Stinky Upland
Reader Mary Simon, who calls herself "an old Upland girl now living in Lexington, Kentucky," writes:
"Does anyone remember a nasty little dive called Stinky's on the corner of Mountain Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Upland? It was a little stone building with picnic tables inside, all carved up by decades of miscreants. But they had the most sinfully messy and delicious hamburgers!
"When I was 10, my 16-year-old sister and I were broadsided in a pretty awful car accident at the intersection of Foothill and Mountain before there was a traffic signal. I was the only one hurt (concussion) and I recall staggering with my sister over to Stinky's to call our parents. They offered me a hamburger, but for once in my life, I wasn't in the mood.
"I know it was there through the 1960s; it was later torn down and replaced by a Bank of America. Isn't progress wonderful? A crummy restaurant called El Gato Gordo was also put up right next to it."
If it's any consolation, Mary, El Gato Gordo has been torn down. I know many people remember Stinky's because it's been brought to my attention numerous times over the years. Anyone want to share memories?
What I'm especially curious about is that I've also been told of a place named Stinky Stevens that used to stand at Mountain and 8th in Upland. Two restaurants named Stinky in the same town?
So, while we're on the topic, can anyone enlighten us about Stinky Stevens?
I remember passing by Stinky Stevens all the time as a kid when we were on our way to eat at other nearby restaurants. Our family used to joke around about the name all the time as we drove by. We never tried the restaurant, probably because of its name which seemed to take away any appeal it may have had.
David,
My being a long time resident of Upland (25 years and counting LOL!), I believe it was called Stinky Steve's, I'm not quite sure.
It all started when that place was built as a Michael J's restaurant that was there well into the '80s and maybe even the '90s. Then it became Stinky Steve's or Stephen's, and now it's called Tequila Hoppers. I've never been in the place, but I assume it's a sports bar and grill. I think it may have been one or two other places, but I can't recall what they were.
p.s. I'm sorry, I don't remember another restaurant called Stinky's. I do have fond memories of it when it was the El Gato Gordo when I worked for the chain of Cask 'n Cleaver, El Gato Gordo (the Fat Cat) which I believe is the translation and Lord Charley's.
[Thanks for locating Stinky Whatever's for us, Randall. Some friends went to Tequila Hoppers last night and reported that it's a dueling piano bar now! -- DA]
I remember Stinky Stevens. It was next to Upland Carpet One and was the successor to Michael J's. It turned out the owner of Michael J's was a man named Michael. His son, Steven, had a new concept for a restaurant due to courses he had taken in college. Thus, Michael J's was turned into Stinky Stevens.
It had a strong zany western theme, but only lasted about two years and was closed. Not enough rustlers stepping up to the bar.
[Dennis, thanks for confirming Stinky Stevens' existence and explaining its history. -- DA]
I'm devastated that nobody has responded regarding Stinky's on the corner of Foothill and Mountain. But, thank you, David, for letting me know that El Gato Gordo has been torn down! What's in its place now?
[There's a standalone Walgreens and a separate building with four or five tenants, including Wingstop and (I think) Domino's Pizza, and maybe an optometrist. -- DA]
That crummy EL GATO GORDO was one of the best for MEXICAN food. Maybe you're thinking of crummy TACO BELL.
GREETINGS:
It's been a busy week and I apologize for the tardy reply. Yes, it was Stinky Stevens on Mountain Avenue that took over the former Michael J's location.
The western theme was quite prevalent, with plenty of leather, wood and fake branding iron decals. The food was far from stinky, but it also wasn't exceptional. And that location has proven poor for all the restaurants attempting to make a go there. So I was never sure if it was the name, the cuisine or the location that did them in.
As for Stinky's, I have called on quite a few family and friends but have not yet found anyone who remembers it.
El Gato Gordo was, as I recall, the venture by the group that owned Cask N Cleaver into Mexican cuisine. The first one I went to was on University Ave. in Riverside, not far from UCR. It was incredibly popular, both for food and libations. The restaurant on Foothill Blvd. west of Mountain Ave. came later and, at first, did extremely well. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way the quality lagged, and the availability of outstanding Mexican food restaurants locally is just too tough.
[Good to have you back and commenting on restaurant history, Charles. -- DA]
I remember Stinky's, went there often when I was in high school. Les, the night counter man, served me a Coors when I was 14 or 15. Good burgers and chili.
As I recall Stinky's had a SKUNK on their restaurant sign ???
I remember a period of time when the front door wouldn't close so they just let it hang there. What a fun place to go after a Pomona High football game (especially if we won).
Stinky's was great! A true greasy spoon original. Built from the stones that washed down from foothills before the dam was built. Their $.50 hamburgers were the best. We used to go there after football games and dances. Seemed you always knew someone there. Carved-up tables usually revealed who was dating who.
Hello Mary, My father, who was a Upland police officer, used to go to Stinky's when working the graveyard shift, and I remember him saying that they were the best hamburgers ever.
I do recall going in there as a little lad, I remember it being rather dark inside, more of a bar than restaurant, and the stone walls, very classic early California building style. Sad when it was torn down for the BofA.
Also, I have a family connection with the Mr. Steak across the street. It was my aunt and uncle, the Brittans, that owned it. Thanks, Monty Seay