Our totally biased collection of local eateries and trails. From Burgee Dave’s in Camptonville, to The Willo (voted Sacramento Magazine’s “Favorite Roadhouse”), we hope you enjoy our collection of local favorites.
Local Eats
The Willo Steakhouse
A traditional California roadhouse with just plain, good, hearty American food. The Willo was established 1969. Voted best steak year after year by the readers of The Union. Also named favorite roadhouse by Sacramento Magazine. Their steaks are hand cut daily and grilled to your specification. You can watch your meal being cooked by their expert grill masters or cook your own. Ribeyes are served on Fridays and Saturdays. Cook off style St. Louis cut racks of ribs smoked there daily. Steakburgers are available every Monday.
Jernigan’s Tap House & Grill
A local favorite that always has 13 craft beers on tap, including root beer, people come to Jernigan’s for the wonderful atmosphere. You can enjoy a great meal, see a game or raise a glass. They serve Niman Ranch Chuck Beef, Niman Ranch Pork, Mary’s Free Range Chicken, and Beeler’s Uncured Thick-Cut Bacon. They get seasonal produce from local farms as often as possible and all of their bread is from Truckee Sourdough Company. Most everything, from dressings and Aiolis to beer batter, is made in-house. Check out our Wednesday Pint Nights from 5:30pm to closing.
http://www.jernigansgrill.com/
Burgee Dave’s
Located on Highway 49 in Camptonville, Burgee Dave’s is a destination. A hidden gem tucked away in mountains, it offers excellent food and an even better relaxed environment. There is both indoor seating and picnic tables outside. Known as “The Home of the Ultimate Bloody Mary,” it certainly will not disappoint. When you request their specialty drink, they ring a bell and yell out your order. It’s a party in a mason jar, complete with three bamboo skewers of toppings. I am not joking, it’s insane. In total there are 16 different snacks resting on your glass, along with a few mermaids and a nice fat straw to drink it all up. Open Thursday – Sunday, serving Lunch and Dinner.
Diego’s
Diego’s in Grass Valley serves Chilean inspired South American food in an eclectic and relaxing setting. Just on the edge of the downtown area, it’s a local’s favorite. Diego’s features fresh ingredients, professional, quality dishes, generous portions and friendly, attentive service. From the warm, house-made Chilean bread rolls and fresh Latin-style crêpes to the decadent desserts and weekend specials, you will lose yourself in the incredible Latin flavors of the Lower Americas.
The Northridge
Northridge is great example of traditional old style Nevada County. They are tucked away at the top of Nevada Street, out of stumbling distance from downtown Nevada City. With the lots of booths, a pool table, and kids in Little League uniforms, it’s an obvious local’s favorite. Favorite menu items include their pizzas, sandwiches, and hearty salads. If you decide to show up on a Friday or Saturday night, come early! This place is popular.
http://www.northridgerestaurant.com/
FoxHound Espresso & Coffee Broaster
Nevada City’s newest coffee roaster is FoxHound Espresso, and Coffee Broaster. Owned and operated by Steffen Snell, a lone survivor of the year 2000 Cyber Cafe Cyber Wars. He offers passionately served & compassionately crafted, made to order, hand roasted coffee with a strong emphasis on home brewing education and cultural development. We recommend trying one of his locally broasted, locally brewed to perfection coffees (served in a hand-crafted Pickle Pottery mug)!
Treats Ice Cream
Amazing ice cream! Sometimes the line is out the door, but it’s worth the wait. They rotate flavors, often depending on the seasons, but some classic favorites are always around. They also offer gelato, sorbet, and vegan options. You can sample the flavors before you choose.
Getting Outdoors
Cross the Suspension Bridge Over Deer Creek
For a beautiful walk and a gorgeous view, try the Suspension Bridge Trail. Start at the Miners Foundry. To the right of the building, you’ll see a street that runs around the back. Once you are on this street, turn right on Factory Street. This road will take you to the Deer Creek Environs Trail and across the Suspension Bridge over Deer Creek.
Walk the American Hill Loop
During the school week, this is the walk of choice for local moms, after they drop the kids off at school. If you are staying at Broad Street Inn, walk out of the Inn front door, and turn right onto Bennett Street. Depending on the direction you choose, you can either walk up or down the big hill. If you want to get your heart rate up, turn left off of Bennett onto Monroe. At one point there will be a fork in the trail, stay to the right on Old Downieville Highway. Or, if you’d rather take it easy, keep going on Bennet Street up American Hill. The beginning of American Hill is a little steep, but nothing compared to the hill the other direction. If you’re mapping it on your phone, one landmark you can enter for the halfway point is Queen Lil Place. This road is at the opposite end of the loop from town, and something you can reference to make sure you are on the right path.
Click to view larger image
Rent a Bike at Tour of Nevada City
If you’re visiting Nevada City and want to try out some of the local roads and trails, you can rent a bike at Tour of Nevada City. They carry full suspension mountain bikes, quality road bikes, bike racks, and Trail-a-bikes. Weekly (10% off) and group rates available. Helmets are no extra charge. Get a free water bottle with the first day rental of any bike!