Best of Food & Drink 2019 

Best Catering Company
Sammy's BBQ & Catering

Before the smell of smoky Hawaiian-style barbecued chicken wafted from its Eureka restaurant, before folks took the King Salmon exit to eat ribs by the canal, Sammy’s began as a catering business. I’m strongly recommending you hire this family operation for anything you’re inviting me to because, sweet lard, owner Sammy Vainuku offers a roast pig. “The whole roasted pig is a big attraction,” says his wife Sarah Vainuku, who runs the catering, adding that the business is “booked solid May through September,” primarily with weddings.

Hear that? You could have Spam musubi and a pig surrounded by flowers (on fancy China or paper plates!) and marry like some kind of island royalty instead of making me eat the gristly end of the prime rib you felt obligated to spring for. And don’t sleep on the pineapple upside-down cake baked by Sammy’s mother, Leua. Would she do a wedding cake version? Sammy shrugs and answers, “She would because she never says no.” Order one of those and I’ll officiate your nuptials for free. Well, for cake, anyway.
— Jennifer Fumiko Cahill

Best Dog-Friendly Dining
Mad River Brewing Company Tap Room

What’s better than eating out, having a brew or two, and listening to live music in a scenic setting with your best friends? How about having your favorite furry companion by your side, too? Heckin’ yeah! Fortunately for you and Fido there are a pawful of local establishments where a human’s best friend can wag along. And you voted Mad River Brewing Co. the sweet spot for Spot.

Tell your Texas heeler to load up in the truck and head to the taproom for pints, bites (of the food variety) and toe tapping, tail wagging tunes. Toss your pooch a Tater Tot or two to keep everyone happy — it’s like cornhole, only more fun. The outdoor seating in communal picnic tables with occasional sun umbrellas plus steel bowls of fresh cold water on the ground make for a spectacular summer afternoon dining experience for two- and four-legged folk alike. And if there are any leftovers (although we doubt it) be sure to ask for a doggy bag.
— Kali Cozyris

Best Local Hard Cider
Humboldt Cider Company

All right, let’s get this straight. Beer isn’t for everyone. There, I said it. It tastes bitter and sometimes it’s too hoppy. (Although I’m starting my slow roll into drinking beer with blonde ales.) But for right now I am sticking with hard ciders. They’re delicious, sweet and come in a wide variety at Humboldt Cider Co. Y’all made the right choice for this one. Humboldt Cider Co. has created 50 different ciders for our enjoyment. These folks have ciders for all! Want something dry? Sweet? Fruity? They’ve probably got it — even some with hops for you beer lovers. How ‘bout them apples? *Winks awkwardly*



FOOD WINNERS:

Asian Restaurant
Annie's Cambodian Cuisine
1917 5th St., Eureka, CA 95501; 442-1556
anniescambodian.com
Second Place: Pho Thiên Long
Third Place: Siam Orchid Thai Cuisine

Bagel
Los Bagels
1085 I St., Arcata; 822-3150
2nd St., Eureka; 442-8525
losbagels.com
Second Place: Frankie's NY Bagels
Third Place: Bon Bistro & Bakery

Bakery
Ramone's Bakery & Cafe
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville
ramonesbakery.com
Second Place: Cafe Brio
Third Place: Beck's Bakery

Barbecue
Porter Street BBQ, Eureka
605 Broadway St., Eureka; 443-1700
Second Place: Sammy's BBQ & Catering
Third Place: Shamus T Bones

Breakfast
Renata's Crêperie
1030 G St., Arcata; 825-8783
Second Place: The Greene Lily
Third Place: The Big Blue Cafe

Breakfast Sandwich
McIntosh Farm Country Store
1264 Giuntoli Ln., Arcata; 822-048
Second Place: Beachcomber Cafe
Third Place: Wildwood Waffles

Buffet
Tandoori Bites Indian Cuisine
1735 4th St., Eureka; 442-6500
tandooribitesindianeureka.com
Second Place: Oriental Buffet
Third Place: Angelo's Pizza Parlor

