Lake County Dining Guide: Date Night & Fine Dining

Life is pretty laid back in Lake County, California, but don’t let our casual façade fool you. We know how to turn on the charm when it’s time. Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and we’re rounding up our fave fine dining spots that were made for date night.

Juicy’s Pizza

Upscale pizzeria with a parkside rooftop bar
Pizza might not be your first thought when it comes time to plan the perfect date night, but this upscale Lakeport pizzeria hits all the right marks.  Juicy’s has raised the bar for casual dining in Lake County, and consistently wins fans with their thoughtfully sourced, farm to hearth cuisine. It all begins with fresh-milled organic flour and their 28-year-old “mother dough.” From there, you’ll need to choose between a walnut pesto, classic red, or creamy white sauce and an inventive selection of toppings. A few basic pies are available by the slice at lunch, and for date night, we recommend grabbing a glass of wine and enjoying the al fresco dining on the roof.

Blue Wing Saloon

Elevated pub fare with live music and pioneer history
Next door to the Tallman Hotel — a 19th-century stage stop — Blue Wing Saloon brings live music and friendly vibes to Upper Lake. Folk, blues, and jazz performances and artful, lovingly-restored decor make Blue Wing date night gold. Paired with its unique setting and attentive service, this small-town gem feels special and totally splurge-worthy. Blue Wing is known for its unique burgers (like the elk wagyu), pasta, seafood, and steaks. Enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine on the veranda, and feel free to bring your own if your trip has taken you to one of Lake County’s lovely wineries (corkage applies).

Wild Creek

Chophouse favorites inside Running Creek Casino
If your idea of a night out includes hitting the tables at a Wine Country casino, head over to Running Creek Casino in Upper Lake.  Once you’ve worked up an appetite (and hopefully won a few hands), settle in at their in-house restaurant, Wild Creek, for chophouse fare and a full bar.  A la carte diners dig their pasta, roasted chicken, and enormous burgers, and on Fridays, they host an all you can eat seafood buffet.  Come early and get in on the Sunday brunch, or stick around Saturday eve for a hearty barbecue buffet.

Saw Shop Bistro

Fresh and thoughtful cuisine in Kelseyville
A Kelseyville institution, Saw Shop Bistro has been treating Lake County diners to elegant fare for nearly 20 years.  Known for upscale small plates and urban pricing, the quaint bistro wows on a low key date night. A table beneath the wisteria laden pergola offers a homey, front porch feel, while occasional live music and a well-appointed bar bring a cosmopolitan mood to the interior.  Saw Shop’s cheffy menu rotates frequently, making the most of seasonality and hyper-local ingredients.  Enjoy top-shelf libations with your dinner or sip locally from their list of Lake County wines.