01
Best overall pick
The Avenue Café
Miranda On The Avenue Of The Giants • Laid-Back American And Italian Restaurant • Local Favorite
Comfort food, friendly service, and solid portions make The Avenue Café an easy go-to after a day among the redwoods.
A short drive north of Myers Flat, The Avenue Café anchors Miranda’s tiny main strip with pizzas, pastas, burgers, and salads that please a mixed group. Portions are generous, the menu is straightforward, and there’s usually something that works for kids, vegetarians, and meat-lovers alike. It’s the kind of place where you can roll in dusty from the trail and still feel welcome at dinner.
02
Best redwoods stop
Chimney Tree Grill
Phillipsville Roadside Stop • Outdoor Redwood Grill And Burger Stand • Great For Road-Trippers
Chimney Tree Grill pairs burgers and casual grill fare with a quirky, very Humboldt setting right off Highway 101.
Set beside the famously hollow redwood trunk in Phillipsville, this grill leans into the roadside-attraction vibe in the best way. Expect burgers, fries, and simple sandwiches served in a relaxed outdoor space where kids can roam a bit. It’s ideal when you want a quick, satisfying meal without losing that ‘on the road through the redwoods’ feeling.
03
Best quick bite
Redwoods Market & Deli
Central Myers Flat • Small-Town Market Deli And Takeaway • Best For Grab-And-Go
Part market, part deli, this Myers Flat staple is where locals and campers stock up on sandwiches, snacks, and picnic fixings.
Right in Myers Flat, Redwoods Market & Deli is the most convenient option when you need food fast but don’t want to default to gas-station fare. Made-to-order deli sandwiches, hot items, and a solid snack and grocery selection make it easy to pack a cooler before heading to the river or deeper into the park. It’s less about lingering and more about fueling up smartly for your next outing.
04
Best classic diner
Eel River Cafe
Downtown Garberville • Retro Small-Town Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
Eel River Cafe delivers exactly what you want from a small-town diner: big breakfasts, hot coffee, and a local crowd at the counter.
About 15 minutes south in Garberville, this old-school cafe has long been a morning hub for locals, loggers, and road-trippers. Plates come loaded with eggs, hash browns, pancakes, and other diner staples that stick with you through a full day of driving or hiking. The vibe is unpretentious and unfussy, making it a comforting reset after time in the backroads.
05
Best special-occasion dinner
Benbow Inn Restaurant & Lounge
Benbow Riverside Resort • Historic Riverside Fine-Dining Restaurant • Romantic Night Out
For white-tablecloth dining in southern Humboldt, the Benbow Inn’s restaurant is the clear choice.
Set in a 1920s Tudor-style lodge overlooking the Eel River, the Benbow Inn restaurant offers a more polished experience than most rural stops in the area. Menus lean toward refined California fare, often featuring local produce, seafood, and an attentive wine list. It’s a natural pick for anniversaries, celebrations, or simply ending a long redwoods day with candlelight instead of campfire smoke.