The Trails deserves its own post. It was located at 2519 East Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA. Its phone number was 626-359-2850. As a family, we loved the Trails. So many wonderful memories. A great lounge bar that as an adult I enjoyed once or twice. I liked the fact that it was a great place for adults to stop for drinks and a steak after a day at Santa Anita Race Track.
My mom loved The Trails. She loved their split pea soup. I think it had chunks of ham, split pea and vegetables. The soup was brought in a stainless steel tureen and ladled into shallow white ceramic bowls at the table. My mom loved that soup. She absolutely loved The Trails’ cheese bread wrapped in foil. Whatever wasn’t finished at the table she’d take home. She liked The Trails’ shrimp or halibut for an entree. Their halibut steaks were quite good and decent sized. The meat was flaky. Hard to find fault with their halibut.
Like many restaurants with western themes, the interior had terrific wood furniture, cowboys printed on the placemats, and wood chandeliers.
My dad loved The Trails too. The waitresses were friendly, and he enjoyed teasing them. The Trails used to serve salad dressing in large stainless-steel cups–they were like small bowls with looped handles. The Trails put salad dressing and croutons in them. Croutons were popular back then. My dad loved blue cheese. As much as the blue cheese, he loved the cups themselves. So he asked the waitress if he could purchase one. She brought one over, handed one to him, and said “Here.” He loved those cups. Over the years we had a few of those cups at home. He used them mainly for chilled beverages. Maybe once I saw him drink coffee from them.
The Trails tumblers.
Here are a few more pictures of The Trails and here is an article that reviews a few of Duarte’s old landmarks. A short write-up on Jim the organist, who used to play Cabaret and Mack the Knife. Less is more, but here is something extra.
A Trails matchbook.
The Trails menu.
Duarte, CA 
Thank you for this article! I’m getting a little nostalgic thinking about growing up in Baldwin Park and going to the Trails with my family every time grandma came to town! I grew up going to the Trails, at one time it was a fancy resturaunt! Later I would go as a teenager on dates, then later on I would stop by after my bar tending shift in Monrovia ended. I’d bring my own container to get soup to take home!! I just found a copycat recipe of the soup and am anxious to try it real soon!!! Yes even in this crazy heat!!!
Thanks for your reply, Kitty. Love the soup story. That place was a cherished landmark. Lots of beautiful memories about that place. Just wish the city would stop dismantling the charm in Duarte. I guess we can only blog about what was lost. 😉
I was a regular with family Friday night. During the 60s. 1970 I worked as a dishwasher for a week. It kicked my but. I think Chris Russo worked with me. Loved the food and entertainment. Peace
Omg how funny… I was just searching for the vegetable soup recipe and found your comment here… small world. Our parents loved the Trails and Overtime II… sad that they are both gone now. If you see this, have a giggle then share the recipe. I’ve been thinking of trying my own take on it for a couple of weeks now but would love the actual recipe!
We always ate here as kids, would love to have the vegetable soup recipe if anyone can share!
My name is Tony, and I’m 65 yrs old. I’ve been heart broken ever since the Trails has been closed. As a child I hated veggies and soups, but would scarf down multiple bowels of soup when eating there. Trails was the first place I ever ate a steak, besides home.
If you could tell me how to get a recipe for the soup I would be very grateful.
Tony, thank you for your memories on The Trails. As to recipes, I don’t personally know of any. Have never tried my hand at that recipe. But I did Google it and found a recipe that appears to have all the ingredients. You’ll need to try it for yourself. That link is here: http://bit.ly/2ySbbkt. All the best!
Google … The Trails Range Barley Soup. Recipe in a book online. I think it maybe original since author interviewed Trail’s owner, Edith. Goodluck making it. Ps … simmering and blending is the secret ! Make the garlic bread… look for recipe that adds mayonnaise.
Wow, my husband and I loved the Trails! Please tell me how to get a copy of that soup recipe, or please share yours with me. I would really appreciate your kindness in sharing. My phone number for texting is (626) 679-5709. My email is lorimontoya5@gmail.com.
Some of our greatest memories with family were made at the Trails. The lobster tails were not only delicious but huge. But the pureed vegetable soup was absolutely delicious.
Thank you, take care and please stay safe!
