Tucked on the outskirts of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga is Richie’s Real American Diner, which is becoming a favorite spot for families who love old-fashioned Southern comfort food and not having to travel too far to enjoy it. This bustling diner has been designed to recapture a 30s, 40s and 50s diner— complete with comfy booths (that are perfect for a long breakfast, lunch or dinner with family and friends) and its bright and cheerful interior. Richie’s Real American Diner in Rancho Cucamonga is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Gary and Sally Myers.
Richie’s Diner was founded by still another dynamic husband and wife team, Jack and Linda Williams, over 17 years ago. They currently operate two other locations in Temecula and Murrieta. Their goal was to bring the tastes and atmosphere of yester-year and to “slow down the busy lives of today’s generation” with simple, classic and affordable homestyle food. It captures an era when milkshakes and ice cream sundaes were the norm on a menu.
Richie’s Diner boasts of a wood smoker located right next to the front entrance. Its aromas of Angus tri-tip, fresh-cut steaks and Ozark glazed ham travel both outside and inside, and sets the stage for an enjoyable and cheerful dining experience.
This 6,000-square-foot restaurant seats approximately 230 diners, and its friendly waiters greet you at the door just like home. Their seemingly never-ending menu is packed with classic and favorite dishes known to suite all tastes. Signature and star dishes include pot roast, Linda’s real pan fried chicken, Marlene’s meat loaf, Papa’s buttermilk chicken or buttermilk steak or Mrs. Richie’s homemade chicken pot pie. If you are looking for something different for breakfast, taste their sampler platter loaded with wood-smoked Ozark ham, kielbasa sausage, Angus tri-tip and cherrywood-smoked bacon. Of course, you can’t go wrong choosing other breakfast favorites such as triple egg omelets, a variety of pancakes steeped in buttermilk, blueberry, banana macadamia nut, pecan and Southern sweet potatoes and other egg dishes.
For lunch, try Richie’s signature burger, a fresh half-pound ground beef patty served with French fries or their homemade coleslaw (which is delicious). Sandwiches include chicken on a bun, veggie sandwich and much more. Undoubtedly, one of the best selections is their slow-smoked Angus trip-tip sandwich. Side orders are fresh mushrooms, homestyle green beans, and, of course, macaroni and cheese. Their colossal Idaho baked potato is available after 4:00 p.m.—and they mean colossal. For those who are diet conscious, cottage cheese and melon slices among other items are also added to the menu. For dinner, I would recommend their smoked BBQ platter—sliced tri-tip with pinto beans, Spanish rice and grilled vegetables, and their “Killer Ribs” is not too shabby either. Seafood favorites include a shrimp basket (country-style or BBQ), rainbow trout, and English-style fish n’chips.
NOW for the desserts—for some the best reason to go to Richie’s. Their old-fashioned shakes, malts and floats is what makes most come back for more. How about trying the double dippper mug root beer float. When was the last time you tasted this special drink? If you really want to be adventurous and are not calorie counting, how about the Richie’s shake or malt and choose between chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, fresh banana, Oreo cookie or peanut butter!!!! I get full just thinking about it.
So eat and be merry at Richie’s Real American Diner. It is an experience you will not soon forget. This diner should be around for many years to come, but go soon before the menu changes.

An added note: They also offer a “take home” picnic pac special which includes ribs, BBQ chicken and Angus trip tip plus their tasty side dishes.

Richie’s Real American Diner is located at 8039 Monet Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga in Victoria Gardens. Phone number is (909) 899-8101.