spend an afternoon exploring..

Crystal Lake Cafe is amazing. The staff are amazing and kind. They have perfect hot chocolate. Their food is good, and while they don't have many options, its more than enough given their location. Its good food too, always well made and hot. Definitely worth a stop for either a cup of something hot, or a cool trinket to remember your journey with. Amazing sights and great environment.

I stayed here with my son and we had the best time! Adam was so helpful and provides everything you need. The cabin was so cozy and comfortable. The surroundings are gorgeous, so many amazing hikes in the area! We can’t wait to come back :)

I can't say enough about how much I love this place. Adam and his family are the most gracious hosts to all who visit. I love introducing friends and family to this haven. The food is just great, and the cabins Adam rents out are amazing. Please respect the speed limits, family's with kids are out and about and if you camp, please drown the fire pit before leaving. Enjoy and visit often. I do.

It's been 3 yrs since I rode my bike up to Crystal Lake Cafe ,, and I can't believe I never posted anything about my ride up to Crystal Lake Cafe,, well let me tell you " absolutely amazing" ,, it was not easy peasy to ride a road bike up and up till find yourself at Crystal Lake Cafe,, along the way some amazing views that you could only capture on a rode bike ,, by the way had a breakfast burrito 🌯 when I got to the top ,, I earned it ,, I ate 🤤,, I recommend anyone who like to cycle and love the outdoors then this is it .

Awesome spot to re-energize after a long day of riding. The owner is super nice and has a basic menu he cooks himself. They also offer various supplies for people camping. They have a patio outside that is great for story telling and meeting new friends. A definite stop if you make the beautiful trip up that way.

It's my first time coming the crystal lake,so is the states. When my friend and I arrived , We found ourselves lost any of contacts to my only relative in the states. Thanks for Adam,his family and his friends of lending a helping hand. You are so enthusiastic and heartwarming. I won't never forget this experience. It's such a beautiful thing that the world has you guys. big appreciation from two Asian girls. Aurora 2024/01/27

Drove up the mountain and met Adam and saw the cabins and enjoyed a hamburger and a cup of chili. Both Delicious 😋. My hunny and I camped for 2 nights and enjoyed the scenery and getaway from the city. Had a lovely time, hopefully we'll be back soon to enjoy Crystal Lake Cafe again and stay in one of the cabins. 🐻🌲🐿️🏕️🔥📵🌌🌠

Lovely! Friendly customer service and the cabins prices are reasonable. When it snows is beautiful and best of all ,you don't have to drive all the way to big bear ! This a great place for a weekend get away or even mid week =) ! 11/9/20 SNOW TIME , AFTER BOBCAT FIRE , CRYSTAL LAKE CAFE IS OPEN !! MUST WEAR 😷 😀😀😀😁👍🥰

This is gem of a spot high up in the mountain. But, it’s only and hour or so drive from LA. Rode up my motorcycle to have a great ride and a snack from the cafe. They take credit/debit cards too.💳💵 Pictured, is the yummy grilled cheese sandwich with a cola, that I enjoyed ton the cafe’s patio. 😎

An important resource as you get further away from civilization. Prices are understandable as they are making these luxuries available in such a remote location. You can get grilled hot food or snacks. No water fountain though, which would really be a great resource for cyclists. Cabins next door are really nice looking and reasonably priced for the weekend (planning to try this out soon)

J P

Fun drive and plenty cool stops with viewing along the way there, though must be careful with cyclist all along the way and did see a fresh wreck dodge challenger on my way up with police on site, the young couple seemed in good shape but not the challenger apparently. The mini shop/restaurant and owner at Crystal Lake were nice. The breakfast burrito with coke was good, along with the environment, that was excellent. I shared a little bit of my burrito with a kitty who seemed to really enjoy my food. On my way back down, I had to wait 10min for the wrecked dodge challenger it was just finishing getting loaded on the flat bed truck. The sheriffs were cool and waved all cars to proceed once things were cleared and nobody was injured most importantly. Now that's a nice day.

Bridget Gamble

I stayed here with my son and we had the best time! Adam was so helpful and provides everything you need. The cabin was so cozy and comfortable. The surroundings are gorgeous, so many amazing hikes in the area! We can’t wait to come back :)

JIM THOMAS

Beautiful day roads were free of any falling rocks or sand totally clear ! The ride to Crystal Lake was great! Its well worth the trip . Had one of the best cheese burgers very good stuff! Its a great way to spend an afternoon exploring..

puppy neff

Crystal Lake Cafe is amazing. The staff are amazing and kind. They have perfect hot chocolate. Their food is good, and while they don't have many options, its more than enough given their location. Its good food too, always well made and hot. Definitely worth a stop for either a cup of something hot, or a cool trinket to remember your journey with. Amazing sights and great environment.

