01
Best overall pick
Lassen Ale Works @ The Boardroom
Downtown Susanville • Lively Craft Brewpub • Local Favorite For Groups
House-brewed beers, crisp pizza, and a brick-walled taproom make this the easy choice when you’ve got a hungry crew near Johnstonville.
Set in a historic downtown building, Lassen Ale Works pours its own rotating lineup of beers alongside shareable plates, wings, salads, and specialty pizzas. The atmosphere is relaxed but social, with plenty of room for families early in the evening and friends lingering over pints later on. It’s the spot locals suggest first when someone asks where to go after a day on the trails or at the lake.
02
Cozy date-night choice
The White House
West Susanville Neighborhood • Cozy Steak And Seafood House • Date-Night Favorite
A converted house serving generous steaks and seafood in a warm, tucked-away setting that feels like a local secret.
The White House leans into classic supper-club comforts: think prime rib, grilled steaks, and seafood pastas in portions that leave no one hungry. Inside, the rooms are small and softly lit, with the feel of a long-running neighborhood spot rather than a big-box chain. It’s where locals book birthdays, anniversaries, or any night that calls for a slow meal and a good bottle of wine.
03
Lively Mexican standby
Mazatlan Grill
Main Street Corridor • Festive Mexican Restaurant • Best For Big Groups
Colorful plates, strong margaritas, and quick service make Mazatlan the go-to for satisfying Mexican comfort food.
Mazatlan Grill dishes up the kind of combo plates people crave after a long drive or a day outside: sizzling fajitas, burritos smothered in sauce, and baskets of warm chips that seem to refill themselves. The dining room is bright and busy, but servers keep things moving even when every table is full. It’s an easy place to walk into with a big party, spread out the salsa, and let everyone order their favorite.
04
Hearty breakfast hub
Amy's Kopper Kettle Cafe
East Susanville Gateway • Classic American Diner • Go-To Breakfast Stop
Locals pile in early for strong coffee, big omelets, and no-fuss service that gets you fed and back on the road.
Amy's Kopper Kettle Cafe feels like the roadside cafes that used to line every highway: counter seats, bottomless coffee, and servers who quickly learn your usual. The menu runs heavy on homestyle plates—chicken-fried steak, hash browns, pancakes, and burgers at lunch—designed to keep you full well past midday. It’s especially handy for Johnstonville guests heading out toward Reno or the high desert and wanting a real breakfast first.
05
Classic drive-in stop
Frosty Mill
Riverside Susanville • Retro Burger And Shake Stand • Casual Family Pick
Old-school burgers, fries, and soft-serve cones make this a nostalgic, budget-friendly stop after errands or a day outside.
Frosty Mill looks like it stepped out of another decade, with walk-up windows, simple burger baskets, and shakes that actually taste like ice cream. The menu is straightforward—burgers, corn dogs, fries, and sundaes—but that simplicity is part of the charm. Families park, let the kids run off some energy, and finish the day with a swirl cone or thick milkshake before heading back toward Johnstonville.