Pomona has been steadily reinventing itself, with the Arts Colony, renovated historic buildings, and a growing number of independent restaurants reshaping downtown.
Newer spots bring creative menus, modern interiors, and a mix of comfort and experimentation that suits the city’s eclectic energy.
1. The Rookery Alehouse and Grill
The Rookery is a downtown Pomona staple in the new wave, pairing an impressive beer list with a menu that goes far beyond basic pub grub.
Inside, you’ll find a brick-lined space, chalkboard menus, and a lively but unpretentious atmosphere.
The kitchen turns out creative burgers, wings with house-made sauces, loaded fries, and rotating specials that might riff on global street food. Ingredients and flavors are treated seriously, even when the plates are playful.
The tap list is strong on craft brews, with local and regional options that rotate often.
2. Homage Brewing – Pomona
Homage began in Los Angeles County’s craft beer world and brought its polished aesthetic and serious brewing to downtown Pomona.
The space is minimalist and airy, with a modern industrial feel that highlights both the bar and the open environment.
The food menu focuses on shareable bites and seasonal small plates that pair well with the beers—think charcuterie, composed toasts, fresh salads, and well-executed sandwiches.
The beer spans wild ales, lagers, IPAs, and experimental releases, making this as much a culinary destination as a taproom.
3. Dia de los Puercos
Dia de los Puercos brings a bold, streetwise personality to Pomona’s dining scene.
The decor is colorful and irreverent, with art and music that reflect Chicano culture and a menu that leans into big, pork-centric flavors.
Expect tacos, burritos, and plates built around slow-cooked meats, chicharrón, and house salsas, often with creative twists and surprising mashups.
Portions are generous and flavors are unapologetically intense—smoky, spicy, and rich. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to try a bit of everything and come back to explore more of the menu.
4. Good Time Cafe
Good Time Cafe fuses diner comfort with an updated, urban feel. It’s bright and welcoming, with an all-day energy that makes it a natural choice for breakfast, brunch, or a casual lunch.
The menu blends American and Mexican comfort dishes: pancakes, omelets, chilaquiles, loaded breakfast burritos, burgers, and hearty plates with rice and beans.
Portions are sizable, prices are friendly, and the staff keeps things moving without sacrificing warmth. It fits perfectly into Pomona’s neighborhood-centered dining resurgence.
5. Slummin’ Gourmet (brick-and-mortar concept if operating)
What started as a food truck concept took root with a bricks-and-mortar presence in Pomona, bringing “gourmet street food” into a more permanent setting.
The space is casual and vibrant, with a focus on fun, inventive plates rather than white-tablecloth dining.
The menu riffs on comfort staples with twists—mac and cheese elevated with premium toppings, creative sandwiches, loaded fries, and rotating specials that borrow from global flavors. It’s approachable but chef-driven, ideal for diners who like familiar formats with unexpected ingredients and combinations.
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