Ralph Tracy

I can't say enough about how much I love this place. Adam and his family are the most gracious hosts to all who visit. I love introducing friends and family to this haven. The food is just great, and the cabins Adam rents out are amazing. Please respect the speed limits, family's with kids are out and about and if you camp, please drown the fire pit before leaving. Enjoy and visit often. I do.

DBL.G.

It's been 3 yrs since I rode my bike up to Crystal Lake Cafe ,, and I can't believe I never posted anything about my ride up to Crystal Lake Cafe,, well let me tell you " absolutely amazing" ,, it was not easy peasy to ride a road bike up and up till find yourself at Crystal Lake Cafe,, along the way some amazing views that you could only capture on a rode bike ,, by the way had a breakfast burrito 🌯 when I got to the top ,, I earned it ,, I ate 🤤,, I recommend anyone who like to cycle and love the outdoors then this is it .

W.C. DOGSIDE

Awesome spot to re-energize after a long day of riding. The owner is super nice and has a basic menu he cooks himself. They also offer various supplies for people camping. They have a patio outside that is great for story telling and meeting new friends. A definite stop if you make the beautiful trip up that way.

黃珮淳

It's my first time coming the crystal lake,so is the states. When my friend and I arrived , We found ourselves lost any of contacts to my only relative in the states. Thanks for Adam,his family and his friends of lending a helping hand. You are so enthusiastic and heartwarming. I won't never forget this experience. It's such a beautiful thing that the world has you guys. big appreciation from two Asian girls. Aurora 2024/01/27

Victoria Andres

Drove up the mountain and met Adam and saw the cabins and enjoyed a hamburger and a cup of chili. Both Delicious 😋. My hunny and I camped for 2 nights and enjoyed the scenery and getaway from the city. Had a lovely time, hopefully we'll be back soon to enjoy Crystal Lake Cafe again and stay in one of the cabins. 🐻🌲🐿️🏕️🔥📵🌌🌠

P W

Lovely! Friendly customer service and the cabins prices are reasonable. When it snows is beautiful and best of all ,you don't have to drive all the way to big bear ! This a great place for a weekend get away or even mid week =) ! 11/9/20 SNOW TIME , AFTER BOBCAT FIRE , CRYSTAL LAKE CAFE IS OPEN !! MUST WEAR 😷 😀😀😀😁👍🥰

Benito Sulit

This is gem of a spot high up in the mountain. But, it’s only and hour or so drive from LA. Rode up my motorcycle to have a great ride and a snack from the cafe. They take credit/debit cards too.💳💵 Pictured, is the yummy grilled cheese sandwich with a cola, that I enjoyed ton the cafe’s patio. 😎

kenneth clark

I have been coming to crystal lake for 35 years . My kids are now coming to the campground on there own . The best thing about the cafe is Adam and his family . Over 30 years I have grown to know Adam and I have been fortunate enough to be able to help him with some plumbing work. It’s a great place to stay the cabins are perfect . The food is excellent and just right …..

I beleive his name was Adam. He double charged me accidently. Id have been none the wiser but he told me he thought he did up front. Told me if he did (couldn't tell cause the lack of cell service) call him back or next time im there just let him know. The honesty of that upfront i didnt complain and ill go back when I go up the 39 again. Foods simple comfort food like youd make camping but was good

Had not visited the Crystal camp site and over the little hill from the road that turns to there or before that the other side of the mountain hill and when we had to make our way to the area and then the up way hill area and from a one time stay pf the lower ground that I did and to the otherside of the lower ground area and when it was time to leave from the mountain one hill higher side area and to go downwards and our visit and check of the site area when certain other ones had been sited and then to be waiting and go their own areas or to be of onside and another side area and then when it came for the certain one or ones to try to make a visit up the hill or their own stay of time then to play or "!" and it was then when i went to be at the lower ground and the otherside and when a up hill visit and from being from the lower ground and when ones to be situated of one side then if it went of a act or to kind of unlaw visit kind and then when a helicopter had been in the area or when we had been in the Asuza road areas and my stay one time at the other side of the mountain hill and from the closest last turn road of the Crystal Lake Rd lead to or by the hill and that is the one side of the other side of the one mountain hill area that is lower to its lowest ground area where we went to of our visit of the area by the San Gabriel Road leads by that we came from our ride one time to the area and a space area that was nearby after the mountain one side of the other one of the left side area when we rode to the area and the space was a area of the lower ground area of the other further side a lot area during the early 1980's. There was or is the house that we had stopped by and went to visit and inside after ones to visit of the area where they use to stay of a time or like their home was at and it was open for us to go inside and visit etc but the one day when it was a one day hour or two hours visit there in the area and then from certain other ones to go in the area or to stay and try to get in their own visit but a certain few other young ones that had did to be there and a chase and i to stay inside the one room next to the living room where the fireplace was by the wall and one of the other young one of two or three and him to being able to go inside and the other one then if he gets a way like outside of a chase it was time for to stop or just a visit and out after one other one tried to get to one side area of the house to one other ones way and my time be around and go my own way of time to move out or stay of one area and then inside the house but when it was of certain adult ones to be site and the ones that we met there to be there and our stay time and them to check the area of the ones to be there or visit and till we came to be there and visit the crystal lake area of the land where there is those trees and the house was at of the right side of our or my side of the area we went to visit and went walking too.

