Chico businesses

Chico institution since 1977 — landmark 1883 brick building beside CSU Chico, legendary Bear Burgers, ice-cold Sierra Nevada, and floor-to-ceiling memorabilia. The quintessential college bar.

Chico ice cream + candy institution since 1938 — fourth-generation family, made on-site daily.

Mixed-use district with The Barn event venue — concerts, markets, family events, weddings.

Founded 1986 by two Chico State students; voted Barstool Sports Best Bar in the Nation 2021. Beloved downtown sports bar and late-night institution with 20+ TVs and four decades of legendary weekly deals.

City Plaza at 4th & Broadway — Thursday Night Market, Friday Night Concerts, ART Fest.

Best burrito + taco in Chico per CN&R every year since 2002. Open late, since 1994.

Chico's premier live-music brewpub serving wood-fired pizzas, curated rotating craft taps, and an adventurous cocktail program — packed weekly calendar of trivia, karaoke, open jams, and live music across every genre.

Downtown brunch favorite next to Madison Bear — 875 Yelp reviews, mimosa benedicts, vodka flights.

Sierra Nevada's intimate listening room above the brewery — Americana, jazz, folk.

American izakaya-inspired gastropub anchoring downtown Chico with 28 rotating drafts, inventive craft cocktails, and a scratch kitchen known for duck fat fries, trashy tacos, and killer brunch beignets. Dog-friendly patio and late-night menu.

CN&R Best Breakfast — inventive Southwest brunch dishes, French-press coffee, 490 Yelp reviews.

Restored 1928 vaudeville theater — Chico's premier mid-size concert venue.

Chico institution since 1968. Generations have lined up for legendary chips and salsa, hearty enchiladas, and tostadas at prices that never break the bank. Multiple CN&R Best Cheap Eats winner.

Chico's premier upscale dining destination since 2000 — USDA prime cuts, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an intimate downtown setting. A true Chico institution for date nights, celebrations, and serious-steak diners.

Named after the Ween song, Argus is downtown Chico's artisan cocktail destination — a community gathering place with state-of-the-art patio sound, a craft cocktail menu, and a rotating calendar of live music, DJ nights, and ticketed events.

Chico's premier 300-cap live music venue — hosts local, regional, and national touring acts.

Chico State's 1,200-seat performing arts hall — concerts, lectures, dance, theater.

Upscale contemporary Italian lounge on Broadway with soft lighting, an oversized lounge, and a Wine Spectator Award-winning list of 100+ bottles. The chicest dinner experience in downtown Chico.

Fine Italian dining in the heart of Chico since 1992 — scratch-made pasta, handmade ravioli, wood-fired pizza by the slice, and Chico's largest bar selection. A warm, neighborhood-Cheers vibe with late-night soul.

Downtown third-wave coffeehouse (since 2001) with free-pour latte art, fair-trade teas, and indie music nights.

Chico's beloved community sushi staple since 2009 — creative Japanese rolls, small plates, and their own craft beer (Big Shachihoko Hazy Shiso IPA). Inventive fusion like Japanese tacos and a lively happy hour.

Upscale Esplanade bistro — CN&R Best Fine Dining finalist, local seasonal ingredients in a garden setting.

Lively downtown sports pub anchored by wall-to-wall HD TVs and a packed patio bar — best known for hand-breaded wings, smash burgers, QuesaBirria tacos, and the cult-favorite Soccer Mom Shot.

CN&R Best Brunch — bottomless bubbly, quality brunch fare on the Esplanade.

Chico's classic American diner for 25+ years — famous thick-cut bacon, giant pancakes, fast service.

CN&R Best Breakfast runner-up — Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes on the Esplanade.

Chico's beloved eclectic dive bar since 1989 — anchored on Main Street with a jukebox, pool table, and shamrock soul. Home to the Pub Scouts' legendary Friday Celtic sessions and a rotating cast of local and touring acts.

Chico's favorite community coffeehouse, trivia & cribbage club, and event venue near Bidwell Park.

No-frills local burger stand — CN&R Best Burger top-3 every year, beloved cheap-eats institution.

Chico's #1 Vietnamese — authentic pho with superior broth, ranked #46 of 441 Chico restaurants.

50+ year Chico diner with 1960s décor; CN&R Best Diner; chicken-fried steak a local legend.

Beloved Chico izakaya at 20th & Cohasset serving affordable, fresh sushi and Japanese small plates. Generous happy hour deals on rolls, nigiri, sake bombs, and imported beer — one of the best sushi values in the North State.

Museum of Northern California Art — exhibitions, opening receptions, and Cocktails & Conversations.

Butte County fairgrounds — host of Silver Dollar Fair, Wildflower Festival, rodeos.

Historic 1923 community hall hosting concerts, weddings, and civic events.

Open-air park in southeast Chico hosting the Wildflower Music Festival and youth sports.