Readers’ picks: Food & Drink

Local restaurant—Chico

1ST PLACE: The Pour House

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

For the second year now, The Pour House in north Chico has taken home the win for Best Local Restaurant. That’s no small feat, considering the competition is fierce. But regulars keep going back for the reliable service, good food and fun ambiance, which was kicked up a notch with the addition of the huge outdoor TV screen.

2ND PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE: Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, 891-9022

New restaurant (opened in the last year)

1ST PLACE: Unwined at 980

980 Mangrove Ave., 809-2634

If you’re new to town, you’d never guess the restaurant space now occupied by Unwined at 908/Ready Chef Go used to be a Blockbuster Video. The owners completed a full overhaul of the building, turning it into a truly elegant, modern dining space. And the food’s great, too. With an eye toward sustainability, the menu includes locally produced foods and shows a dedication to quality wines.

2ND PLACE: Momona Noodle + Bao

230 W. Third St., 487-7488

3RD PLACE: Rallo’s West

234 W. Third St., 636-4468

Chef

1ST PLACE: Ann Leon (Leon Contemporary California Bistro)

817 Main St., 899-1105

Chef Ann Leon has a wealth of experience under her belt, from graduating at the top of her class at San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy to leading the staff at several high-end restaurants to opening her own spot in downtown Chico. At Leon Bistro, patrons have come to expect the best from Chef Ann, whose menu is filled with creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes using local, sustainable ingredients.

2ND PLACE: Jeramie Sabelman (Japanese Blossoms)

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

3RD PLACE: James Taylor (Sicilian Cafe)

1020 Main St., 345-2233

Food server

1ST PLACE: Amanda Rhoads (Mom’s Restaurant)

209 Salem St., 893-3447

“I am pretty inquisitive about what I am eating,” writes one Yelp reviewer, “and Amanda helped us figure out how to get exactly what we wanted, making suggestions and comments … I was so impressed by both the service and the joy that we got from Amanda.” Providing great service is one thing, but “joy” takes it to another level. Hungry customers return to the downtown eatery hoping they’ll get that smile, knowledgeability and extra effort from Amanda Rhoads.

2ND PLACE: Tanya Price (The Pour House)

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

3RD PLACE: Laura Baume (Japanese Blossoms)

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

Champagne brunch

1ST PLACE: Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House

1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House always serves up a mean breakfast, but on the weekends it takes it a step further with bottomless bubbly. The popular restaurant has won Best Champagne Brunch since we added the category in 2011, showing again and again that it’s Chico’s go-to spot for that enticing fourth meal.

2ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

3RD PLACE: Café Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

Breakfast

1ST PLACE: Sin of Cortez

2290 Esplanade, 879-9200

Sin of Cortez is no ordinary breakfast joint. For starters, coffee is a source of particular pride there. As such, the caffeine section of the menu is vast, and includes espresso, drip coffee and a variety of teas. The food menu is no less impressive and shows off the restaurant’s dedication to creativity and supporting local farmers. They even make pancakes for the gluten-intolerant among us—no wonder they’re tops!

2ND PLACE: Café Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

3RD PLACE: Morning Thunder

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

Lunch

1ST PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café is such a busy lunch spot that it had to open a second location just to meet demand. OK, that may be a little hyperbolic, but either way, both spots are now full to the brim during the noon hour. The wraps and bowls function as both hearty and healthy meals, which is part of T. Bar’s claim to fame. It also boasts some amazing teas, which is why it takes home Best Place for Tea as well.

2ND PLACE: Broadway Heights

300 Broadway, 899-8075

3RD PLACE: The Banshee

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

International cuisine

1ST PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055

To say that Priya Indian Cuisine is a staple in the local food scene is an understatement. Diners go there for delicious, fresh entrees and sides made with savory spices, and also a top-notch lunch buffet. When the north Chico restaurant opened up shop about nine years ago, it filled a hole in the local landscape. Chicoans took notice and have made sure it sticks around by eating there regularly and by voting the restaurant Best International Cuisine year after year.

2ND PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 250, 891-1800

3RD PLACE: Roots Catering

3221 Esplanade, 891-4500

Asian cuisine

1ST PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2072 E. 20th St., Ste. 100, 898-1388

An institution in Oroville for over a century, Tong Fong Low unveiled its Chico location in 2009 and it’s been a hit from the day it opened. Offering Chinese food at its finest, the south Chico restaurant specializes in chop suey—its original name was Charlie’s Chop Suey, after all—and customers return again and again for the consistent quality and fast, always friendly service.

