In the midst of all the “deconstructed,” “reinvented” and fusion menus in LA that you sometimes pretend to like because they sound cool but deep inside your heart you actually long for a cheeseburger that is actually a cheeseburger (and not a science project) stands City Cafe in Azusa.
Phil Diegelman, the guy behind City Cafe describes his restaurant with great enthusiasm and a sense of nostalgia: “Everything around here is familiar. The music is familiar; the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin… and that kind of translates into the menu.”
He goes on to say, that when you order a Martini, and expect a Martini, the bartenders will serve you… a Martini!
“Shaken, not stirred,” quips Diegelman.
No fancy “takes” on the traditional here– City Cafe proves to be the traditional. Their menu might remind you of the family dinners you grew up on, with dishes like classic Chicken Pot Pie, Pork Chops, Chicken Parmesan, Meatloaf, and even a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
But aside from their old fashioned meals, the cafe also prides itself on their large vegan menu, bringing itself up-to-date with the current food and dietary trends and proving the restaurant isn’t tone deaf. Among the favorites are the Portobello Mushroom sandwich, Black Bean Burger, Baked Potato, Vegetarian Pizza, and Bow-Tie Primavera with loaded with fresh veggies.
One more way City Cafe is listening to what the people want? On the heels of their grand opening on May 20th, the restaurant quickly expanded their hours to include great lunch specials to serve their downtown area.
Leave the fusion to someone else and head to City Cafe for the classic and happily predictable.
City Café Azusa is located at 607 N. Azusa Ave., Azusa. For more information, call (626) 633-0269 or visit www.citycafeazusa.com.