Awesome People! Awesome Breakfast Burrito! It's the size of a Small Pizza. After burning 3,000 calories on a bike ride, I still couldn't finish the Burrito!! I will be back to try again.

Adam is awesome. He is a staple at the site. He is very friendly to everyone. The cheeseburger really hit the spot, tasted like a perfect backyard burger with all the fixins. I'm normally up there on motorcycle although I had business down the mountain so I had to take my car. I will always come up here when I'm in the area to support Crystal Lake Cafe and the site.

We went there the other day to see it and ride our bikes uo the closed part of 39. Adam had a problem with the card reader, told me flat out he thought he double charged me, which he did but im calling it a tip, he was straight out about it but he couldn't tell forsure. His burger, grilled chicken sandwich and fritto pie(name might be wrong) were great. My chick and I were fighting for the chili on the side with no fritos

Love this place. The food is absolutely delicious. I am addicted to the grilled cheese sandwich (2 different melty gooey kinds of cheese with a crispy Parmesan? crust - SO good) and the chili but I have tried everything and there isn't anything I dont care for. The area is clean and well maintained. The cabins are simply cozy and nice for a weekend getaway. Adam and Roula take a lot of pride in the cafe and cabins and it shows. The place is beautiful and peaceful. Take the drive, you won't regret it

Dara A

Love this place. The food is absolutely delicious. I am addicted to the grilled cheese sandwich (2 different melty gooey kinds of cheese with a crispy Parmesan? crust - SO good) and the chili but I have tried everything and there isn't anything I dont care for. The area is clean and well maintained. The cabins are simply cozy and nice for a weekend getaway. Adam and Roula take a lot of pride in the cafe and cabins and it shows. The place is beautiful and peaceful. Take the drive, you won't regret it

MF11283

I beleive his name was Adam. He double charged me accidently. Id have been none the wiser but he told me he thought he did up front. Told me if he did (couldn't tell cause the lack of cell service) call him back or next time im there just let him know. The honesty of that upfront i didnt complain and ill go back when I go up the 39 again. Foods simple comfort food like youd make camping but was good

Henry Espinosa de los Monteros

Had not visited the Crystal camp site and over the little hill from the road that turns to there or before that the other side of the mountain hill and when we had to make our way to the area and then the up way hill area and from a one time stay pf the lower ground that I did and to the otherside of the lower ground area and when it was time to leave from the mountain one hill higher side area and to go downwards and our visit and check of the site area when certain other ones had been sited and then to be waiting and go their own areas or to be of onside and another side area and then when it came for the certain one or ones to try to make a visit up the hill or their own stay of time then to play or "!" and it was then when i went to be at the lower ground and the otherside and when a up hill visit and from being from the lower ground and when ones to be situated of one side then if it went of a act or to kind of unlaw visit kind and then when a helicopter had been in the area or when we had been in the Asuza road areas and my stay one time at the other side of the mountain hill and from the closest last turn road of the Crystal Lake Rd lead to or by the hill and that is the one side of the other side of the one mountain hill area that is lower to its lowest ground area where we went to of our visit of the area by the San Gabriel Road leads by that we came from our ride one time to the area and a space area that was nearby after the mountain one side of the other one of the left side area when we rode to the area and the space was a area of the lower ground area of the other further side a lot area during the early 1980's. There was or is the house that we had stopped by and went to visit and inside after ones to visit of the area where they use to stay of a time or like their home was at and it was open for us to go inside and visit etc but the one day when it was a one day hour or two hours visit there in the area and then from certain other ones to go in the area or to stay and try to get in their own visit but a certain few other young ones that had did to be there and a chase and i to stay inside the one room next to the living room where the fireplace was by the wall and one of the other young one of two or three and him to being able to go inside and the other one then if he gets a way like outside of a chase it was time for to stop or just a visit and out after one other one tried to get to one side area of the house to one other ones way and my time be around and go my own way of time to move out or stay of one area and then inside the house but when it was of certain adult ones to be site and the ones that we met there to be there and our stay time and them to check the area of the ones to be there or visit and till we came to be there and visit the crystal lake area of the land where there is those trees and the house was at of the right side of our or my side of the area we went to visit and went walking too.

