Bidwell Perk — Restaurant in Chico

Bidwell Perk – Where Great Coffee Meets Local Talent!

If you’re in Chico and haven’t stopped by Bidwell Perk, you’re truly missing out on one of the most vibrant, welcoming coffee spots in town.

Sure, they’ve got all the essentials — excellent coffee, handcrafted tea drinks, and those fancy café-style creations you’d expect at a big-city coffee house. But what really makes this place special is the vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in with friends, meet for a casual business chat, or just enjoy some solo downtime indoors or out on their cozy patio.

Their food selection is just as impressive. From fresh breakfast burritos, parfaits, pastries, and housemade quiches, to a full lunch menu featuring paninis, croissant sandwiches, sliders, and salads like Thai Chicken and Apple Orchard — there’s something here for everyone. You’ll never feel like you’re stuck with a typical coffee shop menu.

But let’s talk about the entertainment — because that’s where Bidwell Perk really shines.

Right now (July 21–25, 2025), they’re hosting Talent Week, and it’s turning heads! I happened to catch one incredible performer — a young woman with a guitar who not only played and sang beautifully but surprised us all by belting out an opera song. The room went quiet, then burst into applause. She was absolutely fantastic. Performers get 50% off drinks and the audience gets treated to some of the best local talent in Chico. One lucky winner will even walk away with a $200 gift card.

You don’t find many places like this — where the staff is always friendly, the owner is hands-on and kind, and the environment feels both energized and relaxing. Even the new employees deliver top-notch service like they’ve been here for years.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite, enjoying a long lunch with friends, or catching an afternoon performance — Bidwell Perk is the place to be.

Don’t miss Talent Week. And honestly, don’t miss this place. It’s a...

The best thing about Bidwell Perk might be how consistent it is. I've been coming here off and on since 2004, it's now on its third owner but through all that its managed to keep its great vibe, excellent drinks, and good food. The service has always been great, the staff is usually made up of Chico State students but they hire well and they're all very friendly and helpful. The owners are usually hands-on too, often taking orders, making/handing out drinks themselves.

The Perk has won "Best of Chico" a lot for a reason. They really excel in just about every area, their patio is one of the best in town, they have free parking and (usually) plenty of it. You never feel rushed at the Perk, unlike some places, it's designed to encourage you to stay for a while. Comfortable chairs, chill music, nice ambient lighting. The only request I would make in this regard is to bring back the cushioned armchairs that used to be in the back area, those were a nice alternative to the tables.

My go-to drink is the Godiva mocha, either hot or blended. It's pricey, but it's a nice treat now and then. I highly recommend. Otherwise you can't go wrong with just a good ol' cup of black coffee. You can bring your own mug or even store it behind their counter and you'll get a discount on regular coffee.

A lot of new coffee shops have opened up in the past few years like Day Camp and Stoble, but they all share this hard industrial vibe that doesn't have the comfort of the Perk. I'm glad it's stayed consistent over the years, it doesn't try to be something it's not. It's the Perk and people love...

My Wife and I were absolutely delighted with Bidwell Perk's exceptional service at our wedding. They provided a wonderful hot beverage station featuring coffee, hot cocoa, and all the necessary accompaniments like creamers and sweeteners, which added a warm and inviting touch to our chilly, outdoor celebration.

From the outset, the team at Bidwell Perk was incredibly helpful and friendly. They guided us through the ordering process with ease, ensuring that every detail was tailored to our preferences. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction was evident, making the planning process smooth and enjoyable.

On the day of the wedding, Bidwell Perk delivered everything promptly and set up the beverage station beautifully. Their attention to detail and professionalism were outstanding, allowing us to focus on our special day without any concerns.

Our guests couldn't stop raving about the delicious signature coffee, and the station became a popular spot throughout the evening. We are grateful to Bidwell Perk for their exceptional service and highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a special touch to...