A great sage once inspired me by saying "be realistic, plan for a miracle". Shouldn't we all live by that? I have wanted ethnic and exotic restaurants to move farther north and even come to the SCV. My wishes have been granted and we have Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants that rival the best in the southland. But, we lacked Ethiopian, one of my favorite cuisines. Not any more! Joy of joys, there is Ranch Side Cafe, just 20 minutes from Valencia and a stone's throw from two freeways. Ranch Side Cafe is sui generis. There is a stupefyingly broad and deep menu of American and Mexican fare (see my photos), but most and best of all, there is a very credible Ethiopian list too and that is what we visited for. A sunny cool day, bathed in golden light, this place just glowed warmth and welcome. It took a minute to appreciate all the little touches and the original artwork on the walls. There were ample tables inside and out, and a cheerful staff. The minute we walked in, we were greeted from across the room and invited to sit anywhere we wanted. I always choose a window (clean!) and then sat down to study the choices that were many. People think vegetarians eat rabbit food, you know, plain vegetables and non-gluten breads. If anyone is observant they will realize that we eat far more complex and seasoned food than meat-eaters. Ethiopian meals place a large emphasis on non-animal dishes, so it is a natural for me. Add to it that they have unique and elegant spices and the ordinary vegetable becomes a heavenly ambrosia. Also, it was full even on a late Sunday afternoon -- people streamed in the entire time we were there. Lake View Terrace (of Patrick Swayze fame) is a beautiful, verdant, horse-loving town, too, so the trip there was delightful as well. Our vegetarian platters were cooked to order. We enjoyed cups of delicious hot Italian coffee, a lovely server named Marisa who anticipated our every wish, and we took home half of the generous dishes we got. The tab was downright scandalously reasonable. Sunny, warm, cheerful, clean, delicious, upbeat and homey -- we are going to return for the Mexican menu next time. I am grateful to the gods for hearing my plea for Ethiopian food so close to home. read more

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Who would have guessed there would be an eatery that serves Ethiopian cuisine near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in northern San Fernando Valley? Featuring about 5 different varieties. No need to go to Fairfax to Little Ethiopia, an hour away. Interior is decorated mostly with all things western cowboy with smattering of movie stars & bit of British royalty. Other menu items are basically American diner breakfast, lunch, dinner, punctuated by standard northern Mexican. Service is polite, understatedly welcoming and subtly aware. My ice tea was refreshed many times due to the piquancy of Dorowot. 1) Dorowot/Ethiopian Chicken: Injera, a hole pocked, spongy, huge "pancake" made from Teff, gluten-free, faintly nutty, earthy grain native to Ethiopia. It reminds me of Indian rice based Appam with many holes from the carbon dioxide given off while the batter mixture is fermented. Dorowot here is not slowly stewed for 3 days to create a rich, dark, thick, sauce demi-glace by the likes of Master Chef Genet Agonafar, but the dark red, paprika enriched thickened sauce may be braised for about 3 hours which is enough to mellow out the chiles so it only leaves a slow burn. Chicken leg & thigh cooked in this red sauce anchor this main dish. The three vegetable accompaniment are: a) Soft, smooth, velvety, sweet cabbage cooked with buttery olive oil b) Chunks of earthy, dulcet red beets that have an initial firmness yielding to cleavable softness. c) Collard Greens are chopped with pieces of garlic, cooked retaining fresh greenness. Ranch Side's Dorowot at $21 may be a good value compared to the more detailed $31 Dorowot by Genet. 2) Awazè Tibs: Sweet, butter aroma hits first, Acidic tomato paste-like, red chile piquancy. Slow burn as well as a subtle smokiness to this complex stew. Owner explained the Berbere was the name of the chile based spice mix. There is a subdued sourness that comes into play along with aromatics from chopped onion and green bellpepper. I ordered off menu so I asked that the mushrooms and cubed beef be mixed together. Mushrooms are soft and cushy while the beef has a good chaw to add contrast in texture. 1-2a) Old Prague Traditional Czech Beer, Bohemian Premium Lager: The art on the can depicts elegant old buildings of the Stare Mesto old town and picturesque Karlov Most crossing tbe Vlatava River on the way to Hradcany castle. Toasty, roasted grain, light fizzy acidity, brown sugar, long lasting sweet, burnt, tingly finish. 3) Peach Cobler has a wheat flour crust that is very moist and plush to the point of feeling almost like a pudding picking up the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg spicing. Canned yellow Cling peach slices seem suspended in this rather overly sweet, rustic version. I had to take the peach cobbler home since it was so sweet. But glad I did since it pairs perfectly with strong Japanese Matcha, powdered green tea. 4 stars for a taste of Ethiopian international cuisine read more

