Covina’s Legendary Steakhouse
Since 1967
Huge Portions & Great Memories Await
For decades, North Woods Inn has been one of the most beloved restaurants in Covina, a destination steakhouse where families, couples, and groups come to celebrate life’s biggest moments. This iconic Clearman’s restaurant combines hearty portions, sizzling steaks, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere to deliver a dining experience you won’t find anywhere else in the San Gabriel Valley.
Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Covina for a birthday dinner, a memorable date night, or a satisfying weeknight meal, North Woods Inn has earned its place as a local favorite and a bucket-list stop for food lovers across Southern California.
From Covina to a Mountain Lodge
Step inside North Woods Inn and you’ll understand instantly why generations of guests keep coming back. The restaurant was designed to resemble a 19th-century Alaskan hunting lodge, with interlocking log walls, a faux snow-covered roof, stained glass windows, oil paintings, and period lamps throughout. Peanut shells crunch underfoot as you make your way to your table, a tradition that’s been part of the experience since opening day.
Founded by John Clearman, who opened the original North Woods Inn in 1958 in Monrovia, the Covina location was built in 1967 and quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Clearman — a Yale-trained Shakespearean actor turned restaurateur — believed that great food deserves great theater. That philosophy is alive in every detail, from the rustic décor to the oversized portions that arrive at your table.
North Woods Inn is the kind of Covina restaurant where three generations of the same family celebrate together, where proposals happen over candlelight, and where first-time guests instantly understand what all the fuss is about. With a 94% recommendation rate and thousands of loyal fans, it’s consistently rated among the best places to eat in Covina.
Multi-Generational Favorites
Famous Starters
Our house salad, red cabbage salad, and cheese bread are legendary throughout Southern California. Often replicated but never duplicated, our signature starters are served with most of our entrees and are an indelible part of the North Woods Inn experience. Round out the opening act with our beer-battered onion rings, calamari, coconut shrimp, or loaded potato skins.
Signature Steaks
As Covina’s premier steakhouse, our menu features hand-selected cuts cooked to your preference. The 25-ounce Porterhouse is a showstopper, the 9-ounce Filet Mignon Supreme is a guest favorite, and the Tomahawk Steak is the centerpiece of any celebration. Each steak dinner is served with all the classic sides that have made our steakhouse in Covina a legend.
Seafood & More
Beyond steak, we serve lobster, king crab, Atlantic salmon, jumbo scallops, and our popular jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer. We also offer North Woods broiled or fried chicken, hearty lumberjack sandwiches, and a prime rib dip that has developed a devoted following of its own. If you’re exploring food in Covina and want variety alongside quality, our menu covers all the bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Covina Tradition Since 1967
Some restaurants come and go. North Woods Inn has been serving Covina for nearly 60 years, and there’s a reason for that. What started with one man’s vision has become a multigenerational tradition for thousands of families across the San Gabriel Valley. When John Clearman opened North Woods Inn, he created more than a steakhouse; he created a place where memories are made. The snow-dusted rooftop, the warm glow of stained glass, the sound of laughter filling a room that feels like a mountain lodge. It’s the kind of magic that doesn’t exist in many places anymore. Today, North Woods Inn is part of a proud family of Clearman’s restaurants spanning Covina, La Mirada, and San Gabriel, and every single night, new guests walk through our doors wondering why they didn’t come sooner. If you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s a table waiting for you. Come see what Covina has known for decades.
