Readers’ picks: Food & Drinks

Chicoans' go-to spots to satisfy their cravings

Local restaurant (Chico)

1ST PLACE: The Pour House

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

Fans of the Pour House have made their voices heard. The casual but elegant spot serves a creative menu of lunch and dinner temptations. Standard fare like burgers and wraps are complemented by the delicious fish tacos and creative salad combinations. A favorite appetizer to share is the deep-fried green beans, scrumptiously seasoned and ready for dipping in ranch dressing. There's also a swankily decorated bar that entices the happy hour crowd to relax in style.

2ND PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE: Leon Contemporary California Bistro

817 Main St., 899-1105

New restaurant (opened in the last year)

1ST PLACE: Forcella Italian Bistro

1600 Mangrove Ave., 809-1530

Lovers of fresh, fine Italian pastas have been rejoicing since Forcella Italian Bistro opened its doors in February. Owners Jon Meyer and Aaron Johnson, friends for nearly 20 years, have a hit on their hands. The place offers sit-down dining for lunch and dinner, and customers can phone in orders to go. Starting from scratch each day, Forcella makes its own pastas, breads, mozzarella and ricotta as well as Italian sausage.

2ND PLACE: The Foodie Café

999 Marauder St., 433-5539

3RD PLACE: Buffalo Wild Wings

North Valley Plaza, 592-3251

Local restaurant (Oroville)

1ST PLACE: The Steak House

Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Highway, (800) 334-9400

From delicious dry-aged rib-eye steaks to jumbo crab-stuffed prawns, the Steak House at Gold Country Casino in Oroville offers fine dining on an epic level. Diners rave about the panoramic windows, which overlook the foothills and create the perfect ambiance for enjoying a premium cocktail or glass of wine with appetizers while awaiting a meal that's sure to be memorable.

2ND PLACE: The Café

Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Highway, (800) 334-9400

3RD PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2051 Robinson St., 533-1488

Local restaurant (Ridge)

1ST PLACE: Black Bear Diner

5791 Clark Road, 877-0877

Visitors to Black Bear Diner are greeted by a bevy of smiling, carved, wooden bears, and things just get better from there. Black Bear is a diner-lover's dream, offering hefty, delicious portions of classic comfort foods. Paradise diners especially love this restaurant for breakfast, as it offers all the staples plus a few extra standouts, like the chicken-fried steak and corned beef.

2ND PLACE: Casa de Paradiso

5667 Clark Road, 877-4107

3RD PLACE: The Depot Café and Restaurant

6818 Depot Lane, 876-9903

Breakfast

1ST PLACE: Sin of Cortez

2290 Esplanade, 879-9200

If pleasure is a sin, then Chico's favorite little breakfast spot—on weekends, there's regularly a line out the door—is aptly named. Sin of Cortez's seasoned potatoes, berry pancakes and Mexican-inspired fare are all made in-house and are to die for. Not to mention the coffee is excellent.

2ND PLACE: Café Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

3RD PLACE: Morning Thunder

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

Champagne brunch

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

1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

Chicoans know what's up when it comes to champagne brunch—and it's Nash's. With a broad menu of delicious breakfast items, from biscuits and gravy to a wide array of omelets, the food here is always top-notch. And on weekends diners know they can wash it all down with endless champagne. What's better than that? Oh yeah, nothing.

2ND PLACE: Café Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

3RD PLACE: Christian Micheals Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

Lunch

1ST PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

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

Many a Tea Bar regular comes for the tea and gets hooked by the food. The eatery's menu is elegantly simple, focusing on made-to-order “fusion” bowls and wraps. Patrons choose a protein (steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, pork tenderloin or tofu) to top their choice of greens and grains, and the whole shebang is further flavored with a choice of delicious dressing. It's a quick and healthy meal now easily available to hungry folks at two locations.

2ND PLACE: Broadway Heights

300 Broadway, 899-8075

3RD PLACE: The Banshee

132 W. Second St., 895-9670

Date-night dining

1ST PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge

201 Broadway, 342-7000

One of Chico's swankiest joints, Crush is a great place to make a first impression or romance your longtime sweetheart. There's no lack of ambiance, thanks to the modern dining area and bar, candlelit tables, waterfall fountain and patio overlooking downtown. Locals love Crush for its happy hours, leading them to vote it Best Happy Hour, too. Add a martini (also a winner for Crush), fine wine or sumptuous Italian fare and your date night is sure to be memorable.

2ND PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

Fine dining

1ST PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

Upon walking into 5th Street Steakhouse, the aroma is enough to make eager diners' mouths water. The Chico institution is a steak-lover's dream, offering all the best cuts and any extras you might desire (how about a New York strip topped with blue cheese?). Of course, there are other options as well, including fish, chicken and a killer surf and turf, and the bar, known for its delicious cocktails, is almost as much of a draw.

