LV LifeDining

LV diner has inviting atmosphere

Roberta Virgin, owner of Roberta's Village Inn, clears the counter at the neighborhood diner. Jay Frame is one of many frequent visitors, and Traci Whiting works as a waitress at the restaurant located near the corner of D Street and Bonita in La Verne. / photo by Blanca Rocha
Roberta Virgin, owner of Roberta’s Village Inn, clears the counter at the neighborhood diner. Jay Frame is one of many frequent visitors, and Traci Whiting works as a waitress at the restaurant located near the corner of D Street and Bonita in La Verne. / photo by Blanca Rocha

by Bailey Porter
LV Life Editor

The low hum of oldies music and the buzz of lunchtime conversation combine with the sizzle of food on the grill and the friendly “hello” for everyone who enters.

Roberta’s Village Inn, the diner in downtown La Verne, which now has new owners and a revamped exterior, was picking up pace for the lunchtime crowd on a Wednesday afternoon.

It offers a little something different from the usual haunts for hungry ULV students.

Young children hopped into booths alongside their parents and grandparents as waitresses chatted with them, taking their orders.

A man sat reading at the wrap-around counter in the rear of the quaint diner, which is decorated in mauves and country blues.

Most ULV students probably know of a little diner in their hometown that fits this description and the Village Inn provides just the spot to feel even more a part of a small town.

Recently Roberta Virgin, who has been working at the Inn for 25 years, took over ownership and has since made some improvements.

Under her leadership, the exterior of the Inn has been remodeled and things have been cleaned up, she said.

Terry Heskett, 53, has been coming to the Inn for six years and Boyd Phelps, 78, has been coming for 15 years.

“It’s great,” Heskett said. “(Roberta) does a great job.”

The menu, which offers breakfast all day, has the usual variety of diner dishes: hamburgers and tuna melts, and the prices are just fine for college students on a budget.

Homemade soup adds variety with potato and ham, cheese and jalapeño and navy bean.

Mondays turn into “Mexican Monday” with a special Mexican dish added as an alternative. And other specials are offered throughout the week.

Although students might find similar food at Davenport Dining Hall, it will only take a few minutes to walk over to the inn and experience the old town feel of quality, friendly service, those greasy favorites or a chance to eat a stack of pancakes at 1 p.m.

The Village Inn also provides a change of scenery from on-campus dining even if it is just down the street. Large windows look out onto downtown La Verne and allow diners to watch people pass by.

Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Inn makes a nice stop before class to talk with friends over breakfast burritos or do some last minute reading while soaking in the old town La Verne atmosphere.

Bailey Porter
Other Stories Bio
Blanca Rocha
Other Stories Bio
Previous article
Theater wants your butts
Next article
Where’s the college town?

Latest Stories

Related articles

LV Life

Lost Levels Arcade ignites nostalgia and curiosity

For those looking for the nostalgia of old console and cabinet video games, Lost Levels Arcade, at 530 West First Street in Claremont, is the right destination.
Dining

New coffee shop introduces unique flavors

Bonita Coffee Co. is a new coffee shop in San Dimas that provides a space for customers to try new beverages, as well as spend time with friends.
Dining

Haven Haus brings strong clientele from Inland Empire

A new restaurant for La Verne, the Haven Haus Cafe, offers breakfast and lunch options plus a coffee bar and full bar for mimosas, margaritas, sangria and more. 
LV Life

Bored with the same old study spot? Try one of these third spaces 

Within five miles of the University of La Verne there are at least 25 third space study spots, or places outside of the on-campus box, in this case cafes.