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just moved into the neighborhood and had such a wonderful experience at The Ranch Cafe. Our waitress, Lee, truly made our day. She was so welcoming, kind, and genuinely excited to have us there, which meant a lot as newcomers. Lee gave us great recommendations and everything she suggested was spot on. The service was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel special instead of routine. It was the perfect welcome to the area, and we'll definitely be back. Thank you, Lee, for making our day! read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Picture perfect - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

My boyfriend brought me on a date yesterday and the food did not disappoint. This was my first time trying out Ethiopian food and I thought it was soooo delicious. I love that it is vegetarian and that I get to use my hands to enjoy it. My bf and I are definitely coming here again for future dates. read more

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We eat here most weeks. We're not especially fans of Ethiopian food, but the restaurant has a good selection of sandwiches, burgers, breakfast food, and Mexican food, so there area always plenty of choices. Very good food at good prices. Service is very friendly, and the atmosphere is a cowboy vibe, which is appropriate for the horse area where the restaurant is located. Love this place! read more

This was our first time here for breakfast and it was soo good we came back for dinner as well. The customer service from the employees and the owner are outstanding. The place is kind of old school but it has a good vibe to it. We got some breakfast items and they were all very delicious and fresh. They have outside seating as well which is really nice. The parking is plenty. We also got the peach cobbler to go but I highly recommend you eat it there. Definitely give it a try if ever in the area. We'll be coming here more often that's for sure. read more

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(3/5) Food was actually solid -- biscuits & gravy were rich, eggs cooked right, and the sausage hit. No complaints on flavor. But the experience got weird real quick. The menu clearly states that Ranch House breakfasts come with your choice of country potatoes or hash browns. I ordered the Biscuits & Gravy & Eggs (which is listed in that section), but when I asked about the missing hash browns, I was told they don't come with it and it's an extra charge. That directly contradicts what's printed on their own menu. Not trying to argue over potatoes, but it's the principle either update the menu or honor what it says. It just leaves a bad taste, and not the good kind. I'd come back for the food, but the pricing/menu clarity needs work. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

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The Ethiopian food is great. The chile relleno was not great. The chile part was good, but the sauce on top didn't taste great. The rice was also bland. I'll definitely come back for the Ethiopian. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Sad chili relleno - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

We enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day late lunch at the Ranch Side Cafe. The Ethiopian food is excellent and great service, we'd highly recommend it. read more

Amazing! First time trying Ethiopian food and wow will definitely be coming back. Food was great and service was even better.

Prompt professional service I was there after breakfast surge Large one room dining area I had pork chops and medium over 2 eggs Meal came with breakfast potatoes and English muffin (or toast) Pork chops and potatoes could use slightly more seasoning Good solid black diner coffee Average parking lot size - may get crowded during busy time of the day I would return to try breakfast burrito read more

Awaze Tibs with Injera was the bomb Delicious and that spicy sauce was perfect heat balance for me. Last time I had Ethiopian food was about 12 years ago on Fairfax... This place serves American, Mexican, AND Ethiopian .... Staff are friendly and helpful... I will definitely come back read more

