7 Themed Restaurants That Will Transform Your Northern California Dining Experience
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Kate Freeman
Author
Ambiance can make or break a restaurant’s appeal. At theme restaurants, the ambiance is usually over-the-top and enjoyable. Depending on how detailed the theme is, these fun restaurants provide plenty to talk about while enjoying a meal. There are a surprising number of themed restaurants in Northern California, where you can really feel immersed in the setting. Whether it is a fantasy theme, cowboy theme, or even a theme from another area of the globe, these restaurants are more than places to grab a bite, they’re dining destinations!
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
This iconic restaurant and bar located below the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is a great place for a memorable meal or drink. The detail that went into designing this restaurant could easily make you think you’re in Disneyland, which makes sense since it was created by a Hollywood set designer. They’re known to have an excellent drink menu, serving San Francisco’s best Mai Tai. Make a reservation during a time when the restaurant’s Polynesian dancers are set to perform on the "lagoon" in the middle of the restaurant to make the experience extra authentic. You won’t forget this place anytime soon!
Enchanted Forest Dining Experience, 372 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667, USA
You’ve never been to a restaurant like this! The Enchanted Forest Dining Experience in Placerville feels like the movie set of a fantasy film. Located on Main Street in downtown Placerville, the menu at this enchanted restaurant changes often, but includes many vegan and gluten-free options.
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BABS Southern Bistro, 345 Ash St, Red Bluff, CA 96080, USA
Located in downtown Red Bluff, this charming southern-style bistro serves traditional New Orleans cuisine. Even the building BABS is located in looks as if it could be near the French Quarter. BABS serves Nawlins classics like gumbo, beignets, and southern grits. Inside, BABS has high bar tables and bistro tables, or take a seat at one of the picnic tables on the back patio and get ready to experience the best Southern hospitality in Northern California.
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Golden Ox Family Diner, 410 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
This train-themed diner offers generous portions of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more. Model trains line the walls and one model train runs around the entire restaurant. This is a great place to take kids or anyone fascinated with trains.
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill, 73 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
Most Bay Area folks have to drive a few hours to Gold Rush country if they want to experience the Old West. However, The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill in downtown San Jose could easily fool you into thinking it’s imported from Gold Rush country. The back patio has a covered wagon and dirt floors. Inside, the ambiance is very inviting, with dark wood and wagon wheels as decor, plus a menu with a lot of barbecue dishes. Experience the Old West at this lively saloon!
Kathrin's Biergarten, 4810 Granite Dr A1, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA
You won’t find a more authentic Biergarten in California than Kathrin’s Biergarten in Rocklin, outside of Sacramento. A Biergarten is a great place for a long, leisurely meal, or a place to enjoy a few beers and catch up with friends. Kathrin’s owners know what makes a good Biergarten -- they’re from Germany where Biergartens are common. Stop by this friendly restaurant for a fun time!
The Crown & Anchor, 150 W Franklin St, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
It doesn’t get more British than this pub and restaurant near Monterey’s waterfront. There are a lot of good seafood restaurants in Monterey but at The Crown & Anchor, you’ll get to experience something different. This cozy British pub has a large menu with appetizers, salads, entrees, and small plates. They also have a full-service bar. It wouldn’t be a Monterey restaurant without some nautical accents -- giving the restaurant the vibe of an old British ship. The Crown & Anchor is a cozy and fun place to enjoy a pint on a foggy afternoon!
There are numerous themed restaurants in Northern California that are family-owned. We love to see businesses go all-in on these fun and sometimes niche themes. It just makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Did we miss any on this list? Tell us in the comments?
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