Burger
Stars Hamburgers
2009 Harrison Ave. Eureka; 445-2061
1535 G St., Arcata; 826-1379
eureka-stars-hamburges.business.site
Second Place: Surfside Burger Shack
Third Place: AA Bar & Grill

Burrito
Taqueria La Barca
5201 Carlson Park Dr # 4, Arcata; 822-6669
Second Place: Amigas Burritos
Third Place: La Patria Mariscos and Grill

Catering Company
Sammy's BBQ & Catering
1709 5th St., Eureka; 443-4227
sammysbbqcatering.com
Second Place: Citrine Catering
Third Place: J Catering

Chips & Salsa
Oaxaca Grill Restaurant
508 Henderson St., Eureka; 445-9702
Second Place: La Patria Mariscos and Grill
Third Place: Tuyas

Clam Chowder
Gill's By the Bay
77 Halibut Ave, Eureka; 442-2554
gillsbythebay.com
Second Place: Seascape Restaurant
Third Place: Humboldt Bay Bistro

Deli
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; 442-6325
2165 Central Ave, McKinleyville; 839-3636
eurekanaturalfoods.com
Second Place: Wildberries Marketplace
Third Place: Myrtle Avenue Market & Deli

Dog-Friendly Dining
Mad River Brewing Company Tap Room
101 Taylor Way, Blue Lake; 668-5680
madriverbrewing.com
Second Place: Beachcomber Cafe
Third Place: Hot Brew

Donut
Happy Donuts
2916 Central Ave, Eureka; 443-6812
Second Place: Don's Donuts Pizza & Deli
Third Place: Donut Mill

Eats in SoHum
Pineapple Express Hawaiian Plate Lunch
900 Redwood Dr., Garberville; (808) 387-6101
Second Place: Gyppo Ale Mill
Third Place: Avenue Cafe

Fish & Chips
LoCo Fish Co.
550 S. G St., Arcata; 572-6019
1595 Myrtle Ave, Eureka; 601-8573
Second Place: Gallagher's Irish Pub
Third Place: The Lighthouse Grill

Food Truck
LoCo Fish Co.
550 S. G St., Arcata; 572-6019
1595 Myrtle Ave, Eureka; 601-8573
Second Place: Taqueria La Barca #2 Taco Truck
Third Place: Humboldt Fresh

French Fries
Arcata Pizza & Deli
1057 H St., Arcata; 822-4650
arcatapizza.com
Second Place: Surfside Burger Shack
Third Place: Smokin' Barrels

Grilled Cheese
Queso Kings Grilled Cheese Bar
252 Loleta Dr., Loleta; 733-5470
quesokings.com
Second Place: Arcata Pizza & Deli
Third Place: Fresh Freeze Drive-In

Grocery Store
North Coast Co-op
8th & I Streets, Arcata; 822-5947
4th & B Streets, Eureka; 443-6027
northcoast.coop
Second Place: Eureka Natural Foods
Third Place: Murphy's Markets Inc.

Hot Dog
Bob's Footlongs
505 12th St., Fortuna; 725-2016
bobsfootlongs.com
Second Place: Wolf Dawg Eatery
Third Place: Red Front Store

Ice Cream
Arcata Scoop
1068 I St., Arcata; 825-7266
Second Place: Living the Dream Ice Cream
Third Place: Redwood Yogurt

Italian Restaurant
Mazzotti's on the Plaza
773 8th St., Arcata; 822-1900
mazzottis.com
Second Place: La Trattoria
Third Place: Gabriel's Italian Restaurant

Juice Bar
Wildberries Marketplace
747 13th St., Arcata; 822-0095
wildberries.com
Second Place: Eureka Natural Foods
Third Place: Main Squeeze Juice Bar

Late-Night Food
Toni's 24 Hour Restaurant
1901 Heindon Rd, Arcata; 822-0091
tonisrestaurant.com
Second Place: Vista Del Mar
Third Place: Don's Donuts Pizza & Deli

