The Magic Lamp Inn is a renowned restaurant located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It is known for its rich history and unique ambiance, which is a blend of classic and modern elements. The restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike, as it offers a memorable dining experience. One of the highlights of the Magic Lamp Inn is its collection of vintage and historic photographs that adorn the walls. These photos depict the early days of the restaurant and showcase the evolution of the establishment over time. They also capture the essence of the local community and the people who have dined at the inn throughout the years.

Magic Lamp Inn, Route 66, Rancho Cucamonga, California – CLOSED

I’ve driven most of what’s left of Route 66 in California and the stretch through the ‘Inland Empire’ of San Bernardino County is one of the most boring stretches, with mile after mile of chain stores and restaurants, ugly shopping centers, and suburban tract homes. But there is a short segment on Foothill Blvd in Rancho Cucamonga that is well worth a drive for a good meal, especially after dark.

This daytime shot I took in 2008 gives you a bit of an idea how this stretch of road looks. On the right (South) side are the Magic Lamp Inn (which is just out of view), followed by historic Vince’s Spaghetti, which opened in Ontario in 1945, then later at this location in 1984 (but the building looks much older). On the left when I took the photo there was an old fruit and vegetable stand, which may be gone now, followed by a low Spanish style building, which is now a sushi restaurant, and then at the intersection with San Bernardino Rd. stands the lovely and historic Sycamore Inn, which deserves a post of its own (to follow later).

But I recommend you drive it at night.

The incredible neon sign still has a flame coming out of its spout!

The Magic Lamp Inn opened in 1955 but the building was a restaurant since the 1940s and retains its rustic charm, with lots of brick and stone, and a unique Spanish tile roof with tiles of different shades of red arranged in a variety of interesting patterns. It really must be seen in person to be appreciated!

entrance to the Magic Lamp Inn

Inside is a large cocktail lounge, then past that there is this wonderful fireplace seating area. Notice the massive cactus outside in front of the window.

The fireplace after dark looking through the front window.

The food is traditional steakhouse fare, featuring USDA Prime beef, and most dinners come with a fabulous relish tray, delicious cheese bread (a specialty of the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire), vegetable, and choice of potato.

Around the bend is a visit to our next stop, the Sycamore Inn.

Magic Lamp Inn
8189 Foothill Blvd Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 981-8659
Open for lunch Tue-Fri 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner Tue-Th 4:30pm – 10:00pm, Fri & Sat 5:00pm – 10:30pm, Sun 4:30pm – 9:00pm
Bar open Tue-Fri 11:30am – close, Sat 5:00pm – close, Sun 4:30pm – close
Live music and dancing Wed-Th 7:30pm – 11:00pm, Fri & Sat 8:00pm – 1:00am
And the dreaded karaoke Tuesday and Sunday 6:00pm – close

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They also capture the essence of the local community and the people who have dined at the inn throughout the years. The photographs at the Magic Lamp Inn offer a glimpse into the past and create a nostalgic atmosphere. Guests can marvel at black and white images of the original building, showcasing its charming architecture and old-world charm.

2 thoughts on “ Magic Lamp Inn, Route 66, Rancho Cucamonga, California – CLOSED ”

I absolutely adore the Magic Lamp Inn. It’s one of those places that welcomes you from the dusty road with a warm, inviting atmosphere, great food, and terrific cocktails.

Feelin’ Swanky at the Magic Lamp Inn

When we are young, we all dream of how wonderful it will be when we grow up and we can do grown up things. When Yours Truly was young, my dreams were visions of go-go dancing in clubs, going to hip parties filled with stimulating intellectuals and dolling up to dine at swanky restaurants. Tragically, by the time I was old enough to do these things, this world was gone. Go-go cages were now thrown in backroom junk heaps, parties were packed with puking drop outs, and restaurants were remodeled with plastic tables, fluorescent lights and paper napkins. Time truly can be a cruel mistress.

If you are like Tawny, you have sought out the last vestiges of this fabulous past. A few hot spots still remain, but they are few and far between, and sometimes one must take a little journey to find them. One such place is the Magic Lamp Inn, an old Route 66 restaurant on the border of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga. Dim lighting, lush red leather booths, stained glass windows and cherry wood beams envelope you as you dine on steaks, chops, seafood and chicken and lose all consciousness of trendy concepts such as “vegan”.

Lucy and John’s Italian Restaurant

The Magic Lamp’s history goes back to the 1940s, when it originally was Lucy and John’s Italian Restaurant. When it was sold in the mid-50s, the Clearman family became part owners, and the restaurant was dramatically remodeled and became a steakhouse. It again changed hands in the 70s, but has retained its “vintagey goodness” to this day.

Dinner here can get expensive. A 16 oz rib eye steak is $41.99 and the rack of New Zealand lamb is $39.99. However, you can still enjoy the experience and spend less on the beef stroganoff ($14.95) or pan roasted chicken ($18.49). There is also happy hour from 4-7 pm Tues-Friday, which features half-price drinks and a complimentary mini-buffet.

