Clearman's Galley — Restaurant in East San Gabriel

To be completely honest, we weren't very impressed. We definitely didn't leave satisfied, and we've been going to the boat for years on and off.

My wife had a lettuce wrapped burger, and she could not get over the fact that the burger itself was very bland...her blue salad was good like always.

I was a bit depressed with my order, the coconut shrimp with potato wedges. I was bummed on how well done everything was. The coconut shrimp was very dark, so I'm assuming it was overly fried. The potatoes wedges that were of abundance were also over cooked, it was like eating oil. I ate a whole plate of oily food. I felt the food was overcooked in the oil, hence the extra oil. I'm not overly upset, I ordered fried food, but I believe it was over fried.(I've worked in many kitchens)

Get to my kids food and she wasnt very impressed either and she's only 5, she usually just scarfs it down but again, her kids' meal was Mac and Cheese and potato wedges...a lot of potato wedges, overly fried. She took a couple of bites of her Mac and cheese and literally said "It's kind of plain"... I looked at it closer and it did pretty much look like craft Mac and cheese(nothing special)

Come on, Boat, give us some Mac and Cheese the kids can shake a fork at.

We ordered 4 cheese breads and the cheese bread didn't disappoint. Seems like the staples, salad, and cheese bread were the only two good things out of the 6 things we ordered.

This is merely our opinion after a few years away from The Boat. We definitely prefer the food at Claermans over The Boat. Maybe you guys should marry some menu items?...I'm just thinking out loud here.

We spent almost $60 for the 3 of us, and I think we're going to hang back on The Galley for a bit.

The TV's are great for the adults, but you guys had 30 Plus TV's playing the same exact thing the whole time we were there, and we're not basketball fans so the one basketball game you had on, held no interest in us, which made all of your TV's null and void to us...🤷🏼...(there was 1 TV with some golf playing at the bar but I couldn't see that far from the west side of the restaurant)

Also, my 5 year old had absolutely no interest in a pinball machine, a hunting game (she can't reach due to her height) and Pac-Man(times are changing)

We've always loved The Boat, so we're not sure what happened...maybe we're just...

Clearman’s Galley – “The Boat”

Where you come hungry, leave heavier, and somehow still want more.

You don’t just “go” to The Boat. You dock there like a busted-up pirate ship that’s been out to sea for decades, crawling in with a crew of misfits, bandmates, and the one guy who still owes you twenty bucks from 1994. The moment you walk in, you get smacked in the face with that scent — deep-fried, char-grilled, nostalgia-marinated air that could make a vegan sweat.

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The Food

The burgers aren’t Instagram-ready little tower sculptures — they’re real. Beefy, greasy enough to lube your elbows, served on buns that could probably stop a BB. Fries? Crisp outside, fluffy inside, perfectly engineered to scoop up enough ketchup to alarm a cardiologist. The chicken dinners are so golden and crunchy you’ll think someone’s smuggling them out of a county fair.

You’re not here for microgreens. You’re here for meat, salt, and joy.

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The Vibe

It’s not a “theme.” It’s a damn boat. And not some polished yacht either — this thing has seen some stuff. The rebuild might’ve made it bigger, but it’s still got that “everyone’s welcome” buzz. Sports blaring on a wall of screens, kids trying to beat the claw machine, someone in the corner explaining how they almost opened for Van Halen in ’82.

The place can handle entire bands, three birthday parties, and your cousin Larry who talks too loud — all at once — without breaking a sweat.

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The History

Back in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, this was the pit stop for every SGV rocker, punk, and garage-band hero. Pre-show fuel? Check. Post-gig debrief with beer and fries? Double check. You probably saw more handshake deals for “we’re starting a band” happen here than at any recording studio in the Valley.

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The Service

Quick. Friendly. They actually look you in the eye — which is rare these days. No pretense, no fake smiles, just that “let’s get you fed” energy that makes you trust them instantly.

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Final Word

The Boat is an SGV time capsule that still floats. It’s loud, greasy, friendly, and perfect. You come here to eat like you mean it, laugh until you choke on a fry, and remember why chain restaurants will never compete with a place that’s got real history, real food, and real people.

Pro tip: Don’t wear white. And bring an appetite big enough to shame...

"The Boat," now Clearman's Galley, has been a longstanding favorite for my husband and I. Through its evolution and relocation, the essence of this place has remained a constant source of good times with family and friends. The food consistently maintains a high standard, served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

My ultimate go-to is the Clearman's famous red cabbage salad and blue cheese salad, expertly combined as a half-and-half salad, accompanied by the mouthwatering Clearman's cheese bread (no joke). This combination is simply divine.

Discovering that Clearman's Northwoods Inn next door sells the Clearman's cheese spread to take home was a total bonus, especially at a more affordable price compared to the local stores.

During our recent visit, there were a couple of hiccups. Unfortunately, we weren't provided with silverware when our food arrived, and the cheese bread we ordered was a bit on the burnt side. When we requested a replacement, the server took the bread but never brought a fresh batch. While this wasn't ideal, I understand that we arrived close to closing time (an hour prior), and the staff may have been dealing with the aftermath of two large groups departing.

Despite this minor hiccup, our loyalty remains unwavering. Over 20 years of memories and exceptional meals outweigh a single night of less-than-perfect service. We're looking forward to many more visits to enjoy the fantastic food that keeps us coming back. Always up for the...