Jordan’s Guide to Eating in Chico
Some of these are widely known, others are strictly an IYKYK sort of thing. If you don’t know what to eat and you still can’t find it on this list, then you’ll never find happiness, I guess.
Mexican Food
Taco Trucks
Parked on lots, wrapped in foil, unmatched. We’re starting here because not only is there an abundance of trucks in Chico, but I hit them weekly.
Tacos El Tapatio – My personal favorite taco truck in Chico. I always get the regular carne asada burrito, made spicy. They make what is hands down the best spicy salsa in town. They master the basics, it costs next to nothing, and they run roughly 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM—so don’t dream about it for dinner unless you plan ahead.
Mi Taquito – Tuesday adobada and Friday birria. Two of the absolute best tacos in town, plus some of the best al pastor around. Its one of the few places in town that cooks their adobada on a rotisserie. Bonus: they stay open until about 9:00 PM, which qualifies as late-night by Chico standards.
La Bamba – The birria with spicy salsa is phenomenal, but don’t sleep on the grilled chicken skewers.
Tacos El Grullense – Holding down South Chico on Park Ave. Order the grilled cheese barbacoa tacos and prepare to have your mind blown.
Tacos El Pinolero – Another South Chico staple. They’ve got three locations running, and every single one is consistent, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Sit-Down & Drive-Thru Mexican
La Comida – A Chico institution. Every town has a spot like this: baked into the very fabric of the city. Like the air we breathe and the dirt under our feet, it just is. Does the food look pretty? No. Does it taste amazing? Yes. Will you run into five people you went to middle school with? Guaranteed. When my grandma was alive, she’d hit it Friday when arriving in town, and again Sunday on her way out (she swore she used to feed a family of seven for under $3). Get a tostada with ranch or the super burrito. Only real Chico people understand—eat here to find out if you're one of us.
Gordo Burrito – Right off Highway 99 on Cohasset, making it the ultimate tactical pitstop. Incredible breakfast burritos, fantastic tortas, and killer crispy tacos. The gordo burrito itself never misses.
Tacos El Lider (The Liquor Store Window) – A walk-up/drive-up window attached to a liquor store on Park Ave, which means you already know the food slaps. Get the California burrito with carne asada or a straightforward al pastor burrito.
Aztlan – Massive portions. Two locations, but the North Chico spot on Esplanade is legendary for dishing out legit Mexican BBQ plates alongside their giant burritos.
Sol Mexican Grill – Fresh, reliable fast-casual. I like the SoCal burrito; Kelly always orders the Sol Bowl.
Sandwiches & Smash Burgers
Carbs, cold cuts, and midday fuel. Can you tell I love pastrami?
S&S BBQ & Deli Counter – The BBQ tri-tip sandwich is completely off the hook, available every single day, and somehow still under $10. A local miracle. Cold cuts available at the butcher shop as well.
The Meat Locker – Pastrami and corned beef sandwiches have been my staple for years. Golden rule: Always make sure you get Sierra Nevada mustard. Watch for their tri-tip special on Fridays or Saturdays (I cant remember which day).
Spiteri’s Deli – Old-school North Chico legend. The Wednesday New York pastrami special on a French roll is non-negotiable. If it isn't Wednesday, pivot to the smoked turkey with a tub of potato salad.
Fast Eddie’s Sandwich Shop – They have more sandwich combinations than your brain can process, and I haven’t hit a bad one yet. Reliable, stacked, and no-nonsense.
Great Harvest Bread Co. – Technically a franchise, but it feels 100% home-grown. Chicken salad on the breadboard special sourdough hits every single time. Always say yes to the free bread sample at the counter, and grab a salted caramel cookie on your way out (best cookie in town, hands down).
Broadway Heights – A sit-down hidden gem tucked upstairs in the historic Phoenix Building downtown. If they have the chicken salad sandwich, order it immediately; otherwise, go pastrami.
The Bronze Burger – Burgers are sandwiches too, right? Crisp-edged, greasy-in-a-good-way smash burgers out of a tiny downtown storefront. Order the Double Bronze Burger, and only get the cajun fries if you can handle the heat.
Nobby’s – Tiny shack on Park Ave famous for the cheese skirt—a halo of melted, crispy cheddar extending inches beyond the bun. A true bucket-list Chico bite. Don’t sleep on the fries either.
