Best of Food & Best of Drink
Cover Story
Best Bloody Mary:
The Alibi
In the world of cocktails, the Bloody Mary is a classic. And the classic place in Humboldt County to enjoy the salty, savory drink packing a spicy punch and a reputation for restorative powers is none other than the consummate downtown Arcata locale, the Alibi. But first things first, which side is calling your name — the airy restaurant or its next-door neighbor and alter ego the cocktail lounge with its old-school vibes? Never fear, there are no wrong answers here, which brings us to the second question: Which one of their famous Marys do you choose? While the original is always a safe bet, so is taking a little walk on the wild side with, perhaps, the Piggly Wiggly, a concoction of bacon vodka with Mary mix and a bacon strip. Not a vodka fan? Not a problem; there's the Bloody Bobby made with gin or the Sangre Maria with a tequila kick. The list is long and varied, with a little something for everyone, which leaves no question why the Alibi's Marys have laid claim to the Best of title.
Kimberly Wear
- NCJ File
Best Hidden Gem, Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Tacos:
Cocina Mariposa
As a Mexican American whose family is from Michoacán (shout out to Lombardía) and absolutely loves this restaurant, I was so excited to see Cocina Mariposa's name top three categories. If it wasn't for the "Mexican Restaurant" flag signaling a restaurant at the golf course on Fairway Drive, you'd totally miss it. Cocina Mariposa has it all: a great variety of tasty agua frescas, including classics like Jamaica and horchata; burritos (which aren't Mexican, just FYI); classic combination plates that come with arroz y frijoles; chile rellenos the way my mom made them with cotija cheese instead of Oaxaca cheese; nachos that are just *chef's kiss*, salsas that are so freaking delicious and the right amount of spicy (which you can also buy in 8-ounce containers!); and the absolute best tacos in Humboldt County. Taco Tuesdays at Cocina Mariposa keep chef and owner Marisela Carillo and her mom Graciela Salas super busy because customers know their tacos are simply THE BEST. When it's not Tuesday, Cocina Mariposa's tacos are served on handmade tortillas and absolutely nothing beats tacos made with handmade tortillas. Nothing. I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Honestly, I think this place is the best Mexican Restaurant in Humboldt County and I'm so glad BOH voters thought so, too. Congratulations to Carillo for her triple triumph!
Iridian Casarez
Food
Appetizers
511
511 Second St., Eureka
(707) 268-3852 fiveeleveneureka.com
Asian Restaurant
Tomo
708 Ninth St., Arcata
(707) 822-1414 tomoarcata.com
Bagel
Los Bagels
1085 I St., Arcata; (707) 822-3150
Second St., Eureka; (707) 442-8525 losbagels.com
Bakery
Ramone's
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville ramonesbakery.com
Bar Food
Vista Del Mar
91 Commercial St., Eureka
(707) 443-3770
Barbecue
Porter Street Barbecue
605 Broadway, Eureka, (707) 443-1700
facebook.com/Porter-Street-Barbeque-155525104461292
Breakfast
Golden Harvest Cafe
1707 Allard Ave., Eureka
(707) 442-1610 goldenharvestcafe.com
Breakfast Sandwich
Familia Cafe
1350 Ninth St., Arcata
525 Second St. Suite 101, Eureka
(707) 599-4699 familiacoffees.com
Brunch
Greene Lily
307 Second St., Eureka
(707) 798-6083 thegreenelilycafe.com
Buffet
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
Burger
Stars
2009 Harrison Ave., Eureka
(707) 445-2061 eureka-stars-hamburges.business.site
Burrito
Amigas Burritos
317 Fifth St., #0305, Eureka, (707) 443-3373 amigas-burritos.business.site
Butcher
Curt Terribilini, Ferndale Meat Co.
376 Main St., Ferndale
(707) 786-4501 ferndale-meat-co.edan.io
Catering Company
C&C Catering
350 Woodland Ave., Rio Dell
(707) 764-5202
Cheesecake
Ramone's
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville ramonesbakery.com
Chef
Madison Lopez Opera Alley Bistro
409 Opera Alley, Eureka, (707) 442-0121 facebook.com/madison.lopez.545
Chicken Sandwich
The Couxp
737 G St., Arcata,
Chili
Vista Del Mar
91 Commercial St., Eureka
(707) 443-3770
Chips & Salsa
Oaxaca Grill Restaurant
508 Henderson St., Eureka
(707) 445-9702
Clam Chowder
Gill's by the Bay
77 Halibut Ave., Eureka
(707) 442-2554 gillsbythebay.com
Cookies
Ramone's
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville ramonesbakery.com
Crab Sandwich
Hole in the Wall
590 G St., Arcata
(707) 822-7407
Deli
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
Dog-Friendly Dining
Mad River Brewery
195 Taylor Way, Blue Lake
(707) 668-4151 madriverbrewing.com
Donuts
Happy Donuts
2916 Central Ave., Eureka
(707) 443-6812 happy-donuts-eureka.edan.io
Eats in SoHum
Pineapple Express
880 Redwood Drive, Garberville, (808) 387-6101 facebook.com/pineappleexpressfoodtruck
Eats in Willow Creek
Bigfoot Steakhouse
19 Willow Way, Willow Creek, (530) 739-2614 facebook.com/Bigfoot-Steakhouse
Farmers Market
Arcata Farmers Market
G and Eighth St., Arcata, (707) 441-9999 northcoastgrowersassociation.org
Farmers Market Food Stall
Frybread Love
(707) 599-1140 instagram.com/frybread.love
Fish & Chips
LoCo Fish Co
1300 Central Ave., McKinleyville (707) 572-6019
1648 Myrtle Ave., Eureka (707) 601-8573 locofishco.com
Food Delivery Service
US Vets Deliver
553 Main St., #1, Ferndale, (877) 787-8387 usvetsdeliver.com
Food Truck
LoCo Fish Co
1300 Central Ave., McKinleyville (707) 572-6019
1648 Myrtle Ave., Eureka (707) 601-8573 locofishco.com
French Fries
Vista Del Mar
91 Commercial St., Eureka
(707) 443-3770
Fried Chicken
The Couxp
737 G St., Arcata, instagram.com/thecouxp
Gluten-Free Restaurant
Cafe Phoenix
1360 G St., Arcata
(707) 630-5021 facebook.com/cafephoenixarcata
Grocery Store
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
Hidden Gem
Cocina Mariposa
4750 Fairway Drive, Eureka
(707) 599-2469 cocinamariposa.com
Hot Dog
Costco
1006 W. Wabash Ave.
(707) 441-8750 costco.com
Ice Cream
Living the Dream
1 F St., Eureka
(707) 407-3508 livingthedreamicecream.com
Italian Restaurant
Mazzotti's
773 Eighth St., Arcata
(707) 502-7221 mazzottis.com
Late-Night Food
Toni's
1901 Heindon Road, Arcata
(707) 822-0091 tonisrestaurant.com
Local Chocolatier
Adam Dick & Dustin Taylor
4 W Fourth St., Eureka
(707) 798-6010 dicktaylorchocolate.com
Locally Made Food
Humboldt Grassfed Beef
P.O. Box 313, Fortuna
(707) 845-7878 humboldtgrassfedbeef.com
Lunch
Hole in the Wall
590 G St., Arcata
(707) 822-7407
Macaroni & Cheese
Brick and Fire
1630 F St., Eureka
(707) 268-8959 brickandfirebistro.com
Meat Market/Counter
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
Mexican Restaurant
Cocina Mariposa
4750 Fairway Drive, Eureka
(707) 599-2469 cocinamariposa.com
Nachos
Las Cazuelas
435 N Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna
(707) 725-2431
Natural Foods Store
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
New Restaurant
Familia Cafe
1350 Ninth St., Arcata
525 Second St. Suite 101, Eureka
(707) 599-4699 familiacoffees.com
Onion Rings
Stars
2009 Harrison Ave., Eureka, (707) 445-2061 eureka-stars-hamburges.business.site
Outdoor Dining
Eel River Brewery
1777 Alamar Way, Fortuna
(707) 725-2739 eelriverbrewing.com
Overall Service
Larrupin
1658 Patrick's Point Drive, Trinidad
(707) 677-0230 thelarrupin.com
Pie
Slice of Humboldt Pie
828 I St., Arcata
(707) 630-5100 sliceofhumboldtpie.com
Pizza, Chain
Mod Pizza
2626 Broadway Suite D, Eureka
(707) 268-5540 modpizza.com
Pizza, Local
Live from New York
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna
Restaurant
Larrupin
1658 Patrick's Point Drive, Trinidad
(707) 677-0230 thelarrupin.com
Restaurant Server
Debbie Santos, Cutten Chalet
3980 Walnut Drive, Eureka
(707) 798-6480
Salad
Familia Cafe
1350 Ninth St., Arcata
525 Second St. Suite 101, Eureka
(707) 599-4699 familiacoffees.com
Sandwich
Hole in the Wall
590 G St., Arcata
(707) 822-7407
Seafood
Sea Grill
316 E St., Eureka
(707) 443-7187 seagrilleureka.com
Serving Staff
Golden Harvest Cafe
1707 Allard Ave., Eureka
(707) 442-1610 goldenharvestcafe.com
Smoothie/Juice Bar
Wildberries
747 13th St., Arcata
(707) 822-0095 wildberries.com
Steak
AA Bar and Grill
929 Fourth St., Eureka
(707) 443-1632 aabarandgrill.net
Sushi Restaurant
Tomo
708 Ninth St., Arcata
(707) 822-1414 tomoarcata.com
Tacos
Cocina Mariposa
4750 Fairway Drive, Eureka
(707) 599-2469 cocinamariposa.com
Take and Bake Pizza
Ferndale Pizza Co.
