Restaurants in Azusa
Within the city of Azusa, a variety of restaurants allow you to experience culturally diverse cuisine, right in your own backyard. From hole-in-the-wall vibes to more well-known restaurants, Azusa has something for everyone. Here are a few recommendations that many residents are fond of:
Max’s Mexican Cuisine
Located on Azusa Avenue, Max’s provides authentic Mexican food that will keep you coming back for more. From tacos to empanadas, Max’s consistently delivers great taste. Not only is the menu a crowd pleaser, but the second you step through the door, the staff shouts, “Where you been?,” reminding you that Max’s is a family place where everyone belongs.
La Tolteca
Founded in 1948, La Tolteca has been, and continues to be, a staple in the Azusa community. Also located on Azusa Avenue, the restaurant serves traditional Mexican food in a comfortable atmosphere that is ideal for dining in a group, big or small. The quality of the food in this family-run establishment is impeccable, starting with their famous homemade tortillas, chips, and salsa created from secret family recipes.
Canyon City Barbeque
Located on San Gabriel Avenue, Canyon City Barbeque is known for its slow-cooked and seasoned meat that rivals the best barbeque joints in Texas. Pairing your order with the restaurant’s in-house sweet and hot sauce is essential. Canyon City Barbeque is the perfect place to eat when you’re craving comforting, down-home cooking, like ribs or pulled pork.
El Gallo Pinto
Serving up authentic Nicaraguan and Mexican cuisine behind an unassuming storefront, El Gallo Pinto packs delicious flavor into every dish they serve. Visitors to the Azusa Avenue restaurant rave about the chancho frito (fried marinated pork), queso frito (fried cheese), and maduro frito (fried sweet plantains). There are so many options to choose from, returning customers find it hard to play favorites.
Restaurants in Glendora
The city of Glendora is known for its vintage look and enticing restaurants. Residents rave about the small eateries in Glendora Village, which is less than two miles from APU’s campus. Here are a few insider favorites:
Frisella’s Roastery
Frisella’s is known for their ribs, chicken, pork, and tri-tip beef cooked in their 10-foot smoker. This roastery is in the middle of downtown Glendora, which means you can enjoy your meal with a charming view of the historic village neighborhood. Everything here is made from scratch and served with care.
Domenico’s Jr.
Domenico’s Jr. is the place to go when you’re in the mood for pizza served up by attentive staff. If pizza doesn’t strike you, their pasta and cold cut sandwiches are equally worthy. Located on Glendora Avenue, the establishment is run by members of the Bitonti family, the original founders of Domenico’s, and that sense of family pride is evident in how the staff treat customers.
The Diplomat Junior
Nestled in Glendora Village, The Diplomat Junior is a recent addition to area, serving quality Mediterranean and Greek food. The restaurant offers homespun classics—like falafel, kebab, and fried cauliflower—that will have you going back for seconds.
Ed’s Place
Located on Glendora Avenue, Ed’s Place is the perfect stop for a home-cooked meal. This vintage restaurant will make you feel like you stepped out of a time machine and into the 1950s. With large counter seating, nostalgic posters, and a working jukebox. Ed’s Place serves the best biscuits and gravy.
Whether you try eating out at a new place with friends or bring your family along, when you venture off campus it becomes clear how diverse the communities around APU are, offering a chance to enjoy the best cuisine from many different cultures. Take a chance and try something new—you might just find your new favorite place to eat.