It seems I keep strange hours compared to most everyone in Redding. I guess I’m in big city (or European) mode where people go out to eat at 9:30 or 10 p.m. or later.
This summer, it has baffled me to have it light outside at 8:30 p.m. and find that most restaurants have completed their dinner hours and locked up tight. So much for grabbing a bite after that late-afternoon swim at Whiskeytown.
I guess most people here dine out at around 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — or 7 at the latest.
(With the exception of a few bars, it seems Redding pretty much shuts ‘er completely down by about 9 p.m. A couple weeks ago on a Friday night (about 10 p.m.), I was downtown and it was like “I Am Legend” — no one to be found anywhere.)
As far as restaurants that serve a bit later, however, here are some picks:
Tapas Restaurant and Bar
I’m really becoming a fan of this locally owned Mediterranean restaurant at 1257 Oregon Street (off Shasta Street across from Wild Thyme Gifts and Gardens), which stays open to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The knock I heard on Tapas early on was, “kinda spendy for not enough food.” I haven’t found that to be the case at all. I was totally stuffed after having baked torta for a Sunday brunch item the other day.
For a couple bucks more than you’d spend at Denny’s, you’ll get a meal that’s a thousand times tastier and healthier. Co-owner Brad Tillson said dinner items such as the verde shrimp and asparagus, Mediterranean olive chicken ($14.99) and seafood paella ($17.99) have been favorites with customers. Lunches range from $8.99 to $12.59 and tapas (side dishes, good for sharing) range from $5.99 to $13.99.
The place has a killer bar (they actually serve the real absinthe). I LOVE that I can go to Tapas at 9:40 p.m. on a Sunday and still be served a great meal.
Vintage Wine Bar and Restaurant
It’s almost a conflict for me to write about Vintage (1790 Market St.), because it’s my home away from home. Suffice to say I like everything on the menu and you can typically order dinner as late as 9 p.m. (sometimes a bit later). It’s open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and stays open later for drinks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (I may have dreamed this, but I think I may have spent the night at Vintage once.)
Suggestions? It’s hard to go wrong with the eggplant fritters, shrimp cakes, fish tacos or spicy Thai chicken.
Jack’s Grill
This is my reminder to myself to get back to Jack’s (1743 California St.) and have a small New York cut, say hello to Mike Woodrum and enjoy Redding’s most authentically Redding restaurant. There’s a reason why the New York Times mentions the place. They serve dinner daily until 11 p.m. (it’s better to order a bit earlier than that), except Sunday, when they’re closed. There’s just something about the “feel” of the place. I’ll always love it and I hope it never changes.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
As far as franchises go, I really dig this place at 961 Dana Dr. They’re open to 10 p.m. daily. I always go for the same thing: three soft tacos (two barbacoa and one carnitas) with black beans and rice and the hot salsa. Like the look of the place. LOVE the music they play there — have you looked at the food wrapping? Swirls of musicians’ names like Lucinda Williams, Neil Young, Nick Lowe, Emmylou Harris, etc. — basically all artists I love. Heck, the company supports a cycling team. What’s not to love?
Carnegie’s
Known for its successful lunch business, Carnegie’s (corner of Oregon and Yuba streets) serves pretty good mini pizzas and salads late on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights.
Code Red
I want this place to succeed as it stays open to 2 to 3 a.m. on several nights. Located in Cascade Square (at the corner of California and Placer streets), Code Red has good pizza and spicy good wings. If you order a pizza for home delivery, Code Red gives you a free DVD movie (to keep). Call 243-2733.
Where else is good for late night dining? You tell me in the comments. I’m eager to hear.
