Tucked away in the heart of Claremont, The Back Abbey has become a culinary destination for those who crave authentic European-inspired fare with a California twist. Its inviting ambience, characterized by rustic wood accents and a vibrant outdoor patio, draws both regulars and newcomers seeking an exceptional dining experience.
At the core of its charm lies a thoughtfully curated menu, reflecting a passion for quality, local ingredients and a commitment to bold, memorable flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply searching for a great meal with friends, The Back Abbey menu promises something for every palate.
Exploring the culinary offerings here is more than just a meal—it’s an adventure through expertly crafted dishes, artisan beverages, and a dedication to hospitality. From their famous burgers to artfully prepared small plates, every item tells a story of tradition and innovation.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen team draws inspiration from both European brasseries and California’s bountiful produce, creating a menu that evolves with the seasons. The result is an unforgettable dining experience, where each bite is a testament to the restaurant’s philosophy of excellence.
For those eager to discover what sets The Back Abbey apart, a closer look at the menu unveils a world of flavors waiting to be savored.
Signature Burgers: The Heart of the Back Abbey Menu
Burgers have earned legendary status at The Back Abbey, and for good reason. Each burger is crafted with meticulous care, using prime ingredients and house-made accompaniments.
The menu showcases a variety of options that appeal to both traditionalists and those looking for a bold twist on a classic.
The star of the show is undoubtedly The Back Abbey Burger, featuring a blend of ground chuck and sirloin, topped with aged gouda, caramelized onions, and house-made mustard aioli. This burger sets the gold standard, and guests often remark on its perfectly balanced flavors and juicy texture.
A toasted brioche bun provides the ideal canvas, absorbing every savory note.
For those seeking variety, the menu also offers a Vegetarian Burger crafted from black beans, roasted vegetables, and a touch of spice. This alternative stands out for its robust flavor profile and satisfying texture, proving that plant-based options can be just as indulgent as their meat counterparts.
House-pickled vegetables and crisp greens add a fresh contrast to every bite.
- The Back Abbey Burger: House blend patty, aged gouda, caramelized onions, mustard aioli, micro greens, brioche bun
- Vegetarian Burger: Black bean patty, roasted veggies, house-pickled vegetables, spicy aioli
- Seasonal Burger: Rotating feature with local ingredients and chef-inspired toppings
“Our burgers begin with the best available ingredients, but it’s the attention to detail—from the grind of the beef to the house-made aioli—that makes all the difference.” – Executive Chef, The Back Abbey
Pairing your burger with hand-cut fries or a seasonal salad transforms this simple dish into a memorable meal. The kitchen’s commitment to quality shines through in every element, making burgers the undisputed centerpiece of The Back Abbey menu.
Small Plates and Appetizers: A Taste of Europe
Before the main course, guests are encouraged to explore the robust selection of small plates and appetizers. These dishes are inspired by European brasserie classics, designed for sharing and sampling a wide range of flavors.
The Back Abbey’s appetizer menu excels in offering both comfort and sophistication.
Popular starters include Belgian-style Frites, served piping hot with a side of house-made dipping sauces. These frites are double-fried for extra crispiness and are often cited as a must-try for first-time visitors.
Another standout is the Charcuterie Board, featuring a rotating selection of artisanal meats, cheeses, and accoutrements sourced from local purveyors. Each bite introduces a new texture and taste, from creamy brie to robust smoked sausage.
For those craving lighter fare, the Roasted Beet Salad offers a vibrant combination of roasted beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This dish exemplifies the kitchen’s deft touch with seasonal produce and balanced flavors.
No matter your preference, the appetizer menu sets the tone for a meal that’s both inviting and adventurous.
- Belgian-style Frites with aioli, curry ketchup, and truffle mayo
- Charcuterie Board with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and mustard
- Roasted Beet Salad with goat cheese, candied walnuts, mixed greens
- House-made Soft Pretzels served with Bavarian mustard and cheese fondue
Pairing Suggestions
Pairing small plates with one of the restaurant’s signature Belgian ales or a crisp white wine can elevate the experience. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to make recommendations, ensuring your meal starts on a high note.
“Our appetizers are meant to bring people together, inspiring conversation and anticipation for what’s to come.” – Front of House Manager
Salads and Fresh Fare: Vibrant and Seasonal
Health-conscious diners and salad enthusiasts will find much to love in The Back Abbey’s selection of fresh fare. These salads are far from afterthoughts, each one thoughtfully composed to highlight the best of local, seasonal produce.
