Clear Lake Restaurants You’ll Actually Like

Clear Lake has a way of slowing you down. Mornings stretch out, afternoons drift by, and eventually, you get hungry. And while the lake is the main draw, the food around here doesn’t just play second fiddle. Whether you’re after lakeside views with a cold beer, a hidden breakfast spot the locals swear by, or something hearty after a day on the water — there’s plenty to enjoy if you know where to look.

This isn’t wine country fine dining, and that’s a good thing. The best places here feel lived-in. You won’t find velvet menus or 17-ingredient entrees. Just honest food, often in beautiful or unexpected places, with the kind of charm that sneaks up on you.

Best Clear Lake Restaurants with a View

When you’re sitting lakeside with a drink in hand and something grilled on the way, it’s hard to complain. These places serve up some of the best views around Clear Lake — with food that ranges from “pretty good” to “exactly what I needed.”

Boathouse Bar & Grill (Nice)

Right on the water in the town of Nice, this spot has one of the best deck setups around. You’re practically hanging over the lake, with clear views of the mountains across the way. It’s a laid-back place with friendly service and a menu that sticks to the classics: burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, and plenty of fried things. The beer’s cold, portions are generous, and while you probably won’t dream about the food later, you’ll remember the setting.

Live music shows up on weekends. It’s also a popular stop for folks coming in by boat — dock, eat, float back out.

Richmond Park Bar & Grill (Kelseyville)

Tucked into a marina at the end of Soda Bay Road, Richmond Park has a rough-around-the-edges charm. There’s a big outdoor patio, the lake is steps away, and there’s often a band playing something loud enough to hear from across the water. It feels more like someone’s backyard party than a restaurant, which is part of the appeal.

Menu-wise, expect bar food: burgers, wings, fish and chips. It’s not refined, but it’s satisfying — especially after a day in the sun. The place gets busy during the summer, especially with boaters and locals unwinding for the weekend. If you’re looking for quiet, maybe try lunch on a weekday.

Local Favorites

Clear Lake has its fair share of spots that don’t make flashy lists or get Yelp-hyped, but they stay busy for a reason. These are the places where locals actually eat, with good prices, friendly service, and food that doesn’t try too hard.

La Monarca Market & Taqueria (Clearlake)

Half Mexican grocery store, half taqueria, and fully worth a stop. Tucked behind a modest storefront on Lakeshore Drive, La Monarca serves up some of the best tacos in the area. Carnitas, al pastor, carne asada — they all hit the mark, and they don’t skimp on the meat. There’s a salsa bar in the back, and everything tastes like it’s been made fresh that morning.

You order at the counter, maybe grab a Jarritos from the fridge, and find a plastic table. No frills, no nonsense. Just good food.

Sweet Hollow Diner (Upper Lake)

If you’re heading up north or just wandering the quieter corners of the lake, Sweet Hollow is a cozy stop in Upper Lake that feels more like a mountain café. Wood walls, warm coffee, and a small menu that gets the job done with care.

The breakfast burrito’s a favorite, and the avocado toast isn’t just thrown on a plate. If they’re serving pie, don’t ask questions — get a slice.

Red’s at the Skyroom (Lakeport)

It’s not every day you eat brunch next to a runway lined with dusty planes and sleepy hangars, but that’s exactly what you get at Red’s. Located at the old Lampson Field Airport, the place feels like a time warp in the best way. The building has that wide-glass, mid-century charm, and the view out the window is part mountain, part aviation museum.

They serve both brunch and dinner, with a rotating menu that leans seasonal and thoughtful — think fresh herbs, well-cooked meats, and desserts that didn’t come from a freezer. It’s a spot where locals go for birthdays or when they want to sit down somewhere a little quieter, a little more grown-up.

The prices are on the higher side for the area, but between the view, the food, and the rows of vintage aircraft parked just outside, you’re getting more than just a meal.

Clear Lake Breakfast Restaurants Worth Getting Up For

Mornings around Clear Lake are quiet. Light comes in slow, the air’s still cool, and if you’re lucky, you’ve got nowhere to be. But eventually you’re going to want coffee and something solid to eat. These spots make that part easy.

Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso (Lakeport)

This place smells like fresh bread before you even walk in. It’s a small-town bakery with a steady flow of regulars grabbing coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches that actually fill you up. The focaccia is soft and salty, the muffins are huge, and they know how to pull a decent espresso shot.

There’s limited seating inside, but a few outdoor tables make it a nice stop if the weather’s playing nice. They’re fast, too — good if you’re planning to hit the lake early.

Kour Thai (Clearlake)

Yes, it’s a Thai restaurant. And yes, they serve breakfast. Don’t let that throw you. The place opens early and serves up an unexpectedly great American-style breakfast alongside Thai iced coffee and the occasional noodle dish if you’re feeling adventurous.

Eggs, toast, pancakes — it’s all there and it’s done right. It’s also one of the few places open for breakfast seven days a week, which makes it reliable when everything else is shut tight on a Tuesday morning.

For the Wine and Food Crowd

If you’re looking for something a little more refined — a quiet patio, a good wine list, and maybe a salad that didn’t come out of a bag — Clear Lake has a few options that go beyond burgers and pancakes. These spots lean more wine country than dive bar, without losing their local charm.

Saw Shop Public House (Kelseyville)

Probably the most well-known sit-down restaurant near the lake that still keeps things comfortable. The Saw Shop has a polished but relaxed feel, with a menu that mixes upscale and approachable — steak frites, seasonal pastas, crispy Brussels sprouts, that kind of thing.

The wine list is thoughtful, with a lot of local bottles from the surrounding hills. If you’re not sure what to order, just ask. The staff actually knows the menu and won’t steer you wrong. Dinner on the patio is especially nice when the weather’s warm and there’s music playing on the street.

The Brick Oven (Clearlake Oaks)

Pizza, but not your average lake-town slice shop. The Brick Oven does wood-fired pies with thin crusts, sharp edges, and solid toppings. You can tell someone in the back actually cares about what’s going into the dough.

The vibe is casual, but the food leans closer to artisan than greasy spoon. They also have a few good wines and local beers, and it’s a nice break from the deep-fried menus that dominate the area.

Final Thoughts

Clear Lake isn’t packed with chain restaurants or award-winning chefs, and thank God for that. What you get instead is a mix of easygoing diners, lakeside grills with unbeatable views, and a handful of places where the food really does surprise you. It’s not about chasing trends — it’s about finding a place that feeds you well after a long day outside.

Some meals are forgettable, sure. But some stick with you. Not because they were fancy, but because you ate them by the water with the sun on your face and nothing on your mind. And that’s really the whole point of being here.