Lazy H Ranch a relaxing luncheon respite

The Lazy H Ranch – even the name denotes relaxation. In the past, it has served as a private secluded hideaway, but now boasts a motel, restaurant and expansive green lawns on six-and-a-half acres. Birds sing as they flit about the garden.

In the 1920s a ranch was built on the site, then extra rooms were added by the owner, who wanted to provide for his guests. About 50 years ago the property was established as a public motel and restaurant.

I was told by a member of the wait staff that during the property’s early days a nearby airstrip was convenient for guests seeking a remote and peaceful hideaway. Who were some of these people who visited before the Lazy H became a more mainstream destination? Sounds a bit like a William Randolph Hearst-type story to me. If anyone has a piece of this history puzzle, please share the information; I would love to write a sequel to the story. Why the name Lazy H? Who is H?

While not nearly as remote, due to the emergence of casinos, the Lazy H Ranch Restaurant in Pauma Valley is still a peaceful destination. Whether you are on the way to Palomar Mountain or other eastern destinations, or just out for a drive on SR-76, the Lazy H Ranch Restaurant is worth a stop.

Through sheer ruffled curtains, the cozy and unpretentious restaurant offers a marvelous panorama of a manicured green lawn and domesticated roses. Or, from the other side of the room, diners can enjoy a view of mountains, trees and a swimming pool.

Lazy H’s food has a good, homemade country freshness about it. I enjoyed a Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich, which was served with a choice of potato salad, fries or fresh fruit. On that hot day, the sandwich tasted great accompanied by a glass brimming with iced tea.

The lunch menu also included salads, hot sandwiches and entrées. Lazy H is also open for dinner, when they serve a variety of items such as Pepper Crusted Lamb Chops and Filet Mignon.

The water is wonderful! I have never raved about water in any of my restaurant reviews, but the Lazy H’s water is from a deep well and has the clear, fresh taste of mountain water.

Sip a drink in the cocktail lounge and you just might need to lean around a tree trunk to visit with your neighbor. A tree growing through the roof of the building is a curiosity found in this remnant from the 1920s.

What are the other not-so-evident curiosities? Who were these people who flew in their private planes to visit this ranch? Did they leave anything behind, such as inscriptions on trees, forgotten journals or notes tucked into tree trunks? Come to the Lazy H for a good country-fresh meal and some serious musing!

Lazy H Ranch Restaurant

16787 Highway 76

Pauma Valley

(760) 742-3669

(15 miles from I-15)