The Back Abbey Chopped Salad is a perennial favorite, brimming with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radish, and feta, all tossed in a zesty herb vinaigrette. This dish strikes a perfect balance between hearty and refreshing, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Guests often add grilled chicken or seared salmon to customize their meal.
Another standout is the Warm Quinoa Salad, featuring roasted vegetables, toasted almonds, and a citrusy dressing. The combination of textures and flavors appeals to vegetarians and omnivores alike, offering both nutrition and indulgence.
Seasonal ingredients keep the salads dynamic and ever-changing.
- Back Abbey Chopped Salad with mixed greens, feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber
- Warm Quinoa Salad with roasted vegetables, toasted almonds, citrus dressing
- Arugula & Pear Salad with blue cheese, candied pecans, honey vinaigrette
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Recommended Add-ons |
| Chopped Salad | Mixed greens, feta, tomatoes | Grilled chicken, salmon |
| Quinoa Salad | Quinoa, roasted vegetables | Avocado, almonds |
| Arugula & Pear | Arugula, pear, blue cheese | Prosciutto, walnuts |
Salads at The Back Abbey are more than just a side—they’re a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients, perfect for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying option.
Entrees and Classics: Hearty, Inspired Dishes
Beyond burgers and salads, The Back Abbey excels in offering hearty entrees and European-inspired classics. These dishes showcase the kitchen’s technical skill and deep appreciation for tradition, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.
The Bistro Steak Frites is a standout, featuring a perfectly seared steak accompanied by crispy fries and house-made herb butter. This dish pays homage to French bistros, marrying simplicity with bold flavor.
Diners often rave about the high-quality beef and expertly executed sauces.
For guests seeking something unique, the Moules Frites delivers an authentic taste of Belgium. Plump mussels are steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served alongside a generous portion of frites.
The interplay of briny seafood and aromatic broth creates a memorable experience.
- Bistro Steak Frites: Seared steak, house herb butter, Belgian fries
- Moules Frites: Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, herbs, with frites
- Pork Schnitzel: Breaded pork cutlet, lemon, capers, warm potato salad
“We take pride in honoring European classics while adding our own California twist. Every entree is a labor of love, meant to comfort and inspire.” – Sous Chef
Entree Comparisons
| Dish | Origin | Main Protein | Signature Accompaniment |
| Bistro Steak Frites | France | Beef | Herb butter, fries |
| Moules Frites | Belgium | Mussels | White wine broth, fries |
| Pork Schnitzel | Germany | Pork | Potato salad |
With generous portions and robust flavors, these entrees satisfy both the appetite and the soul. Each plate is a testament to the restaurant’s culinary roots and inventive spirit.
Artisanal Sandwiches and Sides
Sandwiches at The Back Abbey offer a delicious alternative to burgers, each one thoughtfully assembled with premium ingredients and house-made spreads. These creations are perfect for a casual lunch or a hearty dinner, combining classic deli flavors with European flair.
The Grilled Chicken Panini is a perennial favorite, featuring marinated chicken breast, melted provolone, roasted red peppers, and pesto on grilled ciabatta. The contrast of textures—crisp bread, juicy chicken, creamy cheese—makes for a satisfying bite every time.
Another standout is the Pastrami Rueben, which layers house-cured pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye, finished with a zesty house dressing.
Sandwiches are complemented by an array of inventive sides, from Truffle Parmesan Fries to Seasonal Slaw. Each side is designed to enhance the main dish, offering a mix of flavors and textures that keep the meal exciting.
Guests are encouraged to mix and match, creating a personalized dining experience.
- Grilled Chicken Panini: Chicken breast, roasted peppers, provolone, pesto, ciabatta
- Pastrami Rueben: House pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, rye, house dressing
- Artisan Veggie Sandwich: Grilled vegetables, goat cheese, balsamic glaze, whole grain bread
Notable Sides
- Truffle Parmesan Fries
- Seasonal Slaw
- House Pickles
- Mixed Green Salad
“A great sandwich is all about balance—each ingredient must sing, but none should overpower the others.” – Line Cook, The Back Abbey
With attention to detail and a focus on quality, sandwiches and sides at The Back Abbey are anything but ordinary. They offer both comfort and adventure, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.
