Lumberjacks in Willits, CA

A Welcoming Lumberjack

How could we pass up the opportunity to dine at a place with a giant lumberjack in front? The lumberjack lured us, but so did the banner. "Dining Room Now Open!"  

Our Summer of 2021 Pandemic Travels, made for some tricky, on-the-road-eating. A year before, we had done only drive through and picnics. But last July, we were vaccinated and appreciative of safe dining rooms. 

Willits, CA

Don and I found the restaurant with the giant log cutter, while driving through the town of Willits.

I was mighty impressed by the grand arch! "Gateway to the Redwoods".

Familiar?
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I thought the sign seemed little familiar.

I'm not sure how many arched signs Reno has had over the years. But evidently, the Biggest Little City, donated one of their old signs to Willits. 

Al's Redwood Room

While driving down the main drag in Willits, I spotted another fine sign. This is really where I wanted to eat! That's a nifty neon sign, worthy of old Reno!

I love the martini on top and I love knowing it opened in 1901!  But it was closed. Possibly closed down.

Saws and Logs

So after our drive through town, we turned around and headed back to Lumberjacks.

If we couldn't have martinis at Al's Redwood Room, I was happy to enjoy a Saw and Log Theme, at Lumberjacks.

Cozy Booths

There were lots of open tables, in the two dining rooms. 

I was glad to see lots of wood. If you're going to eat in a Lumberjack themed restaurant, you want to see some wood.

Ladies Room

I've seen some fine artwork in restaurant bathrooms, over the years. This lumberjack mural was quite a hoot and worthy of a photo.

At first, I thought this was a Lady Lumberjack, swishing along with her long skirt and axe.  I'm actually not sure about the gender, but I'm pretty sure that this lumberjack has some very defined glute muscles. I'm guessing axe swinging must help with that.

"Where the Big Boys Eat"

The dated tagline on the restaurant's sign, made me think this restaurant might have started up 50 years ago. But, in truth this is a fairly new biz. It opened in 2004. 

Since I'm not a Big Boy, I decided to go with a Dainty Dinner Salad. (not the real name) I was pleasantly surprised that this little "$5.99 salad was so tasty! Crispy croutons, bacon and cucumbers... fresh tomato, onion and thick thousand island on the side. Honestly, this was a treat!

My Lumberjack with a Biscuit!

When I first met Don over 40 years ago, he had a beard and wore flannel shirts a lot. He could have passed for a lumberjack. In 2021, Don was not intimidated by the macho decor or slogan. He happily ordered a $9.99 "Senior Breakfast" and it was pretty darn good. 

Don's omelet and potatoes were hearty enough for any aging lumberjack. But the most memorable goodie, was the biscuit! That fluffy hot biscuit  was big enough to feed the big statue in front!

​Worthy of a Write Up

Ordinarily the old blog posts are about odd or old, cafes and diners. A chain restaurant that's less than 20 years old, doesn't usually make the cut.  

But I have to give a place some credit when it does well with it's theme.

Plus the food and prices were worthy! I should have gone for some homemade pie, after my dainty salad. The pies looked mighty good.

Posing 

Of course I had to pose, before we headed to the car.

Next time I come, I'll wear a plaid shirt. Maybe I'll ask if the lumberjack has a name. I'm guessing the staff has a few stories to tell about this big guy.  
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