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The food and service are incredible here! Love family run businesses like this. They serve American, Mexican, and Ethiopian food here. I went with my kids and of course they had a standard American breakfast - pancakes, eggs, bacon. I love Ethiopian food and there's not many options around but their veggie plate and lentil sambusa are amazing! I have yet to try their Mexican but I'm sure it's as delicious as everything else here. Can't wait to return! read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Ethiopian - Vegetarian Plate with Injera - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

What a nice surprise. I had a great Ethiopian Veggie Plate and my picky husband could have eggs and bacon. We will be back to try the breakfast burrito for sure! read more

First time and won't be the last!! Came with my sister, mom and nephew and it was such a fun and family friendly spot. Food: FIRST off, portions are big! And staff did tell us but MY GOODNESS. -huevos rancheros: tasty and delicious! -tacos plate: juicy and full (like with toppings and all) -Turkey club sandwich: this was GINORMOUS. The bread was toasted and sourdough which is SO good! I think if it was half the size tallness wise, it would have been perfect for me! -fries: YES. Perfect crunch on the outside and squish in the inside and good!! Service: -friendly, prompt, food was fast! -they have a self serve sauce area which is nice if you're a crazy sauce person like meeee Ambiance: -love the art around and how homey it feels! -we played a few rounds of uno too and it was doable and fun! Overall: It's nearby my nephew's Korean school and so will definitely be back :) read more

We stopped here randomly while looking for a breakfast spot later in the afternoon. It's right off of the osborne exit from the 210 freeway. It's an interesting restaurant, the menu is split with american/mexican/ethiopian food. My husband and son ordered breakfast, my other son had chicken fingers/fries. I had the ethiopian veggie plate, it was really good, both spicy and flavorful. I was stuffed and could barely finish half the plate. Service was great and the owner also was kind and came out to greet us. We definitely will be back! read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Breakfast - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

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Wow, the biscuits and gravy were delicious. The eggs were cooked Perfect. There's only one chef in the kitchen. He's doing all the work. Everything was very tasty. read more

I love this place. I do dog training and frequently give tests in nearby Parks and after those tests we frequently come here for breakfast. It's a standard sort of breakfast lunch place, burgers, wraps, tortillas, eggs and bacon and sausage and hashbrowns or potatoes, pancakes, that sort of thing. They do everything well, the owners are very nice and very attentive. I've never been there when it was really really busy so I can't assess their service when they're under pressure but every time we've been there it was quite well handled. I recommend this place to people frequently. And I will definitely be going there again! read more

Where to start?? Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating. Lots of Western and cowboy memorabilia to look at. Service was friendly and attentive. The vibe was very laid back. I'm sure it may get busy on the weekends because the menu is extensive and offers breakfast all day. Speaking of the menu, they offer Mexican/American/and Ethiopian food. What a combo right!!! Well the hubby had an omelette with hash browns and I had Ethiopian...spicy chicken and veggies on injera. We both LOVED our choices. I'm so used to fighting traffic and finding parking in the Little Ethiopia on Fairfax. But after today, when I want Ethiopian...I'll just come here. There aren't many options but what's available is great. I had the beef sambusa..it was underwhelming...since I usually get sambusa from an Indian eatery..but maybe this is what they taste like specific to Ethiopia. Next time I may try it with lentils. I can't wait to revisit! I definitely suggest you stop by and see for yourself read more

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Until coming here I have never tried Ethiopian food. How have I been missing this all my life!? A family owned restaurant that's provides friendly service also being very helpful with recommendations to try the cuisine. The interior dinning area has a nostalgic rustic feel. Honestly the taste of the food steals the spotlight. They could get away with poor service and beat up interior (which they don't have at all) and I would still come for the food. This has become my new 'must stop' place if I have any reason to be in this area. Treat yourself to epic taste and give this place a try! read more

Amazing, flavorful food with great service. A cute location with a relaxed diner feel. Will be coming back.

Best bacon avocado omelette and hash browns ever. Service was very pleasant this place is right off the fwy east to get off and back on.

