01
Best overall pick
Forester Pub and Grill
Carson Road Corridor • European-Inspired Mountain Tavern • Local Favorite
A warmly lit pub where hearty plates, Old World flavors, and a solid tap list make lingering over dinner feel easy.
Forester Pub and Grill is the place locals name first when you ask where to sit down for a proper meal in Camino. The menu leans into German and other European comfort dishes alongside steaks, burgers, and daily specials, all done with more care than you might expect in a small mountain town. It’s equally suited to a relaxed date night or a post-hike dinner with a pint.
02
Best daytime stop
Blue Barn Apple Mountain
Apple Hill Ranches • Rustic Farm-To-Table Patio Spot • Best For Long Lunches
A casual, outdoor-focused spot pairing scratch-made comfort food with local wine, beer, and hard cider.
Blue Barn Apple Mountain is ideal when you want lunch to stretch into an afternoon hangout. Order from a seasonal menu that might include loaded grilled cheeses, fresh salads, and shareable plates designed to go with their well-curated list of local beverages. With shade, lawn games, and a relaxed crowd, it’s a natural gathering place during Apple Hill season and a mellow retreat the rest of the year.
03
Most historic stop
Sportsman's Hall
Pleasant Valley Road • Classic Roadside Roadhouse • Best For Local History Buffs
A stagecoach-era landmark serving hearty American comfort food in a no-nonsense, family-friendly setting.
Sportsman's Hall is part restaurant, part living history, with roots going back to the days when this was a stop on the Pony Express route. Inside, you’ll find big breakfasts, burgers, and diner-style plates that fuel everyone from road-trippers to local contractors. It’s the kind of place where you can still get a generous meal, chat with staff who know the area inside out, and learn a bit about Camino’s past while you eat.
04
Best for craft beer
HWY 50 Brewery
Highway 50 Frontage • Family-Friendly Craft Brewery • Best For Beer Lovers
A relaxed hillside brewery pouring house-made beers alongside pizzas and pub bites with wide-open foothill views.
HWY 50 Brewery has quickly become a go-to for locals who want good beer without driving down to the city. The tap list usually includes a mix of approachable styles and hop-forward options, all brewed on-site, with food that’s built around shareable pies and classic bar snacks. Picnic-style seating, live music on certain nights, and room for kids to move around make it easy to spend a full evening here.
05
Most laid-back vibe
Tropics Island Grill & Ale House
Camino Village Center • Hawaiian-Inspired Grill And Taproom • Best For A Casual Hangout
A breezy, island-themed spot serving plate-lunch style dishes, burgers, and a broad selection of beers on tap.
Tropics Island Grill & Ale House brings a bit of Hawaiian comfort food to the Sierra foothills with generous portions and unfussy presentation. Expect rice plates, teriyaki, and other island-inspired favorites alongside familiar pub standards, all in a space that encourages you to settle in for another round. It’s an easy choice when you want something different from standard mountain-town fare without losing that relaxed, local feel.