2ND PLACE: Happy Garden

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

3RD PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cusine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 250, 891-1800

Italian cuisine

1ST PLACE: Italian Cottage

2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; and 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771

For over 50 years, locals have been going to Italian Cottage to satisfy their cravings for all things Italian. The sawdust on the floors gives the place an old-world charm that’s buoyed by the friendly staff and always delicious pastas, pizzas and more.

2ND PLACE: Forcella Bistro

1600 Mangrove Ave., 809-1530

3RD PLACE: Sicilian Café

1020 Main St., 345-2233

Mexican cuisine

1ST PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Sol Mexican Grill is no joke. Walk in during the lunch or dinner rush and you’re likely to encounter a line out the door. But, the kitchen staff is on the ball, able to quickly yet carefully produce quality, authentic dishes for eager diners. Everything is good here, so recommendations aren’t neccessary. Just sit back and enjoy.

2ND PLACE: Casa Ramos

216 W. East Ave., Ste. C, 894-0119; and 2490 Fair St., 893-5050

3RD PLACE: La Hacienda

2635 Esplanade, 893-8270

Bakery

1ST PLACE: Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

130 Main St., 895-3866

At Upper Crust, ogling the baked goods in the glass cases tends to cause the imagination to run wild with how many scones, muffins, cookies, cakes and croissants you could make off with at once. That’s not all the downtown bakery offers; there are plenty of sandwich, soup and salad options and rotating specials—but are you seeing that sticky bun? Go for the sticky bun.

2ND PLACE: Tin Roof Bakery

627 Broadway, Ste. 170, 892-2893

3RD PLACE: Lovely Layers Cakery

131 Meyers St., 828-9931

BBQ

1ST PLACE: Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ

131 Broadway, 891-6677

At Smokin’ Mo’s, the secret’s in the sauce. Ahem, sauces. The four signature flavors can be slathered on just about anything on the menu, from the mouth-watering pork ribs to shredded pork, beef or chicken sandwiches to the crave-worthy tri-tip salad. When it comes to Southern barbecue in Chico, locals go to Mo’s.

2ND PLACE: Kinder’s Meat & Deli

221 Normal Ave., 342-3354

3RD PLACE: Ike’s Smokehouse

245 Walnut St., in the Ray’s Liquor parking lot, 343-1901

Burger

1ST PLACE: Burgers & Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

If there are two things that Burgers & Brew does well, they’re, naturally, burgers and brews. So, winning Best Burger should come as no surprise. In the mood for a bacon cheeseburger? No problem. Maybe you want something more exotic, like a lamb, chorizo or buffalo burger? Sure thing. Bonus: They source their beef, lamb and pork from Bay Area-based Niman Ranch.

2ND PLACE: Nobby’s

1444 Park Ave., 342-2285

3RD PLACE: Burger Hut

2451 Forest Ave., 891-1430; and 3211 Cohasset Road, 342-4555

Caterer

1ST PLACE: Bacio Catering & Carry Out

1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

When hosting a special event, there’s little that’s more important than providing good food. Chicoans know they can trust Bacio Catering to serve quality dishes—full meals or a selection of appetizers—and to do so with pure professionalism. It’s all a testament to the hard work and attention to detail of owner/chef Amanda Leveroni, whose passion includes making every gathering a hit.

2ND PLACE: Roots Catering

3221 Esplanade, 891-4500

3RD PLACE: New Hock Farm

592-3610

Cheap eats

1ST PLACE: La Comida

954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254

La Comida is an institution in Chico (and Paradise). In fact, the Chico location opened nearly 50 years ago and has maintained its tradition of serving quality Mexican dishes at an affordable price ever since. And when we say affordable, we’re talking a two-item combo with beans and rice for under $10. Beat that!

2ND PLACE (TIE): Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909

2ND PLACE (TIE): Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

Craft beer selection

1ST PLACE: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

1075 E. 20th St., 893-3520

When it comes to beer in Chico, one name comes to mind immediately: Sierra Nevada. So, while other establishments offer an array of craft beer options, Chico’s hometown brewery has the taps—and the chops to back ’em up. What makes a visit to the brewery special is the availability of some beers that aren’t sold in stores, even in Chico.

2ND PLACE: Winchester Goose

800 Broadway, 715-0099

3RD PLACE: Burgers & Brew

301 Broadway, 895-1350

Burrito

1ST PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. D, 343-0909

Burritos are a staple in Chico’s collective diet, so winning the category of Best Burrito is no small feat. Aca Taco holds onto its title for the sixth straight year, and it’s easy to see why: the portions are large, the ingredients top-notch and the flavor second to none. The restaurant with two locations, downtown and on Nord Avenue, also took home the award for Best Taco, proving it’s no one-trick pony.

