BEST OF IDYLLWILD: FOOD + COFFEE + LIBATIONS
*ABOUT DELIVERY/PICKUP IN IDYLLWILD: Brick n' Mortar restaurants in Idyllwild DO NOT DELIVER, not even pizza - however, you can call BEAR NECESSITIES DELIVERY SERVICE for food delivery: **Make sure you indicate the NAME (ie: ZEN DEN) of your cabin and describe the LOCATION (ie: cottage to the LEFT of the main house,) when giving the delivery address, that way other cabin guests and neighbors aren't bothered by lost delivery people.
*ABOUT COTTAGE CHEFS: these are talented folks that live in Idyllwild but don't yet have a Brick n' Mortar restaurant... "cottage chefs" require more advance notice for orders - so please keep that in mind. Cottage Chefs DO often deliver for free, which is another great reason to support their small businesses.
COFFEE & TEA
- Alpaca Coffee & Tea: the best Matcha Boba Tea you've ever tasted! Cappuccinos and lattes are yum, but a bit on the milky side so keep that in mind pending your taste preferences. Creative and modern approach to coffee and tea. WALKING DISTANCE from ALL Wildland properties, please see the HOUSE MANUAL for directions.
- Black Mountain Coffee: All beans roasted right here in house! The best pour-overs, french press, & nitro (call 951-468-5095 for updated hours). They have amazing coffee flight tastings - highly recommend! Located next door to our WILDLAND shop in Oakwood Village: 54425 N. Circle Dr. Idyllwild, CA
- El Buen Cacao: the BEST mocha lattes using their dark chocolate made in-house & perfectly balanced cappuccinos (call 760-333-7690 for updated hours - they usually open late around 11 and stay open until 6ish)
- Merkaba Tea: handcrafted teas Made In Idyllwild - available by the cup or in bulk
- Shala Tea Company - beautiful tea blends with a beautiful shop to sit, relax and enjoy. Also grab a pastry while you're there!
- Pure Bean: The longest hours of operation (call 951- 659-1379 for updated hours) - serving their in-house and locally roasted coffee in their newly renovated space right in the middle of town.
BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, & LUNCH
- Mama's Egg House: come hungry! Generous portions and delectable delights... a mix of American, Mexican, and Vegan-friendly brunch menu items... also great for lunch! For brekky we love the Vegan Chorizo Burrito or the Prosciutto Benedict (ask to sub Mama's Biscuits in place of the traditional english muffin) For lunch we love their the Humpty Dumpty Burger if you're really hungry. Outdoor seating Dog Friendly.
- The Sunflower Bakeshop: Lovely outdoor dog-friendly dining, and some limited indoor-ish dining (inside a covered patio). Daily special Quiche and/or breakfast sandwiches are our usual go-tos.
- Mile High Cafe: Offering classic American brunch + American and Asian fusion lunch options. Our pick for BEST BURGER IN IDYLLWILD. WALKING DISTANCE from ALL Wildland properties - see House Manual for directions. Next door to the best new COFFEE & BOBA TEA spot in town: Alpaca Coffee. Outdoor Dog-Friendly Dining available. We recommend heading there on SUNDAYS for brunch, featuring the best of local Idyllwild live music!
- Raven Hill Bagels - Great new location just across the street from our WILDLAND shop. All bagels made in-house daily, with a nice selection of other tasty treats and a small curated market of items to create meals at home!
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Amelia's Donuts and More - not to be missed! Incredible melt-in-your-mouth hot n' fresh local donuts. Vegan, gluten-free, vegnan, keto options, as well as Grab n Go Breakfast & lunch available - place an order ahead of time if you want one of those specialties.
Fri-Tues 7-2 Grill closes at 1:30. Visit ameliasdonutsandmore.com
- Mama Mia's Crepes: freshly made crepes, both savory and sweet. Limited indoor and outdoor (dog friendly) dining. We recommend the Chicken Pesto savory crepe and the Nutella Crepe with strawberries and bananas for sweet.
- Tommy's Kitchen: Cottage chef, no brick and mortar location - Swiss-infused American. Order ready-made dinners on the go!