Belgian Beers and Craft Libations
No meal at The Back Abbey is complete without exploring its renowned beverage program. The bar boasts an impressive selection of Belgian beers, curated wines, and craft cocktails that perfectly complement the menu’s bold flavors.
Beverage pairings are a cornerstone of the experience, elevating each dish to new heights.
The beer list showcases rare imports and local favorites, with staff happy to guide guests through the options. From crisp, refreshing pilsners to rich, complex Trappist ales, there’s a pour for every palate.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its cocktail menu, where fresh-squeezed juices and house infusions take center stage.
- Belgian Ales: Chimay, Duvel, Orval, and more
- Craft Cocktails: Seasonal creations with house-made syrups and fresh herbs
- Wine List: Curated selection of old and new world wines
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Food Pairing |
| Chimay Blue | Rich, dark fruit, malty | Steak Frites, Charcuterie |
| Duvel | Light, effervescent, dry | Burgers, Frites |
| Seasonal Gin Cocktail | Citrus, herbal, refreshing | Salads, Veggie Sandwich |
The beverage menu is expertly designed to enhance the flavors of the food, creating a harmonious dining experience. Guests are encouraged to ask for pairing suggestions to make the most of their visit.
“A great beer or cocktail doesn’t just quench your thirst—it transforms the meal, elevating every flavor on the plate.” – Beverage Director
Desserts: Sweet Endings with European Flair
Desserts at The Back Abbey are more than just an afterthought; they’re a highlight of the menu, designed to leave a lasting impression. Drawing inspiration from European patisseries, the pastry team focuses on classic techniques and seasonal ingredients to deliver unforgettable sweet treats.
The Belgian Chocolate Pot de Crème is a customer favorite, offering a rich, velvety chocolate custard topped with fresh whipped cream. This indulgent dessert balances deep cocoa flavors with a delicate sweetness, making it the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Another standout is the Apple Galette, which features flaky pastry, spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Meyer Lemon Tart delivers bright citrus flavor in a crisp, buttery shell. Its tangy-sweet profile offers a refreshing finish, especially after a hearty entree.
Each dessert is plated with care, often accompanied by a scoop of house-made ice cream or a flourish of fresh fruit.
- Belgian Chocolate Pot de Crème with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
- Apple Galette with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
- Meyer Lemon Tart with berry coulis
- Seasonal Sorbets crafted in-house
“Dessert is the last note of the meal—it should be both memorable and satisfying, leaving guests excited to return.” – Pastry Chef
Whether you crave something rich and decadent or light and refreshing, the dessert menu at The Back Abbey ensures every meal ends on a sweet, satisfying note.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: Inclusive Dining
The Back Abbey’s menu is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. These dishes are crafted with the same attention to detail as the rest of the menu, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Vegetarian guests will find a variety of choices, from the Vegetarian Burger to the Warm Quinoa Salad and Artisan Veggie Sandwich. Each dish celebrates the flavors of fresh produce and creative seasonings, proving that meatless meals can be just as satisfying.
Gluten-free diners are equally well-catered for, with salads, entrees, and even desserts available in gluten-free preparations.
- Vegetarian Burger (gluten-free bun available)
- Warm Quinoa Salad
- Grilled Chicken Breast (gluten-free)
- Seasonal Sorbets (gluten-free and vegan)
Commitment to Dietary Needs
The kitchen staff is always happy to accommodate dietary requests and allergies. Simply alert your server, and the team will make every effort to customize your meal.
This commitment to hospitality ensures that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.
“Every guest deserves a meal that delights and satisfies, no matter their dietary needs. We’re proud to offer options for everyone.” – General Manager
With a menu that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, The Back Abbey ensures no one feels left out at the table.
Conclusion: The Back Abbey Experience
Dining at The Back Abbey transcends the ordinary, blending European tradition with California’s vibrant culinary spirit. Each menu item, from the legendary burgers to the artisanal desserts, is crafted with a dedication to quality and a passion for innovation.
The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service complete the experience, making every visit feel special.
What truly sets The Back Abbey apart is its commitment to authenticity and hospitality. The menu reflects a deep respect for both classic techniques and modern tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone—regardless of dietary preference or craving.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, celebrating a milestone, or simply treating yourself, a meal here is always an occasion. For those seeking a memorable dining adventure, The Back Abbey menu offers an enticing invitation to savor, explore, and return again and again.
