Welcome to Crystal Lake Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, Crystal Lake Cafe offers a warm refuge for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Established near the iconic Crystal Lake, known from the "Friday the 13th" films, this charming cafe features a menu filled with hearty American classics, from savory nachos to comforting Frito Pie. Surrounded by breathtaking views and the soothing scent of pine, diners can enjoy delicious meals in a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a hike. With friendly staff and a rustic vibe, Crystal Lake Cafe embodies a delightful blend of nature and nourishment, making it a must-visit stop for all adventurers.
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9877 N Crystal Lake Rd, Azusa, CA 91702 Hotline: (626) 910-1029
Welcome to the enchanting Crystal Lake Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. Located at 9877 N Crystal Lake Rd, Azusa, CA, this charming cafe is more than just a pit stop; it’s a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are an avid hiker seeking sustenance after a long trek or a casual visitor wanting to soak in the beauty of the surrounding nature, Crystal Lake Cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
With a menu that boasts a variety of delicious American classics, you can savor items such as the Tuna Sandwich for $8.50, a Hamburger for just $5.00, or the hearty Trading Post Chili priced at $4.99. Each dish is crafted with care and attention, promising a satisfying experience for every palate. Notably, the Frito Pie ($5.75) is a customer favorite, known for its sweet and tangy chili topped with gooey cheese, making it a perfect treat after an exhilarating hike.
What sets Crystal Lake Cafe apart is not just the food but the picturesque setting that surrounds it. Customers like Tonia F. have praised the beautiful lakeside views and the serene ambiance that allows you to connect with nature. The relaxed vibe is complemented by options for outdoor seating, where you can enjoy your meal while breathing in the fresh mountain air. As Dark C. aptly pointed out, the cafe is conveniently located near the iconic Crystal Lake, known for its cinematic history in the "Friday the 13th" movies, adding a dash of intrigue to your culinary journey.
The cafe also serves as a handy trading post for campers and hikers alike, offering essential snacks, trinkets, and hot meals. As reflected in customer reviews, it is a haven for those who may find themselves needing a quick refresh during their outdoor adventures. Erik L. shared that he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, highlighting the cozy and friendly service provided by the staff. This welcoming attitude is encapsulated by the “nice older gentleman” who ensures that every guest feels appreciated and informed about the area’s trails and activities.
Culinary treasures await at Crystal Lake Cafe, from Breakfast Burritos at $8.50 to satisfying French Fries for $2.75. Each bite reflects the cafe's commitment to quality and comfort, ensuring a genuine American café experience that resonates with both locals and visitors.
Overall, Crystal Lake Cafe is a heartwarming reminder of simple pleasures — good food, stunning views, and a joyful atmosphere. So, whether you’re taking a break from hiking, enjoying a picnic with loved ones, or simply indulging in some comfort food surrounded by nature, Crystal Lake Cafe is an essential stop on your mountain adventure. Make sure to bring your appetite and a sense of wonder!
If you live in LA, OC or IE take a drive up into the San Gabriel mountains. While you're there be sure to stop by the Crystal Lake Cafe. Crystal Lake is the lake seen in the Friday the 13th movies of you're a fan of that sort of thing.
Great food. Nice to be away from crowds and smell the forest. Walked down to lake. Beautiful setting.
In the middle of the Angeles National Forest, you don't get many amenities. With Newcomb's Ranch gone, we're lucky to still have Crystal Lake Cafe. Even if you just come for a day visit, please support this little shop. You can get trinkets, snacks, and everything you need for camping and glamping, including hot food. There are picnic tables for patrons of the business so pop in, look around, say hello, and have some Frito Pie!
The view here is amazing! The worker is really nice and efficient. Ordered the chili dog and grilled cheese. It was some good eats. Chili dog is packed with ingredients so had to eat with a fork. Bf loved the grilled cheese came with pickles and small salad. Also got two coke cans but they were flat. There is a couple of seating in the front with log tables. Several spaces of parking by the store and a few more a short walk away. I would come here again but try something else.
We drove up to ANF for hiking around the Crystal lake recreation area. Stopped here to get some information at the trading post since the information center was not open yet around 8am on a Sunday. The shop could do with some organizing but that had the woodsy charm to it. Definitely this shop is a blessing for someone who happened to hike or camp here and forgot to carry some essentials. There's a kitchen inside with the menu of hot meals available. There was no crowd around that time. Plenty of parking available in front of the cafe as well as nearby areas. The nice man offered us a map and briefed us on the nearby trails.
Rode bikes up there with friends and honestly I wasnt expecting much, just some bad concession type food but I was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted by a nice older gentleman in an Indian Jones hat. He had a welcoming, friendly demeanor. It was a cold ride up for us, and I wanted something hot and heavy. I had the Frito Pie, which I've always wanted to try, and that just hit the spot. The chili was sweet and tangy, the cheese gooey, which all went well with the crunchy Fritos. I also added some ketchup to it because I like ketchup on everything. Highly recommend this as a stop on your way up the snowcapped peaks!