Delicious veggie plate and awaze ribs !! Service is quick, lovely ladies and staff. And ambiance is friendly/family/good vibes. Ethiopian is a MUST here. read more

What a unique restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including "Ethiopian, Mexican and American" in a ranch ambiance setting. Given Ethiopian is not offered in many locales, I opted for the Ethiopian chicken stew which was outstanding! Uniquely presented on a light pillowy pancake like bread intended to wrap the veggies, sauce, chicken and egg. Very flavorful and fulfilling. Many other options on the broad menu including burgers, sandwiches, Mexican and lighter fare, including daily specials. Plenty of parking, friendly and helpful staff. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Scrumptious Ethiopian Chicken! - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

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Fun atmosphere- full of memorabilia from movies. Western themes/. A very interesting place. American/Mexican/ethiopian food. Our group went as a birthday party all wanting Ethiopian- and it was delicious. The total menu is extensive and Ethiopian is a small part- but they serve authentic injera (gluten-free if you wish). I ate all vegan and it was delicious. Very much looking to returning here soon! The Ethiopian owner and host is most gracious! read more

Excellent comfort food! Don't be deterred by the large sign stating "American Mexican Ethiopian" cuisine-- they make it work. Very reliable breakfast spot if you are ever in the area! This resto is not in our usual circuit, but I'm glad I found it on an impromptu child entertainment excursion to the nearby Discovery Cube. After a couple hours of hands-on fun STEM exploration on a recent Sunday morning, we had all worked up at an appetite! And while I love supporting any and all science museums, I had to draw the line at the Cube Cafe. After a quick Yelp search for breakfast spots with outdoor seating nearby, I settled on Ranch Side Cafe because the advertised American Mexican Ethiopian food both confused and intrigued me. We decided to try the cuisine trifecta: from the American menu, I enjoyed the mushroom spinach feta omelette that was bursting with flavors and fresh fillings, which was rounded out with perfectly crisp hash browns. From the Mexican menu, we got a very hearty veggie breakfast burrito and helped ourselves to the delicious salsas inside. And then from Ethiopian menu, the vegetarian plate with Injera. The Injera was perfectly spongey with a hint of sourdough that complemented the veggie assortment of beets, cabbage, greens and lentils. I've only had Ethiopian a handful of times before so I'm no connoisseur, but it tasted legit to me! Service was warm, menu extensive, the food came out quickly and the interior is charming. There is plenty of seating indoors and outside on the covered patio, and parking is easy in the private lot or on the street. When we arrived at 11am on a Sunday, the place was bustling with families, couples, furry & human kids, locals and visitors but empty by 12pm-- so I'm guessing it's more of the breakfast joint but the lunch menu of sandwiches/ salads / burritos looked decent as well! read more

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Ranch Side Cafe is a cute Ethiopian, Mexican American restaurant with plentiful healthy food choices, great service and inexpensive prices. Located near the Osborne canyon entrance of the scenic Little Tujunga canyon in Lake view terrace, this restaurant is an ideal place to stop before your biker and car club adventure. Notice the pictures of grateful motorcycle riders and car enthusiasts by the register! I made a special trip to check this place out when I read the words: Ethiopian, Mexican, American food. I had a hunch that I'd find something great and I was right. This restaurant offers dine-in, takeout and curbside pickup. I watched the polite servers help a customer carry a big takeout order and load up a vehicle with a big to-go order. This restaurant is a good choice for large family meals and big office orders. The interior dining room is warm, cozy and uncrowded with quant decor and pretty artwork. Regulars address the staff by name and have their usual dish started without words. "How did your great aunt's surgery go?" and meaningful talk transpired like a wonderful proof of the close family-like relationship with the local community and this charming restaurant. It's a beautiful day so I take a seat on the patio and order a sandwich and soda so I can take half of it to go and enjoy the canyon drive on the way home. Here's the beautiful story behind this restaurant which I can't wait to share with you: 25 years ago this restaurant was started by two Ethiopian sisters. In an effort to make sure the local community felt welcome, the sisters added Mexican food and American food per their customers taste while incorporating their subtle Ethiopian food favorites. This restaurant origin story reminds me of an ancient Ethiopian tradition which welcomes, fosters and encourages friendships which sweetened each bite I took of my awesome meal. The creamy chicken salad here is loaded with premium cashews and fresh herbs. It's mild, dense and filling. Where can you go to find Ethiopian vegetarian platter with gluten free injera, a family-sized portion of huevos rancheros for a weekend breakfast and a deluxe veggie, turkey or beef burger with fries times ten for your cool American motorcycle riders club? This place does. Free water bowels for your pooch. Free hand sanitizer for your safety. This place has it all. Inspired, I took half of my sandwich into the canyon and took some amazing pictures. Dear sisters, I called my many friends who live in the area and told them all about your restaurant. I know you'll take good care of them! I'm a big fan of Ethiopian food and hospitality. It's a great recipe to save the world with. I'll be posting pictures of your food alongside beautiful views. Thanks for the hospitality, good food and inspiration! One million stars sisters.:)******" read more

