01
Best overall pick
Scallywags Tavern
Smartsville Crossroads On Highway 20 • Lively Tavern And Grill • Go-To Spot For Hearty Comfort Food
A friendly roadside tavern where locals gather for burgers, beers, and live-music evenings.
Scallywags feels like the living room of Smartsville, with a laid-back bar, generous plates, and staff who quickly learn your name. The menu leans into satisfying classics—think burgers, tri-tip, and fries—with daily specials that keep regulars interested. It is the place you meet after work, after a day on the lake, or anytime you want an easygoing local hangout.
02
Top pick for pizza and pasta
Tuscany Gardens Pizzeria & Cafe
Penn Valley Village Center • Cozy Italian-Inspired Pizzeria • Best For Relaxed Dinners With Friends
A warm, sit-down spot known for crisp-crust pizzas, classic pastas, and unhurried small-town service.
Tuscany Gardens brings an old-school Italian café vibe to Penn Valley, with red-sauce favorites and pizzas that are easy to share around the table. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is unpretentious, and it is the kind of place where nobody minds if you linger over another glass of wine. It is a natural choice when you want something nicer than fast food without getting dressed up.
03
Best roadhouse-style stop
Tack Room Restaurant & Bar
Near Western Gateway Park In Penn Valley • Classic American Roadhouse • Ideal For Hearty Breakfasts And Casual Nights Out
A country roadhouse serving big breakfasts, burgers, and steaks in a wood-paneled, boots-welcome setting.
The Tack Room feels tailor-made for early risers, ranch hands, and anyone who appreciates a proper, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Morning plates are famously filling, and later in the day the grill turns out burgers, sandwiches, and steak specials that hit the spot after time on the trails. Expect a straightforward, no-frills atmosphere where the coffee is strong and the portions are even stronger.
04
Best option for takeout night
China Garden
Penn Valley Shopping Strip • Casual Chinese Restaurant • Top Pick For Quick, Shareable Dishes
A dependable Chinese spot offering all the familiar favorites, from fried rice to orange chicken, for dine-in or takeout.
China Garden is where many Smartsville and Penn Valley locals turn when nobody feels like cooking. The menu sticks to tried-and-true dishes—sweet and sour pork, chow mein, kung pao, and more—served in generous portions that are easy to share. It is not fancy, but it is reliably satisfying, especially if you are picking up a spread for a group back at the house.
05
Best family-friendly hangout
Players Pizza
Lake Wildwood Gateway In Penn Valley • Small-Town Sports Bar And Pizzeria • Great For Families And Game Nights
A lively pizza joint with TVs, draft beer, and plenty of space for teams, families, and big groups.
Players Pizza is built for casual, noisy fun—team celebrations, birthday parties, and friends catching the game over pitchers and pies. The crust is on the heartier side, toppings are loaded, and the menu rounds out with wings, salads, and sandwiches so everyone can find something they like. It is an easy choice when you want a crowd-pleasing spot that welcomes kids as readily as regulars at the bar.