01
Best overall pick
Tong Fong Low
Downtown Oroville • Classic Chinese-American Café • Local Favorite
A long-running Chinese-American spot known for big portions, quick service, and prices that make it easy to feed a group.
Locals have been coming to Tong Fong Low for decades for crispy potstickers, chow mein, and family-style platters that land fast and hot. The room is no-frills and often buzzing, but tables turn quickly and staff keep tea filled and orders moving. It’s an easy, satisfying stop on your way back from the foothills or the lake when everyone just wants something comforting and reliable.
02
Go-to for beer and bites
Miner's Alley Brewing Company
Historic Oroville District • Casual Brewpub And Taproom • Best For Groups
House-brewed beers, shareable comfort food, and a relaxed small-town taproom vibe make this a natural meetup spot.
Miner's Alley leans into Oroville’s Gold Rush history with a laid-back brewpub that feels built for lingering. Expect a rotating lineup of beers alongside burgers, pizzas, and bar snacks that pair well with a flight. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in hiking clothes or game-day gear, grab a big table, and not feel rushed.
03
Steakhouse splurge
The Steak House at Gold Country Casino Resort
North Of Oroville Near Gold Country Casino • Upscale Casino Steakhouse • Date-Night Pick
A polished dining room with classic steakhouse cuts, seafood, and cocktails for when you want a more dressed-up evening out.
If you’re in the mood to make a night of it, The Steak House at Gold Country Casino delivers white-linen service without city-level pretension. It’s the spot for prime rib, lobster, and well-made martinis, plus rich sides that feel special-occasion worthy. Arrive early, linger over appetizers, and then decide whether to head back home or try your luck on the gaming floor.
04
Iconic NorCal taproom
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
Chico - South Side Brewery District • Destination Craft Brewery Restaurant • Best For Beer Lovers
A flagship taproom with an impressive beer list, from classics to limited releases, backed by a kitchen that treats pub food seriously.
The Sierra Nevada Taproom in Chico is worth the extra drive from Cherokee Strip if you care about what’s in your glass. Beyond the brewery tours and expansive tap list, the menu leans on hearty, from-scratch dishes—think elevated pub plates, seasonal specials, and shareable appetizers that don’t feel like an afterthought. The spacious patio and lively bar area make it an easy choice for meeting friends from around the region.
05
Upscale Italian in town
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge
Downtown Chico • Modern Italian Lounge • Stylish Night Out
A polished downtown Chico spot for pasta, steaks, and cocktails in a room that feels more city-chic than small town.
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge is where Chico crowds go when they want a proper sit-down dinner with a bit of atmosphere. The menu covers rich pastas, well-seared steaks, and seasonal specials, backed by a solid wine list and a bar that can handle classic and modern cocktails. It’s an easy recommendation for visitors staying in Chico who still want to be within a quick walk of coffee, bars, and the rest of downtown.