Lodi has plenty of American restaurants. But for every outstanding spot, there are several forgettable ones your neighbor keeps suggesting just because they drive by them on the way to the store, and we don’t want you to end up at one of those. Not when there are so many fantastic places you should be trying—like the ones in this guide.
Lodi Beer Company
$$ | (209) 368-9931 | WEBSITE
Lodi Beer Company was one of the first breweries to introduce house-brewed beer to Lodi, and the proof is in the delicious pint. Theirs pours with a perfect head, and if the beer wasn’t great enough, the side of bread pudding could be a dessert by itself. You can get individual pints for $7.50, or a flight of six for $24.25.
Denny’s
$ | (209) 334-1337 | WEBSITE
Denny’s in Lodi makes dining very easy because they focus on one thing: comfort. And the friendly service is the best comfort delivery system. The meals are hot and fresh, and have just the right amount of nostalgia that’s nicely balanced out by their exceptional staff.
Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses
$$ | (209) 371-6160 | WEBSITE
A name like “Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses” might feel a little out of place on a Best American Restaurants guide. But this Lodi spot’s beautiful garden setting and romantic atmosphere dispel any doubt that it belongs. And while the restaurant does have an extensive wine menu and upscale options, you come here for standout dishes like the chèvre/strawberry appetizer and perfectly cooked pork chop.
The fish sandwich is made with care, with the ideal balance of flaky fish and fresh accompaniments, complemented by a light sauce that ties everything together. You can also enjoy a memorable birthday dinner for around $75 per person, with the cobbler dessert receiving particularly high praise.
Black Bear Diner Lodi
$ | (209) 333-2200 | WEBSITE
Black Bear Diner sits right along Lodi’s main drag, but we doubt you’ll be thinking about much else once you step inside. You’ll be too distracted by the servers bringing out some of the heartiest comfort food in town.
There’s a lot to choose from (with classics like eggs Benedict, hollandaise-drenched plates, and all-day breakfast), and if you’ve never tried their signature dishes before, this is the place to dig in—they’re all generously portioned and satisfying, and made even better by condiments like real maple syrup and ketchup free of HFCS. After polishing off as much as you can, then start thinking about heading home.
Hollywood Family Café & Catering
$ | (209) 369-4065 | WEBSITE
Hollywood Family Café & Catering has been serving Lodi for years, and we’re pretty sure they’ve spent every moment of that time perfecting their John Wayne Steak & Eggs. This spot is classic and very nostalgic, and on weekends, you can expect a bustling crowd. The obvious choice here is the John Wayne Steak & Eggs, made with steak that’s cooked until perfectly tender. But also make sure to enjoy the extensive menu, filled with well-prepared dishes from—surprise—the attentive staff.
It’s charming and delightful.
Randy’s Bistro
$ | (209) 368-6350 | WEBSITE
What Lodi might lack in flashy dining chains, we make up for in hidden breakfast gems. Randy’s Bistro is tucked away in a cozy corner of town, and their brunch plates are so generously piled with delicious food that they’re almost a two-meal affair. Get the standout breakfast special with eggs and bacon. Make use of the local jams and syrups on the table, and if you’re not too full, order some Filipino pancit too.
Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery
$$ | (209) 366-2634 | WEBSITE
Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery is a restaurant in Lodi with a menu of about 3,589 delicious things for you to choose from, including a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts. We really like the hummus, pretzel, calamari, Ortega tri-tip sandwich, and hummus wrap ones. They’re all the same affordable price ($14.50 each), so you can order an irresponsible amount and still make your car payment on time.
Nash + Tender Lodi
$ | (209) 625-8516 | WEBSITE
Sometimes a restaurant is so good you wonder how you’ve managed to live without it. And unless you’re already a regular at Nash + Tender Lodi (if so, well done), you’ll immediately start planning your next visit. It’s a cozy spot in Lodi with just a handful of tables inside—the space is intimate but never feels cramped. The menu, straightforward and focused, features standout dishes like their famous chicken and waffles.
