Cobb’s businesses bounce back from the Valley Fire

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

The devastating Valley Fire of September 2015 burned more than 75,000 acres across Lake County and northern California, but one of the hardest-hit areas was the mountain community of Cobb. Cobb was right at the center of the destructive blaze, one of the worst wildfires in California history. Nearly 1,800 evacuated residents found their community in ruins when they returned home; buildings had been reduced to ashes, natural landscapes had been destroyed and businesses all over Cobb had been shut down.
But now all that is changing.
The community is being rebuilt from the ground up. New homes are springing up; thousands of new trees have been planted; and Cobb is back in business. The strong-willed, tough-minded and resourceful people of Cobb swore they’d rebuild right away and that’s just what they’ve done. Now you, too, can be part of the Valley Fire recovery by patronizing these local landmarks.
Loch Lomond Roadhouse
Just about a mile up the road from Cobb you’ll find Loch Lomond, a charming little mountain resort town whose local tavern, Loch Lomond Roadhouse, offers comfort food in giant portions and deep-fried deliciousness. This down-home full bar and restaurant comes equipped with pool tables, pinball and live music to liven up the weekends—making it ideal whether you’re rolling solo or with your rowdy friends.
Eagle & Rose Inn
The wine tasting, tavern-hopping or golfing may call for you to spend the night, and that’s why Cobb’s Eagle & Rose Inn is an ideal place for an overnight stay. It is within walking distance from many local establishments, giving you the perfect option to just park and play at a Cobb Mountain stay. The rooms have suitable amenities and are pet-friendly, and pool and hiking trails sit right outside your doorstep at Cobb’s scenic and friendly Eagle & Rose Inn, with another location in Middletown.
Hardester’s Market & Hardware
You don’t often find gourmet food and hardware under the same roof, but that’s the charm of Hardester’s Market & Hardware, with locations in both Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake. This family-owned grocery store stayed open throughout the aftermath of the Valley Fire crisis, becoming an instrumental community resource in the process. With locations that are perfect for a stop on your way in or out of Lake County, Hardester’s Market is a local favorite that transformed into a local hero when Lake County went into survival mode.

Black Rock Golf Course
Black Rock Golf Course’s new restaurant might soon be bringing in more hungry patrons than 9-hole golfers. With its country club-style atmosphere, family dining prices and the classic vintages of the Moore Family Winery, this great community gathering spot also hosts regular meetings of the Cobb Resiliency Action Group, which is dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of Cobb’s forests and environment.
The Village Pub
The history of Cobb lives on the walls at The Village Pub, a real-deal authentic mountain bar where 20 beers are on tap, the wine is sourced locally and the game is always on the big screens. You can lose yourself checking out the vintage signs and menus from Cobb’s establishments of yesteryear, or in The Village Pub’s menu of go-to Americana favorites. A sports bar by day and a foot-stomping live music venue at night, The Village Pub is a place where visitors will feel like locals and revel in the spirit and history of Cobb, California.
Mountain High Coffee & Books
Coffee houses are part of the lifeblood of any close-knit community, and Mountain High Coffee & Books in Cobb is no different. Even after the fires, the two-story cafe and library has remained a hometown haven for Cobb residents that abounds with books for good reading and snacks for eating. Offerings like creamy espresso varieties and flavored teas accompany freshly homemade pastries, and smoothies pair with burritos or savory bagel bites. It’s a cozy place to kickback and engage in conversation with members of the Cobb community or enjoy some good company in the form of a hardcover or paperback.
Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta
Downtown Cobb’s mom-and-pop Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta is known for its generous portions and a pizza “crust you can trust.” Known to locals as “The Brick,” the Italian-style restaurant is a symbol of Cobb’s character and the heart of its courageous community. Enjoy several beers on tap or try your choice of select Lake County wines to go with a sauce-smothered spaghetti and meatball dinner, a gourmet brick-oven pizza or a delicious calzone.
The determined people of Cobb have poured their hearts and souls into making this Lake County town a vibrant vacation getaway again. With the smoke cleared and the landscape returning to normal, Cobb is a testament to the resilience and pride of the people of Lake County.