I know. Fifteen is a lot of restaurants to go to in the short holiday season. But why not? There’s always a good excuse to get a bite to eat: You’re already cooking a huge holiday dinner, you’re tired from all the shopping, or you just plain ol’ feel like it. Lake County has a lot of places to get great food, but here are fifteen of our favorites.
Mad Mac’s in Clearlake Oaks serves unique, hearty, and decidedly tasty food. Plus, you’ll find mac and cheese in some of the better items. For example, try the Biggin Mac burger, a hand-ground patty layered with house-made mac and cheese, double cheddar, and Boar’s Breath’s homemade BBQ sauce, all on a perfectly toasted bun.
If you’re looking for something smoky, head to Romi’s Brew and BBQ in Nice. Their ribs are delightful, falling off the bone. And you have to try the Whole Family Burger. It’s got beef, a thick slice of ham, a fried egg, onion rings, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and cheese. This burger requires multiple napkins and is definitely not what you would want to choose for a first date.
If you end your shopping in Upper Lake, you can always swing by The Blue Wing Saloon, located just a few steps away from The Dragon’s Den. The Blue Wing serves quality California cuisine and is a perfect place to kick back and relax. They have live music five nights a week and often fill up, so be sure to call ahead.
La Parrilla Grill is located at the edge of Middletown and is well worth the stop. They take pride in making high-quality, handmade dishes, such as their spectacular molé. But if you’re looking for a filling meal that makes for incredible leftovers, try their alambre.
Since the beginning, Buddha Thai Kitchen in Middletown has cooked from scratch, using family recipes. You have to get their spring rolls. That’s a no-brainer. And for a flavor sensation, order their Salmon Basil Eggplant Stir Fry.
Barbecue by Biasotti in Middletown has settled in as the south county’s best place for smoked meats. You have to swing by, get some tri-tip, and savor the incredible flavor.
Park Place, located next to Library Park in Lakeport, offers fresh California cuisine. The restaurant makes all their pasta and sauces in-house, so you can’t go wrong with the fettucini. But it doesn’t really matter what you order. Much of what Park Place serves is locally grown in their own garden located just a few miles away.
Adjacent to Park Place, you’ll find On the Waterfront, one of Lakeport’s newest restaurants and tasting rooms. For a tasteful meal paired perfectly with Sol Rouge wines, this is the place to kick back, spend a couple of hours, and share great food with friends.
For high-end, thoughtfully planned Thai dishes, look no further than Chalerm Thai Bistro in Lakeport. The restaurant has a pleasant, bright atmosphere that’s perfect for lunch or dinner after shopping. Their Pad Thai is light, flavorfu,l and perfectly balanced. Or, for an umami masterpiece, order the Rad Na.
Serving high-quality fare that draws people from all over northern California, The Saw Shop Public House in Kelseyville has earned a reputation for spectacular California Cuisine. Not only do they have a regularly rotating menu filled with mouth-watering items, but they’ve also got some of the best cocktails in the area.
If you’re looking for some great Mexican food and happen to be in Hidden Valley Lake, you have to stop by Alvarez Restaurant. They’ve got a full selection of well-prepared dishes, from Aguachiles Verdes to Pulpo a la Diabla–octopus in a supremely spicy sauce that will leave you sweating.
Shopping can be tiring, and if you need a pick-me-up, there’s no better place to stop than at Studebaker’s Coffee in downtown Kelseyville. They offer a great selection of drinks, plus, if you need a bite to eat, their sandwiches are phenomenal. From breakfast bagels to grilled sandwiches, whatever you choose will leave you satisfied and content.
Pasquinelli’s Deli in Lower Lake is the perfect place to take a break from your shopping. Step in, order a coffee and one of their quality sandwiches, and relax for a few minutes, watching the people pass on the sidewalk. They also have a selection of unique gifts inside. And, if you don’t feel like cooking for the holidays, they offer catering services.
For something tasty and filling, head to La Chilanguita in Clearlake and order a huarache (or ‘sandal’ in Spanish). Corn flour is stuffed with beans, shaped into a large oval, fried, and then topped with fresh veggies and handmade salsa. It’s crunchy, chewy, and completely wonderful. If you haven’t had it before, you have to try it. And be sure to order a cold Pacifico to wash it down.
A true hidden treasure, Danny’s Roadside Kitchen in Lower Lake barbecues the right way, with long smoking times and thoughtful preparation. But it’s got more than just ribs and pulled pork–you’ll also find burgers, sandwiches, and even vegetarian options. It also has a pleasant patio out back that serves as a great place to dig in and enjoy your meal.
Trudy graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and worked as a certified qualified conflict mediator. In 2012, she moved to beautiful Lake County, California, and in 2018, took over the Middletown Mercury newspaper. She renamed it The Bloom, moved it online, and expanded it to include good news and events throughout Northern California. She has been published in numerous places, including Sunset Magazine, Active NorCal, Atlas Obscura, Visit Lake County, and Visit California. She also is an active teacher, speaker, and trainer. You can purchase her books on Amazon.
