Sugarloaf Ranch & Events Center

In the early stages of The COVID-19 Experience, like everyone else in the world, my husband and I faithfully obeyed the quarantine regimen. We enjoyed it in the beginning, making up recipes to use up the food in the cabinets , playing dominoes, cocktail hour ( that was way more than an hour and started a little earlier than standard time). It was almost fun. But by week 7 or 8, cabin fever struck. Depression struck. Fear and anxiety overwhelmed. I thought life as we knew it was done. I thought we'd never enjoy anything again. Then I read something about a restaurant " up the hill" . It had somehow figured out a way to serve people delicious food in the gorgeous outdoors in a safe and efficient way. My husband and I ventured out on an exciting date. Life felt exciting and almost normal! If I told you that day was such a promising pick-me-up, tonic, even a cure for the COVID blues, it would be an understatement. It was a beautiful day, blue skies, clean crisp air. Everyone was pleasant and nervously friendly. We got delicious tri-tip sandwiches and one beer each . They had a properly distanced line, plexiglass shields, and an effective pick up method. I just would like to thank you all at Sugarloaf for restoring some sense of normalcy in a time of crisis. You lifted our spirits in a dark time. My husband and I cannot thank you enough.

Really fine people here. Great BBQ, better pie and genuine hospitality. Dave took wonderful care of us after a long ride with baby back ribs, mac ‘n cheese and smoked artichoke hearts. Cold beer too. Gabriela hooked us up in the morning, after a hellacious overnight wind storm, with fresh made and hot biscuits with butter and local honey, complete with hot coffee. It just couldn’t get any better.

Gabby, Tiffany and Pitmaster (Dave?) are amazing! They made our Valentines Day so special with an amazing meal in the woods! Gabby even made a special accommodation to make us some potato salad to go with their yummy baked beans. Like all of us, Sugar Loaf has been impacted by Covid, but they made an intimate and tasty meal in a beautiful setting possible for our VD! Thank you guys for all you do and staying open during really challenging times! We WILL be back as soon as you will have us! Lauren and Les

Outdoor dining only, with several picnic table areas set up around the property. After the excellent bbq and pie, take the path leading to the Cactus or Saw Mill hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest.

We drove up into the mountains to check this place out. It was a beautiful drive, but at the end it was 20 degrees cooler and then the sun went down. Outdoor seating only, as expected. The pulled pork was tender and really delicious. My wife got the tri tip and that was also wonderfully prepared. The main problem was that we went on a Sunday evening and they were out of brisket, ribs, and pastrami, plus Mac and cheese. Their sauce was good, but if recommend they develop a couple of sauces, including one a bit zesty. The sour cherry pie was fantastic. I loved it!! My wife said the pecan pie was also very good. Overall this is a great place for BBQ and pie.

Very poor attitude from the owner. We at 12:00pm and was told the ribs will not be done until 1:30. Ok... ordered basked beans and they were not ready. The came to talk to us and explain what happen and we understand but she said my wife still did not look happy. I told her we came up he to have ribs & brisket and yes we were disappointed. She said she did not like that we were happy and did not want to serve us. We will NEVER go back nor recommend this restaurant

The food was really good, but we drove up from La Quinta not knowing that there was no seating available. This information should have been put on OpenTable or their website. That being said very good food and if you are up for a fun drive for pick up you should do it. To be clear they had a picnic table for us to sit on, but in a location that really didn't make a lot of sense.

What a fun place! And staffed by such cheerful and enthusiastic people! When this restaurant popped up on Open Table, I thought, "Why not? It's a short and beautiful drive from the Coachella Valley, so let's check it out! And I'm glad we did. The relaxed surroundings and very relaxed pace was just what we needed to step away from an unnecessarily busy time in our lives and, instead, enjoy some "comfort food" in very comfortable surroundings. Super-casual and friendly was just what we needed (and exactly what we experienced). Probably not the best place to go, if you're in a huge rush, but the Sugarloaf Cafe is a marvelous antidote for feeling as though one needs to be in a hurry for anything.

great food ., great atmosphere and wonderful staff