This Family Restaurant In Southern California Is Worth The Drive

There are so many amazing places to eat in and around Southern California’s main cities and towns you may never feel the need to venture out further for a meal, but that would be a mistake. Not only are there some amazing hidden gem eateries in the more remote mountain and country towns, but visiting them may lead to discovering a new favorite escape. Enter The Red Kettle, a drive-worthy family restaurant in Southern California.

Nestled in the heart of the tiny country town of Idyllwild is The Red Kettle, not only a favorite among locals but voted TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2022. The Red Kettle is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

Amy Prieto/Google Local

Before you even step inside The Red Kettle, chances are you will already feel this was worth the drive. This little family restaurant sits against the backdrop of stunning forests and mountain peaks.

david stone/Google Local

This family restaurant has a warm, cozy, country-style interior with a wooden ceiling, spacious dining room, and comfy counter seating.

J’oni Smith/Google Local

Reviewers frequently mention the delicious Eggs Benedict. Hearty breakfasts worth ordering at The Red Kettle also include Corned Beef Hash, Chicken Fried Steak, Grilled Potato Scramble, and The Rock Climber - grilled English muffin topped with eggs, country ham, and cheddar cheese sauce.

ExRIGuy/TripAdvisor

If your sweet tooth controls your morning, try one of The Red Kettle’s giant cinnamon rolls which are baked fresh daily and smothered in icing.

The Red Kettle/Facebook

French toast is just one item on the fun kids’ menu. Guests under 12 years old can order from their own full menu which includes pancakes, cereal, full (kid-sized) egg breakfast, mini cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, PB and J, and more.

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In addition to hand-prepared, mouthwatering burgers, salads, sandwiches, and homemade chili, The Red Kettle serves up “Perry’s Favorite” fish tacos with beer-battered Alaskan Cod topped with a signature sauce and house-made salsa.

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Another thing you don’t want to miss here is a slice of homemade fruit pie. Of course, you can order it a la mode. If pie is not your dessert of choice, try one of the made-to-order shakes, malts, or floats.

Carolina T./Google Local

If the weather is nice, enjoy your meal on the outdoor deck and take in the small-town vibe.

Sean Ross/Google Local

The Red Kettle closes at 2 p.m., so after you have had a great meal, why not explore this lovely town and its gorgeous surroundings? From the water to the woods to the mountains, there is so much natural beauty to discover and enjoy, you just may want to make an entire weekend out of it.

Timothy Hill/Google Local

Visit this little family restaurant in Southern California to discover something the locals already know. Are you one of the people who already know about this hidden gem? If not, have you ever been to Idyllwild? Let us know if this is somewhere you would like to visit! Visit The Red Kettle online to see the menu or follow them on the Red Kettle Facebook Page. Check our previous article to learn more about the quaint town and natural beauty of Idyllwild.