Thunder Valley is one of my favorite places to play poker; it’s a gem of a poker room half an hour northeast of Sacramento. For all of the great poker action and tournament series there, the food options are limited, so it’s best to have a plan.
There are a few restaurants on-site, along with an acceptable food court. By far, the best restaurant is High Steaks, a steakhouse in the middle of the casino. The cozy but high-end stone-walled space is inviting, and the service is impeccable. Expect to spend about $50 for a great steak, but set aside some budget for the extensive collection of wines as well.
If you’re looking to spend less or eat quicker, there are other choices. There’s a casual Mexican place called Dos Coyotes, an American Cafe called Thunder Cafe, and an Asian Fusion place called Red Lantern; all in addition to Panda Express, Fatburger, Subway, Pizza Hut Express, Ben & Jerry’s, and Peet’s Coffee.
Finally, if you’d like to explore off-site, there isn’t much in the immediate area. If you head 10 minutes south, though, I highly recommend Porter’s House of Draft. They have fantastic food, a great beer selection, and an occasional BBQ food truck if you can time it right.