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I've been there multiple times. The food is great, if you want Mexican, Ethiopian, or traditional diner food. Every meal is great.

Delicious Ethiopian food, better than little Ethiopia in my opinion! Been coming here for years. Run by two sisters and you can just taste the love they cook into these recipes! Have always loved the veggie plate but recently ventured to try the Ethiopian Chicken, and boy is it my new favorite. It comes with three veggie sides (default is beets, collard greens and cabbage, but you can sub) and two drumsticks and a hard boiled egg. The spicy chicken sauce is just delishhhh! Highly recommend. My husband always gets the shiro wat add steak. Taste like the steak is grilled and added to the Ethiopian sauce. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Ethiopian Chicken - injera on the side, lentils instead of cabbage - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

We came here for bunch on a cold, rainy Saturday. I've never seen a restaurant with options for American, Ethiopian, and Mexican food, but we were all excited to try it out. This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was amazing. The owner is Ethiopian and was very nice in sharing with us how to enjoy their cuisine with our hands. Some of my friends also tried their breakfast items and everyone said it was delicious. Food: - Shiro Wat with Injera, added steak: The injera was soft, slightly sour from the fermentation process, and complemented the rich flavors of the Shiro Wat. This reminded of curry except not as salty. There's also a creaminess to it, a bit like butter chicken. The aromas were amazing. - Awaze Tibs with Injera, Added spicy beef: I liked this more than the Shiro Wat! The sauce was slightly tangy and so flavorful. The beef also had a really nice bite to it. If you like spicy food, this is a great choice. It's just enough spicy esa without burning. This did feel oilier than the Shiro Wat and the injera absorbs a good amount of the oil as well, so there's not much you can do to avoid the oil. Still I really enjoyed it and would totally get this again. Overall, I would come here again the next time I'm in the area! read more

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In the town of Sylmar back actually more Lake View Terrace sits a cafe ready to lasso your taste buds and then some! Just off the 210 Fwy on the famous Foothill Blvd that peaks just before Newhall through Sylmar and into the San Gabriel Valley and even San Bernardino County area and as history will tell you is in fact Route 66 for most of its stretch. Lucky for me this stretch brought me to the Ranch Side Cafe... covered outdoor patio seating just before the entrance and plenty of choose-your-own table seating inside. Amazing wall art, knick-knacks, and famous figures from past to present including Lucille "Lucy" Ball with Desi Arnaz, The King "Elvis," Mother Teresa, Selena, and a wall of pictures, autographs, and nostalgia that really make this place feel not only inviting but like home. RSC has an extensive menu of Ethiopian, Mexican and American varieties with some fusions from all. The Summer Vegan Ethiopian Tacos and Lentil Sambusas are a must. There's a salsa bar, cerveza (that's beer), and wine not to mention a variety of drinks for all (like juices, sodas, teas, and coffees). Breakfast, Lunch, plus all times of day food specials from Burritos to Melts & Sandwiches, Sides, Salads, Soups, Plates, and loads more including deserts. The service is above and beyond from everyone and there's literally something for everyone... Good gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto-friendly options, etc... Easy parking in a fair-sized lot... Definitely not something you'd expect in a less populated side of the Los Angeles Valley, but considering not only are the patrons and staff sunny and full of local charm but the area as well... It's easy to see why Ranch Side Cafe is the right kind of cafe for many. Giddy up into RSC in your trusty metal steed! read more

