There’s nothing like good meal at a mom and pop diner after traveling. These delectable diners, cafes, and pubs are ready to serve up some good old fashioned American fare as soon as you walk in the door. Have a cup of coffee with the regulars and the next thing you know, you’ll feel like family.

  1. White Mountain Fountain, McCloud

Yelp/ Steve W. Historic Mercantile Bldg 245 Main St McCloud, CA 96057

Folks love making a stop here on their way to Mt. Shasta or Burney Falls because of the delicious meals and quality ingredients. It’s hard to pick a stand out when it comes to the menu because you really can’t go wrong!

  1. The Waffle Farm, Lincoln

Yelp/ Michael C. 815 Twelve Bridges Dr Lincoln, CA 95648

The almond pancakes are to die for, but the Haystack, a giant plate of country style potatoes topped with a fried egg, is unforgettable! This place is definitely worth a stop if you are hungry!

  1. The Purple Plum, Yreka

Yellp/ Karl E. 105 E Miner St Yreka, CA 96097

Folks love their vegetarian options, and the carnivores think their choices are just as good! The menu includes veggie burgers, falafel, beer battered chicken strips, and quality beef.

  1. The Hi-Lo Cafe, Weed

Yelp/ Joe P. 88 S Weed Blvd Weed, CA 96094

This might become your favorite diner when it comes to comfort food and good service. The staff genuinely cares about each and every person who walks through their doors. Guests rave about their salad bar and other great dishes.

  1. Marlene and Glenn’s, Plymouth

Yelp/ Laura D. 18726 State Hwy 49 Plymouth, CA 95669

You’ll be transported back to the good old days in this old fashioned diner that isn’t short on charm. It’s also know for it’s generous proportions, so be sure to come with an empty belly!

  1. Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe, Eureka

Yelp/ Fer R. 617 4th St Eureka, CA 95501

Guests rave about the seasoned fries and the Tiger Prawn & Andouille Jambalaya. This establishment is casual and family friendly, which combined with great beer makes for an excellent stop!

  1. Lassen Ale Works, Susanville

Yelp/ Judd F. Pioneer Saloon 724 Main St Susanville, CA 96130

Excellent craft beers and quality food choices truly make this dining establishment a diamond in the rough. Ribeye steak, Shiskabobs, and the Basque Lamb Stew are a few of the quality meals to be had here.

  1. Kopper Kettle Cafe, Chester

Yelp/ Frances F. 243 Main St Chester, CA 96020

Try their French Fries and you definitely won’t regret it! The couple who owns this great little diner are known for making everyone feel like a local.

  1. Historic Hiouchi Cafe, Crescent City

Yelp/ Opal F. 2095 US Hwy 199 Crescent City, CA 95531

Highlights on the menu include smoked pork chops with homemade applesauce. chicken Apple sausage, and of course, the “sissy” pancake that could probably feed a small army. We dare you to finish one!

  1. Donner Lake Kitchen, Truckee

Yelp/ Wanugee N. 13720 Donner Pass Rd Truckee, CA 96161

Located just a stone’s throw from beautiful Donner Lake, this diner is full of mountain charm. The huevos rancheros are to die for!

  1. Chalete House of Omlettes, Eureka

Yelp/ ChiYan T. 1935 5th St Eureka, CA 95501

This mom and pop style cafe is praised for it’s friendly wait staff and generous proportions. Locals love the buckwheat pancakes with blueberries.

  1. Carol’s Cafe, Prattville

Yelp/ Tani A. Wilson’s Camp 2932 Almanor Dr W Prattville, CA 95923

A popular diner near Lake Alamanor, frequent visitors just can’t get enough of the pie! This cozy place is just the ticket if you are looking for a little home style cooking.

There are so many quality diners and cafes throughout Northern California, but these 12 rose to the top of this list. Quality ingredients and decent proportions are just a few reasons why locals and visitors love them, but atmosphere and friendly staff are even more important in making you feel at home the moment you walk through these doors.

Yelp/ Steve W.

Historic Mercantile Bldg 245 Main St McCloud, CA 96057

Folks love making a stop here on their way to Mt. Shasta or Burney Falls because of the delicious meals and quality ingredients. It’s hard to pick a stand out when it comes to the menu because you really can’t go wrong!

Yelp/ Michael C.

815 Twelve Bridges Dr Lincoln, CA 95648

The almond pancakes are to die for, but the Haystack, a giant plate of country style potatoes topped with a fried egg, is unforgettable! This place is definitely worth a stop if you are hungry!

Yellp/ Karl E.

105 E Miner St Yreka, CA 96097

Folks love their vegetarian options, and the carnivores think their choices are just as good! The menu includes veggie burgers, falafel, beer battered chicken strips, and quality beef.

Yelp/ Joe P.

88 S Weed Blvd Weed, CA 96094

This might become your favorite diner when it comes to comfort food and good service. The staff genuinely cares about each and every person who walks through their doors. Guests rave about their salad bar and other great dishes.

Yelp/ Laura D.

18726 State Hwy 49 Plymouth, CA 95669

You’ll be transported back to the good old days in this old fashioned diner that isn’t short on charm. It’s also know for it’s generous proportions, so be sure to come with an empty belly!

Yelp/ Fer R.

617 4th St Eureka, CA 95501

Guests rave about the seasoned fries and the Tiger Prawn & Andouille Jambalaya. This establishment is casual and family friendly, which combined with great beer makes for an excellent stop!

Yelp/ Judd F.

Pioneer Saloon 724 Main St Susanville, CA 96130

Excellent craft beers and quality food choices truly make this dining establishment a diamond in the rough. Ribeye steak, Shiskabobs, and the Basque Lamb Stew are a few of the quality meals to be had here.

Yelp/ Frances F.

243 Main St Chester, CA 96020

Try their French Fries and you definitely won’t regret it! The couple who owns this great little diner are known for making everyone feel like a local.

Yelp/ Opal F.

2095 US Hwy 199 Crescent City, CA 95531

Highlights on the menu include smoked pork chops with homemade applesauce. chicken Apple sausage, and of course, the “sissy” pancake that could probably feed a small army. We dare you to finish one!

Yelp/ Wanugee N.

13720 Donner Pass Rd Truckee, CA 96161

Located just a stone’s throw from beautiful Donner Lake, this diner is full of mountain charm. The huevos rancheros are to die for!

Yelp/ ChiYan T.

1935 5th St Eureka, CA 95501

This mom and pop style cafe is praised for it’s friendly wait staff and generous proportions. Locals love the buckwheat pancakes with blueberries.

Yelp/ Tani A.

Wilson’s Camp 2932 Almanor Dr W Prattville, CA 95923

A popular diner near Lake Alamanor, frequent visitors just can’t get enough of the pie! This cozy place is just the ticket if you are looking for a little home style cooking.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.