I as well grew up going to the Trails Restaurant here on Huntington Dr with my folks & sisters & later on as a young adult, I went here on dates as the Trails cuisine was Delicious & I liked their live music Organ bar with Esther at the keyboard on Fri & Sat evenings & guest vocalists frequently stopping by, some very good that would sing beautiful standards with Esther as they also did at the El Encanto Restaurant in Azusa off San Gabriel Canyon Rd with Jimmy McEwan back in the Day
Thank you for remembering my Mom, Esther Williams! She played the organ at The Trails for 17 years. My aunts, Mary Ford, Carol Corona and Eva Wooten, and my uncle, Bob Summers, all singers/musicians, would often join her. My Mom’s specialty was playing for singers, and I have to say, she attracted the best of the best.
As far as the soup is concerned, it was great! I had my wedding reception at The Trails in 1977. Edith, the owner, gave me a tour of the kitchen. You could have eaten off the floor as it was amazingly clean. Edith said the vegetable purée soup took 48 hours to cook.
Thank you for sharing, I was told your Mother, ‘Esther Williams was the sister of Mary Ford of Les Paul & Mary Ford, My folks had some of their songs on a Seeburg Jukebox we had in our San Gabriel Valley home growing up, I knew some of the singers who sang with Esther at the Trails from Hinkley’s El Encanto, another favorite Cabaret restaurant of my folks & mine where these singers & some musicians as well worked with Jimmy also on the Keyboard, ‘Precious memories!
I just love these stories! I worked there 1969-1974 with my mother, a waitress. ( see earlier posts). When I worked there Sal Cordero was the organist. The customer performances were always fun and occasionally one of the staff would get up and sing ! Anyone remember Ginny , the restaurant manager, and “ “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey”!?
I remember Ginny. I just ran across a photo of her and others from The Trails. My mother, Mary, worked there for years
Thanks, Mike. Another good one. I worked at the Trails, and I have one of the glasses you pictured above. I hate the dismantling of the town, as well. I have great memories of growing up there!
Hi Christy, when did you work at the Trails? I’m wondering if we crossed paths, I worked there for 25 years..until the day it closed.
Thanks, Christy. Wow! I had forgotten that you worked at the Trails. That’s cool. It is funny the things we miss about Duarte. I miss the open spaces on both sides of Huntington. I remember when the original 7-11 was introduced to Duarte and how they advertised in the neighborhood. Loved how that store was just off the corner from Las Lomas and Huntington and recessed a bit with a decent-sized parking lot. We got everything from candy to Slurpees to soda to cigarettes to beer to Mad magazines there. Loved Duarte Youth Acres lot on the south side of Huntington where Amberwood is now. There was a tiny tax office, set back away from the boulevard’s edge, on the north side of Huntington where the Paragon condominiums are now. Odd zoning requirements in those days. But that was Duarte–unstructured, undeveloped, and absolutely charming. Today it’s too much of a bedroom community. Thanks for your comment. Hope all is well, Christie.
Mike, having grown up in West Covina from the 1950’s through 1971 . . . I have such fond memories of my Mom and Dad asking my brother and I if we wanted to take a drive to “The Trail’s” for dinner? There was nothing in the world like their vegetable soup and cheese bread! It had the same panache as going to Trader Vic’s, Don the Beechcomber, Dal Rae and another lost one of the times; Orlando’s in Pomona. How about “”El Poche” on Mission in San Gabriel? Isn’t it interesting that as some of us wax nostalgia in search of the simplistic, innocent times of “the day” – we always go back to being a child with the memory of what really warmed our heart’s . . . and stomach too! BTW, do you know where I might be able to pick up any of the cocktail glasses? Please let me know, via my email or cell
My Mom and Dad were regulars at the Trail’s in Duarte from 1964 (when we moved to Duarte) until it’s closing. We had many family celebrations there. They have Trail’s cocktail glasses but (sorry) they aren’t parting with them. Great memories!
Esther Williams was entertaining at The Trails Organ many of those years with many good singers in the Trails Restaurant Esp. on Friday & Saturday evenings… taking turns at the Mic & other musicians joining Esther ‘Once upon a tine in Duarte Ca…
Thanks for your great comments, Mark. Never been to Dal Rae’s. Still open. Still nearby. Do not recall Orlando’s. Interesting structure. I miss Griswold’s. Smorgasbords were popular back then, a concept not totally lost on Soup Plantation or Sizzler’s. Your El Poche reference is interesting. A couple of locations for it are offered online: one at 255 West Mission, right next to the railroad tracks, and two other websites pin it at 233 W. Mission, here [http://bit.ly/2d1LrbC] and here [http://bit.ly/2cYeYqZ]. Yet, a third locatation was offered on South Mission, which is closer to Las Tunas. Here is a picture of the restaurant [http://bit.ly/2d1I3zi]. Our family used to pick up burritos, taquitos, and enchiladas from Pedro’s on Del Mar, abutting north of the police station there. I do recall El Poche. But we never ate there. Its Moorish design reminds me of Casa Calderon, close to the Alhambra border.
