01
Best overall pick
5th Street Steakhouse
Historic Downtown Chico • Upscale Steakhouse And Cocktail Lounge • Classic Special-Occasion Favorite
A polished downtown steakhouse known for expertly grilled steaks, attentive service, and a lively bar scene.
If you’re coming down from Cohasset to celebrate something big, 5th Street Steakhouse is the sure bet. Prime cuts, strong martinis, and a well-curated wine list anchor the menu, but the seafood and sides are just as thoughtfully done. Reserve ahead for weekend nights, when the dining room and bar fill with locals making an evening of it.
02
Best for beer lovers
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
East Chico Brewery District • Brewery Taproom With Farm-To-Table Pub Fare • Destination For Groups And Out-Of-Towners
The flagship Sierra Nevada brewery pairs fresh, rotating beers with elevated pub fare in a sprawling, beer-centric complex.
This is the spot to impress visiting friends who know Sierra Nevada from the bottle but have never seen the home base. Expect wood-fired pizzas, hearty seasonal plates, and a tap list that often includes experimental brews you won’t find elsewhere. The outdoor beer garden is a standout on warm evenings, making it worth the extra drive from Cohasset.
03
Best date-night choice
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge
Downtown Chico Near The Plaza • Modern Italian Restaurant And Lounge • Upscale Yet Relaxed Date-Night Pick
A stylish downtown spot serving contemporary Italian plates, wood-fired pizzas, and cocktails in a softly lit dining room.
Crush feels a little more urban than you might expect in a college town, with a buzzy bar, cozy booths, and a menu that runs from house-made pastas to inventive small plates. It’s an easy place to linger over a bottle of wine and dessert after a show or stroll around the plaza. Call ahead if you want a quieter table upstairs or on busy weekends.
04
Most refined experience
Red Tavern
North Chico On The Esplanade • Refined New American Bistro • Best For Lingering Dinners And Wine
An intimate bistro offering seasonal New American dishes, a thoughtful wine list, and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
Red Tavern is where Chico locals head when they want a slower, more composed meal—think crisp duck, fresh pastas, and well-executed classics with seasonal twists. The patio is especially pleasant in good weather, and the staff are happy to talk through the wine list if you like pairing with each course. It’s close enough to Cohasset Road that the drive back up the hill still feels easy after a full meal.
05
Best breakfast and brunch
Nash's Restaurant & 7th Avenue Omelette House
North Chico Near Cohasset Road • Classic American Breakfast And Lunch Spot • Go-To For Hearty Mornings
A longtime local favorite for stacked omelettes, generous pancakes, and no-nonsense coffee service.
For Cohasset residents heading into town early, Nash’s is the place to fuel up before errands or a day in the valley. Portions are big, the menu leans comfort-food classic, and the staff tends to recognize regulars by their coffee order. It’s casual, friendly, and reliably satisfying—exactly what you want from a neighborhood breakfast joint.