01
Best overall pick
Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon
Historic Downtown Susanville • Craft Brewery And Historic Saloon • Local Favorite For Dinner And Drinks
A lively brewpub in a 19th-century saloon pouring house beers with big, comfort-food plates.
Housed in a brick 1800s saloon, Lassen Ale Works blends small-town charm with a serious craft beer lineup and hearty pub fare. Burgers, fish and chips, and seasonal specials come in generous portions, and the long wood bar and brick walls make it an easy place to linger after a day on the road. It’s the spot Susanville locals send visitors who want a full meal, a good pint, and a feel for the town’s history.
02
Best for big appetites
Mazatlan Grill
Main Corridor, Susanville • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Best For Families And Groups
A bustling Mexican spot known for its huge combo plates, house margaritas, and friendly service.
Mazatlan Grill is the kind of place where chips and salsa hit the table fast and the plates come out sizzling. Expect classic combo platters, fajitas, and seafood specialties, all in portions large enough to share. The bright dining room and welcoming staff make it an easy choice for families or groups rolling in from Madeline looking for a relaxed, filling meal.
03
Reliable comfort stop
Happy Garden
Susanville East Side • Casual Chinese-American Restaurant • Best For Cozy, No-Fuss Dining
A long-running Chinese spot serving all the classics, popular with locals for both dine-in and takeout.
Happy Garden leans into old-school Chinese-American comfort: think hot-and-sour soup, chow mein, and orange chicken done the way regulars expect. The room is simple and welcoming, with quick service and plenty of booths for a low-key meal. It’s a handy option when you want something warm and satisfying without much fuss after a long drive across the high desert.
04
Classic road-trip stop
Wagon Wheel Restaurant
Alturas Town Center • Old-School Steakhouse And Diner • Best For Hearty Steaks And Breakfasts
A cowboy-era staple in Alturas serving big breakfasts, steaks, and pies in a rustic, western-style dining room.
The Wagon Wheel feels like a snapshot of rural northern California: knotty wood walls, ranch décor, and portions built for people who work outside. Mornings bring classic egg-and-potato breakfasts, while evenings lean into steaks, chicken-fried dishes, and nightly specials. It’s a favorite among ranchers, truckers, and travelers who appreciate straightforward, stick-to-your-ribs cooking.
05
Coziest date-night option
Antonio's Cucina Italiana
Alturas Main Drag • Homey Italian Restaurant • Best For Relaxed Sit-Down Dinners
A small-town Italian spot with pastas, pizzas, and hearty baked dishes served in a warm, family-run setting.
Antonio's Cucina Italiana offers a change of pace from diner fare, with red-sauce classics, baked pastas, and pizzas that feel just right after a day exploring Modoc County. The dining room is intimate and laid-back, making it one of the more date-worthy options within striking distance of Madeline. Expect friendly, unhurried service and leftovers you’ll be happy to reheat the next day.