01
Best overall pick
Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon
Susanville – Historic Downtown • Craft Brewery And Gastropub • Local Favorite For Dinner And Drinks
Historic saloon setting with house-brewed beer and elevated pub comfort food.
Housed in a historic brick saloon on Main Street, Lassen Ale Works is where Susanville and Janesville locals go when they want a proper night out without leaving the area. The rotating house beers pair well with burgers, flatbreads, and shareable appetizers that go beyond basic bar food. It stays lively without feeling rowdy, making it an easy choice for both date night and relaxed group dinners.
02
Top Mexican option
Mazatlan Grill
Susanville – Main Street Corridor • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Best For Big Portions And Groups
Busy sit-down Mexican spot known for generous combo plates, margaritas, and friendly staff.
Mazatlan Grill is the go-to when a craving for chips, salsa, and a sizzling plate of fajitas hits. Expect heaping portions of classics like chile verde, enchilada combinations, and burritos that can easily stretch to two meals. The roomy booths, upbeat atmosphere, and quick service make it especially good for families and larger groups coming in from Janesville.
03
Reliable takeout standby
Happy Garden
Susanville – East Side • Classic Chinese-American Restaurant • Best For Easy Takeout
No-frills Chinese-American menu with all the familiar standards and consistently fast service.
Happy Garden is the spot locals call when they want hot food without cooking, especially after a day on the road or out in the hills. The menu leans into comfort favorites like orange chicken, Mongolian beef, chow mein, and fried rice, with portions big enough to guarantee leftovers. It is especially handy if you are staying in a nearby motel or rental and just want to grab a couple of combo plates to bring back.
04
Breakfast institution
Courthouse Café
Susanville – Near The Courthouse • Homey Breakfast And Lunch Café • Best For Hearty Brunch
Compact downtown café turning out big plates of classic breakfasts and diner-style lunches.
Courthouse Café feels like the kind of place where the staff knows half the customers by name, and that is part of its charm. It is all about stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts—think omelets, chicken-fried steak, and biscuits and gravy—plus straightforward burgers and sandwiches at midday. Go early, since it closes in the afternoon and tends to fill up with local workers and regulars from both Susanville and Janesville.
05
Road-trip friendly diner
Lumberjacks Restaurant
Susanville – Near Highway 36/395 Junction • Family-Friendly Diner • Best For Families On A Road Trip
Logging-themed diner with all-day breakfasts, burgers, and comfort-food classics right off the highway.
Lumberjacks leans into its logging-camp theme with big portions and a rustic, cabin-like dining room that kids tend to love. The menu covers all the diner staples—huge pancakes, chicken strips, burgers, and hearty dinner plates—making it an easy crowd-pleaser when everyone is hungry and no one wants to overthink it. Its location near the main highway junction and ample parking make it especially convenient for Janesville travelers towing boats, trailers, or campers.