Wilda's Grill

RELOCATED  1712 CHURN CREEK RD

If you are what you eat, is where you eat who you are? If so, having lunch at Redding's Wilda’s Grill means your cool factor is legit. The sense of place is retro Downtown Redding. The cuisine is contemporary hometown diner. The sandwiches are hotdogs, the salads are iceberg wedge, and there is a Budda Bowl. Wilda’s Grill is located at 1718 Placer Street, across from Holly Bail Bonds.

Wilda's Grill on Placer Street

Owners Dayna and Bret Speers have combined their creativity, cooking talents, and food industry experience to design a small restaurant with big taste. I must admit Wilda’s Grill had me at the door. Wilda's is charming. It has that sense of effortless style that only comes from careful planning and attention to detail. Wilda’s Grill gets its sassy name and signature condiment from Wilda’s Mustard, the Speers’ other business.

Team Speers Wearing the Latest in Wilda's Grill Fashion

Contrary to the external pint-sized dimensions, once inside there seems to be ample space. The restaurant has an easy, open feel. Half the restaurant is seating; the other is open kitchen. The dining area is furnished with 2 person green-topped tables and red chairs. Meals are ordered at a corrugated metal-accented counter. A chalkboard menu hangs overhead. Similar to the restaurant, the menu selection, while compact, is accommodating. In addition to hotdogs, there is a vegetarian menu with vegan options and gluten-free dining.

The Menu at Wilda's Grill

I ordered the House Dog, Onion Rings, and a Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. Hotdogs are not part of my usual diet; I've watched food industry documentaries. However, the all-beef, natural, and additive-free dogs at Wilda’s are made locally at Premier Meats in Shasta Lake. The dog was delicious. It tasted lean and meaty. All sandwiches, including the ubiquitous Hot Pastrami, are served on rolls made by Chico’s Tin Roof Bakery. Wilda's also offers gluten-free artisan bread, which is made in-house by Dayna. 

The House Dog at Wilda's Grill

If you are craving greasy-style onion rings, you may be disappointed. Rather than the fried, breadcrumb texture generally associated with the County Fair, Wilda’s onion rings have a smoother pastry-like coating. The onion rings come with a garlic mayo dipping sauce, but dipping them in a jar of Wilda’s Mustard sounds even better. The lemonade was the ideal compliment to my meal. It had that lemony freshness that can only be achieved with freshly squeezed juice and real sugar.  Wilda’s also serves iced tea and fountain sodas.

The Onion Rings

The Hot Mess is the most expensive item at $5.75. It is a mélange of French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, chili, cheese, chopped onions and jalapeños. The majority of orders are for the Budda Bowl. Wilda’s version of the Budda Bowl has a base of brown rice and red beans. It is served in a traditional white Chinese food takeout box and can be ordered with spicy tofu or grilled chicken. I want to try the falafel sandwich next. Dayna was putting a batch of falafels in the oven just as I was finishing my lunch.

Falafels Ready for the Oven

Located near the courthouse, Wilda’s is an option for those with a limited lunch time as well as those with more leisure.  The outside bar counter offers diners the opportunity to eat their lunch alfresco and enjoy the downtown energy.  Phone orders are welcome and take out is always an option.  I parked in the alley lot behind Wilda’s. Wilda’s is open Monday thru Saturday from 11AM to 4PM.

Outside Seating