2ND PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

3RD PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Date-night dining

1ST PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge

201 Broadway, Ste. 200, 342-7000

When date night rolls around, whether it’s a first date or a 100th, choice of restaurant can affect the tone of the whole evening. For low-key romance, Chicoans turn to Crush. Why, you ask? It could be the creative appetizer menu, or the good wines and great cocktails. Or maybe it’s the reliably delicious entrees and chic ambiance. Sounds like enough reasons for us.

2ND PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE: Red Tavern

1250 Esplanade, 894-3463

Diner

1ST PLACE: Cozy Diner

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195

There’s nothing like a down-home meal to bring the family together. That’s why Chicoans love Cozy Diner. The breakfast fare, which is served all day, is always delicious, and who can resist those “broasted” chickens? Comfort food at its finest.

2ND PLACE: Jack’s Family Restaurant

540 Main St., 343-8383

3RD PLACE: Morning Thunder Cafe

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

Drunk munchies

1ST PLACE: The Banshee

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

Downtown pub The Banshee is known for its hip atmosphere and solid selection of craft beers and cocktails. As if that weren’t enough to keep patrons coming back, it also serves great food (it also took third for Best Lunch). To crank that up one more notch, there’s the late-night menu, offered via its nifty take-out window, which is perfect for satisfying those end-of-the-night munchies. Yum.

2ND PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909

3RD PLACE: Main Street Pizzeria

331 Main St., 345-6246

Fine dining

1ST PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

For a fancy night on the town or celebration meal, locals know to go to 5th Street Steakhouse. In fact, Chicoans go to 5th Street any chance they get—date night, any night—because the food is just that good. Add to that a stellar serving staff, knowledgeable and friendly bartenders and an elegant ambiance and you have yourself fine dining at Chico’s best.

2ND PLACE: Leon Contemporary California Bistro

817 Main St., 899-1105

3RD PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge

201 Broadway, Ste. 200, 342-7000

Hot dog

1ST PLACE: The Dog House

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. 1A, 894-3641; and 1354 East Ave., Ste. U, 894-2242

When it comes to slapping meat on a bun, The Dog House does it right. Start with an all-beef hot dog or seasoned Polish dog, then pile on the fixins—everything from basic ketchup, mustard, chopped onions and relish to the adventurous cheese, chili or crumbled bacon. Can’t go wrong with that.

2ND PLACE: Zot’s Hot Dogs & Deli

225 Main St., Ste. A, 345-2820

3RD PLACE: Costco

2100 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 332-1742

Ice cream

1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

Ice cream in Chico is almost synonymous with the name Shubert’s. That’s not to say there aren’t other fine cone and shake slingers in this fair town; it just means Shubert’s is the best. CN&R readers say so. There’s nothing quite so refreshing on a hot summer day than a cold scoop of Chico Mint. And when the cool weather hits, who’s to turn down a hot fudge sundae?

2ND PLACE: La Flor de Michoacan Paletería y Nevería

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. C, 893-9999; and 1354 East Ave., 774-2219

3RD PLACE: Jon and Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

300 Broadway, 899-9580; and 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484

Local coffee house

1ST PLACE: Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse

118 W. Second St.

A staple in downtown Chico, Naked Lounge serves a wide selection of coffees and teas to a diverse clientele. The comfortable couches and numerous alcoves make it easy to sit for hours engrossed in a book of poetry or to sip on a Bowl of Soul while having an intimate conversation with friends.

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Perk

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

3RD PLACE: Dutch Bros.

Various locations

Patio

1ST PLACE: The Pour House

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

2ND PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill

100 Broadway, 342-0425

3RD PLACE: Burgers & Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

Pizza

1ST PLACE: Celestino’s

101 Salem St., 896-1234; and 1354 East Ave., Ste. V, 345-7700

A longtime Chico favorite, Celestino’s makes a mean pie. In fact, there are so many delicious combinations available, it’s hard to choose just one. Lucky for the undecided, the thin-crust, New York-style pizza is available whole or by the slice, and is always made fresh, by hand.

2ND PLACE: Woodstock’s Pizza

166 E. Second St., 893-1600

3RD PLACE: Farm Star Pizza

2359 Esplanade, 343-2056

Place for tea

1ST PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

2ND PLACE: Naked Lounge Tea & Coffehouse

118 W. Second St., 895-0676

3RD PLACE: Bidwell Perk

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

Place for vegetarian food

1ST PLACE: Wild Oak Café

196 Cohasset Road, Ste. 150, 343-4876

For Chicoans adhering to a strict diet—be it vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or paleo—Wild Oak Cafe is sure to have something suitably delicious to fit your needs. We’re not talking substitutions here, because this is the way the menu was created—with you in mind. The awesome salad bar offers something for everyone. And you omnivores out there, don’t fret—there are items for you, too; consider the bison burger or salmon patty.