Local Chef
Andy Abbott, Citrine Catering
633-9269; citrinecatering.com
Second Place: Brett Shuler
Third Place: Alex Begovic

Local Chocolatier
Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
4 W 4th St., Eureka; 798-6010
dicktaylorchocolate.com
Second Place: Partrick's Candy
 Third Place: Kenny's Chocolates

Locally Made Food
Cypress Grove Chèvre
1330 Q St., Arcata; 825-1100
cypressgrovecheese.com
Second Place: Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Third Place: Humboldt Hot Sauce

Meat Market/Counter
North Coast Co-op
8th & I Streets, Arcata; 822-5947
4th & B Streets, Eureka; 443-6027
northcoast.coop
Second Place: Eureka Natural Foods
Third Place: Myrtle Avenue Market & Deli

Mexican Restaurant
Oaxaca Grill Restaurant
508 Henderson St., Eureka; 445-9702
Second Place: Taqueria La Barca
Third Place: La Patria Mariscos and Grill

MilkShake
Toni's 24 Hour Restaurant
1901 Heindon Rd, Arcata; 822-0091
tonisrestaurant.com
Second Place: Fresh Freeze Drive-In
Third Place: The Lighthouse Grill

Natural Foods Store
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; 442-6325
2165 Central Ave, McKinleyville; 839-3636
eurekanaturalfoods.com
Second Place: North Coast Co-op
Third Place: Chautauqua Natural Foods

New Restaurant
The Madrone Brick Fire Pizza and Taphouse
421 3rd St., Eureka; 273-5129
madronetaphouse.com
Second Place: Headies Pizza and Pour
Third Place: Bandit Savory & Sweet Cafe

Onion Rings
Surfside Burger Shack
445 5th St., Eureka; 268-1295
surfsideburgershack.com
Second Place: Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery
Third Place: A A Bar & Grill

Overall Service
Brick & Fire
1630 F St., Eureka; 268-8959
brickandfirebistro.com
Second Place: Jitter Bean Coffee Co.
Third Place: Pineapple Express Hawaiian Plate Lunch

Pie
Slice Of Humboldt Pie
828 I St., Arcata; 630-5100
sliceofhumboldtpie.com
Second Place: Ramone's Bakery & Cafe
Third Place: Lost Coast Baking Company

Pizza
Paul's Live From New York Pizza
604 F St., Eureka; 442-5800
paulslivefromnewyorkpizza.com
Second Place: The Madrone Brick Fire Pizza and Taphouse
Third Place: Angelo's Pizza Parlor

Restaurant
Campground
865 9th St., Arcata; 630-5148
campgroundarcata.com
Second Place: La Trattoria
Third Place: Shamus T Bones

Salad
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; 442-6325
2165 Central Ave, McKinleyville; 839-3636
eurekanaturalfoods.com
Second Place: Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
Third Place: Toni's 24 Hour Restaurant

Sandwich
Hole In the Wall
590 G St., Arcata; 822-7407
1331 Broadway, Eureka; 443-5362
Second Place: Eureka Natural Foods
Third Place: Murphy's Markets Inc.

Seafood
SALT Fish House
761 8th Street, #A, Arcata; 630-5300
saltfishhouse.com
Second Place: LoCo Fish Co.
Third Place: Double D Steak & Seafood

Server
Jade Cervantes, Adel's
1724 Broadway St., Eureka,; 445-9777
Second Place: Randee Pittman at Siam Orchid
Third Place: Nathan at Shamus T-Bones

Steak
A A Bar & Grill
929 4th St., Eureka; 443-1632
aabarandgrill.net
Second Place: Double D Steak & Seafood
Third Place: Shamus T Bones

Sushi Restaurant
Tomo Japanese Restaurant
708 9th St., Arcata; 822-1414
tomoarcata.com
Second Place: Sushi Spot Arcata
Third Place: Masaki's Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

Take-Out
Kebab Cafe
5000 Valley W Blvd Ste 19, Arcata; 826-2121
kebabcafearcata.com
Second Place: Babe's Pizza & Pasta
Third Place: Bencharong Thai House

