I've been coming to Headwaters for multiple years, usually around summer camp pickup, but occasionally when we're passing through Portola as well. I must say the people are just the best -- super kind, friendly, real. We stopped in today after being shook up from a bike crash, and the owner was so great, my 3yo told him about it and he immediately gave her a (very delicious) cookie to help her boo boos feel better. We ended up at their sister restaurant Box Car since we wanted hot food, but the act of kindness was very much appreciated. I love this business read more

Was here for a wedding this past weekend and this was our go to spot for breakfast. Literally went here twice this past weekend. It's a cute little mom and pop shop. There was one person cooking all the food and the other taking the orders and making the coffee. The first day I ordered a BEC sando, French toast and pirates toast. The breakfast sando was really good especially with the fried jalapenos. But the French toast was ok. My husband liked his salmon toast but wished the bread was toasted. On the second day, came back and ordered the Sleepy Pig. On this day they ran out of the pulled pork but gave ham instead. Overall, solid brunch place. Don't forget to order their sugar donuts, it was nice and fluffy and delish! read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Pirates Toast, French Toast and BEC Sando - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

We were on a long weekend trip to visit my friend's daughter in California. Portola is a very small town near the Sierra mountains with an awesome breakfast bistro place. We fell in love with Headwaters. We went every morning we were in town and were sad they were closed on our last morning. Their menu was very unique and we wanted to try everything. Everything was delicious! The coffee has free refills and was super good also. Would highly recommend! read more

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Wow, shocked to see the high ratings on this place. Many items on the menu have pulled pork, but on Sunday at 12:45 pm they are out of it. Burger I got was good, but paid a $2 up charge for fries that come out cold. Zero customer service. Sitting here waiting to see if anyone is going to ask how it was. One employee just walked by, and could easily see the basket of fries sitting here. Maybe Fridays and Saturdays are the days to be here. Just not me. I won't be back. The drive to Nakoma and/or Graeagle is worth the better food. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Cold fries! - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

I have been driving past Headwaters for awhile now and decided to stop in and give it a try. My wife had the turkey pesto sandwich special and I had the fish and chips. My wife loved hers at a 4.8 and we both devoured the house made potato chips. I decided on the fish and chips and they were solid. It started with a piece of lightly breaded and as big as my xl hand and finished with nicely spiced fries. There was a bit of a snafu with my order but the owner totally took care of us. Oh a and you MUST try the cookies! read more

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Great find!!!! Great food! Great atmosphere! Great huge dog friendly patio. There is something about walking up to a restaurant and hearing some good tunes playing and scanning the people's faces and seeing relaxed and satisfied faces. I was figuring that I would just be settling for a salad (primarily a vegetarian diet) But to my pleasant surprise they had some very tasty vegetarian options. I was happy to see two veggie wraps on the menu. I ordered the Smith Peak Greek -falafel meets Greek salad. Absolutely delicious! When the wrap came - with a refill of my iced tea -I figured I may need to take half to go but it was so good I ate the whole thing. The hubby ordered the other wrap. I can not remember its name but he seemed very happy. If I lived in Portola, I'd probably be here at least once a week. read more

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After driving by many times, we finally were able to stop in for lunch and so glad we did! Had the Dixie Pig Sandwich - delicious! Perfectly juicy but not too messy with tart BBQ sauce. Love the outside patio space. Super friendly staff as well. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Side patio - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

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I LOVE THIS PLACE! I am doing my darndest to tell everyone I know to come here if they are ever in the area! No excuses; even if you're on your way to camp you need something to reheat for later! I have tried over the past year- the breakfast ham sandwich on a croissant the pullman burrito the snickerdoodle the apricot walnut cupcake the brewed coffee the vanilla latte the bacon the seasonal peach ricotta toast everything is SO GOOD. I'm not kidding, not even one C+ item here, this is all A quality eatin' Also the black logo t-shirt I bought is the very comfy kind. The staff is just the greatest. The restroom is impeccably clean. The food IS SO DAM good. Literally made with love. Sometimes there is a guy with a guitar on the patio. I just love this place and wish I was a local. I appreciate you Headwaters!! read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Brewed coffee on the patio - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

