Restaurants near Lake Almanor

“We like Red Onion quite a bit. In the summer we like to sit on the deck and in the winter it is cosy and quiet indoors. There really are only two restaurants within the peninsula area; more in the Hamilton Branch area, but if we want to stay close in we alternate between Il Lago and the Red Onion. Il Lago is loud and fun but not a good place if you want to have good conversations due to the noise level. We like the variety of food at Red Onion (something besides pizza) and the peace to talk with friends. That is in large part because the bar is far away from the restaurant dining, unlike Il Lago. So those drinking a lot and having fun are at the bar. That makes for a more quiet restaurant. Yay. All depends on what you are seeking on a particular night.”

“Fantastic beers. One of the best NEIPAs I've had in a long while. And the food. The food was bloody amazing. Make a special trip or stop here for lunch on your way down south. You won't regret it.”

“I stopped by for an iced chai latte with almond milk, it was the best I’ve ever had! Rachel was so sweet and helpful, and we had a lovely morning reading the newspaper on the porch. 10/10, tasted like Christmas morning!”

“Loved finding this hidden gem in the middle of the mountains last summer. It immediately became my favorite new restaurant when visiting Lake Almanor. We returned several times throughout the fall and couldn't wait to get back to the lake this summer to enjoy more culinary experiences at The Sandpiper. It's so clear that chef Jack takes great pride and care in determining what to include in each dish and how they are prepared. Jack has designed a menu full of creative pairings using fresh ingredients, flavorable balance of spices, and elevated finishing touches and presentations. Every meal continues to exceed my expectations. If there is a special of the day, it is an absolute MUST have and ALWAYS delicious. The family owned restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere with attentive, friendly service. I've noticed lots of repeat customers walk through the doors each night. I will absolutely be back again and again. I highly recommend this restaurant, you won't be disappointed. P.S. Please don't tell my grandma that Jack's homemade apple pie is my all time favorite!”

“The food is so good, and the service is exceptional.”

“Great menu and nice server!”

“I’m in town for work and stopped by recently for some coffee. The structure is an old service station that has been lovingly transformed into a warm and cozy coffee house. The ladies behind the counter were very personable and friendly, and the coffee was excellent. At the last second I decided to grab a pumpkin bread muffin that they just pulled out of the oven. It was DELICIOUS. If I ever find my way back into town, and this place is still open, I will definitely be a repeat customer.”

“Hey gang! Apologies for not doing this sooner. Just wanted to say thank you for taking such good care of us as we celebrated my mom's life. What a perfect day as we spread her ashes at her favorite place, donated some goodies and money to the Westwood Museum, and toasted with milk shakes at Pine Shack Frosty! Shakes for 30 is not easy, but you pulled it off perfectly! THANK YOU TO ALL YOUR AMAZING STAFF! We are so glad you all made it thru the fire.”

“It's nice to have a local place who offers vegan and gluten free options, and who actually know what it means to be gluten free. While I know there is always the possibility of getting glutens (wheat, rye or barley) in my food due to cross-contamination. They try their best to really accommodate special dietary needs and that means ALOT! This is the only place in town I will eat, since it is the only one that won't make me sick, and because their food is excellent, and service is prompt and friendly.”

“Locally owned shop, ice cream was delicious, produce was great and a great patio on the back deck! Frosty's was packed, so we ended up here, so glad we did! The home made pies are off the hook! Must stop while in Chester!”

“This is a great bar. It frequented by a loyal following of regulars, most of them residents of the country club. It is open to the public. I highly recommend a visit to this small establishment. With its private parking, seclusion in a gated community and friendly atmosphere, it's a strong thumbs up. In the summer there is a 9 hole golf course outside the windows. In the winter, a driving range that opens to sledding for the kids.”

“We had breakfast on our way to Lassen: chilaquiles with carnitas, plate of bacon & eggs with mini pancakes, and a special order of soft bacon. Perfectly cooked. Excellent service. Highly recommend. Worth a stop. We’d like to see what lunch and dinner are like.”

“Great family spot! Must try it out.”

“Great food, great service, Lyric is the goods!”

“Great food, great service, Lyric is the goods!”

“It’s great. I got the relleno, enchilada and tamale combo. My wife got the cheese enchiladas plate and we got margaritas. It’s what you’d expect, in a good way. Nice sauces, good meat. Enjoy (The photo is after we demolished our food)

Vegetarian options: Cheese enchiladas, we were told refried beans don’t have lard.”

“Stopped to eat here on our way to Chico, CA . The food and service were excellent . Best fish and chips . Will definitely be going back !”

“Always friendly, always have what I need- great selection of wines.”

“Best place in Chester for an adult beverage, A nice floor to dance on. And the people watching is 🤩”

“great food and wonderful service!”

“Food is fabulous. Try the Hawaiian or the Spaghetti with meatballs. If the owner/manager is open to one suggestion. Please give your customers receipts. We were not offered one and our order got lost. We paid cash so had no way to prove that we paid for food. Fortunately your employees remember. Shit happens and stuff gets lost. Most important is that they fixed it, we got our food and loved it. Was just a little frustrating that we waited an hour, only to find out our order got lost. We will definitely be back. Want to try all the pasta dishes. Cheers!!”

“Very good food and coffee…”