One of my fondest summer memories is boating on Puget Sound in Washington State. At least once every summer, we’d all pile into Grandpa’s boat and drive across the bay for ice cream. And it’s not that the frozen ice cream treats were anything you couldn’t find at a local gas station; it’s the fact that you got to the store by boat, which makes anything you eat taste that much more special.
In Lake County, we can get a whole lot more than just ice cream by boat! And let me tell you, whatever your craving is, you can find it. Whether it’s Thai, Mexican, pizza, homemade pasta, burgers, or just a drink at the bar, forgo the road and go by boat because we all know it tastes better that way!
Clearlake
In Clearlake, you have several options, all within a short stroll from the boat dock at Redbud Park.
- Kour Thai: Located at the edge of Redbud Park’s parking lot, Kour Thai has been serving Clearlake for decades. Here you can get your choice of curries, stir fries, and noodles, plus a large selection of sushi–the only place you can find it in Lake County outside of a grocery store.
- Catfish Coffeehouse: When you arrive by boat, head to the left of the docks, and you’ve got your own special entrance to Catfish Coffeehouse. Known for serving thoughtfully made coffee, they also offer a great selection of paninis, croissants, and breakfast burritos.
- Highlands Bar and Grill: Just a few steps down the street from the park, you’ll find it. Pick the door on the right, and you’ll be in an old-school bar right out of the 1960s. You can get any drink you can imagine there. Pick the door on the left, and you’ll be in the restaurant, where they serve a selection of pasta, steak, seafood–plus several sandwiches, salads, and burger options.
- Self-Made Billiards and Taqueria: Just across Lakeshore from Catfish Coffeehouse is Self-Made Billiards and Taqueria. If you’re craving Mexican, you can pick up a burrito, some birria, a few tacos, and get a game of pool in while you’re at it.
Nice
At the Stowaway Bar and Grill (formerly–and still by locals–known as The Boathouse), you can tie up at the dock, walk the few steps to the large deck resting on the edge of the water, and enjoy a meal and a beer while you savor the expansive views of Mt. Konocti and the Clear Lake basin. They offer a large selection of pizzas (the Garlic Chicken is a good option), plus burgers, salads, and sandwiches. If you’re looking for something unique, try the Bourbon Bacon Jam burger. It’s a half-pound patty slathered in housemade bourbon bacon jam that is both sweet, smoky and savory.
Lakeport
There’s plenty of room at the docks of Lakeport’s Library Park. Once you tie up, it’s just a short stroll to several restaurants.
- Park Place: A Lakeport landmark, Park Place has been serving good food for years. Whatever you order here, you can know that it has been thoughtfully prepared. From burgers to sandwiches to salads, you can’t go wrong. And if you really want a treat, remember that they make all their pasta in-house.
- On the Waterfront: Next door to Park Place, you’ll find On the Waterfront. If you’re looking for top-end California cuisine designed to be shared with loved ones and paired with top-notch wine, this is the place. Try their Hot Honey Shrimp and Avocado Salad or Miso-beef and Cremini Bucatini, and you won’t be disappointed, but be sure to ask for the perfect wine to pair it with–they’ll be happy to help.
- Ali’s Kitchen: If you want some homestyle, handmade Mexican food, Ali’s Kitchen is the place. On a warm summer evening, you can sit on the roof and enjoy some birria or gorditas while you listen to live music in the park.
- All of downtown Lakeport: If you’re willing to take a few more steps and walk the block up the small rise to Main Street, there are several other restaurants you can try. There’s Pogo’s Pizza, Lakshmi Indian Cuisine, Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch, Angelina’s Bakery, Ferrigno’s Italian Baked Goods, and, a personal favorite, the Gaslight Grill.
Big Valley
Konocti Vista Casino offers several dining options once you step off your boat at its sheltered marina. For sit-down dining, you can enjoy Valentino’s, which offers a selection of American cuisine. Or, if you’re looking for something more casual, swing by the Taste of Konocti or grab a pizza (and play some family-fun games) at Little Caesars.
Kelseyville Riviera
You’ll be treated to some great views in the Riv, so be sure to take the boat ride down (or up) the lake and stop for a bite.
- Konocti Harbor Resort: The windows of Andy’s Bar and Grill span the length of the restaurant, so wherever you sit, you’ll get a good view. Here you can sip on a beer and enjoy your choice of several dishes, spanning from traditional bar food to steak, molcajete, and pasta. But check ahead, as it is only open on weekends.
- Richmond Park Bar and Grill: This bar and grill is as close to the water as it is possible to get. It rests on pilings overhanging Clear Lake and is a favorite of boaters near and far for that reason. With lots of boat slips and live music, you can be sure to get your favorite summer drink (try the Rum Runner, but be aware–it’s dangerous) and sit on the deck with a burger and fries, enjoying the view.