- The Red Kettle: classic American menu, generous portions, made with Idyllwild love. Hot spot location, right in the middle of town with a dog friendly patio.
- Now Boarding Idyllwild - A local charcuterie board delivery - she also does BRUNCH boards! Check her out on Instagram @nowboardingidyllwild
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Waffleton is not your typical breakfast waffle house. With specialty waffles inspired in the Asian and European cuisines. The avocado and egg mochi waffle is perfect for breakfast, the Brie and prosciutto one will make for a great brunch or lunch and the Belgian waffles topped with ice cream or Nutella or fresh fruit, amongst many other sweet options, will satisfy your sweetest cravings!
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La Strega: A local delivery - Fresh juices, Smoothies, homemade empanadas and more. You can find us on IG @lastregaidyllwild. Call or text 815-621-3513
CASUAL LUNCH & DINNER
- Brew Pub: (Lunch/Dinner) modern California pub style food + microbrews and craft cocktails. Great atmosphere, lovely view. Plenty of indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating + a great view! We recommend the Fish n' Chips (best we've ever had) and the Buffalo Cauliflower.
- Idyllwild Pizza Company: Super casual, less expensive than Ferro pizza - but still really great - we recommend their Veggie Gourmet pizza if you're a green olive & artichoke fan. They also have excellent sandwiches and paninis - we are big fan of the Italian Sub. Also, the owner lives nextdoor to us! Plenty of indoor seating + dog friendly outdoor seating in front and back.
- Dicks Dogs: A uniquely IdyllWILD experience. Irreverent menu, if you aren't into dick jokes, this is not the place for you. DELISH loaded hot dogs with vegan friendly options. This place is a food truck, usually located in front of Wild Idy or along the 243 highway across from the playground. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Hwy 243 across from the Park: 11am until SOLD OUT Saturday & Sunday Wild Idy: 11am unitl SOLD OUT
- Atomic Cow Creamery: A great selection of fresh deli-style sandwiches and subs - plus ice cream, shakes and locally made pies n' treats all in one place! Limited outdoor dog friendly seating, great for takeaway and picnics.
- Manzanita Cantina & Grill: Truly authentic and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. Their al-pastor tacos and burritos are amongst our faves, along with their Enchiladas Suizas. PLEASE NOTE: this place turns into more of a bar scene at 9pm. If you happen to wander in for dinner around 8:45pm, be ready to be dodging pool sticks coming at your head at 9pm sharp. Our suggestion: stop in BEFORE 7:15PM for a great dining experience, or order food to-go. Looking for a real "locals" bar experience? Head there pretty much any night of the week after 10pm... not for the faint of heart! Please don't act like a tourist and get in a fight. Lol - but SERIOUSLY though.
- La Casita: Very unlikely for a fight to break out here, lol. This is a family friendly place, and a different approach to Mexican cuisine. In the battle of "Best of Mexican Food in Idyllwild" you're either Team Manzanita or Team La Casita. Try them both and decide for yourself! Definitely do not miss trying Roberto's Famous GREEN SAUCE - a delectable jalapeño and olive oil blend that will add miles of flavor to any dish, available to take home in a bottle - and we suggest you do!
- Cocina Libre: Cottage chef, no brick and mortar location. He's a busy family man, so he isn't always available for orders - but LUCKY YOU if he is! Click link above for his instagram and call or text 619-379-0648 to place an order.
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New Roots Bakehouse: Cottage chef, no brick and mortar location. Home bakery offering a variety of baked goods made fresh from scratch. Cookies, celebration cakes, conchas, cupcakes, scones, pies, muffins and sweet breads. Vegan options available too. Contact: Erin 951 392-9456 or DM @newroots.bakehouse on Instagram
BEST-OF DINNER EXPERIENCES
- Ferro - Widely considered the "best" restaurant in town. Beautiful atmosphere, and a great spot for live music on the weekends. They also offer pickup. A great place for an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, apps, dinner and dessert. If you're celebrating a special occasion, this is your spot. Dog friendly outside.
