Cafe Open year round. Must have the chili cheese fries. Outdoor seating area. General store with its variety of items foe sale. Gorgeous setting for snacking and yacking. Excellent campground with cabin rental availability.

If you need something last minute that you forgot to bring from home on your camping trip up to the Los Angeles forest, this guy has it. Everything from a pair of winter gloves, snow shoes, snacks, drink to a perfect home made chili. Great spot! Makes Crystal Lake campground feel like a safe park, and a real camping trip away from home! Great for families!

Always like to stop here to have something to eat & support a small business. Enjoy everything but especially the chili and the cheeseburgers!! On top of that, Adam is a really nice guy!!!

I can't say enough how nice the owner is of this place. Every so often I like to get out and drive up the nice roads to get away from the city and I always look forward to the Crystal Lake Cafe as a pit stop/resting place. The food is amazingly good and the surrounding scenery is surreal.

Yummy ice cream sunday. .super friendly

I live, first because all the way have beautiful wiew and there is no fee to enter or park, only if you want to camp. The cafe is a historical place that was the post office when roads didn't exist. There are the photos. Amazing be there.

I love this place. This restaurant has the best chili that you could possibly imagine. They also have the most beautiful cabins for rent. The owner helped build. for more than twenty years he has worked in this restaurant right there at crystal lake

Adam is a very helpful man. Very great experience, a lovely time here !!! Able to see the wild and be in contact with nature. No cell phone service or anything near by. Definitely a place to get away from home and enjoy yourself hiking and camping.

Owner (assuming he's the owner as he's always there) is super friendly. The cheeseburger was surprisingly good. Cooked perfectly. Not at all busy on a Wednesday afternoon which is a bonus. Great views and place to relax. No cell service with Verizon which is a pro or a con depending on how you look at it.

I haven't eaten the food yet, looks good !!, I always take my own food. If you forget your, coffee, sweets 😋 They have it for a price you expect to pay way up for that's only store in Crystal lake. I rough it in the cabin, Adam is a great host and Owner. A Family business. He does what he can to make your Camping or Cabin experience Decent, No beer or Telephone for public.

Messy the kitchen look clean. Fun drive up

+1

Great Customer Service! And way better than going to big bear and beign over rated packed! Cant wait to come back!

Had an excellent experience staying in the cabin. My one-year-old and three-year-old loved the freedom of the outdoors and the constant stream of ice cream from the cafe. Staff are friendly and personable. My only worry is that this good review will make it a more popular destination, and take away from the tranquility provided that is so rare in Southern California.

Adam is a friend of my family and makes the best frito pie i've ever had. When there's snow it is crowded, but everything is right there for you. The sledding run is a few minutes from the cafe, as are the abundant trails if you want to hike. There's also a cool amphitheater and a presumably 1950s Dodge m37 snow plow, as well as an assortment of friendly cats that may come to see you if you sit outside. Also, the hot chocolate quality has gotten significantly better over the years. It is also a great place to mountain bike around, but be warned that the roads up there are narrow. I could write more about this amazing place where I try to get my family to go with me, but all this talk is making me want to go to the cafe right now!

If you need a little getaway from the city craziness and want to just enjoy the fresh mountain air. This place has it all. The only bad experience is the public restrooms but hey it's An outdoor experience. The only thing I go for is the chili bowl.

My boyfriend brought me here and I loved it!! The cabins have everything you need to keep warm in the winter. The outdoors is beautiful. We love nature, the owners are friendly and awesome people. The food is delicious!!! I recommend this place for a nice peaceful day out.

The Gents running the store are incredibly friendly, and on a slow day, are happy to chat with you about whatever. The food was fun to get more for the experience than the taste. The firewood is cheap compared to any other campsite or big store.

Great little place run by friendly and dedicated owner plus support staff who also owns the rental cabins near by. A little quirky but for me it is part of the charm. Very lucky to have this place in the middle of nowhere so keep those expectations in mind when you find yourself here and enjoy. Make sure to tip generously as they deserve it for keeping this gem going!

Great place to relax ... been coming here for years ..

+1

Love this cafe! Burgers there 🍔 is wert tasty! Also hot tea and cold drinks served! 👍

Friendly staff- the person that answered the phone today took the time to answer my questions

Great spot to ride to in the morning and have coffee and a brownie.

This is where we always go to make up. Love the cabins. Beautiful place . Thanks Steve.

Crystal Lake Cafe has some great breakfast and lunch options, hot chocolate and coffee. You can also buy other personal items, firewood, and camping supplies there. A great place to visit in the Los Angeles National Forests.

This little gem is amazing. The owner and his little )boy run the cafe. Super nice people specially the boy who is very attentive and helpful. I got a pb n j sandwich and the next day I got a breakfast burrito. They sever other freshly made hot foods and coffee with a large variety of creamers. They have a beautiful peaceful outdoor dining are and a few cabins to rent. I recommend this place if come to crystal lake.

This place was a suprise! We just went for a drive to get out of house and ended up here. It's only about 30 min up the canyon out of Azusa. Owner was really nice and the breakfast burritos he made us were pretty good! Small cafe inside store with picnic benches outside. I did not know there is cabins up there to rent. Decent pricing for rentals. Will have to make a return trip to explore a little more.

Love coming here after hikes. Always has some hot food and the person managing the place is as nice as they come.

