01
Best roadside stop
Clements Ridge
Clements Roadside On Highway 12 • Roadside Market And Deli Counter • Go-To For Quick Bites
A favorite fuel-up stop with generous sandwiches, baked goods, and seasonal produce just west of Wallace.
Pull off Highway 12 for tri‑tip sandwiches, hot specials, and house-baked pies that easily beat typical gas-station fare. The mix of local produce, snacks, and a small hot line makes it easy to grab lunch on the way to the lakes or wine country. Weekends can be busy, but turnover is fast and the staff keeps the line moving.
02
Best sit-down dinner
Fusion Grill
La Contenta Village In Valley Springs • Upscale-Casual American Grill • Best For Relaxed Date Nights
Locals head here for steaks, pastas, and a full bar in a comfortable dining room overlooking the golf course neighborhood.
Fusion Grill feels like the area’s default choice when you want more than a roadside stop, with a broad menu that works for mixed groups. You will find everything from steaks and seafood to burgers and pastas, plus a decent wine list and cocktails. It is a solid option for lingering dinners after a day on the nearby courses or reservoirs.
03
Best for tacos and margaritas
El Torero 2
Valley Springs Main Strip • Lively Mexican Restaurant And Cantina • Go-To For Groups
Colorful plates, frosty margaritas, and friendly service make this Mexican spot an easy crowd-pleaser.
El Torero 2 is where many locals meet up for combination plates, sizzling fajitas, and baskets of chips that never seem to run low. Portions are hearty and the salsa has enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming casual diners. It is noisy in a good way, with TVs over the bar and plenty of room for larger parties.
04
Best for hearty steaks
145 Club Steakhouse and Bar
Historic Clements Crossroads • Classic Small-Town Steakhouse And Bar • Evening Comfort-Food Pick
A no-nonsense steakhouse in an old roadhouse setting, known for big portions and friendly bartenders.
Set in a historic building at the junction in Clements, the 145 Club leans into comfort food: steaks, prime rib nights, burgers, and loaded sides. The bar is a hub for locals, but the dining room stays welcoming to travelers coming off the highway. Expect hearty, straightforward cooking rather than fussy plating, and you will leave full.
05
Best country breakfast
Patti Campbell's Country Kitchen
Hilltop Area Of Valley Springs • Down-Home Breakfast And Lunch Café • Morning Favorite
A classic small-town café serving big breakfasts, hot coffee, and simple lunches to regulars and travelers alike.
Patti Campbell's is the kind of place where the servers quickly learn your name and keep the mug topped off. The menu leans toward comfort—omelets, chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and burgers at midday. It is an easy stop before fishing, boating, or wine tasting, with portions sized to keep you going well into the afternoon.