01
Best overall pick
Benbow Historic Inn Restaurant
Benbow Resort Village • Upscale Californian Inn Restaurant • Special-Occasion Choice
Elegant river-view dining with a polished menu that feels right for both destination dinners and a refined night in after exploring the redwoods.
Housed in the storybook stone inn above the Eel River, this dining room leans into classic comfort with a modern Californian touch. Expect thoughtful, seasonal plates, an extensive wine list, and the option to linger over dessert or a cocktail by the fire. It’s the place nearby when you want linen napkins, attentive service, and a sense of occasion without leaving Benbow.
02
Hearty breakfast spot
Eel River Cafe
Downtown Garberville • Classic Small-Town Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
A no-frills local diner turning out generous plates of comfort food that fuel a full day of driving or hiking.
Eel River Cafe is the kind of place where the coffee is hot, the portions are big, and the regulars know the servers by name. The menu leans old-school—think biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, and stacked burgers—but there are lighter options if you ask. It’s an easy, budget-friendly stop just off the highway when you want a straightforward meal without any fuss.
03
Local brunch favorite
Woodrose Café
Garberville Back-Street Hillside • Relaxed Garden-View Breakfast And Lunch Cafe • Go-To For Vegetarian-Friendly Brunch
A mellow, tucked-away cafe known for fresh ingredients, solid coffee, and plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners.
Set slightly away from the main drag, Woodrose Café feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a highway stop. The menu runs from hearty scrambles and pancakes to veggie-packed bowls and salads, with an easygoing pace that invites you to linger over a second cup of coffee. Grab a table on the patio when the weather cooperates and enjoy a quieter side of Garberville.
04
Best road-trip stop
Avenue Café
Miranda On The Avenue Of The Giants • Casual American Cafe And Pizzeria • Casual Lunch-And-Pint Stop
Laid-back spot on the Avenue of the Giants for burgers, pizzas, and a beer after a day among the giant trees.
About 15 minutes south of Benbow, Avenue Café sits right on the main strip in Miranda, making it a natural pause point on a redwoods drive. The food is straightforward—juicy burgers, thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and salads—but consistently satisfying, with friendly service and a locals-and-travelers mix. It’s especially handy if you want a full meal and a drink without detouring far off your scenic route.
05
Most unique setting
Chimney Tree Grill
Phillipsville Redwoods Roadside • Outdoor Redwoods Grill And Snack Stand • Family-Friendly Redwoods Stop
Casual walk-up grill beside a hollow redwood, great for burgers, fries, and ice cream in a setting kids remember.
Chimney Tree Grill shares a property with a towering, hollow redwood you can actually walk inside, which makes it more memorable than your average roadside stop. The menu sticks to simple crowd-pleasers—burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and soft-serve—served at picnic tables under the trees. It’s a relaxed, kid-friendly option when you want to stretch your legs, grab a quick bite, and sneak in one more redwoods photo-op on the way to or from Benbow.