Sunset Magazine Named This California Highway 101 Burger the Best on the West Coast

Two miles north of Leggett on Highway 101, a hand-hewn redwood building held together by wooden pegs instead of nails announces itself with a hand-lettered sign: 'Never Don't Stop.'

The Peg House is part general store, part outdoor grill, part live music patio. It's been serving Highway 101 travelers since the 1920s, when the lumber industry shaped everything in this part of Northern California.

Sunset Magazine named its grass-fed burger the best on the West Coast. That's a citation the restaurant has earned through the quality of its beef, its outdoor-grill cooking method, and its setting. Eating a burger at a picnic table while the redwoods close in on either side of the highway is its own kind of experience.

Current owners Diana Ballard-Doll and Gary Ballard took over in 2001 after years working at a Skunk Train concession stand. Their philosophy: no one leaves hungry, and the patio stage is open to anyone who needs it. The annual Hickey Fest music festival and regular car shows have made The Peg House a gathering place for the broader Redwood Corridor community. It made Only In Your State's national best-burger list.

What to Order

The classic cheeseburger comes on a ciabatta roll, made from grass-fed beef cooked on the outdoor grill. The salmon burger is the seasonal alternative worth seeking out when the kitchen has it.

When they're available, the BBQ oysters sourced from Humboldt Bay and grilled in garlic butter are as good as anything on the Northern California coast. They sell out early on busy days, so order immediately if you see them on the board.

Housemade brownies, the Mendo Mookie, and a wild berry sundae round out the dessert lineup. Everything is made to order from the grill window while you wait at a picnic table. Bring cash and patience, and plan to sit a while. For more on the nearby food scene, see the Peg House itself.

A Highway 101 Landmark Over 100 Years Running

The building dates back to the 1920s, when the area was defined by the lumber industry. The current owners have built the property into something that serves travelers, musicians, locals, and anyone passing through on a road trip.

The Ballards listed the property for sale in 2020 at $3 million, but the restaurant has continued to operate under their stewardship as of the most recent updates. Check current status on social media before making a long detour.

Standish-Hickey State Park is directly across Highway 101, which makes The Peg House a natural pairing for a hike and a burger on the same afternoon. For more of the state's dining history, see Northern California restaurants worth a road trip.

Plan Your Visit

The Peg House is at 69501 US-101 in Leggett. The grill opens daily at 11 a.m. and runs until dusk. The general store opens at 7:30 a.m.

Cash and cards are accepted. Check social media for seasonal closures before making a long drive. Hours are subject to change based on weather and season. While you're planning the trip, check out roadside restaurants along Highway 101.