2ND PLACE: Leon Bistro

817 Main St., 899-1105

3RD PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St, Chico , 894-4005

Chef

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

817 Main St., 899-1105

Since chef Ann Leon opened her namesake restaurant in 2008, she's been introducing Chicoans to her unique brand of French-influenced fusion cuisine, focused on local, fresh ingredients. Leon gained inspiration at famed Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse, working under renowned chef Alice Waters. And Chicoans are the lucky ones who not only get to enjoy the fruits of her labor, but also can learn from her in her cooking classes.

2ND PLACE: James Taylor (Sicilian Café)

1020 Main St., 345-2233

3RD PLACE (tie): Jason Colabove (Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge)

201 Broadway, 342-7000

3RD PLACE (tie): Lisa Sereda (Wine Time)

26 Lost Dutchman Dr., 899-9250

Food server

1ST PLACE: Mathew Korody, Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

When people dine at Christian Michaels, they expect the best—in food, drink and, of course, service. Mathew Korody is a prime example of what a fine-dining food server should be. The Southern California transplant who also speaks Spanish always offers friendly, attentive service with a smile. That's enough to make people return again, and again.

2ND PLACE: Tommy Bradford, Grana

198 E. Second St., 809-2304

3RD PLACE: Amanda Rhoads, Mom’s Restaurant

209 Salem St., 893-3447

Bakery

1ST PLACE: Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

130 Main St., 895-3866

The Upper Crust reigns supreme in the Best Bakery category year after year. The downtown eatery's baked goods—cookies (the Fudgie! Yum!), muffins, cakes, pastries and pies—are mouth-wateringly delicious. The other food fare, including its hearty soups and those made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked bread, make Upper Crust a destination location for the breakfast and lunch crowds all year round.

2ND PLACE: Tin Roof Bakery

627 Broadway, 892-2893

3RD PLACE: Lovely Layers Cakery

131 Meyers St., 828-9931

Caterer

1ST PLACE: Bacio Catering & Carry Out

1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

Bacio Catering is committed to serving delicious and healthy foods for any size gathering. Owned by Amanda Leveroni, Bacio (which also offers take-out from its Park Avenue storefront) focuses on seasonal fruits and vegetables and uses organic ingredients whenever possible. One of the reasons Chicoans love Bacio is that it's full-service, so in addition to taking care of the food, it offers table decorations, buffet packages and bar service.

2ND PLACE: Roots Catering

3221 Esplanade, 891-4500

3RD PLACE: Special Times Catering

2500 Floral Ave., Ste. 10, 892-2837

Local coffeehouse

1ST PLACE: Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse

118 W. Second St., 895-0676

Upon walking into Naked Lounge, it's immediately obvious why Chicoans have named it Best Local Coffeehouse (again). The atmosphere is at once comfortable and practical, both for easy conversation and getting work or homework done. Add to that freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee and espresso, plus a wide variety of teas, and baristas who know how to concoct a killer mocha or cappuccino, and you have a winning combination.

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Perk

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

3RD PLACE: Midtown Local

365 E. Sixth St., 966-0054

Diner

1ST PLACE: Cozy Diner

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195

There's always a friendly face ready to greet you and your group at Cozy Diner, where you're sure to be served generous helpings of comfort food, for reasonable prices, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The broasted chicken dinner meals-to-go are a favorite family option, and the luscious-looking pies, displayed at the counter up front, are always worth a second look (and taste!). This diner truly lives up to its name, which is why Chicoans love it.

2ND PLACE: Morning Thunder Café

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

3RD PLACE: Jack’s Family Restaurant

540 Main St., 343-8383

Local winery

1ST PLACE: New Clairvaux Vineyard

26240 Seventh St., Vina, 839-2200

What's not to love about the Abbey of New Clairvaux? The gorgeous 10-acre vineyard on the larger monastery property in Vina is tended by resident Trappist-Cistercian monks. The harvest is then handed over to fifth-generation winemaker Aimée Sunseri, who crafts several bold and delicious varietals, including Barbera, petite sirah and tempranillo. Visit the winery's tasting room daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and see why readers voted it Best Local Winery.

2ND PLACE: LaRocca Vineyards

12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, 899-9463

3RD PLACE: Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards

3363 Hegan Lane, 343-8014

International cuisine

1ST PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055

Priya has reached epic status as far as lunches go in Chico. Offered between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, its buffet items vary from day to day but always include a mix of vegetarian and meat offerings, such as chana masala (garbanzo beans in a tomato and onion sauce), navratan kurma (veggies in a creamy spiced sauce) and tandoori chicken. Dinners include the thali—a choice of main dish and six small sides, plus freshly baked naan and dessert.

