Munch Around the Clock

24-Hour Eats in Claremont

By Andrew Barnet
Staff Writer

If you doubt that 24-hour eateries are frequented almost exclusively by the high and drunk, you should see the new Jack In The Box commercial. A kid sits, eyes glazed, in a beat-up Chevy van at the drive-thru, trying to decide what he wants. The little bobble-head jack on his dashboard comes to life and tells him to stick to the classics, two tacos for 99 cents. The kid asks how many he should get, and the bobble-head says “Thirty!” The kid makes a face only a stoner could make and says, “That’s what I was thinking!”

With the above commercial in mind, this reviewer starts his whirlwind tour of the 24-hour restaurants in the Claremont area with Jack In The Box (Foothill and Garey). The menu is extensive enough to satisfy everyone. They offer the 1,140-calorie Bacon ‘n’ Cheese Ciabatta Burger for those with hearty appetites, salads that are actually decent for those without and everything in between. For the cash-strapped, the advertised two tacos for 99 cents deal isn’t bad at all – just try to make sure you don’t get thirty, or you might end up with a near-exploding stomach, and a painfully empty wallet. ………… (four alien heads out of five).

Next, we go to Carl’s Jr. (1755 Indian Hill, open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, until 10pm otherwise). Here, they make no apologies for their food’s nutritional value (or lack thereof). The Double Six Dollar Burger (1,420 calories, 101 grams of fat) presents an irresistible challenge to any fast food connoisseur. Keep in mind that this burger, along with all the other “Six Dollar Burgers” (Guacamole Bacon, Chili Cheese, among others), actually costs four and change. The idea is that they’re worth six. Other can’t-miss items include: CrissCut fries (never get regular fries), “hand-scooped” milkshakes that are thick as molasses and the 99-cent spicy chicken sandwich. …………….

If you can’t find a driver and need to go somewhere within walking/skateboarding distance, try Yum Yum Donuts (366 Indian Hill, just off Arrow Highway). It’s pretty standard fare – donuts are donuts are donuts, and you won’t be disappointed. The ones with cream are particularly delicious, and they have the added benefit of curing dry mouth. ……….

Another possible car-free option is Del Taco (1653 W Foothill, open until midnight). I’ve never actually tried to walk through the drive-thru, but I can’t think of any reason it wouldn’t work. Del Taco offers the usual Mexican food: tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, along with burgers and fries. For the most part, it tastes pretty good. The new “Macho Taco” (with extra beef) is my personal favorite. The problems with Del Taco only start a little while after you’ve eaten. My friend put it best when he said, “It’s like Taco Bell that’s been genetically engineered to give you the shits.” ……
A better option for Mexican is Alberto’s Mexican Restaurant (2068 N Garey Avenue). They have a much wider selection than Del Taco, offering tostadas, tortas and chimichangas, to name a few. One downside to such variety is that it makes for a massively confusing menu, especially to the high and/or drunk. Once you finally get your food though, it’s worth it. It’d take forever to sample everything they have, but it might be fun to try. The nachos, carne asada tacos and beef taquitos (described as “the right combination of crunchy and delicious”) were highlights of this writer’s experience. ………….

For great breakfast at all hours, look no farther than IHOP (1201 Foothill). Their pancakes, French toast, sausages, eggs, bacon and hash browns, while not as good as your parents used to make, leave you with a reasonable impression at the least. To top it off, they’re now offering an all-you-can-eat pancake special for $5.99. That includes all the pancakes you can eat (obviously), along with eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns. Stay away from the more esoteric menu items though – you’ll probably regret ordering the grilled cod Hollandaise. ………

Denny’s (820 Indian Hill), the other nearby, sit-down, 24-hour restaurant (I wish there were a word less French than “restaurant” and less stupid-sounding than “food-place”), shares a lot with IHOP. Their menus both feature lots of breakfast foods and sandwiches, but the lighting in both is hell to the eyes. Honestly guys, it’s three in the morning – want to dim those a little? The Denny’s vs. IHOP debate has raged for eons, and it will continue for many more. The breakfast food is comparable, but the hamburgers and coldcuts at Denny’s put IHOP’s to shame. Here’s to hoping that a Waffle House opens in Claremont, and soon. …………