You’re walking down Bonita Avenue, the sun is starting to dip behind the San Gabriel Mountains, and you smell it. That specific, heavy scent of red oak smoke. It’s not a campfire. It’s Chase’s La Verne CA, and if you’ve lived in the Inland Empire for more than a week, you’ve probably heard someone argue about whether it’s a "fancy steakhouse" or just a really expensive backyard BBQ.
Honestly? It’s kinda both.
Located at 2079 Bonita Ave, Chase's has become the unofficial living room of Old Towne La Verne. It’s where people go to celebrate a University of La Verne graduation, get engaged under the heat lamps, or just grab a $5 happy hour taco because they don't feel like cooking. But there is a lot of noise online about the prices and the service. Let’s get into what’s actually happening behind that massive wood-fired grill.
The 200-Year-Old Secret in the Kitchen
Most restaurants use gas. Some use charcoal. Chase’s uses 200-year-old red oak from California’s Central Coast. This isn't just a marketing gimmick for the menu; it’s the entire identity of the food.
Chef and founder Christopher Gendreau spent twenty years messing around with smoking and grilling in his own backyard before opening this place. You can tell. Everything—from the $43 Crown Roast Pork to the $22 "Naked Burger"—is touched by that Paso Robles oak. It gives the meat a distinct, ancient flavor that you just can't replicate with a standard kitchen setup.
The grill itself is a "handcrafted behemoth" that sits as the centerpiece. It’s loud, it’s hot, and it’s why the patio is the best seat in the house. Even in the winter, with the "fire wall" and the custom fire pit seating, the vibe is cozy. It feels like a high-end mountain lodge dropped into the middle of a sleepy college town.
What to actually order (and what to skip)
Look, I’ll be real: the menu can be a minefield if you’re on a budget.
📖 Related: 40 USD to VND: What Most People Get Wrong About Your Money in Vietnam
If you want the "Chase’s Experience" without the "Chase’s Bill," you go for the Happy Hour. It’s one of the best in the area. We’re talking:
- $5 Smoked Brisket Sliders with horseradish cream.
- $5 Chile Verde Tacos with pickled onions.
- $8 Brisket Sopes that are surprisingly filling.
- $4 Draft Pints and $8 cocktails like the "Ancient Age Old Fashion."
For dinner? People rave about the Ribeye. It’s the star. It’s tender, smoky, and seasoned with just enough salt to let the wood smoke do the heavy lifting.
But here is the catch. The "upcharges" are a thing. If you want rolls and butter, it’s a dollar per person. Want more bread for your $13.50 artichoke dip? That’ll be another $2.50. It’s these little extras that sometimes rub locals the wrong way. You’re already paying $30+ for an entree; paying for bread feels a bit like being "nickeled and dimed."
One more tip: try the Grilled Cheese Brisket. It’s exactly as decadent as it sounds.
The "Best Date Night" Debate
In 2023, the local community voted Chase’s as the "Best Date Night" spot. It makes sense. The lighting is dim, the music is live (usually Wednesday nights and some Saturdays), and the outdoor lounge is legitimately beautiful.
But it’s not always a quiet, romantic retreat. On weekends, it gets loud. Between the live bands and the large parties—they handle groups of 12+ really well—the "intimate" vibe can disappear quickly.
If you’re planning a first date here, go on a Thursday. It’s a bit more relaxed. You can actually hear each other talk about your favorite movies or whatever. Plus, they often have wine and spirits tasting events on Thursdays where you can try various California reds or some pretty decent bourbons.
Living in the "Cage" of History
The building at 2079 Bonita Ave hasn't always been a steakhouse. Far from it. This corner of La Verne has seen everything.
- In the early 1900s, it was a real estate office.
- By 1961, the building was re-numbered to its current address.
- It was a bank for a while (First National Bank).
- It even housed a fruit stand and a gas station nearby back in the day.
When you sit inside Chase’s, you’re sitting on layers of La Verne history. The "Old Towne" feel isn't manufactured; it's built into the brick. Owners Dori Franco and Susan Wickman have done a lot to keep that community connection alive. They grow many of their own herbs and veggies on-site. They ship in fish that was literally in the ocean 24 hours prior.
The Service Situation
If you read Yelp or Google reviews, you’ll see a divide. Half the people say the service is "impeccable" and "attentive." The other half say they felt "rushed" or that the server forgot their second round of drinks.
Here is the truth: Chase’s is a victim of its own popularity. Because it’s one of the few "high-end" options in La Verne, it gets slammed.
When it's packed, the staff is hustling. If you want a slow, leisurely four-hour dinner, tell your server upfront. They’re usually great about it if they know you're there to linger. If you don't say anything, they might try to turn the table to get the next reservation in. It’s a business, after all.
How to Do Chase’s Right
If you’re going to head down to Old Towne, don’t just wing it.
First, make a reservation. Use Resy. If you show up on a Saturday night at 7:00 PM without one, you’re going to be staring at that fire pit from the sidewalk for a long time.
Second, check the weather. The patio is 70% of the appeal. Even with the heaters, a windy January night in La Verne can be biting.
Third, explore the "Catch of the Weekend." They do a Pacific Sea Bass with cilantro rice and citrus beurre blanc that is often better than the steaks. It’s lighter, fresher, and shows off the kitchen's range beyond just "meat and smoke."
Practical Details for Your Visit
Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Dinner & Drinks)
- Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Brunch), 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Brunch), 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Supper Club vibes)
Location: 2079 Bonita Ave, La Verne, CA 91750.
Parking: It’s Old Towne. Parking can be a nightmare. There is a small lot, but you’re better off looking for street parking a block or two away and enjoying the walk.
Chase’s La Verne CA isn't a perfect restaurant. It can be expensive. It can be loud. It can be a little stingy with the bread. But there isn't another place in the San Gabriel Valley that quite captures that specific "upscale backyard" magic. Whether you’re there for a $30 Brisket Burger or just a glass of house Cab, it’s a piece of La Verne that’s worth experiencing at least once.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Live Music Schedule: Call them at (909) 596-6810 to see who is playing this weekend before you book.
- Browse the Digital Menu: Prices fluctuate based on "market price" for seafood and steaks; check their official site the day of your visit.
- Book the Fire Pit: If you have a group, specifically ask if the fire pit seating is available—it’s the best "vibe" for a long night of drinks.