I am going to share some of my favorite food stops along I 5 in the valley with you.

With Labor Day Weekend approaching, the traffic on the valley highways and roads will increase.  Many travelers will be looking for a place to eat.  

Zamora

The Zamora Mini Mart has a deli that makes great sandwiches.  If you have time take your sandwich to Matchbook Wine Co  located a few miles southwest of the Mart and enjoy lunch on their patio while tasting local wines. 

Arbuckle

Several food trucks are parked here.  One of the trucks Sauced, serves sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers, also has daily special. Follow them on Facebook. There is a traditional taco truck that has great tacos and burritos. Also, a new truck has moved in and is serving juice, smoothies, energy drinks and wraps. El Jalisience is a restaurant located on 5th street, that serves good Mexican Food and the special salad with grilled shrimp is my must order.

Williams

Plenty of choices here and most of the chains are represented at this crossroads of I 5 and State Route 20. There is even a Starbucks in Williams.  I try to go where the tourists don’t, so I head to Roberta’s Taqueria, Williams Chinese Restaurant, Taqueria at Fortuna Bakery or any of the other local taquerias.  You can eat in the back of the grocery store of the Fortuna Bakery and have the opportunity to buy a piñata. Also there are the traditional standbys of Granzellas and Louis Cairos.  You may find me at either of these establishments downloading, editing and uploading photos for Sacramento Valley Water.  

Maxwell

Mimi’s Taco truck, located just off Old Highway 99 is a stop for a taco or burrito. There are tables under a shaded canopy and you will have the opportunity to visit with locals.  Unfortunately my former favorite, Kim’s Cafe in now closed and hopefully the Maxwell Inn will open soon.  

Willows

The “big” town along I 5 in the Sacramento Valley and home to two unique eating establishments.  One is Nancy’s Airport Cafe located west of the freeway at the Glenn County Airport, where you will find a combination of pilots, truckers, tourist, locals, and racers having a meal.    The other is the Last Stand on Tehama Street with its outside patio where you stand at the bar.  Always good burgers and cold drinks available here. My usual order is a taco salad.

Orland

Some of the best food in the valley can be found at Farwood Bar and Grill.  It is located in downtown Orland.  If you need a tacos and burritos check the Tacos El Grullense Truck located on Swift St. 

Corning

Bartels Giant Burger is place you can get your hamburger and milkshake and be fueled up for many miles. And make sure you go over to the Olive Pit to sample and purchase locally grown and processed olives.

I know I left some great places of the list, so if you have a favorite please list in the comments.  Our readers will appreciate your suggestions and I will have a new place to try.