Big Al’s Drive-In – Classic 1950s-style drive-in. Walk up to the window for burgers, crinkle-cut fries, chicken tenders, and thick soft-serve milkshakes. My personal favorite is the Mr. Pibb Freeze. Best enjoyed sitting on your tailgate.
Asian & Bowls
Noodles, rolls, and curries.
Cocodine – Uncontested best Thai food in town. Pad Thai, Rama’s Pilgrimage, green curry, yellow curry, short ribs, crispy wings... there’s too much good stuff to list. Hits just as hard dining in as it does packed in takeout containers.
Chan Pheng’s Mandarin Cuisine – Our reigning Chinese favorite. The dry-braised chicken is mandatory—crispy, sticky, savory, perfect. Kung Pao, lemon chicken, beef broccoli, and BBQ pork chow mein all crush.
Ginger’s Restaurant – Close rival to Chan Pheng. A newer addition to my rotation, but everything has been fantastic so far. Plus, they’ve got a live fish tank in the dining room, which is universal shorthand for great Chinese food.
Vietnam Bistro – Our North Chico go-to for pho takeout. We consistently order the filet mignon pho and the veggie pho. Always consistent and very reasonable.
Big Tuna Sushi Bistro / Ichiban – Reliable casual sushi with two neighborhood locations (Ichiban by the mall, Big Tuna on Mangrove). Ichiban has the Tempura Whitefish Bomber, which is basic but absurdly good. Always order a Chico Roll and the nigiri sampler; the Cajun toro nigiri is so good even Kelly loves it.
Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi – Slick, stylish corner anchor downtown. While I find standard rolls just alright, their hot kitchen menu is super good: the Korean ribs are among the best in town, the pan-fried noodles are dangerously addictive, and the salmon bowl with extra Slam Sauce is elite. For sushi, the Crusty Roll is our ride-or-die.
Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe (T-Bar) – Does it fit neatly into traditional Asian cuisine? Not quite. But their bowls and wraps with creamy teriyaki or wasabi sauces deliver clean, flavorful fuel. London broil, salmon, and mango pork wraps are all home runs. Don't skip the sparkling pear iced tea.
Coffee, Breakfast & Bakeries
Morning fuel, pastry runs, and long weekend waits.
Country Morning Bakery & Cafe – Tucked out in an industrial park off Hegan Lane, and completely worth the hunt. Incredible scratch pastries, breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and ham-and-cheese rolls. If lunch specials is available get the brisket. Their sandwich roll is otherworldly. Also stock up on their take-and-bake trays: lasagna, cheesy potatoes, and chicken pot pies.
Café Coda – Chico’s favorite breakfast spot. There will be a wait, so show up early… but if there is a wait there’s a nice outdoor spot to hang out. Order the vegan breakfast burrito, vegan chilaquiles, or the Little Donkey. Always order a lemon poppyseed pancake for the table.
Sin of Cortez – Another Chico morning staple. The scrambles are dialed, the Dragon Potatoes are essential, and our table pancake of choice here is the blackberry banana pancake.
Morning Thunder Cafe – Classic, no-bull American diner breakfast. Oversized scrambles, massive biscuits, coffee mugs topped off nonstop. Lines out the door every weekend—Chico takes Sunday breakfast very seriously.
Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery – Massive glass deli case loaded with sweet and savory staples. The Quiche Lorraine is a longtime favorite, as is the black bean chili and their famous “This Is Not a Reuben” pastrami sandwich.
Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe – The standard for local artisan breads, baguettes, and pastries. Grab a loaf and a cronut to take home along with your morning latte.
Camina Bakery – Pure sourdough wizardry. No brick-and-mortar yet, but catch them at the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Markets, or pick up loaves at Bapa's Market and Chico Natural Foods. The pistachio cardamom croissant and morning bun will not be passed up if they have any left.
Daycamp Coffee – Our favorite local roaster, tucked into Meriam Park. Modern industrial vibe, great house blend, full brunch menu, and tons of seating. Ideal spot to work or meet a friend.
Stoble Coffee – Stunning multi-story coffee house downtown that doubles as a co-working space. Features one of the only rooftop patio hangouts in town. Coffee is great and they stock Camina pastries in the case (though kitchen food can be a little dry for my taste).
Equilateral Coffee – Excellent specialty coffee tucked right inside an art gallery. Order the Mexican Mocha, and grab a Tin Roof pastry while looking at local art.