2ND PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800

3RD PLACE: Sipho’s Restaurant and Café

1228 Dayton Road, 895-1866

Asian cuisine

1ST PLACE: Tong Fong Low

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

Although Tong Fong Low's Chico spot opened just a few years ago, the venerable Oroville location has been operating since 1912. With king-size servings of classic Chinese dishes and recipes perfected over generations, it's no wonder Tong Fong Low has secured itself in the hearts and bellies of adoring Chicoans. Tong Fong Low also won Best Takeout.

2ND PLACE: Happy Garden

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

3RD PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800

Italian cuisine

1ST PLACE: Italian Cottage

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

As things change in Chico, it's comforting that this staple restaurant hasn't changed all too much. Italian Cottage's floor is still covered in wood shavings, the long tables still have red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and the servers still wear those Old World period garments that give the place part of its charm. Yep, Italian Cottage is a throwback and Chicoans love returning again and again for Italian comfort cuisine, from lasagna and pizza to sandwiches and salads.

2ND PLACE: Forcella Italian 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

If it's authentic, inexpensive and delicious Mexican food you're after, look no further than Sol Mexican Grill. The north Chico restaurant offers a simple but varied menu of Mexican favorites, from tacos and burritos to sopes and tortas. Locals love it for dine-in, take-out, and even for catering a family reunion or work holiday party.

2ND PLACE: Casa Ramos

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

3RD PLACE: La Hacienda

2635 Esplanade, 893-8270

Cheap eats

1ST PLACE: La Comida

954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254

Some locals hold La Comida with the same esteem saved for the Bidwell Mansion and Sycamore Pool. This bonafide institution is known for its small prices and huge portions, and its one-of-a-kind take on Mexican food has been enjoyed by generations of Chicoans since 1968.

2ND PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211

3RD PLACE (tie): Aca Taco

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

3RD PLACE (tie): Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Drunk munchies

1ST PLACE: The Banshee

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

2ND PLACE: Aca Taco

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

3RD PLACE: Main Street Pizzeria

331 Main St., 566-9337

Craft beer selection

1ST PLACE: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

1075 E. 20th St., 893-3520

Even with beer bars cropping up all over town, it's not surprising that Chico's No. 1 beer success story, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., takes home the prize. While other bars naturally serve a wider selection of craft brands, Seirra Nevada's roster of its own creations—from the classics (Torpedo, Celebration) to the specialties (Hop Hunter, the Ovila series, barrel-aged rarities)—offers more choices than several breweries combined. Can't decide? Try a sampler! Cheers!

2ND PLACE: Winchester Goose

800 Broadway, 715-0099

3RD PLACE: The Handle Bar

2070 E. 20th St., Ste. 160, 894-2337

Barbecue

1ST PLACE: Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ

131 Broadway, 891-6677

The whole family is welcome at this downtown barbecue lover's paradise, where all the meats are smoked and cooked on the premises. While the pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and salads are always popular, it's the variety of rib preparations that set this place at the top. The homemade side dishes include traditional potato salad, baked beans and cole slaw. Pass the napkins!

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: Nobby’s

1444 Park Ave., 342-2285

If you're craving a burger experience that's a 180-degree turn from franchises, this Chico icon will not let you down. Affordable and homey, Nobby's is a comfort-food, good-times favorite, housed in a former gas station. Generous helpings of fresh, hot fries are also served by friendly staff. Order up at the old-fashioned counter, and pull up a bench. Nobby burgers are most often craved for their “cheese skirts,” a technique that results in deliciously crunchable cheese around the outsides.

2ND PLACE: Burgers & Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

3RD PLACE: Burger Hut

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

Burrito

1ST PLACE: Aca Taco

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

With a veritable armada of taco trucks steering the streets and docking in many a Chico neighborhood, along with a large selection of sit-down Mexican restaurants, local competition for Best Burrito is fierce, and Aca Taco has once again emerged on top (the eatery also clinched the equally competitive “Best Taco” category).

2ND PLACE: Gordo Burrito

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

3RD PLACE: Chipotle

620 Mangrove Ave., 343-8707

Hot dog

1ST PLACE: The Dog House

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 894-3641; and 1354 East Ave., 894-2242

A well-made hot dog is a thing of beauty, and local connoisseurs prefer the fine selection offered at The Dog House's multiple locations—a storefront on the east side of town and an old-school, parking-lot snack shack on the west (there's also a seasonal snack bar at One-Mile Recreation Area that runs from May to September). The dogs here come as you like 'em, naked or dressed to the nines with cheese, bacon, pineapple and more. Also a great selection of sausages, chicken sandwiches and burgers. Try the lemonade!

