01
Best overall pick
Buffalo Chips Pizza
Westwood • Laid-Back Family Pizza Joint • Local Favorite
The go-to stop in Westwood for hearty pies, cold beer, and a small-town buzz after a day around Clear Creek or Lake Almanor.
Buffalo Chips feels like the living room of Westwood, with friendly staff, big portions, and a menu that covers classic pizzas, wings, and comfort-food staples. It is an easy choice when you want something satisfying without fuss, whether you are feeding a group or grabbing a quick bite after being outdoors. Expect a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe that makes it just as good for families as for a round of post-adventure beers.
02
Best lakeside breakfast
Carol's Cafe & Deli
Prattville On Lake Almanor • Classic Lakeside Cafe And Deli • Best For Early Risers
A cozy spot near the water where big breakfasts and deli-style lunches fuel lake days and drives back toward Clear Creek.
Carol's is the place locals point to when you ask where to get a real breakfast before heading out on the lake or into the forest. Plates are generous, the coffee is kept topped up, and the staff treats regulars and visitors with the same easygoing warmth. Swing back at midday for sandwiches and simple deli fare you can eat on-site or take to a picnic table by the shore.
03
Best for groups
Tantardino's Pizza & Pasta
Lake Almanor Peninsula • Casual Italian-American Restaurant • Best For Families And Big Appetites
A friendly peninsula mainstay serving pizzas, pastas, and red-sauce classics that are made for sharing after a long day outside.
Tantardino's leans into the comfort-food side of Italian, with bubbling pastas, loaded pizzas, and big salads that land in the middle of the table. The dining room has the feel of a neighborhood spot, even in peak summer when visitors mix in with lake regulars. It is an easy pick when you need something everyone at the table—from kids to grandparents—can agree on.
04
Best lakeside dinner
Red Onion Grill
Lake Almanor West • Casual Lakeside Grill And Bar • Best For Relaxed Evenings
A comfortable grill near the west shore that pairs burgers and steaks with sunset views and a laid-back bar crowd.
Red Onion Grill is where a lot of lake days end, with hearty plates, a solid burger lineup, and a bar that feels friendly rather than rowdy. Sit inside for a cozy, woodsy feel or aim for a seat with a peek at the water and the evening light. It is a good choice if you want something a step up from fast food but still firmly in the casual, vacation-mode lane.
05
Best craft beer stop
Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon
Historic Downtown Susanville • Brewpub In A Historic Saloon • Best For Craft Beer And Hearty Pub Fare
A restored brick saloon pouring house-made beers alongside upgraded pub classics, worth the drive from Clear Creek.
Housed in a historic brick building, Lassen Ale Works blends small-town character with a modern brewpub menu. You will find a rotating lineup of house beers, from easy-drinking ales to more adventurous seasonal releases, backed by burgers, sandwiches, and bar bites that go well with a pint. It makes a fun evening outing if you are based near Clear Creek and feel like trading pine views for a little downtown atmosphere.