Tender Loving Coffee – Entirely plant-based cafe downtown with awesome biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and top-tier espresso drinks. Kitchen can take a minute when it's popping, so budget a little patience.
Chico Chai – Our beloved local chai brewer's brick-and-mortar tea house. Fragrant, freshly brewed spicy-sweet chai paired with an outstanding loaded avocado toast.
Donut Nook – We’ve traveled across the world searching for better donuts and found maybe one spot that could compete (Holy Grail in Kauai). They've been frying dough forever and it never misses. Grab a tiger tail or a chocolate round with sprinkles. Open nearly 24 hours, so your craving is always covered.
Nice Dinners & Date Nights
Reservations recommended, patio drinks guaranteed.
Grana Wood Fired Foods – Seasonally driven, farm-to-table cooking centered around a roaring wood-fired oven. The salmon is fabulous, the wood-fired pizzas are stellar, and the slow-cooked ragù is fire. Always start with the castelvetrano olives or a pickle plate. Patio seating here is the best table in town; book ahead.
Crush Italian Cuisine – Chic, bussin’ second-story perch downtown. Perfect for date night or lively small plates. Fantastic happy hour—try to slip into a bar stool early. Favorites include the pomodoro, chicken piccata, and bolognese.
Sicilian Cafe – A beloved fixture for over 40 years, now in an even better location. Order the best calamari in town and follow it up with the garlic-loaded shrimp scampi.
Red Tavern – Charming Esplanade space with the a tree-canopied patio that makes everything feel that much more special. Cocktails are dialed and the wild mushroom pasta is unreal.
5th Street Steakhouse – Old-school chophouse luxury. Great happy hour, and their Friday lunchtime burger is a low-key local institution. For dinner, I always order Nick’s Grill with a filet mignon.
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant – Needs zero introduction. World-class brewery, always packed, farm-fresh seasonal menu, and taps loaded with brewery-only beers you cannot buy anywhere else on Earth. The pizzas and burgers are consistently on point.
(Note: Namasake was hands-down our favorite sushi in town, currently on a temporary hiatus—keep your ears open for their return!)
Pubs, Bars & Late-Night Bites
From college dives and pour-your-own taprooms to cozy craft cocktail dens.
The Banshee – The undisputed king of Chico bar food. Been one of my favorites for 15 years; at one point I was there 2 to 4 times a week. The mac & cheese, the burger, the tacos —everything rules. Keep your eyes peeled for their seasonal pho, which rivals dedicated noodle shops.
B-Street Public House – Polished gastropub downtown with a great patio. Flexible enough for a casual date or catching the game with friends. Get the burger, a steaming bowl of mussels, or their unapologetic "trashy chicken tacos."
Argus Bar & Patio – Moody vintage cocktail lounge downtown with old movies playing above the bar and one of the coziest back patios around. Top-shelf craft drinks and late-night kitchen eats.
Roselle Bar & Lounge – Sleek, design-forward cocktail lounge in Meriam Park. Terrific cocktails, plus a surprisingly killer burger and karaage chicken nuggets.
The Commons Social Emporium – Pour-your-own beer/cider/wine tap wall, huge community yard, lawn games, live music, and kid-friendly open space. Surprisingly fantastic thin-crust pizza, too.
The Lost Dutchman Taproom – Relaxed South Chico watering hole. Kid-friendly open setup, huge beer board, cozy indoor pub feel. Food is basic comfort fare, but if you’re craving a hot corn dog with a fresh pint, they’ve got you covered.
The Madison Bear Garden ("The Bear") – The legendary, multi-level college bar right on the edge of campus. Three indoor bars, an open-air deck, and pure Chico energy. Order the Jiffy Burger—creamy peanut butter on a burger sounds crazy until you take your first bite and realize it’s pure genius. Don’t sleep on the Fire Fries.
Duffy’s Tavern – The ultimate downtown dive. Classic booths, an ancient jukebox, cold draft beer, and lighting so dim you’ll completely lose track of time.
Allie’s Pub – Tucked down a historic alley off 2nd Street. A wintertime sanctuary. They brew their own ales and pour seasonal hot mulled wine. Their savory meat pies (with puff pastry or mashed potato crusts) and handheld pasties are pure British-comfort perfection.
The Handle Bar – German-inspired beer hall near the mall. Giant pretzels, bratwurst, and great German taps. Lively, friendly vibe that punches way above its strip-mall exterior.