Tots
Toni's 24 Hour Restaurant
1901 Heindon Rd, Arcata; 822-0091
tonisrestaurant.com
Second Place: Mad River Brewing Company Tap Room
Third Place: Six Rivers Brewery

Vegan Options
Cafe Phoenix
1360 G St., Arcata; 630-5021
Second Place: Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
Third Place: Eureka Natural Foods

Vegetarian Options
Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
1604 G St., Arcata; 822-0360
wildflowercafebakery.com
Second Place: Kebab Cafe
Third Place: Eureka Natural Foods

Wings
Humboldt Brews
856 10th St., Arcata; 826-2739
humbrews.com
Second Place: Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
Third Place: Shamus T Bones

DRINK WINNERS:

Bar
Logger Bar
510 Railroad Ave, Blue Lake; 668-5000
Second Place: Richards' Goat Tavern & Tea Room
Third Place: The Shanty

Bartender
Bunny Walthuis, The Logger Bar
510 Railroad Ave, Blue Lake; 668-5000
Second Place: Amy Ogle at Richard's Goat
Third Place: Mike Vitiello at The Shanty

Bloody Mary
The Alibi
744 9th St., Arcata; 822-3731
thealibi.com
Second Place: The Shanty
Third Place: Richards' Goat Tavern & Tea Room

Brewery
Redwood Curtain Brewing Company
550 S G St., Arcata; 826-7222
redwoodcurtainbrewing.com
Second Place: Mad River Brewing Company Tap Room
Third Place: Eel River Brewing Company

Coffee House
Jitter Bean Coffee Co.
Multiple locations in Eureka and Arcata
jitterbeancoffee.com
Second Place: Old Town Coffee & Chocolates
Third Place: Northtown Coffee

Coffee Roaster
Humboldt Bay Coffee Company
527 3rd St., Eureka; 444-3969
humboldtcoffee.com
Second Place: Old Town Coffee & Chocolates
Third Place: Muddy Waters Coffee Co Inc.

Dive Bar
The Shanty
213 3rd St., Eureka; 444-2053
Second Place: Ernie's
Third Place: The Palace

Happy Hour
Shamus T Bones
1911 Truesdale St., Eureka; 407-3550
shamustbones.com
Second Place: Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge
Third Place: Double D Steak & Seafood

Local Beer
Redwood Curtain IGA
550 S G St., Arcata; 826-7222
redwoodcurtainbrewing.com
Second Place: Eel River Brewery Organic California Blonde
Third Place: Mad River Brewing River Days

Local Hard Cider
Humboldt Cider Company
3750 Harris Street, Eureka; 798-6023
humboldtcidercompany.com
Local Hard Cider
Second Place: Wrangletown

Local Spirit
Blue Lake Vodka
humboldtcraftspirits.com
Second Place: Jewell Distillery Gin
Third Place: Little River Gin

Local Wine
Moonstone Crossing Dark as Night
1000 Moonstone Cross Road; 845-5492
moonstonecrossing.com
Second Place: Humboldt Honey Wine
Third Place: Frog Alley Syrah

Margarita
Rita's Margaritas and Mexican Grill
1111 5th St., Eureka; 443-5458
855 8th St., Arcata; 822-1010
ritashumboldt.com
Second Place: Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge
Third Place: Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Cantina

Martini
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka; 444-2244
Second Place: The Carter House
Third Place: Cafe Waterfront

Mimosa
The Greene Lily
307 2nd St., Eureka; 798-6083
thegreenelilycafe.com
Second Place: T's North
Third Place: Hot Brew

Sports Bar
AA Bar & Grill
929 4th St., Eureka; 443-1632
aabarandgrill.net
Second Place: Six Rivers Brewery
Third Place: Humboldt Brews LLC

Winery
Moonstone Crossing Winery
1000 Moonstone Cross Road; 845-5492
moonstonecrossing.com
Second Place: Fieldbrook Winery
Third Place: Briceland Vineyards Winery