Magic Lamp Inn - Rancho Cucamonga

I have been to the Magic Lamp many times over the years. But this past Valentines’ Day was my last and I will never go there again. This is clearly a “regular’s only” place, as people that only eat there once a month are clearly not welcome! I called on the 12th for an early reservation on the 13th. A nice lady on the phone said that although she would not take a reservation for 5 pm, to be there by 5 pm and we would be seated as she said there were very few reservations for 5 pm. Easy enough I thought. We arrived promptly at 5 pm and the parking lot was empty, I thought great! The restaurant was empty too with only three people in the bar. We were greeted by a non-smiling young brunette gal who asked if we had a reservation, no I exclaimed, but also explained what I was told on the phone the previous day. The hostess looked at me like I had nerve and seated us at a table directly behind the hostess station in the busiest aisle in the restaurant. Mind you that the restaurant was completely empty. I asked to be seated in the nice large comfy leather seating across the aisle as I am 6’4” and my wife is 6’ tall, not to mention that the regular chairs are old, rickety and uncomfortable. The hostess said “sorry, but those tables are for reservations only” I have heard this line several times before…hence “regulars only”….Not to mention that we were also in the section with the ancient waitress with the scowl that has no personality and never smiles! So here’s the rub. We were there from 5 pm to 6:40 pm, and only one couple sat in the leather seats and was gone before we left. The seats were empty the entire time we were there! And when we left, the restaurant was only about 30% full. I have seen this, and had this happen to me several time before on regular non-special occasion evenings. This B.S. treatment really got us thinking, and we realize that the Magic Lamp Inn is not that nice of a restaurant to begin with, and not worth the money and trouble, especially with their prices in this economy. Example: a Filet Mignon is $42.00 A LA CARTE!!!! Give me a break!!! That is by far the most expensive filet in any restaurant, period! The Magic Lamp Inn is not even close to Flemings or Ruth Chris’s when it comes to quality of food, quality of service, value, quality of atmosphere and especially quality of seating. You beat the Magic Lamp Inn with a better meal with better service at 75% less at Cask and Cleaver!!! Do not be foolish and spend your money at the Magic Lamp Inn for a mediocre meal with terrible service!!!! Spend your money wisely and drive two more miles to Flemings!!! You will not be disappointed!!! Remember Magic Lamp Inn, service starts at the front door, and you consistently blew it !!!!! You “regulars” can have this place, you are all fool’s and deserve it!!!

You can't miss this place, with the flaming lamp outside! Inside it looks like you'll be spending a fortune, the standard of the food also makes it look that way. We went there as a group of 4 people, and were all served in a very friendly, but unobtrusive manner. The food was full of flavor, the soft drinks were topped up without asking. Overall, I wish we lived closer!

I used to recommend this restaurant to several friends, but I no longer do. If it weren't for the rudeness of the dining room manager, we would consider returning, but we would only do so if we knew she was no longer working there.

The prices for food are quite high, and while you’ll receive attentive service, it lacks a personal touch. The food itself is of good quality, and the atmosphere is pleasant, but the presence of those big bugs makes it hard for me to recommend dining here. The building is quite old, which could be part of the issue. If you choose to eat here, be prepared to spend a lot of money. You’ll definitely need it.

On Valentine's night, we waited 2.5 hours to be seated near the kitchen. The table we were given was so large that it could have accommodated six people, which didn't create a romantic atmosphere for my boyfriend and me.