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Last week I had the Dill Pickle Soup. It's really good, and I'm looking forward to more soups here during winter. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - This was their breakfast specials today (08/28/2025) - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Really great little bistro. Food was awesome, atmosphere was great and the patio is perfect for those endless summer nights. The chicken sando and cuban were great. They have a good beer and soda selection. Beautiful location read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Hot Dog and Chips - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Great burger!! The service was great. Enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere....... ............. read more

Tried the Cadillac Pullman for breakfast and the Jamison for lunch. Both were delicious. We've all tried breakfast burritos and turkey sandwiches, so we kind of have an idea of how these things will taste. Headwaters definitely exceeded those expectations. Would certainly recommend. Service was friendly and the ambiance was casual and homey! read more

Past by several times, but finally stopped in for lunch pastrami sandwich was amazing ! My wife had the Cubana with slaw, both were spot on. Will definitely be back read more

Everything! The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The staff went out of their way to take care of you. You could tell the restaurant had a lot of regulars. The food was excellent. I would go back when in the area..in fact I would go to the area just to go back. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Sonora Street Hotdog - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

So today we tried Headwater's today for the first time. I honestly can't tell you what I was expecting when we decided to give it a try. Whatever those expectations were, they went right out the window in spectacular fashion....and in a good way too. A well designed bistro and deli with all the features you would expect from a very successful establishment. Once we ordered our food, we made our way to the relaxing outdoor patio to enjoy our meal. My wife had the western cheeseburger which she said was one of the best she has had in a long time. I had the fish and chips which were spot on. Both meals were well prepared, tasty, and satisfying. As for the service, it was the best we have ever had at any restaurant in Portola. Everything we ordered was right there in front of us from the beginning and they came back to refill our drinks two or three times without having to be asked. These days that kind of service is a rarity and much appreciated. I have heard from more than one local that they are kinda expensive. My experience today was a very reasonable one and worth every penny. I can say with any doubt , we will be back. Local or visitor I highly recommend Headwaters Bistro and Deli. I promise you won't be disappointed. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Headwater's Bistro & Deli - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Everything here is made fresh to order. Their falafel wrap is delicious as well as their fries and coleslaw. They are super nice and friendly. One of the best lunch places around the area. read more

Mostly modern menu executed decently. I enjoyed my lunch with my son here and enjoyed the live music aswell. Service went well.

What an amazing little place, excellent breakfast and lunch lunches, beer on draft, and the coffee is great! Definitely recommend any of the food, we've gotten the falafel wrap two days in a row because it was so good! read more

A sweet little bistro with indoor and outdoor seating. We had brewed coffee and the breakfast quesadilla and breakfast sausage biscuit. The quesadilla was served with a nice salsa, just spicy enough. Both were very filling and delicious. read more

Delicious food, friendly service, and a nice ambiance. I'm so happy to see this new addition to the culinary options in the area. The food is very good quality and there are many choices for what to get. I especially loved the vegetarian Smith Peak Greek. It was so yummy! Definitely a place I will return to again and again. read more

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Came for breakfast. No line, quick service. I ordered a cadillac pullman burrito with bacon. It was huge, filled to the brim & so yummy. They had a large variety of hot sauces to choose from. The donuts are light, fluffy & hot! There was live music that added to the great vibes of this place. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Cadillac pullman breakfast burrito with bacon - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

My new fave spot in Plumas County. This community has been screaming for a local spot just like this. Highly recommend for FRESH breakfast & lunch. Everything we ordered was yummy, pretty, and priced great! The service was friendly & the food came quick. It's a modern setting with an indoor area, outdoor patio & outdoor decking. It was so clean & bright & just overall inviting. Plenty of parking & they also have refrigerated quick grab items, too. So convenient. Everything you WANT to see in a new restaurant is reflected in the new Headwaters. So excited for many future meals with our family here. & a huge thank you to the owners for filling a huge gap that Portola need. Support this local biz. They're doing everything right. read more

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Great surprise find! Food was great! Staff was super friendly! Awesome little outdoor patio. All four meals we had were scrumptious!!! Will PLAN to stop on our next Portola visit read more

The best fish and chips ever When they have them? I just found out they also deliver! Hotdogs awful darn good also!!

