01
Best lakeside hangout
Knott Hole Bar & Grill at Sly Park
Sly Park / Jenkinson Lake • Rustic Lakefront Bar And Grill • Best For Post-Hike Burgers
A relaxed pine-side grill just above Jenkinson Lake, ideal for refueling after camping, paddling, or a lake loop hike.
Expect big burgers, comforting bar fare, and a cold beer list that hits the spot after a day on the water or trails. The vibe leans casual and friendly, with plenty of locals mixing with campers from Sly Park. It is the kind of place where muddy boots, hoodies, and lake hair fit right in.
02
Best family choice
Pizza Factory Pollock Pines
Pollock Pines Center • Family-Friendly Pizza Parlor • Best For Families
Classic, crowd-pleasing pies and a laid-back dining room make this the go-to spot for groups coming off Highway 50.
Toppings are generous, the crust is sturdy enough for road-trip slices, and the menu has enough variety to keep picky eaters happy. Between the arcade games, TVs, and roomy tables, it works as well for a kids' team dinner as it does for a quick bite after a day in the snow. Call-ahead orders are popular with locals heading back up toward Grizzly Flats.
03
Best historic stop
Sportsman's Hall
Camino On Pony Express Trail • Historic Roadhouse Restaurant • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
A Pony Express-era stop turned full-service restaurant, known for big breakfasts and stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
Sportsman's Hall leans into its history with old photos, rustic wood, and stories of the stagecoach days, but the menu is all about modern comfort: biscuits and gravy, hefty omelets, and classic diner plates. It is a favorite morning meeting point for folks heading up into the mountains or looping back toward Grizzly Flats. Go early on weekends if you want a booth without a wait.
04
Best roadside classic
Burger Barn
Pollock Pines Ridge • Classic Roadside Burger Stand • Quick Stop On Highway 50
A no-frills burger shack turning out grilled-to-order patties, crisp fries, and shakes that taste like summer vacation.
Portions are generous, from the wide burgers to the pile of fries that easily feeds two light eaters, and the menu hits all the expected drive-in notes without overcomplicating things. It is the kind of place where you order at the window, chat with locals while you wait, and then eat in your car or at a picnic table. For Grizzly Flats residents, it is a dependable stop when you want something fast but better than a chain.
05
Best wine-country stop
The Pub at Fairplay
Fair Play Wine Country • Cozy Wine-Country Pub • Best For Wine-Tasting Days
A small-town pub right in the Fair Play wine region, pairing hearty comfort dishes with local wines and a relaxed country feel.
The menu runs to burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials that soak up a day of tasting at nearby wineries without feeling fussy. Locals like it for its friendly staff and the fact that you can drink something from just down the road, whether that is a Fair Play red or a regional beer. If you are coming from Grizzly Flats via the back roads, it makes a natural lunch or early dinner stop before heading home.