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Billboards flash past and golden arches beckon as you zip up Highway 80, but there’s more — vastly more — to Auburn’s dining scene than roadside eats. Old Town brims with delicious options; so does Auburn’s downtown district.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite en-route to Tahoe, or a memorable meal for a weekend getaway in this charming Gold Rush town, here are four possibilities to get you started.
Tap & Vine
Staying in town? Craft cocktails and creative gastropub fare are the draw at this modern downtown tavern, which opened last year. Inside the dark, atmospheric interior, banquettes and cozy booths are tucked along one wall for cozy, romantic dining. Flatscreens flicker over the bar for sports fans. And out on the patio, misters cool the air on hot days.
The menu offers all sorts of enticements, from fall-apart-tender short ribs ($26) to fried avocado tacos ($15) topped with slaw and sriracha aioli. If you’re staying at the Park Victorian inn, perched on the hill above Old Town, Tap & Vine’s fantastic signature starter — crispy Brussels sprouts ($13) topped with pancetta, parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette, served on a large wooden board — will be on the house.
Details: Open for lunch and dinner daily at 907 Lincoln Way, Auburn; http://tapandvineauburn.com.
Carpe Vino
Named one of OpenTable’s top 100 U.S. restaurants four years running, this farm-to-table restaurant in Old Town focuses on fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. In the hands of executive chef Eric Alexander, the result is dishes such as pappardelle with rabbit cacciatore, gypsy peppers and ‘nduja ($24) and Ora King salmon with butternut squash, cauliflower and a brown butter vinaigrette ($32).
Details: Reservations recommended. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday at 1568 Lincoln Way, Auburn; www.carpevinoauburn.com.
Ikeda’s California Country Market
Just passing through? Ikeda’s is an old-school burger joint just off the freeway, run by three generations of the Ikeda family, and the perfect spot for a quick roadside bite. Grab a cheeseburger — there are nine of ’em ($7-$15), including the half-pound Famous Big Burger and a quarter-pound version made with Ikeda’s housemade teriyaki sauce. Don’t miss the thick milkshakes ($5-$6), in flavors such as marionberry and mocha, and the pies. And be sure to check out the fresh fruit, road-trip snacks and ridiculously-named hot sauces at the market next door.
Details: Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 13500 Lincoln Way, Auburn; www.ikedas.com.
Katrina’s Cafe
Passing through — and craving breakfast at noon? Head for this popular cash-only cafe, where the breakfast-all-day menu includes 30 omelets ($9.50-$11.50), as well as assorted scrambles, waffles and a very tasty take on huevos rancheros ($11.25). The lines may look long — and the neighborhood’s assorted auto parts stores are not exactly conducive to browsing — but the time goes quickly, and those umbrella-shaded tables on the patio are splendid for brunching on a warm day.
Details: Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 8 am. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at 456 Highway 49, Auburn; www.katrinas-cafe.com.