2ND PLACE: OM Foods

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. I, 566-9880

3RD PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

Sandwich

1ST PLACE: Spiteri’s Delicatessen

971 East Ave., 891-4797

No one makes a sandwich quite like Spiteri’s. Despite its reputation as a “hidden gem” on Chico’s north side, obviously the word is out. Because Chicoans again and again cast their votes for this neighborhood deli, testifying to its sandwich-making abilities. Beyond that, they serve killer sides and offer meats and cheeses by the slice so you can try to replicate that top-notch sando at home.

2ND PLACE: Fast Eddie’s Sandwich Shop

788 East Ave., 342-8555

3RD PLACE: Broadway Heights

300 Broadway, 899-8075

Small bites (apps/tapas)

1ST PLACE: Wine Time

26 Lost Dutchman Drive, 899-9250

2ND PLACE: Basque Norte

3355 Esplanade, 891-5204

3RD PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

Spot to satisfy your sweet tooth

1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

2ND PLACE: Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

121 W. Third St., 332-9866

3RD PLACE: Jon and Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

300 Broadway, 899-9580; and 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484

Street food

1ST PLACE: Gordo Burrito

Eighth and Pine streets

No matter the time of day, if the Gordo Burrito truck is parked in its spot at the corner of Eighth and Pine streets, there’s likely a line. That’s because the food there is truly the best, as the majority of CN&R readers agree. Regulars return for the killer shrimp burritos—no skimping on shrimp here!—or the almost too-good-to-be-true taco deals. Whatever your craving, Gordo delivers.

2ND PLACE: Mayhem! Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Various locations, 717-3968

3RD PLACE: Wander

Various locations, 680-3871

Sushi

1ST PLACE: Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

Creating sushi is an art that takes years to master, and Jeramie Sabelman, who bought Japanese Blossoms earlier this year and serves as head chef, has certainly made a name for himself in Chico. (He also takes home second place for Best Chef.) The sushi menu at his restaurant ranges from simple sashimi—fish only—to nigiri and, of course, specialty rolls. Given so much competition in town, it’s a serious honor to win Best Sushi.

2ND PLACE: Big Tuna Sushi Bistro

1722 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 18, 345-4571

3RD PLACE: The Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi

346 Broadway, 897-0626

Taco

1ST PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909

2ND PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

3RD PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Take-out

1ST PLACE: Happy Garden

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

Twenty years ago, Julie and Hong Tham bought Happy Garden and, as a family business, they make customers feel like family, too. The food, traditional Chinese fare, is always delicious, and the staff is adept at the art of take-out, making the process of ordering and picking up quick, easy and stress-free.

2ND PLACE: Bacio Catering & Carry Out

1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

3RD PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2072 E. 20th St., Ste. 100, 898-1388

Local restaurant— On the Ridge

1ST PLACE: Black Bear Diner

5791 Clark Road, 877-0877

Black Bear Diner is one of those restaurants where you’re bound to run into a neighbor or two while chowing down on chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes. The service is reliably friendly and the bears never bite. Simply put: It’s comfort food in a comfortable setting.

2ND PLACE (TIE): Ikkyu Japanese Restaurant

5225 Skyway, 876-1488

2ND PLACE (TIE): The Depot Café and Restaurant

6818 Depot Lane, 876-9903

Local restaurant—Oroville

1ST PLACE: The Steak House

Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Highway, 532-3171

The Steak House at Gold Country Casino is regularly voted Best Local Restaurant in Oroville, and for good reason. Just walk into the vast dining room and take in the view out the panoramic windows and you know you’re in for a treat. Executive chef Mike Armstrong knows a thing or two about a thing or two—so, trust that whatever you order here, it’s fine food at its finest.

2ND PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2051 Robinson St., 533-1488

3RD PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3885

Local winery—Regional (Butte/Glenn/Tehama)

1ST PLACE: New Clairvaux Vineyard

26240 Seventh St., Vina, 839-2200

There are dozens of wineries in the cities and towns surrounding Chico, but none quite like New Clairvaux Vineyard. The Vina winery, also a Cistercian monastery, is home to Trappist monks who happen to make delicious wine. No doubt one of the reasons Chicoans voted New Clairvaux Best Local Winery is the fact that a visit to the grounds offers a history lesson along with a wine tasting.

2ND PLACE: LaRocca Vineyards

12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, 899-9463

3RD PLACE: Almendra Winery & Distillery

9275 Midway, Durham, 343-6893