The most special, amazingly decorated find in all of Yucaipa. If you’re hankering for old world diner type food, Granlund’s Restaurant takes you back to a time when you might have had a high tea or delicious lunch with the grand dames in your family, like an auntie, a mom, or a grandmother. It really brought me back to the restaurant around the corner from where I grew up in Los Angeles, called Ships. It’s got all of those heart string type of menu items that totally take you right back to a time that is gone but never forgotten.
Owner Maria Valencia Souto worked at this establishment for 25 years, when the old owner Scott Burkle decided to be retired Maria jumped at the opportunity to take it over. She has been the owner now for 6 years. She had to cut back a lot during covid and said it was super leans times. She said it was a rocky ride, but now they are making a comeback, and have happy regular customers, as well as tourists, as a destination type spot. When she took it over, she made a some changed with the décor, she said that when Scott owned it was a lot more cluttered. The décor now is fun and kitschy, something to behold. Maria does all of her social media posts, Tik Tok, Insta Gram Facebook. She feels it’s really important to keep up on all of that. Granlund’s need to be put on the map, it’s fun, memorable, and delicious.
Maria is super excited that Yucaipa has become an allocated wine region, she applied for her wine and beer license and said she will do some wines of her own that represent Granlund’s authentic fun atmosphere. Maria is very busy she lives close by and has a family, one of her sons Julian is a server at Granlund’s, and she loves having him close by.Their specialty is high tea where she does an array of finger sandwiches. They also do catering and have done many beautiful weddings on site. It’s really a one-of-a-kind facility.
All of the China cabinets have vintage tea sets, and there are many. The colors are mostly pink and fuchsia, which is very feminine. The are lots of hearts and flowers, but the main theme is Victorian, with lots of nooks and crannies to view. One thing here is visually you could never get bored. Music adds to the overall ambience, its old time instrumental, that stuff that your Grandparents used to listen to.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drinks:
Regular Hot Cocoa, a truly amazing hot cocoa.
Mexican Spiced Hot Cocoa, this one is even better, it has wonderful depth with the spice blend.
Breakfast:
Eggs Benedict with Bacon, this would be my go-to menu item, its oozes with tons of Hollandaise sauce and the bacon rounds out the flavors, just terrific.
Lunch:
Potato Salad, very soothing, almost like mashed potatoes but chilled with mayonnaise, it’s really good.
Chicken Chili, they put strips of chicken in this, if you’re a chili aficionado then this one is for you.
Vegetable Soup, packed with chunky fresh vegetable, just what the doctor ordered.
Spinach Salad, it is very unique with strawberries and bananas, and I loved the honey mustard dressing.
Chef Salad, a nice way to start my lunch.
Chile Relleno, served in a large casserole dish, it comes piping hot, a nice Latin lunch item.
Tuna Melt, with mounds of warm tuna with cheese on top, reminded me of something my grandmother would make for me for lunch.
Southwest Burger Melts, crispy toasted bread with a savory burger, hits the spot.
BLT on a Croissant, I love the croissant part of this staple sandwich item.
Dessert:
Carrot Cake, this cake is not too sweet, but the icing is fabulous.
Lemon Cake, I love anything lemon, this dessert is really delicious.
Whether you are coming here for the over-the-top atmosphere or to just check out Uptown Yucaipa, it is worth a road trip. You too will be treated like you are family, in this little gem of a restaurant.
Granlund’s
12194 California St.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 790-6266
