[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Inland Empire is home to a ton of different cuisines, delicious tacos, and so much more. I have family here, and I grew up going back and forth around the edge of the Mojave. The vibe in some spots is similar to Los Angeles, with a few differences. For one, there are fewer roaming street vendors. As a kid, I would spend hours with my grandpa hunting the paletero down and carrying a popsicle in hand like a trophy afterward. Contrary to ignorant monikers like “Fon-tucky,” the, I.E. is chock full of nearly any kind of cuisine.
I included spots where mask-wearing and social distancing are taken seriously, and because of that, I did have to leave out a taquería that had some pretty good tripas.
There are so many spots here that aren’t trying to jump on any fads or trends but rather serve unapologetic, innovative, and mouth-watering food. Is this an exhaustive list? No. Are these spots delicious, one of a kind, and a safe way to support local businesses? Yes.