On the cocktail glasses from The Trails, ooh, I can’t say. My first recommend would be to try eBay. I searched there and couldn’t find any glasses on The Trails. You might give Duarte’s Historical Museum [http://bit.ly/2dkEPcc] a try. They don’t really sell souvenirs, but they might know someone who does.
I worked at The Trails from 1969 to 1974, starting at 13 years old to 18 (worked for free the first year!) My mother was a waitress there till her death in 1980. She may have been there from the Restaurant’s first year, not sure. She brought me to work to keep me out of trouble. I loved everything about The Trails. The owners and other employees were like family to me. Loved the soup and garlic bread, would love to have those recipes. I’m still in contact with one of my mother’s favorite customers. Not too long ago she sent me four of those wonderful Trails glasses, the light that used to sit on the tables and one of their coffee cups. I will always cherish my memories from that time and was so very sad to hear it closed 15 years ago. Thank you for the article and keeping The Trails memory alive.
Like most folks, we’ve been searching for the soup recipe for nearly 2 decades. I’m sure someone has the exact recipe. We’ve tried different combinations up and down with no true success. If anyone has a contact name for someone who may have the recipe, maybe a relative of the owners, please let us know. We’d forever be in your debt. Zach
I used to work there for five years. My post above yours. I did find a recipe that is the closest I’ve seen. Lady interviewed owner, Edith They say use hamburger. Trails used cuttings from left over steaks for soup. The secret was a huge immersion tool that blended it all and cooking for hours. I’ll send to you. Need an email address. Mine is c.henry@verizon.net Used to have original garlic spread recipe. Lost it. It was for a huge batch. I remember the secret to that was mayonnaise, butter, garlic cheese. The mayo was what surprised me.
My Mom Lueann worked at the trails in the 70’s and I have so many fond memories, I loved the garlic bread and soup too, also remember the fountain and dropping pennies in it. Finding this information and seeing the photos bring back bittersweet memories, My Mom passed away last year and she would have loved to see this. I would love to have the soup and garlic bread recipe.
Sorry for your loss. My mom passed in 1980 after working at The Trails for decades. Your mom’s name sounds so familiar. I worked there from 1969 to 1974 I’m sure we crossed paths! I was very sad to hear when the Trails suddenly closed ! I would’ve gone to dine one more time and visit whoever was still there. I still keep in touch by cards and letters with one of the waitresses, Sylvia.
I would love a copy of the Trails Vegetable pureed soup
The soup recipe that I’ve seen come closest to original is in a cookbook on the internet called “The Route 66 Cookbook “. From the author’s story, it looks like she interviewed the owner of The Trails. Soup called The Trails Range Barley Soup.. It lists hamburger. If I remember correctly, the cooks would use ground up cuttings from the steaks; meat was high quality. Add some toasted garlic bread and it will take you back in time!
My mother, Anne, worked as a cocktail waitress there from 1955 to 1965. The bartender was Keith Hale & his wife Mary. She loved it. I’ve always looked for a postcard of the place but never found one. I remember she’d come home late at night, smelling of perfume, cocktails & cigarettes – I found it an intoxicatingly smell.
Greetings, Mike. I have a set of souvenir tumbler glasses from The Trails which I am listing on eBay. May I have permission to link to your blog for documentation purposes? Thank you for your consideration.
By all means, yes.
Hello, I am not sure who to address here 🙂 I would LOVE to have the veggie soup recipe and of course the garlic bread. Fond memories of The Trails. My mother worked there for years. I remember Edith and I think his name was Dale. I remember Ginny, Gracie, and Mary Hale. I am sure if I heard other names they would be familiar. Loved the little dessert pies, banana cream and pecan. I also remember the Dal Rae….biggest lobster tail I have ever had. What a great place The Trails was, so very sorry it is no longer there. I have two of the tumblers that I have promised to a gentleman on Facebook (You know you are from Glendora) should I ever decide to part with them. Thanks for the memories!