- Cafe Aroma - recently under new ownership, with the seasoned lead chef coming from Mastros in LA. Excellent craft cocktails, and a beautifully expanding menu... vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly! Large, warm, and cozy outdoor seating area that is a go-to for dog lovers.
- Fratellos - this should be #1 if you are Vegan - they have the BEST VEGAN PIZZA ever!! Often featuring a fun live band crooning old standards, blues, and if you're a singer... don't be shy, they love when talented folks get up to sing with them! Dog friendly outside.
- Gastrognome has always been an Idyllwild staple... however in our humble opinion the menu can be hit or miss. That being said, we always LOVE the French Dip (meat melts in your mouth and the dip is on point), plus their classic cocktail game is strong. Dog friendly outside.
DESSERT, BREADS, & TREATS
- Mamma Mia Crepes & Desserts: Enjoy a warm dessert with a view!
- El Buen Cacao: Prepare to be HOOKED on chocolate for the duration of your trip. Most people that come here, end up coming back EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Incredible selection of locally handmade chocolates plus the BEST House Mocha in Idyllwild (or maybe, ANYWHERE). If you're a shake fan, don't miss out on their wildly addictive Chocolate Milkshake. So, so, SO good.
- The Sunflower Bakeshop: 54385 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild, CA 92549 - THE BEST PUMPKIN pie and sourdough bread you ever did taste... amazing EVERYTHING!
- Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky: a local favorite, featuring vegan ice cream options and special dog ice cream treats.
- The Candy Cupboard - an Idyllwild institution - we recommend their yummy sea salt caramels! A great place to take the kids, and those young at heart!
- Atomic Cow Creamery - Ice Cream, Pies, and various treats
- Amelia's Donuts - Amazing selection of donuts made fresh every day! They offer gluten free, vegan and keto options, as well as grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options.
SPECIALTY FOODS & NUTRITION
- mIDY Micros: a small micro green farm located in Idyllwild, Ca. Providing the most fresh & nutritious greens to our local community. Micro Greens are not just a beautiful and colorful garnish, but a source of extreme nutrition all condensed into very young plants - eat them by the handful!
- Moksha Magic: seasonal, medicinal tinctures made locally, from locally grown ingredients. We love her "Calm and Ground" blend for stressful days. Order via Instagram @moksha.magic or call/text her for a selection of her latest offerings: 951-287-8165
- Idyllwild Health Company: plant based organic salts made with good for you ingredients, and so DELICIOUS! We are obsessed and truly use her salt blend on pretty much EVERYTHING. Available for sale at WILDLAND 54425 N. Circle Dr. Idyllwild CA 92549
- Idyllwild Organics CBD: Full spectrum CBD Oils and Salves for natural pain and anxiety relief. Available for sale at our shop WILDLAND 54425 N. Circle Dr. Idyllwild CA 92549
WINE/COCKTAILS
- The Wine Finch - newest spot in town, featuring organic and biodynamic wines, and a rad selection of microbrews. You can have a glass at the bar, or grab a bottle to go. Keep an eye on their instagram for Vinyl Nights - our fave local happening: spinning classic tunes every other Thursday. @thewinefinch
- Middle Ridge Winery - a town favorite, featuring locally crafted wines and one of the best music spots in town. Check their website for music lineup: https://www.middleridge.com/Music-Events
- Ferro - the best cocktails in town! Can't really just go for cocktails though - you'll need to eat as well - the food is fantastic, authentic Italian, pasta made in-house.
- Brew Pub - the best locally brewed beer + excellent craft cocktails... not to mention a beautiful view and great live music (call ahead or check their instagram for music announcements):
- The Rustic Theater - a unique experience... our local Idyllwild movie theater has an outdoor area in the back they have turned into a beer garden, and often book unique entertainment acts and food vendors. Grab a beer and watch the latest Hollywood flick or a cult classic during scheduled viewings. A great spot for sipping mimosas & people watching as well!
- Cafe Aroma - A hidden gem tucked away just a few minutes from town center. They have music, as well as incredible cocktails.
We hope this list helps you plan a truly fantastic stay in Idyllwild!