01
Best overall pick
Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon
Historic Uptown Susanville • Lively Craft-Beer Gastropub • Local Favorite For Dinner And Drinks
A bustling historic saloon turned brewpub with house-made beers and surprisingly polished pub fare.
Housed in one of Susanville’s landmark brick buildings, Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon is where locals meet for a pint and a proper meal. The tap list leans hard into approachable, well-made ales, and the menu covers everything from burgers and fries to seasonal specials and shareable snacks. It’s the best all-around choice when you want a fun atmosphere, good food, and somewhere to linger after a day exploring the high desert.
02
Go-to Mexican spot
El Tepeyac Grille
South Susanville Near Main Street • Colorful Mexican Restaurant • Best For Hearty Comfort Food
Generous plates of Mexican comfort food, friendly service, and a casual dining room that’s always buzzing.
El Tepeyac Grille is the place locals point you when you ask for solid Mexican food in the area. Expect oversized combination plates, well-seasoned meats, and all the familiar favorites, from sizzling fajitas to loaded enchiladas. It’s casual, kid-friendly, and ideal when you’re craving something filling after time on the road or out at nearby lakes and trailheads.
03
Reliable takeout and dine-in
Happy Garden
Central Susanville Strip • Casual Chinese-American Eatery • Best For Big Groups And Sharing Plates
Straightforward Chinese-American classics served in big portions, perfect for sharing around the table or grabbing to-go.
Happy Garden is a dependable stand-by when only hot-and-ready Chinese comfort food will do. The menu sticks to the greatest hits—think chow mein, fried rice, sweet-and-sour dishes, and crispy appetizers—so everyone at the table can find a favorite. It’s an easy option for groups, with generous portions that make it simple to order a spread and pass everything around family-style.
04
Breakfast institution
Kopper Kettle Cafe
East Susanville On Highway 36 • Old-School Diner And Cafe • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
A classic small-town cafe known for big breakfasts, hot coffee, and no-fuss service.
Kopper Kettle Cafe feels like the kind of place where the staff knows half the room by name, and that’s part of its charm. Plates come out loaded with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns, making it a smart stop before a long drive or a day in Lassen County’s backcountry. If you like your mornings unpretentious and filling, this is where to start the day near Litchfield.
05
Family pizza night pick
Pizza Factory
West Susanville Near The River • Family-Friendly Pizza And Sandwich Joint • Best For Kids And Casual Crowds
Laid-back spot for build-your-own pies, hot sandwiches, and arcade-style fun for kids.
Pizza Factory is a go-to when you want something easy that will make everyone happy, from kids to hungry road-trippers. The menu leans on customizable pizzas, classic combination pies, and hearty sandwiches, with plenty of space to spread out and relax. It’s a natural choice for casual dinners after ballgames, long drives, or when you just feel like a no-stress meal away from the motel.