California's Last Remaining Rainforest Cafe Thrives in Ontario Mills Mall

The iconic themed restaurant chain has just one location left in the Golden State.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Rainforest Cafe, the themed dining chain that immerses guests in a lush, jungle-inspired setting, once had around 45 locations across the U.S. But today, the chain has dwindled down to just 16 locations, with California's sole remaining Rainforest Cafe situated in the Ontario Mills shopping mall in the city of Ontario. While the chain's heyday was in the early 2000s, the lone California location continues to draw visitors seeking the nostalgic experience, complete with animatronic animals, tropical decor, and a menu of American and tropical-inspired dishes.

Why it matters

The survival of the Ontario Mills Rainforest Cafe location highlights the enduring appeal of the chain's immersive, nostalgic dining experience, even as the overall number of Rainforest Cafes has declined over the years. It also showcases the continued draw of the Ontario Mills mall as a regional shopping and entertainment destination, with the Rainforest Cafe serving as a key anchor tenant.

The details

Rainforest Cafe once had four locations in California, but the Ontario Mills mall is now the only one remaining after the other three closed down between 2013 and 2018. The Ontario location is situated within the large shopping mall, which features over 200 stores, a movie theater, and an upcoming action park. Visitors can not only dine at the Rainforest Cafe, but also enjoy the mall's other shopping and entertainment options before or after their meal.

  • Rainforest Cafe had around 45 locations across the U.S. during its heyday in the early 2000s.
  • The chain has dwindled down to just 16 locations across 11 states, as well as a few international locations, as of 2026.
  • The Ontario Mills Rainforest Cafe location is the sole remaining Rainforest Cafe in California as of February 2026.

The players

Rainforest Cafe

A themed dining chain that immerses guests in a lush, jungle-inspired setting complete with animatronic animals, tropical decor, and a menu of American and tropical-inspired dishes.

Ontario Mills

A large shopping mall in Ontario, California that is home to the state's last remaining Rainforest Cafe location.

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What’s next

The Ontario Mills mall is set to open a new Slick City Action Park attraction in the coming months, which could further boost foot traffic and interest in the Rainforest Cafe location.

The takeaway

The survival of the Rainforest Cafe at Ontario Mills speaks to the enduring appeal of the chain's immersive, nostalgic dining experience, even as the overall number of locations has declined. It also highlights the continued draw of the Ontario Mills mall as a regional shopping and entertainment destination.