Location: 875 Lincoln Way, Downtown Auburn, CA
Perfect for: Date night, girls’ night, solo bar seating, small plates & cocktails
If there’s one spot in Downtown Auburn that’s been generating serious buzz lately, it’s The Hillmont. And after a visit, we can confirm — it absolutely deserves every bit of it. This is the kind of place the Sierra Foothills has needed, and it delivers on all fronts.
The Moment You Walk In, You Get It
Step through the door and the atmosphere hits immediately. The centerpiece is a dramatic large circular bar that anchors the entire room and sets the energy for the whole night. People are gathered around it, drinks are being crafted with care, and the whole scene just hums with the kind of energy that’s hard to manufacture but impossible to miss.
Look up and you’ll find stunning fringe chandeliers cascading from warm exposed wood beam ceilings. Behind the bar, a sweeping pastoral mural stretches across the wall — moody, beautiful, and completely unique to this space. The Hillmont isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a room you want to spend time in.
Prefer something more intimate? The plush private booths are tucked away just enough to feel like your own little world — ideal for a date night or a long catch-up dinner with friends. Whether you want to be in the thick of the bar energy or settled into a cozy corner, The Hillmont gives you both options.
The Food: Plan to Order More Than You Think
Here’s the most important thing to know before you go: The Hillmont is a 100% small plates restaurant. The entire menu is built around shareable dishes. For two people, plan on at least 3 plates minimum to feel satisfied — and honestly, 4 is the sweet spot for a proper dinner. Think of it less like a traditional meal and more like an elevated grazing experience where every plate earns its place on the table.
🐟 Ahi Poke Bowl — 10/10, Do Not Skip
This dish alone is worth the trip. The tuna is rich, spicy, and tangy — served over a coconut rice cake that completely makes the whole thing. Fresh microgreens on top, a gorgeous golden sauce underneath — it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Not your average poke bowl. Order it first.
🧀 Charcuterie & Cheese Board
Beautifully presented on a wooden board with whipped cheese, cured meats, olives, and fresh accompaniments — this is the kind of board you keep coming back to all night. Perfectly curated with just enough of everything and zero filler. Pair it with the bread service and you won’t be disappointed.
The Cocktails Are a Destination in Themselves
The martini here deserves its own moment. Served in a beautiful crystal coupe glass, ice cold, with fat green olives on a bamboo pick — it’s one of those cocktails that just looks right before you even take a sip. The bar program at The Hillmont is serious and thoughtful. Every drink feels intentional, and the bartenders clearly take pride in what they’re doing.
Where to Find The Hillmont
The Hillmont 875 Lincoln Way Downtown Auburn, CA
Follow them on Instagram: @thehillmont
The Sierra Foothills Living Verdict
The Hillmont is exactly the kind of restaurant that elevates a community. It’s the place you bring out-of-town guests to show off what Downtown Auburn has become — and it’s the place locals keep coming back to because the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere never disappoint. The circular bar, the private booths, the food that makes you want to order just one more plate — this is what great local dining looks like.
The Hillmont belongs on your must-visit list. Make the reservation.
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