There are so many amazing places to eat in and around Southern California’s main cities and towns. Since there are so many options, 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 in Idyllwild a drive-worthy family restaurant in Southern California.

Let’s dig in!

Nestled in the heart of the tiny country town of Idyllwild is The Red Kettle restaurant, not only a favorite among locals but voted TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2022. This family restaurant in SoCal is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Tripadvisor/ Pearsonw67
Before you even step inside The Red Kettle in Idyllwild, chances are you will already feel this was worth the drive. This little country restaurant in SoCal sits against the backdrop of stunning forests and mountain peaks.
Tripadvisor/velsatys
This family restaurant in SoCal has a warm, cozy, country-style interior with a wooden ceiling, spacious dining room, and comfy counter seating.
Tripadvisor/Gary
Reviewers frequently mention the delicious eggs Benedict. Hearty breakfasts worth ordering at The Red Kettle restaurant 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.
TripAdvisor/ExRIGuy
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

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French toast is just one item on the fun kids’ menu. Guests under 12 years old can order from their full menu which includes pancakes, cereal, full (kid-sized) egg breakfast, mini cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, PB and J, and more.
Tripadvisor/ ExRIGuy
In addition to hand-prepared, mouthwatering burgers, salads, sandwiches, and homemade chili, The Red Kettle in Idyllwild serves up “Perry’s Favorite” fish tacos with beer-battered Alaskan Cod topped with a signature sauce and house-made salsa.
Tripadvisor/ CMSM98
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, how about trying one of the made-to-order shakes, malts, or floats at this family restaurant in SoCal?
Tripadvisor/CMSM98
If the weather is nice, enjoy your meal at this country restaurant in SoCal on the outdoor deck and take in the small-town vibe.
Tripadvisor/ justbill57
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.
Tripadvisor/Robby G C

The next time you’re up for trying somewhere new to eat, 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 so, what was your favorite dish on The Red Kettle restaurant’s menu? Let us know in the following comments section.

Before you go, check out The Red Kettle online to see the menu or follow them on their The Red Kettle Facebook page. We also suggest referencing our previous article to learn more about the quaint town and natural beauty of Idyllwild. And, if you decide to spend the weekend in this small Southern California town, feel free to stay at a local Vrbo vacation rental in the area. 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Red Kettle Idyllwild

Marla S. | February 19, 2024

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California?

In addition to The Red Kettle, here are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California.

  • The Cellar in Pasadena: Relax on the comfortable sofas and listen to a piano play while sipping your drink at this unique wine bar that's both a speakeasy and a library.
  • Bell’s Restaurant in Los Alamos: Enjoy an authentic French meal when you dine in this family-run restaurant that's received a Michelin star. This small-town SoCal eatery has also received recognition from Food & Wine and other notable publications.
  • The Place in Ventucopa: Indulge in a hearty meal featuring burgers and rich desserts when you dine at this roadhouse gem.
  • Le Comptoir in Los Angeles: For a memorable dining experience, head to the ground floor of the Hotel Normandie to this novel French bistro that has seating for 10 guests.

 

We also suggest taking a look at our Food and Dining Guide to learn about more one-of-a-kind restaurants in Southern California.

What are some of the best family restaurants in Southern California?

Here are some of the best family restaurants in Southern California:

  • Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in San Diego: Take your loved ones to this family-run restaurant that's been around since the 1940s. When you go, try classic Italian dishes such as homemade ravioli and delicious pizza.
  • Moffett's Family Restaurant and Chicken Pie Shoppe in Arcadia: Enjoy a hot and steamy pot pie when you grab a bite at this family restaurant that's been around since 1975.
  • Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta in Ojai: Gorge fresh Italian food when you dine at this family restaurant in Southern California that offers wine tastings too.

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Featured Addresses
54220 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA