Best Breakfast: Gold Miner Cafe
We should just print up “Best of Folsom” awards for the next several years because in the 4 years of this annual campaign, nobody’s really even come close! Gold Miner is the de facto standard among Folsom restaurants – family-owned, good food, great customer service. What else can we say?
426 E Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630
916-983-0609
Best Coffee Bar: Bella Bru
Not many 4-peat’s in this annual campaign, but Bella Bru has done it again in a very competitive contest. What gives them the edge? The dog-friendly outdoor dining area, and our favorite – the crayons and coloring paper for the kids – so you can read your paper in the morning!
1115 E. Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-4003
Best European Food: Bidwell Street Bistro
Bidwell Street Bistro is probably one of the best little-known secrets within the city. It’s tucked away in a small strip center in the Target parking lot, but it’s one of those places that’s greatest when you pop in for a bowl of soup and glass of wine. Just because it’s French doesn’t mean it will cost an arm and a leg, either… a good-sized Caesar salad only costs around $7.
1004 E Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 984-7500
Best Pizza: Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire has been making a name for itself since the day it came in to town… with it’s legendary deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, or our personal favorite – the paper-thin wafer pizza, the food, and ambiance, is incredible. An easy choice for a reasonably priced dinner!
614 Sutter St Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-1528
Best Desserts: Ettore’s
Ettore’s is one of the best options in town for a special cake or pastry. One of our netizens proclaimed that the birthday cake Ettore’s made was the hit of the party… it’s no wonder they’ve won for three years in a row!
510 Natoma Station Drive Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 985-3920
Best Sandwiches: Beach Hut Deli
Beach Hut has made a name for itself in Folsom… this small, quaint little deli in a strip mall is now one of the most popular places to get a big (and we mean big) hero sandwich. Hang Ten over to Beach Hut and order a ‘Surfin Cow’… it’s epic!
411 Blue Ravine Rd Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-0900
Best Chain Restaurant: BJ’s Restaurant Brewery
Chain restaurants get a bad rap. Nobody will stick up for them, yet they are always packed because people know what to expect. BJ’s is kind of the anti-chain. You don’t see it all over the place, but the food’s impressive. Our nod goes to the Buffalo Pizza, coupled with a pizzookie for dessert. Yummy!
2730 East Bidwell Street Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 404-2000
Best Mexican Food: Q’ Bole
Q’Bole picks right up where it left off last year, with 2 “Best of Folsom” awards in its 2 years of service. It’s hip, it’s classy, it’s delicious! Sit on the patio and down a Corona or margarita as the sun sets. Go ahead… we’ll wait for you!
Honorable Mention: Sol Azteca
705 Gold Lake Drive # 200 Folsom, CA 95630
916-357-5242
Best Lunch Spot: La Bou
Both La Bou locations are a great place to meet up with a friend or co-worker. Our personal favorite is the soup & 1/2 sandwich… the rolls are always fresh, and the soups are always piping hot. The patio on Folsom Boulevard makes it a treat during a cool lunch hour… a big reason they won for 2005 and 2006!
13385 Folsom Blvd # 900 Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 608-2288
Best American Food: Zinfandel Grille
“Z-Grille”, as they call themselves, is a great place to get a different range of food – it changes all year long. Stop by for a glass of vino, or bring an entire group in to their banquet rooms – it’s very quaint, yet upscale. Just make sure you make a reservation, as it can fill up fast, especially on weekends.
705 Gold Lake Dr. Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 985-3321
Best Ice Cream: Snook’s
Snook’s is perhaps most well-known for its homemade candy, but it’s also a very big ice cream store. It’s not uncommon to head in to Snook’s on a humble Tuesday afternoon and see a huge lie for their ice cream. It’s delicious, and always a welcome sight on these hot Folsom summers!
Honorable Mention: Tasty Time (Prairie City)
731 Sutter Street Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 95-SNOOK
Best New Business: La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Bienvenidos a Folsom, La Fiesta!!! La Fiesta was popular before they even opened their doors. Already a very popular restaurant in neighboring cities, this place was a very welcome sight to those tired of driving to Citrus Heights for some decent mexican food. Come for the mariachi music, stay for their tacos – and free chips & salsa!
1008 E Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 984-1370
Best Chinese Food: Fat’s Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar
Fat’s is first-class, from floor to ceiling. But never mind the restaurant itself – the food is awesome. Bring your clients in and sample some dim sum, or go for some of their more popular dishes, like the mango ginger chicken. This place definitely does not disappoint.
2585 Iron Point Rd Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-1133
Best Fresh Mex: Chipotle
Chipotle, what can we say – they make an awesome burrito. The menu is amazingly simple, yet the food is amazingly good, and a very attractive price, we might add. Chipotle is always a great choice for lunch or dinner!
Honorable Mention: Rubio’s, Baja Fresh
1001 E. Bidwell Folsom, CA 95630
916-983-9374
Best Cultural Cuisine: Kabob House
Though it’s a newcomer to the Best of Folsom, Kabob House has been serving up some great Greek food since 1983. Get a little crazy and try out some food you can’t pronounce – like spanakopita, tyropita, or tzatziki! Yes, it’s quite a mouthful! (Literally!)
648 E Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-6619
Best Sushi: Aloha Sushi
Aloha Sushi is relatively new to Folsom, but it already has quite a following. One avid Aloha customer raves about the Red Miso Garlic Scampi, as well as the “Super Rainbow” roll! It’s worth checking out for any sushi aficionado!
2791 E. Bidwell St. #700 Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 984-3777
Best Burgers: Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
Folsom has been really lacking in the burger department for a few years until Islands came to town. They know how to make a mean burger, big enough for two! Along with the fun atmosphere of the surfer-dude vibe it’s got going on, Islands is always an excellent choice for a thick, juicy burger.
2455 Iron Point Rd Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-4092
Best French Fries: Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
Do you love french fries? You better, if you plan on finishing up an order of Island’s french fries. It’s freaking HUGE! You’ll get a mountain of fries, seasoned to perfection. Once you get over the shock of it’s size, dig in. It’s heaven for those who love the spud with a passion.
2455 Iron Point Rd Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-4092
Best Fast Food: Wendy’s
Dave Thomas would be proud of Wendy’s legacy. The food is always very tasty, but Wendy’s is great because is provides so many options, like side salads, meaty chili, and baked potatoes. Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy… Wendy’s is proof that there are great options!