Gold Flake Saloon & Cafe

What's the first thing I want after a long hot sweaty hike? A cold beer. The first place we saw after leaving Feather Falls was the Gold Flake Saloon (slash cafe slash mini grocery, attached to the post office). This may be the perfect roadside dive bar. The Gold Flake was casual and comfy, the classic rock station was playing Led Zeppelin, the place was full of regulars playing pool and swapping jokes, the bartender served us promptly- it had all the signs of a great lazy Sunday afternoon at the local watering hole.

Even better: while I was in the restroom, I heard a loud bell ring. When I got back to the table the bartender was passing out wooden nickels marked "good for one free drink". I asked her why she was passing him out.
Her: Because the bell rang.
Me: Why did the bell ring?
Her: Because he (points to a regular) just bought a round.
Me: Does someone buy a round for the bar often?
Her: With him? Oh yeah.

Oh yes, it's official... any time in the future I'm in Butte County, I am coming to Gold Flake!