Shingleton Store - Shingletown, CA

A little rest-stop gas station with some basic groceries. A small selection of fresh veggies and fruit, a small counter of ready-to-eat hot food. 

Dinner is whatever’s sitting in the warmer, our selections taste as you’d imagine. A Tamale is filled with rubbery chicken in verde sauce, masa made chewy by a day’s desiccation. Corn dog looked too gross to eat so we didn’t. Chicken strips were dry, but the toddler ate three. 

Picked up some macaroni salad for a side; undercooked elbows drenched in mayo. 

Sweet people, service with a smile, convenient if you need something basic but I can’t recommend anything they prepare. If you insist on stopping here, show up earlier in the day. 

Higher Ground Coffee - Shingletown, CA

There’s a cute little coffee shop that sits along the 44 on the way into Lassen. 

Family run by the friendliest folks, they make a selection of sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. 

Cool down with a Mexican Chocolate Mocha, rich and cocoa-sweet. 

Bite into a Pesto Parm, fluffy eggs and bacon tucked into a thinner, softer bagel.

My Spicey Bowl is similar, with chunks of fresh jalapeño to spice things up. The pepper is on top so you can control your heat. 

They also make Biscuits and Gravy, and this one is a half-order. Fennel adds a fragrance to what may be the smoothest gravy I’ve had. 

We also leave with a bag of baked goods, a notably flaky Almond Danish and multiple muffins.

Stop by Higher Ground on your way in or out of Lassen. They make the best food in all the towns.