The IE Mommy and Twins at The Lazy Dog Cafe

It has nothing to do with being lazy and a whole lot to do with dogs. What??? I know sounds a bit crazy doesn’t it? Well, I’ve been in contact with the PR company that represents Lazy Dog for a while trying to figure out the best time to get to their great restaurant. The closest was in West Covina and it seemed like I was never going to make it.  Finally…they opened one in Rancho Cucamonga!!! Yeah me!

It seemed like the perfect opportunity for my family and I to enjoy a fun afternoon out and experience a new restaurant that we’ve never been to before.

With a name like “Lazy Dog” I wasn’t sure what to expect or what type of food they would serve. Yes, I took the time to look at their website and menu but I still didn’t get the overall feel of its theme.  If I was to guess…my first thought was Tex Mex but I was wrong.

Our experience at The Lazy Dog Cafe was so much more then just a mere review and minimum word write up so I decided to break it down by experiences and let you enjoy some of the photos I took along the way. After all, you know bloggers…we take pictures of EVERYTHING!

So let’s start….

• Ambiance
  

  

  Restaurant Decor...Too Cute

  Seriously probably “the” cutest decor for a restaurant that I have ever seen. My first clue that this was a unique restaurant with super cool decor was the “HUGE” paw print logo and the bright fire engine red fire hydrant by the door.
  
  As we walked into the restaurant the IE Twins were quick to point out the tasty mint dog bones for after dinner, the super cute dog pictures on the walls and the fact that the interior beams were actually pieces of wood (you know as in “fetching sticks”). How ingenious  is that?

  Once we were seated we noticed that they had metal dog statues that were truly beautiful pieces of art work. They stood regally by our table…which by the way was under the heading of “SIT”. Other booths said “STAY”. Again, a very unique touch.

  
  So…Lazy Dog really was about dogs! My twins were in heaven. Being the dog lovers that they are…they could not sit still and were absorbing every minute and detail of the restaurant. It was instantly declared one of their favorites and we hadn’t even eaten yet!  They were even  more excited when they learned that customers could bring their own four legged friends with them and eat at the outside patio. So O.C., don’t ya think? Loved it! I completely agree with my daughters’ assessments.

  

  Cajun Fries Appetizer

  The IE Daddy and I spent some time talking to one of the company partners and he informed us that one of the main concepts of Lazy Dog was to have  family-friendly environment but still have the ability to be a place where couples could go  on dates or groups and enjoy a drink together and “watch the game”.
  
  From our view point…The Lazy Dog Cafe nailed it on the head. It was a perfect place to bring my girls and have them entertained with the atmosphere and ambiance and yet,  it was clearly a place that could work for a more intimate dinner with my husband. How’s that for versatility?
  

• Service
  

  As soon as we walked into the restaurant we were created with gracious smiles and “hellos”. Initially I thought that this must be because they realized I am doing a review on the restaurant…but as I sat and observed I happily noticed that the wait staff and management were  treating everyone in this exact same way.  Perfect! I love to see that form of customer service and interaction. Nothing is worse then being made to feel as if  you are nuisance.  The Lazy Dog staff made you feel as if they were not only happy that you were there but that you were expected and wanted.

  Even more appealing was that they were attentive to my daughters. The IE Twins were bubbling over with excitement and composed a “Thank you” note for the General Manager right then and there.  He was gracious, kind and appreciative of their notes and made them feel like a million bucks for creating them for him.  As a parent I was won over immediately by  how much he and his wait staff paid attention to my children.
  

  

  Weekend Kid's Brunch Option - Dog Bone Shaped Pancakes

  Our personal waiter, Tim, was fabulous! If more waiters were this patient,  helpful and entertaining….well, I just might give up cooking all together. Tim was great! Way to go Tim!

• Food
  
  

  We decided to start our menu off with an appetizer. The Lazy Dog has a great selection of appetizers and small plates (which can be shared as an appetizer as well).  Upon The IE Daddy’s insistence we tried the Cajun Fries and they were delicious. The fries were toasty and crunchy with a subtle but flavorful hint of Cajun spices. Only one daughter didn’t care too much for them…but that just left more for the remaining three of us.

  
  Next the IE Twins had a blast with the kid’s menu…especially when they realized they could order pancakes in the shape of DOG BONES!! They were sold.  They giggled through the entire meal and couldn’t help but act out like little doggies (in a lady like way, of course).  The pancakes were available as part of the weekend brunch. The regular selection for kids consists of items listed as “8 and Younger” and items listed as “12 and Younger”. Both contained kid-favorite staples such as Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese, Cheeseburgers, Build Your Own Pizzas, Spaghetti and Chicken Nuggets.  Each child can also receive a Licorice & Fruit Loop Dog Collar simply by asking the waiter. This little, simple gesture took my two little dog lovers “Over the Moon” with their experience.

  

  Composing a Thank You Letter to the General Manager

  The IE Daddy and I chose from the Nutritious and Delicious Menu where all items have less then 650 calories. Their goal is have less calories not less taste. If the two dishes we tried are an indication of this menu…they are right on target with their goal.
  
  I chose the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad and my husband chose the Jerk Chicken Crisp along with the Chicken Tortilla Soup. The soup was loaded with chicken and tortilla strips. All of our dishes were warm, flavorful and satisfying. Just because you order off a low-calorie menu doesn’t mean you want to walk away hungry or eat lifeless, flavorless food. Thankfully The Lazy Dog Cafe realizes this and has had their chefs create dishes that encompass both flavor and healthy ingredients.

  To finish off a delectable meal we decided to share and enjoy a Warm Skillet Brownie. It was heaven on a plate! One by one we called “Uncle” as we were stuffed full of brownie, chocolate and ice cream. The last lone victor was my daughter Rylan who enjoyed every last mouthful of gooeyness.

• Overall

  

  Creating a Dog Collar

  If you are looking for a “New Favorite” restaurant where you will be comfortable taking your loved one for a romantic date or with your entire family after church…then The Lazy Dog Cafe is definitely the chose for you.

  From the adorable mint dog bones, to the little step stools in the bathrooms for the kids…this is a restaurant that has observed and put in to action what a family wants and needs in order to have a pleasant dining experience with children.

  But it hasn’t forgotten the televisions in the corners, the fun music, the fully staffed bar or the ambiance of “letting go and having fun” either. It’s a definite prime choice for a date night or girl’s night out.

  I can without a doubt say we will be back again and again and again.

  A HUGE thanks to the wait staff, management, general manager and partners who gave The IE Mommy and family a wonderful treat and experience. You guys ROCK !

Christine
The IE Mommy

Check Out ALL My Lazy Dog Photos – Click the Link below