A First Time Visit to San Bernardino Claim Jumper Makes an Impression

Yes, it is a chain. But my first experience at this restaurant was in early April and it was really pleasant and promising to be a return visit for me because of the excellent food and service.

I was actually tagging along with my sister, brother-in-law and his parents for lunch that day after they attended church. We entered to a dim-lighted restaurant that had a homey feel to it.

We were led to a table somewhere in the middle of the restaurant. After we were seated, our server Kristine greeted us with a friendly smile. She introduced herself and took our drink orders while we studied our menus. Fortunately she gave us ample time to study the large menu that offered everything from original rotisserie specialties, seafood dishes to hearth-baked pizzas. They also had special menus for vegetarians, gluten free and kids (which they call Little Jumpers). While studying the menu, I noticed this line below each page: “Claim Jumper is a 100% trans-fat free restaurant.”

When everyone at our table was ready to order, my brother-in-law’s parents ordered the Beef & Bird combination ($22.99), which included two Beef Back Ribs and a half of Rotisserie Chicken. The meal also comes with a side and a choice of bread, which they chosen green beans and Buttermilk Biscuit.

From the looks of it and the smell, it was quite a delicacy. They told us they enjoyed their meal.

My brother-in-law ordered the Fish and Chips combination ($14.99) and my sister selected the Margherita Pizza ($9.99). I chose the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mah Mahi ($19.99). While we waited for the food, we talked and I sipped my Strawberry Lemonade.

Unfortunately, I soon switched it with my sister’s Iced Tea because it was a bit too sour for me – and that I didn’t feel like playing with it too much.

When our orders finally arrived, I mumbled about the little portion to my sister but soon found out how wrong I was. It just looked little with the arrangement on the large plate. Claim Jumper is known for their large portions, making the prices more reasonable.

I was full and I found the food delicious in many ways. I was never a fan of fish, but found the Mahi Mahi was enjoyable. It was soft and creamy. The rice and green beans that came along with the meal made a good combination. I like my green beans crunchy, so I was happy. The sauce was a bit salty but I found that if I mixed in with the rice it was good.

Warning: There are peanuts in the dish. Those allergic might want to check with the server before diving in.

In between entertaining ourselves with the many dishes, I also managed to sneak two pieces of my sister’s pizza to taste. It was another good choice because the crust is made out of French bread and goat cheese that was the right kind of stringy. It had the taste of fresh tomatoes, unlike the mashed tomato-like texture I’ve tasted in other pizzas I’ve tasted. The basil on it to completed the flavoring.

It was, to me, a luxurious meal. The others told me they had been to different Claim Jumper locations at times in the past and had been satisfied with their experience each time. It shows that the food and service are consistent for several locations already. It has gained my confidence after this experience with both the food and excellent service from Kristine and other staff so I would recommend it.

Claim Jumper (http://www.claimjumper.com/)

• Specializes: Original Rotisserie Specialties, Aged Steaks and Lobster served with roasted vegetables and one side
• Address: 1905 S. Commercenter E., San Bernardino
• Phone: 909-383-1818
• Price range:  $4.99 to $46.99 (Range varies from locations)