Richard Mainville

Awesome People! Awesome Breakfast Burrito! It's the size of a Small Pizza. After burning 3,000 calories on a bike ride, I still couldn't finish the Burrito!! I will be back to try again.

Will Valentine

Adam is awesome. He is a staple at the site. He is very friendly to everyone. The cheeseburger really hit the spot, tasted like a perfect backyard burger with all the fixins. I'm normally up there on motorcycle although I had business down the mountain so I had to take my car. I will always come up here when I'm in the area to support Crystal Lake Cafe and the site.

Mixhael

We went there the other day to see it and ride our bikes uo the closed part of 39. Adam had a problem with the card reader, told me flat out he thought he double charged me, which he did but im calling it a tip, he was straight out about it but he couldn't tell forsure. His burger, grilled chicken sandwich and fritto pie(name might be wrong) were great. My chick and I were fighting for the chili on the side with no fritos

I didn’t eat anything here but I was surprised to see there is a cafe on the top of mountain .

+1

Nice for visiting and camping

+6

Small shop for fast food dishes and snacks. No indoor seating but they have tables outside. Bring cash, they appreciate you more if you do. The camp site and cabin rentals are feet away.

Only ordered coffee and got some drinks from the fridge. The coffee was good and hot. Cozy general store vibe.

The drive up to the Cafe was long but beautiful and worth every bit. Me and my friends were so excited to go see the legendary Crystal lake camp and buy merchandise from there. Once we got there I felt like a fan girl looking at the Jason vorhess sweaters that they had on display. I was going to waste all of my paycheck that same day, but sadly there was nobody there operating the store 😕 we waited and waited for 3 whole hours and nobody came out. Going to be honest we could've stolen a lot of things from there during that whole waiting span but didn't. Didn't know why it said open if nobody was operating. I was sad and disappointed to be honest. Had saved up a lot of money just to spend a couple of nights there, but overall if your a nature guy this is the place to go.

The kind of cafe you would expect up in the mountains! Really part general store part cafe, you can get a mix of discount provisions and bodega snacks along with a really good kitchen. I came out here wanting to get coffee and while I’ve been known to be snobby, I’m not one to shy away from diner drip coffee. And for $3.20 for 20oz cup of joe, it hit the spot. My only gripe is, and here the hipster in me is showing, that they don’t have any alternative milks. I would have been happy with soy but what the hell, when in Rome right? The burrito was served open faced. A first for me. But after we rolled it up tight it was delicious. Even when served with a side of Chunky Tostitos salsa. The owner is a really nice guy, greeting everyone who sits in the adjacent patio after all orders have been filled. You can rent cabins nearby, or head up to the actual lake. It makes a good day trip to get out of the city and get some fresh air.

Service was fantastic. Owner of the campground is also the chef and store operator. Super friendly and hospitable dude. The food was ok, basically just reheated frozen meats and potato products. About what you would expect when the restaurant is 40 miles from the nearest anything. The view is absolutely incredible and there are deer everywhere!

Avedon Arcade

The kind of cafe you would expect up in the mountains! Really part general store part cafe, you can get a mix of discount provisions and bodega snacks along with a really good kitchen. I came out here wanting to get coffee and while I’ve been known to be snobby, I’m not one to shy away from diner drip coffee. And for $3.20 for 20oz cup of joe, it hit the spot. My only gripe is, and here the hipster in me is showing, that they don’t have any alternative milks. I would have been happy with soy but what the hell, when in Rome right? The burrito was served open faced. A first for me. But after we rolled it up tight it was delicious. Even when served with a side of Chunky Tostitos salsa. The owner is a really nice guy, greeting everyone who sits in the adjacent patio after all orders have been filled. You can rent cabins nearby, or head up to the actual lake. It makes a good day trip to get out of the city and get some fresh air.

Lance Lash

Service was fantastic. Owner of the campground is also the chef and store operator. Super friendly and hospitable dude. The food was ok, basically just reheated frozen meats and potato products. About what you would expect when the restaurant is 40 miles from the nearest anything. The view is absolutely incredible and there are deer everywhere!

No fancy food or unnecessary tchotchkies in this café. You can get a hot dog, nachos and other grub you'll find at your kids little league game. They are supplied with energy bars, first aid items and toiletries associated with camping. It is way out of the way but, a fun place to visit and get away from the city. If you visit, pack your trash out because there's no one there to clean up after you.

I love going to this place for the café and the scenic area but I just called to get pricing for their cabins and whoever was on the phone with me was kind of rude and when I told them, oh unfortunately, this won’t work for me. He then just hung up on me. Need to have a lesson in manners.

I was just expecting a Sit down Cafe, Not at all. Bad customer service, very rude when we asked if they took Apple Pay. The man taking the orders was very rude telling ppl to hurry up. We ordered a Frito Pie not what was expected l. Paid $22 for something I can make at home. Never again. I don’t recommend at all. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