We're here for my wedding, and came here for breakfast and it was a very clean welcoming place! The service was amazing and friendly, funny! The food was soooo good and fresh. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - The Kermit - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Very friendly and clean, inviting environment. The breakfast burrito and sandwiches were delicious! Looking forward to trying the bagels one day. Coffee and hot chocolate were tasty. Lovely place that we highly recommend! read more

Very good food and the owner is very nice. I like the location being fairly close to the river.

Happy to have found headwater bistro today. We come to visit portola every year and always struggle to find good food options in the off season. We had an awesome lunch, something for everyone and loved the outdoor patio. read more

It's a nice place by the river with lots of outdoor seating, very friendly people and the pulled pork sandwiches were vey tasty. The right amount of coleslaw and sauce. It's on the east end of Portola, south side of the road. The highly recommend! read more

A gourmet sandwich shop in Portola! Beautiful patio dining, dog friendly, delicious food and friendly service.

Fantastic spot, we ate here two days in a row . Super yummy food, friendly counter service, creative menu, pleasant ambiance, excellent attention to detail! read more

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Perfect find for a well prepared meal on the Highway 70 in Portola. Order at the counter then find a seat inside, outside on the patio, or along the seating bar overlooking the canyon below. Family run, efficient and a good value. I've been coming to this area for golf vacations for many years, so it is outstanding to find a "find". 5 stars! read more

Absolutely amazing food and service! We were up in Portola visiting my son and his girlfriend since they're working at a summer camp as counselors. They recommended this restaurant and I think we ate here every single day we were in town! Their food is so fresh and so unique. It is just delicious. Today we sat out in the back on the patio and there was live music. The entire vibe was so good and the employees and owners are incredible people! We will definitely be back when we are in town next summer. read more

Yummy fruit. Beautiful atmosphere. Pretty building. I love. Please eat here. The service was on top. So beautiful!!! read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Quality, delicious food. They make an amazing breakfast burrito.... The Cadillac Pullman with extra crema is my go to for breakfast. It's a huge burrito and covers my lunch too! Everything I've tried has been delicious and good size portions as well. I also always like to try their specials . read more

We have found a new favorite breakfast and lunch spot when we're in town! The staff is always super friendly and the food comes quickly. The patio area is great in warm weather. My most recent visit, I had the Avocado Toast with egg and bacon add on. Delicious. Highly recommend. Other pics are from a past visit: Humbug Hot Chicken and the Cadillac Pullman burrito read more

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The food and service were great. Guitar player on the patio made it worthwhile! The chicken sandwich was great

This place probably has some of the best, classiest food offerings in Portola. The sandwiches are great, and you can enjoy them with a lovely view of the river if you eat out on the patio. The staff are very friendly as well and remembered us after our first visit even though we're out-of-towners. Did great with a large order we picked up for a group as well as a nice lunch for two. Highly recommend. read more

This place is amazing! Please go here while you are in Portola. The Pullman Burrito w/ Pulled Pork is unbeatable. You also get coffee with a view. Workers are super nice and have great service. read more

Headwaters Bistro & Deli - Pullman burrito - Delis Near Me - Portola, California

Nice outdoor seating area. Stopped for lunch after visiting the train museum. Food was served quickly. No refills on soda though. Ordered fries, and got chips instead. Extra $2 for slaw or salad. read more