Walk down Commercial Street in Nevada City on a Tuesday night and you'll hear it before you see it. The low hum of a crowd. It isn't the rowdy, neon-soaked noise of a college town bar, but something deeper—the sound of a community actually talking to each other. This is Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co., or just "Three Forks" if you’ve spent more than twenty minutes in town. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots that manages to be three things at once without failing at any of them: a world-class wood-fired pizzeria, a craft brewery, and a morning-ritual bakery.
Most people visiting Western Nevada County for the first time head straight for the historical landmarks or the Yuba River. That’s fine. But if you want to understand the modern soul of this Gold Rush town, you have to grab a seat at these communal tables.
The Local Obsession with Three Forks Nevada City
There is a specific kind of magic in how Three Forks Nevada City operates. It’s built on a "sourced within 100 miles" philosophy that isn't just marketing fluff. When you bite into a slice of their sourdough, you're eating grain that was grown nearby and milled with intention. The menu changes constantly. Like, every week. It’s dictated by what the farmers at the Nevada County Certified Farmers’ Market are actually pulling out of the dirt that Tuesday morning.
You might find a pizza topped with stinging nettles in the spring or roasted winter squash when the air gets crisp in October. It’s unpredictable. That drives some tourists crazy, but the locals love it because it reflects the actual season outside the door.
Why the Beer Matters More Than You Think
Nevada City has a long history with beer, stretching back to the 1800s when miners needed a way to forget the damp darkness of the shafts. Three Forks carries that torch but with a much cleaner finish. Their brewing system is a 7-barrel powerhouse tucked right into the back of the building.
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You won't find over-the-top, gimmick beers here. No glitter, no marshmallow fluff. They focus on styles that pair with food. The "Dynamo Pale Ale" is a staple for a reason—it’s balanced. It doesn't try to wreck your palate with bitterness. Then there’s the "Pioneer" series, which often explores older, more traditional styles. Drinking a pint here feels like a nod to the town’s heritage, but with the technical precision of modern brewing science.
The Sourdough Secret
If you aren't a beer person, you’re probably there for the bread. The bakery side of the operation is legendary. They use a long-fermentation process for their sourdough. This isn't just about flavor; it's about digestibility. People who usually struggle with gluten often find they can handle the traditional loaves here because the wild yeast has already done the heavy lifting of breaking down the proteins.
The crust is dark. Almost burnt, some might say, but that’s where the caramelization lives. It’s called a "bold bake." When you tear into a loaf of their country levain, the interior is airy and moist. It’s the kind of bread that doesn't need butter, though their local salted butter makes it a religious experience.
A Community Hub, Not Just a Restaurant
Nevada City can be a bit eccentric. It’s a mix of old-school loggers, tech expats, artists, and families who have been here for five generations. Three Forks is the neutral ground. You’ll see a guy in a Muddy Boots shirt sitting next to someone in a Patagonia vest.
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The seating is mostly communal. This is intentional. The owners, Shana Maziarz and her team, wanted a space that forced—well, encouraged—interaction. You might end up talking to a local trail builder about the best spots to hike in the South Yuba River State Park while you wait for your salad. It’s that kind of place.
What to Expect When You Visit
Let’s be real for a second: it gets crowded. If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Friday, expect a wait. The line often snakes out the door toward the historic firehouse. But the system is efficient. You order at the counter, get a number, and find a spot.
- The Pizza: The wood-fired oven is the centerpiece. It runs hot, cooking pies in under three minutes. The thin crust has that perfect "leopard spotting" on the bottom.
- The Salad: Don't skip the greens. Since they source from local farms like Mountain Bounty, the arugula actually tastes like arugula—peppery and bright, not like the plastic-bag stuff from the grocery store.
- The Coffee: They take their espresso seriously. It’s a great spot for a morning meeting if you can snag one of the smaller tables by the window.
The Impact on the Local Economy
Beyond the food, Three Forks Nevada City represents a shift in how small-town businesses survive. By paying a living wage and prioritizing local suppliers, they keep the "Nevada City dollar" circulating within the county. When you buy a beer there, you’re indirectly supporting a hop farmer in the valley or a rancher in Penn Valley. This circular economy is what keeps the town's downtown core vibrant while other rural main streets are struggling.
It’s an expensive way to run a business. Labor is higher. Ingredients cost more. But the quality is undeniable. You can taste the difference between a tomato that traveled 10 miles and one that traveled 2,000.
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Navigating the Menu
If it’s your first time, go for the classic Margherita pizza. It’s the true test of any wood-fired spot. The balance of the bright tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and that sourdough base is unbeatable.
Check the chalkboard for the daily specials. That’s where the kitchen gets to show off. Sometimes it’s a house-made bratwurst, other times it’s a delicate grain bowl with fermented vegetables. They also cater surprisingly well to vegans and vegetarians without making it feel like an afterthought. The vegan pesto they make is genuinely better than most dairy versions.
A Note on the Atmosphere
It’s loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner where you can whisper secrets, this isn't it. Three Forks is high-energy. It’s bright, open, and industrial-meets-rustic. The walls are often adorned with local art, and the large windows offer a great view of the town’s Victorian architecture.
It feels alive.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Hours: They aren't open 24/7. They usually have a mid-day break between lunch and dinner service where the kitchen resets, though the bakery and bar often stay accessible. Check their social media or website for the most current "in-between" hours.
- Park Strategically: Parking in downtown Nevada City is a nightmare. Don't even try to park on Commercial Street. Look for the public lots behind the National Hotel or park a few blocks up on Broad Street and enjoy the walk.
- Buy a Loaf to Go: The bread sells out. If you want a loaf of the sesame sourdough or the porridge bread, buy it when you arrive, not when you’re leaving.
- Explore the Area: Use Three Forks as your base camp. From there, you’re a two-minute walk from the Nevada Theatre and dozens of independent boutiques.
- Bring Your Own Growler: If you love the beer, they’ll fill a growler for you to take back to your Airbnb or campsite. It’s much more sustainable than buying cans.
Three Forks isn't just a place to eat; it's a testament to what happens when a business decides to care about its neighbors as much as its bottom line. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what Nevada City needs to be in 2026. Whether you're a local or just passing through the Sierras, a stop here is non-negotiable. Grab a pint, find a spot at the long table, and just listen. You’ll learn more about the town in an hour there than you will from any guidebook.