01
Best overall pick
Chimney Tree Grill
Phillipsville Along Avenue Of The Giants • Casual Roadside Grill In A Redwood Grove • Iconic Road-Trip Stop
Burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream served beside a hollowed-out redwood attraction.
If you eat only one meal near Phillipsville, make it at Chimney Tree Grill. Picnic tables scattered among the redwoods, simple but well-executed grill fare, and the novelty of the hollow “chimney” tree make it memorable well beyond the food. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop that feels tailor-made for stretching your legs and refueling mid-drive.
02
Best for date night
Redwood Palace
Miranda Village Stretch Of Avenue Of The Giants • Cozy Modern American Restaurant • Upscale Small-Town Standout
A polished dinner spot known for local beef, oysters, and Humboldt County wines in an intimate setting.
Redwood Palace delivers a surprisingly refined experience for such a small town, leaning into local ingredients and a thoughtful wine and beer list. Inside, the warm wood, low lighting, and attentive service make it feel special without being stuffy. It’s the place locals suggest when you ask where to go for a proper sit-down dinner after a day among the trees.
03
Best for families and groups
Avenue Café
Center Of Miranda Near The River • Casual American And Italian Café • Reliable Everyday Favorite
Pizzas, pastas, and hearty plates in a relaxed space that works just as well for lunch stops as for easygoing dinners.
Avenue Café is the kind of place where everyone in the group can quickly find something they want to eat. The menu leans comfort-food classic, with solid pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta, plus a simple kids’ selection. Covered outdoor seating makes it a pleasant pause on warm days, and you’ll usually see a mix of locals and road-trippers sharing the space.
04
Best for special occasions
Benbow Inn Restaurant & Lounge
Benbow, Just South Of Garberville • Historic Lodge Dining Room And Lounge • Destination Riverside Dining
Elevated California cuisine and cocktails served in a 1920s-era inn overlooking the Eel River.
The restaurant at the Benbow Inn pairs classic lodge ambiance with a more polished menu than you’ll find elsewhere nearby. Think well-crafted mains, seasonal touches, and a good wine list, best enjoyed in the wood-paneled dining room or on the terrace when the weather cooperates. It’s an atmospheric choice for a celebration dinner or a slow, civilized end to a long driving day.
05
Best classic diner
Eel River Café
Downtown Garberville • Old-School American Diner • Go-To Breakfast And Brunch Spot
Hearty breakfasts, bottomless coffee, and comfort-food lunches in a no-frills, small-town setting.
Eel River Café is where you go for pancakes the size of the plate, strong coffee, and a side of local conversation. The décor leans retro and the menu stays firmly in the diner comfort zone, which is exactly the point. It’s an easy morning stop before heading back onto Highway 101 or a satisfying midday break if you’ve been hiking in the nearby parks.