01
Best overall pick
Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon
Historic Downtown Susanville • Lively Brewpub In A Restored Brick Saloon • Local Favorite
Craft beer brewed on site, upgraded pub comfort food, and a historic setting make this the go-to meal in Susanville after a day at the lake.
Housed in a handsome brick building downtown, Lassen Ale Works pairs its house-brewed beers with burgers, flatbreads, and hearty mains that feel a cut above standard bar food. The atmosphere is relaxed but energetic, with plenty of locals at the bar and families at the big tables. It is an easy choice for a full evening out, especially if you want to linger over a pint and live music on select nights.
02
Best for classic Mexican comfort
El Tepeyac Grille
Main Street Susanville • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Best For Hearty Portions
Big plates of familiar combo-plate Mexican, friendly service, and no-fuss pricing make El Tepeyac a reliable stop on the way back to Spaulding.
El Tepeyac Grille is the kind of place where chips and salsa hit the table fast and combination plates arrive loaded with rice, beans, and your choice of enchiladas, tacos, or chile rellenos. The room is unpretentious and welcoming, with plenty of booths for families and groups. It is especially handy when you want a solid, filling meal before the drive back up toward the lake.
03
Best for margaritas and groups
Mazatlan Grill
East Susanville • Festive Mexican Grill And Cantina • Best For Groups
Colorful décor, a long margarita list, and shareable platters make Mazatlan Grill a fun, social option for larger parties.
Mazatlan Grill leans into a lively cantina vibe, with bright murals, upbeat music, and plenty of combo plates and fajita skillets coming out of the kitchen. The margaritas are a draw, with multiple flavors and sizes, and the menu is broad enough to keep both adventurous and cautious eaters happy. It is a good pick when you have a crew coming off the water and want a celebratory meal that can stretch into the evening.
04
Best for breakfast and brunch
Kopper Kettle Café
South Susanville • Homey Small-Town Café • Best For Early Risers
A classic café known for big breakfasts, bottomless coffee, and friendly service that feels straight out of a small-town postcard.
Kopper Kettle Café specializes in the sort of breakfasts that fuel a full day on Eagle Lake: omelets, chicken-fried steak, pancakes, and plenty of hash browns. The dining room is simple and warm, with regulars chatting over coffee refills and servers who quickly learn your order. Swing by on your way up to Spaulding or plan a late-morning brunch on a rest day off the water.
05
Best for takeout comfort
Young Sing Restaurant
Uptown Susanville • Classic Chinese-American Spot • Best For Takeout
Straightforward Chinese-American favorites, generous portions, and efficient service make Young Sing a smart choice for dine-in or takeout.
Young Sing serves the dishes you expect—chow mein, sweet-and-sour pork, fried rice, and sizzling plates of beef and vegetables—done in a familiar, crowd-pleasing style. Portions are large and travel well, which is ideal if you want to bring dinner back to a cabin or campsite near Spaulding. It is a practical, satisfying option when you are craving something different from burgers and burritos.