607 Main St., Ferndale, (707) 786-4345
Take-Out
Headies Pizza and Pour
359 Main St., Trinidad
(707) 677-3077 headiespizzaandpour.com
Tots
The Madrone Taphouse
421 Third St., Eureka
(707) 273-5129 madronetaphouse
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Wildflower Café
1604 G St., Arcata
(707) 822-0360 wildflowercafebakery.com
Veggie Burger
Wildflower Café
1604 G St., Arcata
(707) 822-0360 wildflowercafebakery.com
View from the Table
Moonstone Grill
100 Moonstone Beach Road, Trinidad
(707) 677-1616 moonstonegrill.com
Wings
Humbrews
856 10th St., Arcata
(707) 826-2739 humbrews.com
Drink
Bar
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka
(707) 444-2244
Bar Staff
Richards' Goat Tavern
401 I St., Arcata
(707) 630-5000 richardsgoat.com
Bar to Meet People
Richards' Goat Tavern
401 I St., Arcata
(707) 630-5000 richardsgoat.com
Bartender
Leo at Richards' Goat
401 I St., Arcata
(707) 630-5000 richardsgoat.com
Beer Selection
Dead Reckoning
815 J St., Arcata, (707) 630-5008
facebook.com/Dead-Reckoning-Tavern-
Bloody Mary
The Alibi
744 Ninth St., Arcata
(707) 822-3731 thealibi.com
Brewery
Redwood Curtain Brewery
550 S G St., Arcata; (707) 826-7222 redwoodcurtainbrewing.com
Cheap Drinks
The Shanty
213 Third St., Eureka
(707) 444-2053
Cocktails
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka
(707) 444-2244
Coffee House
Jitter Bean
Multiple locations in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna facebook.com/jitterbeancoffeeco/
Coffee Roaster
Humboldt Bay Coffee Company
520 Second St., Eureka
(707) 444-3969 humboldtcoffee.com
Cozy Bar
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka
(707) 444-2244
Dive Bar
The Shanty
213 Third St., Eureka
(707) 444-2053
Happy Hour
511
511 Second St., Eureka
(707) 268-3852 fiveeleveneureka.com
Hotel Bar
Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge
129 Second St., Eureka, (707) 407-0634
historiceaglehouse.com/phatsy-kline-s
Local Beer
Steelhead Pale Ale
195 Taylor Way, Blue Lake
(707) 668-4151 madriverbrewing.com
Local Hard Cider
Humboldt Cider Company
3750 Harris St., Eureka (707) 798-6023 humboldtcidercompany.com
Local Spirit
Boldt
Arcata, (707) 822-8013
Local Wine
Septentrio Winery
650 Sixth St., Arcata
(707) 672-2058 septentriowinery.com
Margarita
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka
(707) 444-2244
Martini
The Speakeasy
411 Opera Alley, Eureka
(707) 444-2244
Milkshake
Toni's
1901 Heindon Road, Arcata
(707) 822-0091 tonisrestaurant.com
Mimosa
Greene Lily
307 Second St., Eureka
(707) 798-6083 thegreenelilycafe.com
Patio
Mad River Brewery
195 Taylor Way, Blue Lake
(707) 668-4151 madriverbrewing.com
Place to Drink with Your Dog
Mad River Brewery
195 Taylor Way, Blue Lake
(707) 668-4151 madriverbrewing.com
Sports Bar
The Madrone Taphouse
421 Third St., Eureka
(707) 273-5129 madronetaphouse
Tea Shop/Place to Buy Tea
Humboldt Herbals
300 Second St., Eureka
(707) 442-3541 humboldtherbals.com
Wine Selection
Eureka Natural Foods
1450 Broadway, Eureka; (707) 442-6325
2165 Central Ave., McKinleyville; (707) 839-3636 eurekanaturalfoods.com
Winery
Septentrio Winery
650 Sixth St., Arcata
(707) 672-2058 septentriowinery.com