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Mediocre in all respects. Food tasted stale, service was casual and ambiance was ordinary

Holy moly what an amazing spot! The menu was honestly so hard to choose something from because of all of the great items, but we tried the wings (awesome flavor!), the Chile relleno burrito and the sambusas. Everything was delicious, and the peach cobbler at the end was a religious experience. I'm only upset I found this place so late in the game, absolutely try this place! read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Wings! - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

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Not the best and not the worst. This eatery was delivered to work today and I got the Hummus Veggie Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. It was a decent sandwich but could have more inside and the fries were cold. It was not my first choice but when work is paying, you take what you are offered. read more

My friend and I like to do "tack days" where we drive up to East Valley Tack, then get lunch somewhere in the area. Last time we did this, we stumbled upon this gem of a place - an American cafe with Mexican and Ethiopian food and decked out in western cowboy themes. I got the veggie Ethiopian plate, and it was...so good. I accidentally ate a pepper and nearly died, which made the server very concerned. Washed it down with some fries and orange bang, and was right as rain after a few minutes. Definitely going back. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Ethiopian veggie platter. Beware the peppers. - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

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Appropriately named since they sit right in the heart of one of LA's major areas of horse properties and stables. With an eclectic and diverse offering of food choices; American, Mexican and Ethiopian. Today's visit was my first, my wife's second. Empty on our arrival just before noon, and politely instructed to have a seat wherever we like. And for those of you concerned about a separate menu for the Ethiopian dishes, you'll find all cuisine choices in one fairly extensive menu; breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. So after perusing the menu several times, nearly getting lost in the multitude of choices, the wife went with the Healthy Omelette Breakfast with potatoes and two slices of sourdough toast. Unfortunately they had no turkey sausage available, the one letdown today. I chose the Ethiopian Chicken with vegetables on a bed of injera, and a root beer. This injera was the consistency of a crepe but absorbed the flavors oh so well! But so thin you'll start your meal using no utensils the traditional way, but don't lose track of your fork, you'll definitely be needing it halfway in. And everything on this plate was amazingly delicious! From the chicken to the best tasting beets I've ever eaten. A friendly atmosphere and before long, a very diverse clientele started filing in right after our settling in. And a good choice of both indoor and outdoor seating, very cozy. But the food is the real star here, one of the most satisfying meals I've had dining out anywhere in months. Total before tip; $41.04 and worth every Penny. read more

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Good service is hard to come by in restaurants these days it's really hit or miss. Our waitress provided excellent service it seemed like she actually genuinely cared about us and wanted us to have a great experience. She made sure we always had refills which I appreciated. Next time I want to try the Mexican food it looks good! Brunch is probably the best time to go read more

I love this place to get whatever you're feeling like They have Mexican, Ethiopian and tons of salads, burgers and sandwiches. I usually go after a long trail ride and am hungry' It's right off the freeway if you don't live close. Enjoy! read more

Burnt bacon. Burnt hash browns. My bf got the avocado toast and it wasn't even toast just soggy ass bread. I don't understand there were only 2 people eating inside it wasn't busy at all how do you mess up something so simple? It was gross. Never coming back. read more

Ranch Side Cafe - Burnt bacon and burnt flavorless hash browns. - American Near Me - Sylmar, California

Amazing food and service! We don't have many choices in this stretch of Lakeview Terrace but even if we did this would still be our go to for GOOD food. We have tried a variety of foods on the menu, including Ethiopian and it's all been great! I don't think anyone could be disappointed. Variety is key in our family where one wants burgers, the others tacos & burritos...or Ethiopian food...so makes this an easy choice! read more