San Gabriel vs. Covina vs. La Mirada: Which Clearman’s North Woods Inn Location Is Right for You?

If you’ve ever driven down a Southern California freeway and spotted a massive log cabin with snow on the roof, you’ve found a Clearman’s North Woods Inn.

For over six decades, North Woods Inn has been a SoCal institution. It’s a place where the portions are massive, the signature cheese bread is legendary, the stained glass glows warm, and everyone is actively encouraged to throw peanut shells right onto the floor.

While every single North Woods Inn serves up the same nostalgic comfort food you crave, each of the three locations — San Gabriel, Covina, and La Mirada — has its own unique personality, history, and geographic charm.

Which one should you book for your next family milestone, date night, or cheese bread binge? Let’s break down the legendary trio so you can choose the perfect spot.

1. San Gabriel: The Historic Flagship Destination

If you want to experience the absolute roots of the Clearman’s legacy, the San Gabriel location on Rosemead Boulevard is your holy grail.

  • The Backstory: Founder John Clearman originally built this spectacular Alaskan hunting lodge replica in Monrovia back in 1958. When the construction of the 210 freeway threatened to demolish it, Clearman refused to lose his creation. In 1966, he had the entire building meticulously dismantled and moved log by log to its current home in San Gabriel.
  • The Vibe: This is the ultimate, time-capsule flagship experience. It features deep, moody lighting, stunning antique chandeliers, a towering mounted grizzly bear at the entrance, and the most expansive “Clearman’s Village” footprint (sharing a lot with its sister concept, Clearman’s Galley).
  • Best For: True history buffs, purists who want the original atmosphere, and anyone living in Pasadena, Alhambra, or the western San Gabriel Valley. This is also the only North Woods Inn that serves prime rib on the weekends.

2. Covina: The Community Landmark of the East Valley

Built just one year after the flagship moved, the Covina location has been holding down the eastern side of the San Gabriel Valley since 1967.

  • The Backstory: John Clearman, a Yale-trained Shakespearean actor turned restaurateur, believed that great dining should feel like great theater. After the San Gabriel location was completed, the Covina location on Azusa Avenue was built from the ground up to continue to scale that theatrical vision into a community hub.
  • The Vibe: Covina masterfully balances the classic, rustic lumberjack aesthetic with a bustling, high-energy community feel. It holds a 94% local recommendation rate and boasts incredibly deep multi-generational roots. It’s the definitive “hometown celebratory steakhouse” for the area.
  • Best For: Large group celebrations, lively birthday dinners, and diners coming from West Covina, Glendora, Azusa, or the Inland Empire.

3. La Mirada: The Gateway to Orange County

Positioned right on Firestone Boulevard alongside the I-5 freeway, the La Mirada location brings the snowy mountain lodge experience to the border of LA and Orange County.

  • The Backstory: Opening its doors in 1981, the La Mirada location expanded the northern logging camp magic further south, instantly becoming a visual icon for millions of commuters passing by on the 5 freeway.
  • The Vibe: Because of its unique location, La Mirada blends the classic, unhurried, candlelit romanticism of North Woods Inn with an upscale, destination-dining crowd. It feels like a cozy alpine escape tucked away from the coastal SoCal buzz.
  • Best For: Date nights, family dinners after a long day at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland, and anyone living in Downey, Whittier, Buena Park, or Anaheim.
The interior of North Woods Inn restaurant, with rustic tables, peanut shells on the floor, stained glass windows and chandeliers, and an overall log cabin vibe.
The interior of North Woods Inn, where tossing peanut shells on the floor is encouraged.

At-A-Glance Location Comparison

Need a quick way to decide? Use our quick-reference table below to guide your next steak night destination:

Feature / DetailSan GabrielCovinaLa Mirada
Street Address7247 Rosemead Blvd540 N Azusa Ave14305 Firestone Blvd
Established1958 (Moved 1966)19671981
Primary Highway10 & 210 Freeways10 & 210 FreewaysI-5 & 91 Freeways

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Clearman’s North Woods Inn locations serve the same menu?

Generally, yes! No matter which location you choose, you will get unlimited access to the famous cheese bread, dual red cabbage and house bleu cheese salads, giant steaks, and succulent seafood. 

The only difference to note is that the San Gabriel location is currently the only North Woods Inn that serves prime rib, which is available exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Can I make a reservation at all three locations?

Absolutely. Reservations can be made online, or you can call your preferred location to reserve your table:

  • Covina: (626) 331-7444
  • La Mirada: (714) 739-0331
  • San Gabriel: (626) 286-3579

At our Covina location, reservations are available up to 7 days in advance, and the maximum party size for a reservation is 9.

Are the peanut shells on the floor hygienic?

Yes. Tossing peanut shells on the floor is a strictly managed, long-standing steakhouse tradition. The floors are swept, thoroughly cleaned, and layered with fresh sawdust nightly to maintain high health and safety standards.

Secure Your Table at the Lodge

Whether you choose the rich historical legacy of San Gabriel, the high-energy community warmth of Covina, or the post-theme-park escape of La Mirada, you are guaranteed an unforgettable dining experience packed with massive portions and unmatched nostalgic charm.