There’s lots of amazing things about Northern California, but two that stand out above the rest are the history and the food. When the two are combined and you get a great meal in a historic place, there’s nothing better. That’s why we compiled this mouthwatering and informational list of these historic Northern California restaurants.
- Kirkwood Inn & Saloon
Yelp/Gary J.
Yelp/ Kim H. Take a step back in time at the historic Kirkwood Inn on Highway 88 at the Kirkwood Ski Area. It was built in 1864 by Zachary Kirkwood, and retains its original character with its rustic log cabin design. The Inn features Western cuisine for lunch and dinner daily complete with a full service bar. Hwy 88 & Carson Pass Kirkwood, CA 95646
- Poor Reds
Yelp/ John H.
Yelp/ Kathleen D. One a world famous bar that was known for its signature drink, the Golden Cadillac pictured here, and the bartender’s habit of cutting off the neckties of any patron who walked in with one, Poor Reds fell into disrepair and was closed for several years. It was recently purchased and reopened with improvements like a new courtyard. The new restaurant and bar stays true to its rural reputation, however. 6221 Pleasant Valley Rd El Dorado, CA 95623
- Samoa Cookhouse
Yelp/ MyCupOfTeaBethany M.
Yelp/ Cathy K. The Samoa Cookhouse is the oldest operating restaurant of it’s kind. It was originally a cookhouse for lumberjacks who would come in and dine after their hard manual labor. Meals like fried chicken, steak and potatoes are still served there to this day in a family style setting. 511 Vance Ave Samoa, CA 95564
- Frasinetti’s Winery & Restaurant
Yelp/ Guest U.
Yelp/ Erica C. The winery first opened in 1897 and the dining room is in one of the original wine cellars. Driving into the restaurant/winery area feels like you are entering a earlier time in the valley, very historic and quaint. Wine tasting is complimentary and can be a good start for choosing a new wine to go with your dinner. This upscale dining is a great treat for a special occasion. 7395 Frasinetti Rd Sacramento, CA 95828
- Golden Gate Saloon
Yelp/Adam X.
Yelp/Adam X. Known as the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi, the Golden Gate Saloon will transport you back into the wild west. Enjoy cocktails and traditional pub fare. 212 W Main St Grass Valley, CA 95945
- Jax on the Tracks
Yelp/Dave H.
Yelp/Alma F. The owners of Jax on the Tracks heard about someone who was saving old diners that were being torn down across the country in the 1990s. They contacted this individual and brought the restaurant out to the Sierra Nevada all the way from Philly. It under went a 1.2 million dollar restoration and reopened to serve high end comfort food. 10144 W River St Truckee, CA 96161
- Cozmic Cafe
Yelp/ Kandee H.
Yelp/ Maryam V. Who doesn’t love a vegan friendly restaurant where you can dine in caves that are built right into the back of the building? The caves, and this historic structure, are left over from the Gold Rush era and were once used to keep perishables cool before air conditioning was installed. 594 Main St Placerville, CA 95667
Now that you know what amazing nuggets of history and culinary delights Northern California has in store for you, which one will you choose first?
Yelp/Gary J.
Yelp/ Kim H.
Take a step back in time at the historic Kirkwood Inn on Highway 88 at the Kirkwood Ski Area. It was built in 1864 by Zachary Kirkwood, and retains its original character with its rustic log cabin design. The Inn features Western cuisine for lunch and dinner daily complete with a full service bar. Hwy 88 & Carson Pass Kirkwood, CA 95646
Yelp/ John H.
Yelp/ Kathleen D.
One a world famous bar that was known for its signature drink, the Golden Cadillac pictured here, and the bartender’s habit of cutting off the neckties of any patron who walked in with one, Poor Reds fell into disrepair and was closed for several years. It was recently purchased and reopened with improvements like a new courtyard. The new restaurant and bar stays true to its rural reputation, however. 6221 Pleasant Valley Rd El Dorado, CA 95623
Yelp/ MyCupOfTeaBethany M.
Yelp/ Cathy K.
The Samoa Cookhouse is the oldest operating restaurant of it’s kind. It was originally a cookhouse for lumberjacks who would come in and dine after their hard manual labor. Meals like fried chicken, steak and potatoes are still served there to this day in a family style setting. 511 Vance Ave Samoa, CA 95564
Yelp/ Guest U.
Yelp/ Erica C.
The winery first opened in 1897 and the dining room is in one of the original wine cellars. Driving into the restaurant/winery area feels like you are entering a earlier time in the valley, very historic and quaint. Wine tasting is complimentary and can be a good start for choosing a new wine to go with your dinner. This upscale dining is a great treat for a special occasion. 7395 Frasinetti Rd Sacramento, CA 95828
Yelp/Adam X.
Known as the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi, the Golden Gate Saloon will transport you back into the wild west. Enjoy cocktails and traditional pub fare. 212 W Main St Grass Valley, CA 95945
Yelp/Dave H.
Yelp/Alma F.
The owners of Jax on the Tracks heard about someone who was saving old diners that were being torn down across the country in the 1990s. They contacted this individual and brought the restaurant out to the Sierra Nevada all the way from Philly. It under went a 1.2 million dollar restoration and reopened to serve high end comfort food. 10144 W River St Truckee, CA 96161
Yelp/ Kandee H.
Yelp/ Maryam V.
Who doesn’t love a vegan friendly restaurant where you can dine in caves that are built right into the back of the building? The caves, and this historic structure, are left over from the Gold Rush era and were once used to keep perishables cool before air conditioning was installed. 594 Main St Placerville, CA 95667
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