01
Best overall pick
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
Southeast Chico Brewery District • Craft Brewery Taproom And Restaurant • Destination For Beer Lovers
Iconic brewery taproom pairing house-brewed beers with polished, seasonal pub food and a lively beer garden.
If you’re willing to make the drive from Dales, Sierra Nevada’s Chico taproom is the kind of place you plan an afternoon around. The menu is far from basic bar fare, with wood-fired pizzas, shareable plates, and mains built to match specific beers on tap. Grab a flight, settle into the expansive patio, and stay long enough to watch the lights come on over the copper brewhouse.
02
Top special-occasion spot
5th Street Steakhouse
Downtown Chico • Classic Steakhouse • Best For Special Occasions
White-tablecloth steakhouse known for aged beef, polished service, and a cozy, old-school dining room.
For birthdays, anniversaries, or a splurgey night out from Dales, 5th Street Steakhouse is the reliable upscale choice in Chico. Expect generously cut steaks, well-made cocktails, and attentive service that feels more big-city than small college town. Reserve ahead on weekends and ask for a booth if you’re after a quieter, linger-over-dessert kind of evening.
03
Stylish date-night choice
Crush
Downtown Chico, Near City Plaza • Contemporary American And Italian Restaurant • Best For Date Night
Buzzy upstairs spot with city-style cocktails, shareable small plates, and a view over downtown Chico.
Crush brings a slightly urban feel to downtown Chico, with a menu that leans into house-made pastas, creative small plates, and a deep wine list. It’s an easy pick when you want something a bit dressier than a pub but not as formal as a steakhouse. Time your visit around sunset for a window table overlooking the street and plan to share a few plates rather than sticking to one entree.
04
Go-to casual stop
Burgers & Brew Chico
Student District Near Csu Chico • Casual Burger And Craft Beer Spot • Best Casual Hangout
Lively, affordable hangout serving big, creative burgers and an impressively long craft beer list.
When you want something low-key after a day on the road or on the river, Burgers & Brew fits the bill. The menu covers everything from classic cheeseburgers to bolder choices loaded with bacon, jalapeños, or blue cheese, with plenty of vegetarian options too. Sit on the patio when the weather’s good, order a local pint, and soak up the student-district energy without spending much more than you would at a chain.
05
Sushi and small-plates favorite
The Rawbar
Downtown Chico, Broadway Corridor • Modern Japanese And Sushi Bar • Best For Sushi
Chic sushi bar known for creative rolls, fresh sashimi, and a tight, sake-friendly small-plates menu.
The Rawbar is where Chico locals go when they’re craving sushi that feels a notch above the usual strip-mall spot. The room is compact and modern, with a bar that’s fun for solo diners or couples and a menu that balances familiar rolls with more adventurous specials. It’s a smart choice for a lighter, shareable meal before heading back toward Dales, especially if you pair it with a stroll through downtown.