Margaret, here is a link to the soup recipe: http://www.grouprecipes.com/26615/hot-veggie-soup.html. As to the garlic bread, check out Celeste Henry’s replies at 12/13/2016 and 01/11/2017. All the best.
I had my first legal drink there in 1999. Always loved there food. Would eat there often after bowling league.
Still looking for a postcard of The Trails, where my mom, Ann, worked from 1955-65. Edith hired her. My dad, Joe, would help behind the bar. And one of their bar glasses would be too cool.
Loved the Trails and the organist Jimmy, was a personal friend from the days at the old El Encanto
Sylvia Price is still around ,same place
West Covina
HI Marla…..
Jimmy on keyboard at the “El Encanto” above Azusa Ca off San Gabriel Canyon Rd was a Delightful cabaret kick!……. Memories ala carte……
It’s so Great to hear all the comments about the Trails, It was such a big part of my life. I worked there from 1974 until they closed in July 2001. I worked in the restaurant and with Esther Williams and Jimmy McEwen in the lounge (bar) I have so many great memories! Marla
Hi Marlene, I stopped working there in 1974 after I graduated from high school I may have missed you. You might remember my mom, Evelyn. She worked until 1980 at The Trails
Celeste…Yes I remember your mom Evelyn! That is so cool!
Hi Celeste, you mentioned you kept
In touch with Sylvia. I assume that is Sylvia Price. I worked with her for 25 years. I was wondering if you knew if she was still with us.
I wish someone knew a close version of the vegetable soup recipe. Oh if I only had one bite. Nothing like it
Yes on Sylvia….we exchange birthday and Christmas cards. Heard from her last December
There’s the recipe for soup in found in book( look through other comments). Author supposedly met with Edith: I’ve not tried it yet
I am loving all these comments. The Trails was a Great place. I always had fun there. The food was excellent and the drinks were generous. My husband was very good friends with Robert “Buzz” Basha and Edith. I often wonder what became of them. I haven’t been to that area in many years and I am saddened to hear that it was demolished. Same I guess does for The Golden Spur in Glendora now. Such a bummer!
Hello, always love hearing about others memories of The Trails. It holds so many great memories for me! Edith Brothers passed away in 2007 at 85. Not sure what happened to Buzz who was her son-in-law for a time, but became like a son.
Oh, just thinking about The Trails, I can almost taste that vegetable soup and the bread. Has anyone tried the copy recipe for the soup or bread?
HI Marla pat price again,I’m seeing my mom again I told her and told her
That I found the trails on the Internet
She was really excited. She was so glad that you were wondering what ever happened . Now she’s sick ,I can’t say any more the look on her face was (those were the days) there were many other people that she remembered. With the names she saw.. Marla 1-360-969-1861
My #
Well I just wanted to say that my mother Sylvia Price has died . She was happy and it happened in her Sleep . I’m her son Pat Price I guess I should say she was 90
Oh Pat , I’m sad to hear that. She just sent me pictures of her family. My mom and dad were her good friends (Evelyn and Von ( Nickname, Blackie cause he slicked his hair ! Lol ) he worked at The Cove in West Covina and my mom with your mom at The Trails. She’s right , so many great memories when Edith ran her place in its heyday! Please tell Donna and the whole family I’m sorry for your loss …
Hi all wanted to say Sylvia Price Will be buried today . I found many albums of the Trails And other Partys that you people Went to,if you are interested in them Text or call me 1-360-969-1861 Pat Price All albums will be thrown away I will be here for one more week.😉
Hi Pat, OH NO! I Am so sorry to hear about Sylvia’s passing. I wish I would have had a chance to speak to her again. My condolences to you and your family.
Many Blessings always.
Marla
To all past Trail employees, I found 15
Albums. Of partys ,new years,Holloween.
And just having a good time.
They are all free .I’m in W. Covina now
1-360-969-1861. Pat Price
Hi Pat, just checking to see if my brother called you.
Margaret
I remember being, and still am, heartbroken that the Trails closed down….As a young boy growing up in the early 50’s, our family would go there a few times a year, also the El Encano and an Italian restaurant called “The Garden of Eden” which was at the west end of Huntington Dr. in Duarte, I believe it burnt down in the 60’s. Later in ’87 I bought a condo right next door. I was in heaven! I would call over to order a quart their vegetable soup to go. Great restaurants are getting harder to find…
The Trails’ vegetable soup was unbelievable, and I must have consumed many gallons of the stuff over the years. My sister and her husband, fellow soup lovers, moved to Hawaii in 1968, and I would send them a gallon of frozen Trails soup every Christmas until the place closed.