Pizzaaaaa
Wood-fired, New York slices, and late-night cravings.
Bodega Market – Chico’s newest pizza darling, right on a downtown corner. Handcrafted, crisp, airy crust sold whole or by the slice. Arguably the best slice in town right now. The vodka pie is my absolute #1.
Farm Star Pizza – Organic, locally sourced sourdough pizzas with hyper-seasonal toppings. If you go to Saturday Farmers Market you’ll see the owner buying produce for the shop. Excellent salads (always get the beet salad or sweet heat). Cozy room with craft beer on tap; can get loud when live music is playing. The classico and pig & shroom are favorites but we typically build our own with roasted garlic, onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, and olives. Great pie.
Celestino’s New York Pizza – The tried-and-true Chico standby. Giant fold-in-half slices, authentic NY sauce-to-cheese ratio, and easy on the wallet. The Olive Special with a side of ranch is a 10/10 for me.
Scoops, Froyo & Cold Treats
Beat the 105° Valley summer heat.
Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy – A Chico tradition since 1938. Wholesome downtown counter churning classic ice cream and handmade chocolates. Go-to flavors: Chico Mint, Mt. Shasta, Turtle, and Root Beer.
Savor Ice Cream – Meriam Park favorite doing rich traditional ice cream alongside incredible scratch-made plant-based/vegan flavors. Even non-dairy skeptics can't tell the difference. Go with a scoop of chocolate brownie, or branch out into inventive flavors like strawberry balsamic.
La Flor de Michoacán – Vibrant Mexican paletería with multiple Chico shops. Endless tubs of artisanal ice cream and fruit-packed popsicles (paletas). Fresh, natural ingredients—grab a mangonada or a horchata pop.
Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe – The original Chico frozen yogurt institution. Nostalgic flavors, unlimited toppings bar, and one of the few spots in town slinging legit shave ice.
Live Life Juice Co. – Cold-pressed organic raw juices, wellness shots, and house-made nut milks. A bit of a splurge, but worth it. The Blue Milk, every single green juice, and their grab-and-go vegan soups and raw treats are top tier.
Grocery & Butcher Counters
For pantry runs, work-from-anywhere days, and meat you can't buy at Safeway.
New Earth Market – The largest of the local organic grocers. Great hot buffet, a killer deli case, and easily the best healthy snack stash in town. Fresh sushi made in-house daily. It’s also a surprisingly nice, chill spot to camp out with your laptop and actually get work done.
S&S Produce & Natural Foods – Classic neighborhood grocer with solid organic produce, but let’s be real: you’re here for the best butcher shop in town. Fair prices, top quality—I buy practically all my chicken and fish here.
Chico Locker & Sausage Co. (The Meat Locker) – Meats, cured goods, and house-made sausages of your dreams. If you’re grilling, grab the Burgundy pepper or Santa Maria tri-tip. Get a hawaiian beef stick for the drive home while you’re at it.
The “How You Know You’re From Chico”
Hall of Fame
If you grew up here, your childhood was fueled by these legendary spots. If you didn’t grow up here, consider this your honorary local citizenship test.
Hula’s Chinese Bar-B-Q – Build-your-own Mongolian BBQ where you cram sliced frozen meats, noodles, and ladles of flavored oils and sauces into a bowl like a game of culinary Tetris, trying to build as high as possible. In the old days you could build up your bowl with a secondary rim of squash to pack even more in there, but they caught on and started quartering the squash slices (true story). Then watch the grill wizards sear it over the giant circular iron flattop. I had my birthday dinner here for like 20 years in a row.
La Comida – (See above). You either get it, or you’re from out of town. Don't forget to help yourself to the chips and salsa.
La Hacienda – It’s all about the sauce, baby. The recipe is one of the most closely guarded secrets in Butte County. Order the tostada or the durango salad in a shell, accompanied by a full squeeze bottle of that sweet, tangy sauce.
Basque Norte – Family-style dining at the northern end of town. The giant parking lot is jammed every Friday night for a reason: endless soup, salad, beans, bread, and gigantic plates of grilled marinated lamb chops.
The Italian Cottage – Pure nostalgia. Back in the day they had sawdust on the floor and servers in frilly skirts. The menu hasn’t budged since the dawn of time. Pack quarters so your kids can play the vintage Pac-Man machine by the door. The beef dip, chef salad with extra kidney beans, and spaghetti are timeless.