Driving on the longest California highway, Route 101, can be tiring so why not stop off in the idyllic town of Eureka for some lunch or dinner. We’ve pulled together our top ten recommendations for places to eat. The criteria? Tasty, tasty, tasty, tasty, super tasty, oh and good value. So here it is, our top places to eat in Eureka, we hope that you enjoy!
For your accommodation needs, there are also hotels, vacation rentals, and other places to stay available in the area.
1. Cafe Waterfront
An Oyster Bar and Grill with a prime location in historic Eureka’s downtown, Cafe Waterfront is a spot that you don’t want to miss. Located in a former saloon, this establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner while also boasting an onsite Bed and Breakfast on the upper floor. A space that was originally used as a brothel! With an extensive menu for any meal, you will be sure to find something that appeals to everyone. Be sure to also ask about their daily specials which the chefs create based on the currently available locally sourced ingredients. Make sure that this restaurant on the National Register of Historic Places is on your list when dining in Eureka!
Cafe Waterfront
Address: 102 F Street Eureka, CA 95501
Website: Cafe Waterfront
2. Brick & Fire Bistro
Before you start your day with various things to do in Eureka, do drop by Brick & Fire Bistro. This wood fire venue welcomes you off the streets with its interesting menu options, from luxurious Italian truffle pizza to fire-roasted polenta lasagna, there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options to suit your tastes and your budget!
Brick & Fire Bistro
Address: 1630 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Average cost: 12-15 USD
Website: Brick & Fire Bistro
3. Gallagher's Irish Pub
Located on the main floor of The Eagle, a building first constructed in 1886, Gallagher’s Irish Pub is at the heart of the city’s long-standing cultural hub. Opening in 2015, this establishment quickly garnered a following within the local community as a place with great food and this quickly caught on with those who pass through Eureka. A charming establishment with rich Irish vibes, they always have fish and chips on their menu of delectable Irish dishes. Be sure to check out Gallagher’s Irish Pub the next time you dine out in Eureka and if you are a veteran, you will always receive 20% off your meal.
Gallagher's Irish Pub
Address: 139 2nd St, Eureka, CA 95501, United States
Website: Gallagher’s Irish Pub
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4. Sandwiches to die for at Hole In The Wall
Now we know that this is quite a bold statement but they really are some of the best sandwiches around! You’ll be missing out if you go to Eureka and don’t stop by Hole In The Wall, an 8 minute drive from central Eureka, at least once. It is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, with their extensive sandwich menu including a number of different bread types, fillings and sauces. Yum.
Hole In The Wall
Address: 590 G St, Arcata, CA 95521
Average cost: 8 USD
Facebook: Hole In The Wall
5. Go gastro at the Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery
Situated in downtown Eureka, just a stone’s throw from Route 101 you’ll find this fantastic neighborhood eatery. Stop by for a grass-fed burger, or test out one of the chef’s specialties which they claim are better than their burgers. We can’t comment on that but we know that their veggie burgers are pretty darn tasty!
Sixth and E Street Eatery
Address: 603 E Street, Eureka, CA
Average Cost: 13 USD
Website: Sixth and E Street Eatery
6. Grab some artisanal meat at the Humboldt Smokehouse
Hungry for meat? Well, I’m vegetarian but fear not meat eaters, I’ve got you covered on this one. At Humboldt Smokehouse their menu is full of meat, particularly pork, they even cure their own bacon! The best thing? It’s a BBQ joint. That’s right you can enjoy their burritos, whole hogs or even a take away BBQ box just filled with meat. Personally, my mouth isn’t watering at this one but I know that yours is so head on down and enjoy!
Humboldt Smokehouse
Address: 310 5th St, Eureka, CA 95501
Average Cost: 10 USD
Website: Humboldt Smokehouse
7. Chow down at Cafe Nooner
This is one to keep hush hush as it’s a bit of a secret local joint in Old Town Eureka that has a tonne of interesting menu options. It may not look like much on the outside but trust us on this one. An extensive menu covers everything from burgers to Creole food and Greek mezes, there is bound to be something that you fancy. Order us a few of the mezes when you go!
Cafe Nooner
Address: 409 Opera Alley, Eureka, CA 95501
Average Cost: 10 USD
Website: Cafe Nooner
8. Enjoy the Caribbean in California at A Taste of Bim
The owner of a Taste of Bim was born in the beautiful island of Barbados (also known as Bim) and so you can expect true Caribbean taste. Their rotis are amazing and you can help shape the menu as every weekend they have sample testing; depending on the customers votes the dishes may get added to the menu! Caribbean at its best.
A Taste of Bim
Address: 613 3rd St, Eureka, CA 95501
Average Cost: 12 USD
Website: A Taste of Bim
9. Shamus T Bone
If you want to eat at a locally owned and self-professed establishment boasting “great atmosphere, friendly staff and the best darn steak in town”, then make your way over to Shamus T Bone. This steak house has a vast menu of smoked and grill meats as well as delicious pizza, pasta, and of course, because they are in Eureka - oysters! An establishment sure to make you want to visit again, Shamus T Bone is a restaurant that the meat lovers in your group will be sure to enjoy. Make sure to stop by and grab a bite of the best steak in town and enjoy the great atmosphere.
Shamus T Bone
Address: 1911 Truesdale St, Eureka, CA 95503, United States
Website: Shamus T Bone
10. Adel's Restaurant
If you are looking for great food in an establishment with a diner feel, look no farther than Adel’s Restaurant. Serving breakfast all day, they have an extensive menu and are open 7am to 10pm. They are known for their fast and friendly service and make a great location if you are looking for somewhere that will appease everyone in your group.
Adel's Restaurant
Address: 1724 Broadway St Eureka, CA, CA 95501-0138
Website: Adel’s Restaurant
Hunger pangs
If that hasn’t gotten your taste buds watering and your stomach growling then, to be honest, we just don’t know what will. We hope that you’ve found somewhere that has taken your fancy in Eureka, although it is a small town it has some fantastic food options. Don’t forget to check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals and Vrbo vacation rentals for your accommodation needs.
Think we’ve missed something out that deserves to be on the list? Comment below! We’re off to make some lunch ourselves now. Bye!
Editors Note: We do our best to ensure that listings are up-to-date, but please be sure to check the establishment’s website for their hours and current operational status.