10 'Hole In The Wall' Restaurants In Northern California That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away
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Jill S.
Author
There’s a ton of great food in Northern California, and a lot of the amazing restaurants are local mom and pop joints. Next time you treat yourself and your loved ones out to eat, do yourself a favor and opt for the locally owned, hole in the wall gems near you rather than a fancy chain. If you choose one on this list, you definitely won’t regret it!
The Banana Hut is a taste of Hawaii located in a Northern California coastal town. It was began in 2004 as the brainchild of Fatima Evans. Her business started out as a concession trailer and evolved into the popular and well loved establishment that it is today. Try the Kalua Pig and Pineapple Rib dishes!
This traditional roadside restaurant will delight your senses! They know what they are doing, having cooked over 1 million hand cut, choice, aged New York steaks on their grill, which is located right in the dining room.
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Neighbors' website says it best: "We’re Puttin’ Cromberg Back on the Map. Somewhere between Nashville, Tennessee and the San Francisco Bay, Cromberg is now home to its own blend of familiar slow cooked favorites at Neighbors Bar-B-Que." People travel far and wide to sample the menu at this beloved barbecue joint, and satisfied customers come back again and again. Try Kyle's "fall off the bone" baby back ribs.
5th Street has some of the friendliest staff this side of the Mississippi. There's also something on the menu for everyone. Their steaks are to die for, their mashed potatoes and seafood dishes out of this world, and dishes like the ginger chicken incorporate an unusual (for a steakhouse) but delicious flavor into their menu.
You might recognize the interior of the Auburn Alehouse from the movie Phenomenon, starring John Travolta. A lot of things have changed since it was filmed in 1996, including the restaurant's name, but its still got that classic small town local's spot vibe. Located in Old Town Auburn, they serve up really amazing American pub fare, as well as delicious craft brews.
This place is located quite a way out there, but is well loved by vacationers in western Sierra County. I dare you to try and finish one of their giant breakfast burritos!
At Cuccia's, you'll be served traditional Italian recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. You'll be shocked to find such a sophisticated spot in such a quaint location. Fans rave about their chicken parmigiana and chocolate lava cake for dessert.
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This local delicatessen and popular inn opened a restaurant in 1984, and has been a beloved staple in the community ever since. Enjoy one of their home-style pizzas. In addition to being a great place to fill empty bellies with a big meal, it's also a popular place for a quick drink and appetizer.
This is fun vegetarian joint that doesn't disappoint. If you find yourself in the Tahoe area craving some healthy but mouthwatering bites, then Sprouts is the place to stop.
Rotating local brews on tap, hearty pizzas, and the friendliest wait staff around, Danette's is the local's choice. It's a great place to shoot some pool or play a game of trivia, too.
How many of these “holes in the wall” have you been to? What is your favorite locals hangout that should be a part of this list? Let us know!
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