Crystal lake Cafe is awesome, the good is always cooked fresh and delicious. the family is super ice, they have everything you need! chorizo burrito is my favorite and oh man it s cheesy n hot n delicious!

We love this place we’ve been coming here for years. Great food and drinks great prices. The cabins are amazing they are clean and neat. We love being greeted by Adam and his lovely family.

Great place the owner is such a helping hand wonderful man to talk to as well.

+3

Awesome been coming here for more than 30 years

+6

Amazing and beautiful place to enjoy with family👌👌👌

Peaceful and comfortable cafe. Various items and prices are reasonable.

Great service and prices and ofcourse location. Started to snow so enough time for hot chocolate then back down.

+1

The best snow get away. Careful on the way up. Few vehicles stuck in the ice.

Good food, great service the little things that make a day off seem like a day off.

Lovely place to stop & eat in the middle of the forest. Simple menu to choose from, very homey feel. Plus there were friendy kittens that walked up to us.

This area is so quiet and Beautiful. Great destination for any type of adventure.

+6

Going up to the mountains? Stop here for some local advise and snacks. Loved riding my bicycle from Duarte up to The cafe and enjoying a coke and burger. The owner and son are very friendly and helpful.

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 always ride my bike to Crystal Lake Cafe, so I'm starving by the time I get there which may color my love of the place. The guys who run the place are super friendly, if the service is a bit slow. The hamburger is OK, but the brownie and the breakfast burrito are quite good. If you're starving it's a good spot, with plenty of seating.

This place has good warm food for those snowy days. Store is packed full of things that are really cool. The owner is very sweet and helpful. I love this place

This place is part of a Dying Breed of establishments. The quaint camping store Cafe combination with its selection of snacks, camping gear, souvenirs and rustic charm. The proprietor Adam is interesting and charming and has lots to say about his life there and the local mountains and things to do in that area. The menu is a bit Limited and the interior selection of dry goods small but pretty extensive considering you're in the middle of the mountains. It's open 6 days a week only closed on Tuesday.

Had a hot dog, chips, and Pepsi for lunch today. Classic flavors after a morning hiking to Smith Mountain. Perfect! And it's always fun browsing around the variety of stuff in the store.

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!

It’s a small little shop with the essentials up in the canyons. Been there a handful of times.. owner is decently friendly but they simply don’t have a whole lot to offer. Better than nothing, but you’d probably be better off getting what you need in Azusa before coming up.

This place is up in the hills surrounded by great scenery. As a place off the beat and path, this place scores high. The food is ok but very few options, which is fine considering again, this place is off the beat and path. The owner seems like a nice guy and a few friends of mine like this place. You cant really compare this place to a normal restaurant because this guy couldnt possibly stay in business if he carried and cooked a bunch. This place has a lot of potential. Id love to see them to Sunday BBQs or something. Cool place if you are near there.

It's...ok. we stopped to get an annual spark pass but be aware they only sell day passes. I didn't feel comfortable trying any of the food. The place was kinda dirty. They do have camping supplies if you happened to forget something you needed.

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.

Sweet workers... But seriously, one step inside and you'll know why I left a 2 star review... Looks like thrift store after a rabid sale just strewn across the store. The smell of grease and oil permeates the store as well, if they could have better ventilation in there, it may help keep customers in there long enough to shop around.

Friendly owner. Their tunas sandwich is not bad. Cozy little shop that has just about everything from camping gears, bug sprays to energy bars. They inpost a minimum of $10 credit card purchase. As a cyclist, I like to keep everything minimalistic. Often many time, I simply cant purchase small snack. This makes it quite inconvenient.

If you need a can of soup, citronella sticks, or candy, this is your place. 'Cafe' it is not. Step inside and you will think you are in someone's very disorganized garage and sells food in the corner. Stopped here after a hike to nearby Lewis Falls, thought we would give it a whirl, boy were we in for a surprise. Before we ordered the lady told us they were out of chicken. Two of my daughters ordered grilled cheese, my daughter and I ordered cheeseburgers, and my son in law ordered the chorizo burrito as they were out of sausage. None come with fries or drinks. My daughter walked over to the cooler to get 4 drinks, at which time the cook walked in with a very dirty shirt, and the lady (3x) told him what we had ordered. We paid ($47) and stepped away from the counter. A group of 4 guys walked up and no sooner had the first two given their order, the lady called us to get our food! This was concerning to me, for the amount I paid surely they did not just microwave it all?!?! Grabbed napkins and walked out to the picnic deck. The cheese on the burgers was melted to the point of liquid making the bun soggy. The meat was cooked and hot, so took my chances, but did not finish. The grilled cheese had this yellowish orange crusted stuff on the outside that smelled like grease and cheeze- its. My girls picked off the chips and attempted to eat, but could barely finish half. My son in law's burrito was enough for two people, but was basically a large tortilla with meat laid on the center and folded in half. My son had to wrap it up himself. Was o.k., but felt a little ill after. Thankfully we grabbed a handful of saltines as we were all feeling a bit off. We also discovered the soda would expire in two weeks. **Bottom line, bring your own food (however the grills are covered due to fire danger) as there are plenty of shaded picnic tables. Ample parking and a restroom. Good luck!

Scenic view but bringing your own food to grill is highly recommended. Food comes with no drink, no fries or chips, all separate and a burger alone is $7 plus extra charge with cheese. It was good but would rather grill my own food since there's tables and grills and so much shade.

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. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