01
Best overall pick
Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe
Downtown Upper Lake • Historic California Bistro And Saloon • Local Favorite For All Occasions
Lovingly restored saloon serving elevated comfort food, craft drinks, and live music on a leafy garden patio.
Attached to the Tallman Hotel, Blue Wing feels like the town’s living room, with a shaded courtyard that fills up for brunch, lunch, and relaxed suppers. The menu leans on well-executed classics—think burgers, seasonal salads, and hearty mains—prepared with a level of care that stands out in such a small town. Check the live music schedule if you want dinner with a show; locals plan evenings around it.
02
Classic breakfast stop
Judy's Junction
Highway 20 At Upper Lake • Homey Small-Town Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
Unpretentious roadside diner known for generous portions, friendly staff, and reliably strong coffee.
Judy's Junction is where early risers, truckers, and long-time locals squeeze into booths for pancakes, omelets, and biscuits smothered in gravy. The room is plain in that comforting, old-school way, but plates arrive hot and loaded, and your coffee cup rarely sits empty. It’s the practical choice before a day on the lake or a long drive across the county.
03
Casino dining choice
Wild Creek Restaurant
Running Creek Casino Complex • Casual American Restaurant And Steakhouse • Best For Groups And Night Owls
Full-service casino restaurant offering steaks, burgers, and comfort-food favorites with extended hours.
Inside Running Creek Casino, Wild Creek Restaurant is where you go when you want a sit-down meal without leaving the gaming floor. The menu sticks to approachable American standards—prime rib nights, burgers, pastas, and big salads—so mixed groups can all find something. It’s especially handy for later dinners or post-concert bites when most of Upper Lake has already gone quiet.
04
Worth-the-drive lakeside meal
Park Place Restaurant
Downtown Lakeport Waterfront • Relaxed Italian-American Grill • Best For Lake-View Dinners
Charming spot overlooking Clear Lake, pairing pastas, pizzas, and grilled specialties with small-town hospitality.
In nearby Lakeport, Park Place sits just off the waterfront, with outdoor seating that makes the most of evening light over Clear Lake. The kitchen turns out well-made pizzas, pastas, and daily specials that feel a notch above typical small-town fare without being fussy. It’s a popular choice for date nights, anniversaries, or lingering lunches when you want a view with your glass of wine.
05
Barbecue and beer pick
Romi's Brew & BBQ
Lakeshore In Nice • Casual Smokehouse And Taproom • Best For Craft Beer And Bbq
Laid-back barbecue joint near the lake, pouring local and regional brews alongside smoked meats and hearty sides.
A short drive along the north shore brings you to Romi's in Nice, a relaxed spot where the focus is brisket, ribs, and pulled pork piled high on platters and sandwiches. The rotating tap list and easygoing vibe make it a natural stop after a day on the water or a scenic drive. Expect paper-lined trays, plenty of sauce, and a crowd that skews more locals than tourists.