I recently read that the Denny’s restaurant chain is closing 150 locations. Of course, that got me thinking not only about the classic diner chain but all the others like it, such as Shari’s, IHOP, and Black Bear Diner, that my parents were so loyal to when we were on road trips in my childhood. There is a comfort in chain restaurants; in general, you know exactly what you are going to get. Take, for example, a vanilla latte at Starbucks versus one from a local small-business coffee shop. One comes with a bit of uncertainty if it’s your first time visiting, while the other is much more predictable.
And this is where my mind goes: somewhere in Montana, Colorado, or Oregon, knowing exactly what I was ordering would taste like simply from the name of the restaurant. There is no mystery, only certainty, and what a comfort that can be on a long road trip.
Now I haven’t patronized any of those chains in decades, and it’s really no great loss in my mind other than the memories, because Lake County offers its fair share of quality diner experiences. Can I get an amen? And if comfort food is your cup of tea, and you live in the Clearlake area, boy, do I have a treat for you!
A gray day is well settled somewhere between rainstorms, and the calm feels temporal and not to be taken for granted, as I pull my car into a parking spot at Trejo’s Diner in Clearlake. A gentle breeze brushes my face in the dim light; it seems fitting as the day grows anxious to retire into a long night’s rest. Those longer days filled with bright sunshine feel like they will never return. All fitting for an evening of comfort food when I look at the menu.
Let’s see, I think. Will it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Trejo’s serves breakfast all day long, just as any proper diner does. I am torn. Breakfast for dinner seems impulsive, fun, and a little like breaking the rules just because you can. The good news is, I’ve dined here before, and with an adventurous friend who’s willing to share meals by my side, I can do a little bit of both!
Nothing satisfies quite like an omelet, and for good reason at Trejo’s Diner. Light, fluffy eggs cooked to perfection, always. As usual, I am a sucker for the vegetarian omelet, although Trejo’s offers several other traditional choices, including all your classic breakfast meats, ham and pineapple, and their specialty Trejo’s omelet filled with linguica, hot links, sausage, bacon, and ghost pepper cheese, for a more robust breakfast. But whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong. In between bites of my spinach, green and red peppers, mushrooms, grilled onion, and fresh tomato-stuffed omelet and house potatoes, a Trejo’s Burger is brought to the table, and I am grateful for the lighter grilled veggies to offset this mammoth burger.
Trejo’s signature burger is spectacular, starting with a well-seasoned patty topped with sweet, savory ham and pineapple, a slice of tomato, lettuce, grilled onion, and ghost peppers to add some real heat to the experience. Every bite is sweet, tangy, and warm, with the peppers that somehow complement it and make it impossible to stop eating. This is not an ordinary burger; this is exceptional.
For a lighter sandwich, try Trejo’s grilled chicken, not overcooked, and made complete with Swiss cheese, creamy mayo, fresh avocado slices, tomato, lettuce, and a pickle wedge on the side. Think a chicken version of the classic BLT with crisp, perfectly seasoned fries on the side.
But if dinner is on your mind, Trejos has got you covered all the way from classic steak to fish and chips or a dinner salad, plus all the fried food options you would expect to find on a diner menu. Rarely have I seen a more complete diner menu. Well done, Trejo’s!
When the weather is fair, enjoy your dining experience outdoors on their spacious gated patio. Take-out is a popular option, too. Whether you dine in or take out, show up hungry because Trejo’s will feed you well.
3900 Baylis Ave, Clearlake, CA 95422
Phone: (707) 995-4046