The dimly-lit bar

Fortunately for me, I was squired by a well-to-do friend from out of town who sprang for the bill and encouraged me to try whatever I liked in the spirit of investigative journalism. Therefore, in order to get the full Magic Lamp experience, we kicked off the evening early in the bar for happy hour. The drinks were good, and they weren’t skimpy. My lemon drop martini came with a little glass bottle chilling in ice so that I could top off my drink whenever I was ready.

The mini-buffet was on the verge of being wheeled away, but I did have a chance to sample the meatballs, chips and salsa (surprisingly spicy and good), and the usual crunchy veggies. All good!

The intriguing Lamb Popsicles.

The bar menu includes a nice variety of offerings… soup, salads, burgers, shrimp cocktail, etc. You can go for the basics: potato skins, chicken wings, burger sliders… or go upscale with escargot bourguignon or sizzling shrimp scampi. We simply couldn’t leave without trying the intriguingly-named Lamb Popsicles. My mind raced with all the possibilities of what they would be. I was pleasantly surprised to find they were tender grilled lamb chops on fluffy mashed potatoes. They were quite delicious.

Moving to the dinner table, we were presented with the Magic Lamp’s signature relish tray and cheese bread. If this doesn’t take you to yesteryear, nothing will.

The old-fashioned relish tray.

We ordered steak and salmon for dinner. The steak charmingly came topped with an onion ring. Dieters, abandon your calorie-counting ways at the door! Everything was wonderful, and we found ourselves too stuffed for dessert.

The house band, The Philharmonics.

As we ate dinner, people began to pack the lounge and boogie to the beat of the house band, The Philharmonics. I tried to squeeze in, but with my full figure, I could barely make my way into the fray. Looks like the quite the scene for those of you who are looking for a place to get up, get out and get down!

I don’t know if this is really the ideal place to take kids, but the Magic Lamp does offer a children’s menu with amusingly-named items for the little ones: The Burger Meister, Mr. Chicken, The Big Cheese and Pasta Man.

The Magic Lamp Inn… still kickin’ on Route 66.

The Magic Lamp Inn
8189 Foothill Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30 am – 10 pm
Sat-Sun 5 pm – 10 pm
(909) 981-8659
www.themagiclampinn.com

The impressive exterior of the Magic Lamp Inn Lucy and John’s Italian Restaurant Near the entrance of the Magic Lamp Inn The dimly-lit bar
Food from the mini-buffet Happy hour drinks The intriguing Lamb Popsicles. The ultra-cool round fireplace pit
The old-fashioned relish tray Steak dinner topped with an onion ring A view of the swanky dining room The house band, The Philharmonics

Lucy and John’s photo from http://route66.atwebpages.com/rppc/cawest.html

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These pictures provide a sense of the rich history and tradition that the restaurant has been a part of. In addition to the historical photos, the Magic Lamp Inn also displays pictures of notable visitors and famous personalities who have dined at the restaurant. These images add to the allure of the place and create a sense of excitement for guests. It is not uncommon to see people taking photos with these pictures as they serve as a reminder of the restaurant's significance and popularity. The Magic Lamp Inn's collection of photos is more than just decorative; it is a reflection of the restaurant's identity and connection to the community. The images serve as a visual representation of the memories and stories that have been created within the walls of the inn over the years. They provide a sense of continuity and create a sense of unity among those who have had the opportunity to experience the restaurant's unique ambiance. Overall, the Magic Lamp Inn's photos play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and charm of the restaurant. They transport guests back in time and allow them to appreciate the rich history and tradition of this beloved establishment. Whether it's the vintage photographs or the pictures of notable guests, each image adds its own touch and enhances the overall dining experience at the Magic Lamp Inn. It's an excellent place for those who appreciate history and appreciate the power of a single photograph to tell a story..

Reviews for "Magical moments in motion: Cinematic photography of Magic Lamp Inn"

1. Karen - 2 stars - The photos of the Magic Lamp Inn were extremely misleading. The hotel looked like a charming oasis in the desert, but in reality, it was a run-down establishment that had seen better days. The rooms were shabby and outdated, with uncomfortable beds and stained carpets. The pool was dirty and uninviting. Overall, I was highly disappointed with my stay at the Magic Lamp Inn and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

2. Mark - 1 star - I cannot express my disappointment enough after seeing the actual condition of the Magic Lamp Inn compared to the photos. The place was in dire need of renovation, with broken furniture, peeling paint, and a musty smell that lingered in the air. The pictures showed a well-kept garden, but it was overgrown and unkempt in reality. The staff was unfriendly and unhelpful, and the whole experience was just a complete letdown. Save yourself the trouble and choose a better accommodation option.

3. Jessica - 2 stars - The Magic Lamp Inn was a definite letdown. The photos made it seem like a luxurious desert retreat, but it was far from it. The rooms were small and cramped, and it felt like the walls were paper-thin with all the noise coming from neighboring rooms. The advertised amenities like a spa and fitness center were non-existent, and the Wi-Fi was painfully slow. The only redeeming factor was the location, but even that couldn't make up for the disappointing stay at this inn. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Colors of enchantment: Vibrant photography at Magic Lamp Inn