2ND PLACE: Costco

2100 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 342-6494

3RD PLACE: Zot’s Hot Dogs & Deli

225 Main St., 345-2820

Ice cream

1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

2ND PLACE: Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

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

3RD PLACE: Cold Stone Creamery

146 Broadway, 891-3331

Pizza

1ST PLACE: Celestino’s

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

Whether you're craving vegetarian heavy-hitter the Godfather or the classic meat-covered Tom Jones, Celestino's is the go-to spot for a lunch or dinner pizza. This thin-crust pizza is awesome by the slice or the whole pie. Create your own using any number of regular and specialty toppings and sauces.

2ND PLACE: Woodstock’s Pizza

166 E. Second St., 893-1600

3RD PLACE: Farm Star Pizza

2359 Esplanade, 343-2056

Sandwich

1ST PLACE: Spiteri’s Delicatessen

971 East Ave., 891-4797

Walk in to Spiteri's during lunch and there's usually a line to the door. Why? Because this deli, hidden away in the Fairview Center in north Chico, is a local favorite. The menu offers specialty sandwiches, but diners can choose from a large list of meats, cheeses, breads and other toppings. Hot or cold, it's up to you.

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 Dr., 899-9250

Considering Wine Time specializes in small plates and, of course, wines, it's only fitting that it would take home the win—again—for Best Small Bites (Apps/Tapas). Small plates range from the always delicious meat and local cheese plate to the vegetarian-friendly roasted beet and garlic hummus. What's better? Each one has a recommended wine pairing!

2ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

3RD PLACE: The Pour House

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

Street food

1ST PLACE: Gordo Burrito

Eighth and Pine streets

Chicoans love their Mexican food and food trucks have been taking over the streets, so there was certainly plenty of competition in this category. Gordo Burrito, with its satisfying, low-cost Mexican fare served hot and quickly off the grill, takes home the prize. The Chicken Burrito Supreme is a favorite.

2ND PLACE: Mayhem! Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Various locations, 717-3968

3RD PLACE: Wander

Various locations, 680-3871

Sushi

1ST PLACE: Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, 891-9022

Beautifully prepared and -presented sushi, nigiri and sashimi—and a variety of other Japanese specialties to round out any meal—make Japanese Blossoms Chico's favorite spot for sushi. The seafood is always fresh and the chefs clearly take pride in their presentations. Sushi is available by the roll or by the platter, and catering is available. You can even learn to make your own rolls at one of the restaurant's classes, held in your own home.

2ND PLACE: The Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi

346 Broadway, 897-0626

3RD PLACE: Big Tuna Sushi Bistro

1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571

Taco

1ST PLACE: Aca Taco

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

2ND PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

3RD PLACE: Gordo Burrito

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

Takeout

1ST PLACE: Tong Fong Low

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

2ND PLACE: Happy Garden

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

3RD PLACE: Bacio Catering

1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

Patio

1ST PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill

100 Broadway, 342-0425

2ND PLACE: The Pour House

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

3RD PLACE: Burgers & Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

Spot to satisfy your sweet tooth

1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

How people can drive down Seventh Street without popping into Shubert's is a mystery. The shop is a go-to destination for sweet-treat fans of all ages. That has a lot to do with its decadent housemade candies and ice creams, such as the local favorite Chico Mint (who can resist those little green mint chips?). And because Shubert's has been in business so long—more than 75 years!—it's pretty much a local landmark.

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

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 & Coffeehouse

118 W. Second St., 895-0676

3RD PLACE (tie): Bidwell Perk

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

3RD PLACE (tie): Sweet Cottage

220 Broadway, 513-2044

Place for vegetarian food

1ST PLACE: Wild Oak Café

196 Cohasset Road, 343-4876

Wild Oak Café has taken the art of vegetarian cooking to a new level, ensuring that there's something for everyone on the menu. Vegetarians and vegans go for the curry tofu sandwich, or the grilled veggie burgers, served with chips and hummus. For carnivores, bison meat burgers are a delicious choice. The café also offers a variety of fish options.

2ND PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

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

3RD PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055

CSA (community supported agriculture)

1ST PLACE: GRUB CSA Farm

3269 W. Sacramento Ave., 680-4543

Seven years after launching, the GRUB Collective has called it quits. But luckily for Chicoans, the CSA Farm is sticking around. A fixture at local farmers' markets, GRUB always offers a bounty of local fruits and veggies. And for those who subscribe—the CSA runs from April through December and costs $84 a month—they know they can rely on a variety of farm-fresh produce ready to pick up regularly.

2ND PLACE: Comanche Creek Farms

240 Speedway Ave., 894-7775

3RD PLACE: Chico State University Farm

311 Nicholas C. Shouten Lane,898-5844