A Short Trip to Coarsegold - Gold Mine Pizza then Zander's on the way Home!

Every once in a while, one might get the urge to take a drive to our fantastic Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's but a short jaunt to Coarsegold, barely one-half hour drive from North Fresno. Whether you're planning on heading further up to Oakhurst, Bass Lake or Yosemite, should you get the "hungrys" about the time you hit Coarsegold, it's worthwhile to stop at Gold Mine Pizza. Right on 41, on the east side of the road, right past the gas station is where you'll find great pizza, sub sandwiches, salads and even soup in the fall and winter!

Gold Mine Pizza first opened almost 25 years ago. It's first home was up the road a bit, just before leaving the great metropolis of Coarsegold. It did a good business there, but after a few years, the owners, Ron Garrett and Kay Bowen thought that relocating to the heart of Coarsegold might just do the business well. As soon as they moved into "town" almost across from the Old Indian Village, their business almost doubled and has stayed a healthy business until this day. Recently Ron and Kay decided retirement was justifiably deserved and they sold the restaurant to another local couple who is doing a great job learning the ropes.

A personal favorite of mine is the Turkey and Swiss sub and sometimes I opt for the Italian Sub. Either way, the sandwich is full of meat and veggies and the bread which is purchased from our local Basque Bakery is fresh and toasted to perfection. I enjoy adding a bit of creamy Italian dressing which they are happy to share with me.

If you're a die-hard pizza kinda person, you won't be disappointed here. They make their own dough and roll it when it's ordered. The crust isn't a super thin crust, but it's not one of the thick crusts either. It's a nice middle of the road crust with a nice crunch to the bottom, but still enough of the fresh bread-like top to support your sauce, toppings and cheese. Should you require a dinner salad with your pizza, they don't skimp on that either!

During the fall and winter months, they offer a soup of the day. Of course, it's up to the "chef" as to what they will offer, but you can bet it'll warm you up on a cold, drizzly day (let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!)

Zander's Coffee

No trip to the mountains is complete without a stop by the Zander's Coffee drive-thru in the Indian Village in Coarsegold. Should you prefer to stop and sit a spell, you can go inside and order, then take a seat on their patio and enjoy the comings and goings of those visiting the various shops at the village. Often times you'll be entertained by the locals stopping to chat with other locals and solve all the problems of the day.

Zander's menu is fairly simple, but rest assured, any concoction you might have a hankerin' for, they can whip up for you. My personal favorite is the Mudslide Blended Drink. It's the best companion on my drive down the hill.

So, the next time you're about to head up the hill, remember Gold Mine Pizza, then stop by Zander's to see a barista with a winning smile and for the best taste in coffee drinks in the Central San Joaquin Valley!