I took my very first girlfriend to the Trails often, and on our last date in late 1969 (when she dumped me) I had the soup and she ordered the steak and lobster — just like the notable Seinfeld episode that aired decades later!
I loved your story! Made me smile!
I Love all the comments, I never thought so many people enjoyed the Trails, I have so many fond memories and no one in my family are here to share this with me. My Mom Lueann would have Love to see all these comments and photos. Because of Mom’s experience at the Trails she managed a restaurant called the Hush Puppy in Branson Mo in the eighties. She always talked about the Trails and loved the people. If anyone remembers my Mom Lueann who worked at the Trails in the 70’s I would love to hear from you.
Hi Ronnie, do you remember when your mom left the Trails? I started working there in 1975. Some of the ladies I remember from the 70’s that your mom might of worked with were Fran, Sylvia, Evelyn, Ginny, Louise, Red, Georgia, Sally, Mary,Carla, Sherry and Bernice to name a few. Do any of those names ring a bell?
Marla, yes Sylvia and Ginny sound familiar, I think Mom (Lueann) worked at the Trails between late 60’s and early 70’s, while she was working there she was studying for her Real Estate License then became a realtor in California, we then moved to Utah in mid 70’s and then to Branson Missouri in the 80’s.
I loved going to Trails. Missing the vegetable soup. Anyone know the recipe or who might still have it?
Josephine, I shared this link on 12/12/17, http://www.grouprecipes.com/26615/hot-veggie-soup.html. As to the garlic bread, check out Celeste Henry’s replies on 12/13/2016 and 01/11/2017. Hope this helps.
We lobed going to the Trails when I was a kid. We brought all ofnoirbout of town guests there for dinner. I also would like to know what happened to the Swiss Park just down the road from this . Does anyone remember ? I went to many. Parents Without Partner dances there era 74-75.
We loved going to the Trails restaurant when I was a child. We used to take all of our out of town guests there for dinner. Does anyone remember the Swiss Park down the road? I used to go to Parents Without Partner dances there circa 73-75?
My mom (Phoebe “Ann” Holbrook) worked at the Trails from the late 1950s to early 60s. When my dad (Joe) died in 1970, my mom joined Parents Without Partners, probably around 1973-74. She met a wonderful man there named Pete Peterson, a fireman form Baldwin Park. They hung out together for 35 years.
Thank you Dave for your comment. It was a wonderful forum for those of us suddenly living along with children to raise. Glad to hear what a great outcome for your Mom.
If you have the recipe for the Trails garlic spread or the soup I would love to have it. Your article on the Trails indicated you had them at one time. Did you find them? I would appreciate it very much.
Remember Tuesday night dance party’s saw Van Halen there two times. I was a freshman at Monrovia high 1974 /75
Does anyone know what ever happened to Robert “Buzz” Basha??
The “Dal Rae” on Washinton Blvd & Rosemead in Pico Rivera is a High-end supper club with a Piano Bar lounge initially Mob owned, a musician, pianist friend of mine worked their Piano Bar for yrs & The “Dal Rae'” was a Favorite supper club of my folks, Their menu cuisine is Fabulous…
My dad worked there in 1955. I was friends with owners daughter Gail(maybe). I was 8 years old at the time and always enjoyed eating there.
‘Esther, the musician organist entertained at the Trails in Duarte for a long time, I can’t recall her last name but, Esther was the sister of Mary Ford of Les Paul & Mary Ford
Wow, you go go back farther then me! My mother may have started work there around mid to late 50’s. I only remember Sal Cordaro at the piano when I worked there ! So many great memories. I had a picture of his album but not sure how to post that here.
Esther Williams entertained at the organ during the 70s & 80s & somewhat beyond & Vocalists would come in, Some Quite Good would sing Standards with Esther & Esther Williams was the sister of singer, guitarist, Mary Ford of Les Paul & Mary Ford
Interesting comments..yes,the trails was a special place in the day..my mom,Shirl,worked there for several years..mid 60’s-mid 70’s if I remember right..family oriented..she is now 93 and living in Glendora..
Many of the singers singing with Esther on keyboard at The Trails… also sang with Jimmy at the keyboard at the “El Encanto” cabaret Supper Club off San Gabriel Canyon Rd above Azusa CA- They both were great LA San Gabriel Valley restaurants with exquisite entertainment.