Just so we're clear, I don't normally eat out of coffins. Well, anymore. I gave it up years ago as part of my plea agreement.
All kidding aside, that's exactly what I did at Hell's Kitchen in Lake Elsinore, California, though. It's a fun roadhouse joint located along Southern California's Ortega Highway that boasts, among other things, a coffin in the dining room. Flip the hydraulic skull-topped switch and the lid raises up to reveal a complete condiment bar—not the worst thing you can find in a strange coffin. That would be a zombie, and if that ever happens to you, always smack it in the brain. Just trust me on that.
I'd rolled into Hell's Kitchen to meet Randy Aron-- a long time custom bike builder and owner of Cycle Visions in nearby San Diego. I was doing a photo shoot of a Harley V-Rod he'd customized for Brad Pitt, and Hell's Kitchen was an easy-to-find landmark along the way. Not only that, it's also a hangout for motorcycle folk of all stripes, from sport bike riders to chopper folks to touring riders and everyone else in the gamut. That's because Tyler Paulson wants it that way. He's the owner/founder and a longtime motorsports enthusiast himself. When he bought the building, it was a dilapidated shithole on a stretch of forested hill road. Tyler had no culinary experience whatsoever. What he did have was enthusiasm and the desire to run a place where his fellow riders could come together for good food and a good time while enjoying the twists and curves of one of the funnest highways in California. Four years of long hours restoring it later,Tyler opened Hell's Kitchens doors and tapped its kegs on January 31st, 2004.
One look from the outside and you can kinda see why it took him so long. Hell's Kitchen isn't a throw-some-paint-on-it-and-call-it-a-day operation. There was the clusterfuck that passes for applying for permits anywhere near Los Angeles. Then there was all the other usual work that goes into making a brick-and-mortar restaurant into reality. On top of that though, there were all the little details Tyler Paulson threw into making Hell's Kitchen the sort of joint where powersports enthusiasts feel welcome- flame paint on the outside, and one can only imagine how many dead bodies he had to dig up for all those skull piles along the patio wall. Sure, they look like they were made of resin, but you never know. There could be an entire human subspecies with resin skeletons living the California desert. Or not.
Step inside and you'll find the sort of roadhouse that's a perfect break from a long day's fun on the road. In addition to the condiment coffin, there's a big screen TV two pool tables, and the smell of grilled burgers wafting from the kitchen. You can have your food anyway you want so long as it's grilled or fried. The menu is a straightforward selection of hamburgers and sandwiches, with a fairly yummy tri-tip version. Nothing exotic, but the focus here is on the décor and ambience, anyway.
You'll find Hell's Kitchen at 32685 Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore, California. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pm. For more information, visit hellskitchen-ca.com or call (951) 609-3390.