Copyright Santa Clarita Valley Signal
By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Writer The Rock Inn in Lake Hughes serves as a welcoming hub for a mix of people — from hikers to bikers — who feel a true sense of belonging, much like a local version of “Cheers.” “Because of its combination of friendly atmosphere and historic charm, there is a sense of community, and The Rock plays a central role as a social hub for locals and travelers alike,” said Allaire Koslo, mother of the establishment’s current owner, Chloe Koslo. “It is a community anchor and the heart of this tiny town, offering old school hospitality,” Allaire continued. “People enjoy everything from a girls’ night out, karaoke, lunch with a friend, to birthday, wedding or retirement parties, dinner after the Leona Divide 100-mile run and/or a weekend getaway at The Rock.” A beloved landmark, The Rock Inn will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029 and stands as one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County. For the first time in two decades, the business is listed for sale, as current proprietor Warren St. John plans to retire. The hope, according to the Koslo family, is for a buyer with the means “to continue to appreciate, respect, treasure, improve, love her, thrive and be successful in this community. “The Rock Inn is so unique,” Allaire emphasized. “Every rock tells a story of over a billion years. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County. There have been only three owners of The Rock: The Hurd family, the Shrouts and actor Paul Koslo and his family since 1975.” Nestled in the Angeles National Forest, The Rock Inn is an “iconic treasure” that offers “a nostalgic escape” from modern chain restaurants. Built in the late 1920s, the rustic mountain roadhouse captures an authenticity that sets it apart from the typical Santa Clarita Valley dining scene. Its story began in April 1927, when the original Lake Hughes Trading Post — a wooden structure — burned to the ground. The owner, Joel B. Hurd, made “the bold decision” to rebuild using local river rock. Two years later, from the ashes rose a fortress-like compound that has welcomed travelers, locals, and celebrities for nearly a century. In the 1970s, Al Stolken, uncle of current owner Chloe Koslo, hand-crafted the wooden bar from timber reclaimed from a San Francisco pier. Today, “people fall in love with the Rock Inn because of its natural beauty, unique architecture, made of metamorphic river rock and granitic gneiss,” said Allaire. The building’s rich history includes its days as a favorite hideaway for Golden Age Hollywood icons like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. “With a three story rock exterior and large stone fireplace, one feels timeless, recalling an earlier era of American history,” she said. “People love to ride their bicycles, motorcycles and classic and performance cars up the canyons to this destination, enjoy a meal, the buildings, the forest and downtown Lake Hughes, California, ‘Where Nature is Your Neighbor.’” Rustic yet inviting, The Rock Inn maintains a genuine small-town Americana charm and has earned a reputation as a warm locals’ gathering spot. “The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and welcoming, with a friendly staff who make guests feel at home. A bar, piano and pool table encourages a relaxed, social environment.” Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, The Rock Inn features live music every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m., and karaoke Friday nights at 8 p.m. The menu is known for hearty portions and stick-to-your-ribs comfort favorites, with standout dishes like tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, and prime rib. Daily specials add variety and a touch of the unexpected. “In the winter, the large fireplace provides a cozy setting to enjoy a drink by the fire,” Allaire added. “The Rock Inn’s rustic charm and character has been carefully preserved which is a major part of its identity, offering an authentic old-timey feeling that transports visitors back in time.”