The chicken comes as generous portions of unprocessed white meat with a beautifully fried exterior, while the waffles offer that perfect contrast of crisp outside and soft, chewy interior. These plates are substantial (in the best possible way) and prepared with care that makes every bite satisfying. Just a heads-up: if you’re sensitive to spice, go for the mild option—their “hot” version delivers serious heat.
The seasoned fries might occasionally need an extra sprinkle, but the food consistently hits the mark. With friendly staff who greet you with a smile and service that’s both polite and efficient, Nash + Tender Lodi feels like a true neighborhood gem.
Brick House Restaurant & Catering
$$ | (209) 426-5871 | WEBSITE
We often treat Brick House Restaurant & Catering’s menu like a culinary wishlist, a place to browse and daydream about upcoming indulgent evenings. All the dishes at this Lodi spot are served with generous portions, with your choice of classic American favorites—like the prawn cocktail, ribeye, and fettuccine alfredo, where the pasta is paired with a creamy alfredo sauce, topped with freshly grated parmesan, garlic, and herbs.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (209) 369-6657 | WEBSITE
This American chain in Lodi has a varied menu (burgers, salads, pasta, steaks, and more), which makes it easy to get distracted from what’s essential: the Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp. Specifically the Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, made with tender grilled chicken and plump shrimp in a rich bourbon sauce, served alongside garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It’s consistently satisfying and qualifies as a complete meal on its own.
Avenue Grill
$ | (209) 333-8006 | WEBSITE
The original Avenue Grill in Lodi is more of a breakfast and lunch spot, but the patio seating is newer and has a nice atmosphere. Like many country kitchens, this place focuses on hearty dishes, which you can get as a breakfast burrito or a popular Poor man’s Benedict. Choose between pancakes, burgers, or the Benedict (our favorite is the Benedict), or get one of each—it’s all tasty.
Golden Ox Family Diner
$ | (209) 333-0146 | WEBSITE
Golden Ox Family Diner is a cozy, old-school spot tucked away in Lodi. Naturally, the specialty here is hearty comfort food, but anything that involves their homemade soups is delicious, including their clam chowder. Everything is so well prepared that there’s no wrong decision, whether you order the ribs, chicken fried steak, or chicken Malibu sandwich. It all goes perfectly with the generous portions and warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Richmaid Restaurant
$ | (209) 368-4279 | WEBSITE
Richmaid Restaurant is a family-owned spot in Lodi, and there’s a good chance you’ll see regulars chatting with the servers like old friends while you’re here. It’s a charming, nostalgic place with a menu full of hearty American classics. Our favorite is the fried chicken—amazingly light, crispy, and perfectly cooked. While everything feels homemade and delicious, the breakfast items stand out. The flavors are comforting and satisfying, which complements the huge portions perfectly.
IHOP
$ | (209) 369-1361 | WEBSITE
This is a reliable Lodi restaurant that works for any time of day, whether it’s a family breakfast, catching up over coffee, or dining solo when you need to satisfy a craving. The menu primarily focuses on classic American fare, so it’s easy to overlook the custom omelets and strawberry pancakes. Don’t.
The well-executed dishes, like the Cali Roasted Turkey Melt and the world-famous pancake comb with eggs and sausage cooked just right, are satisfying and served with professional, friendly service. There’s a good chance your server will check on you to ensure satisfaction, and you’ll be too busy enjoying those excellent blueberry pancakes to answer, “Great!”
Lodi Papapavlo’s
$$ | (209) 625-8677 | WEBSITE
Lemon chicken soup is a fantastic start to basically any meal. Lodi Papapavlo’s embraces this culinary wisdom by serving a version so bright and comforting, it sets the tone for everything that follows. All of the main dishes are prepared and seasoned with care, from the standout Gyro pizza (the best one) to the rich Mediterranean chicken pasta.
And with a lively, upscale-yet-casual atmosphere featuring beautiful outdoor seating in addition to their excellent cocktails and wine list, there’s no risk of leaving Lodi Papapavlo’s feeling anything less than thoroughly satisfied.