When I dip, you dip, we dip. Guacamole, bean dip, onion dip, hot cheesy dip, salsa…who doesn’t love a good dip? 

The first dip came from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions and was thought to be hummus; Greek tzatziki was another early one, made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, and olive oil. These days, we have so many different types of dips to dunk, immerse, and sink into. The following are some of the tastiest in town.

Mexquite Bean & Cheese Dip

Bean & cheese dip doesn’t have to just be beans and cheese. The chefs at Mexquite kick it up a notch by adding chipotle sauce and chorizo to the slow-simmered refried beans and melty queso, making this dip anything but aburrido (boring). 25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

South Forke Grille’s Roasted Garlic Hummus

South Fork Grille takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients and making classic dishes unique, like their roasted garlic hummus, made with parmesan brussels sprouts and carrots. Grab a piece of warm, fresh-from-the-oven pita bread and dive—or should we say dip—in. 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 124, El Dorado Hills, 916-458-0206, southforkrestaurants.com

Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom’s Warm Goat Cheese Dip

You had me at warm goat cheese dip! Topped with candied bacon and dates, then drizzled with hot honey, this otherworldly dip from Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom, is a sweet, salty, savory delight. Toasted baguette slices are the perfect way to transport each beloved bite from dish to mouth. 436 Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 202, Lincoln, 916-409-5122, lincolnspeakeasydistillery.com

Q1227’s Black-eyed Pea Hummus

The black-eyed pea hummus at Q1227 is certainly not a one-dimensional, ho-hum hummus. Mixed with garlic, chipotle, tahini paste, and extra virgin olive oil, the vegetarian and gluten-free dish is unique, (slightly) guilt-free, and unforgettable. The accompanying cauliflower pita chips are the perfect vessel for scooping and serving. 1465 Eureka Road, Suite 100, Roseville, 916-899-5146, q1227restaurant.com 

Mexquite photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants.

Land Ocean’s Creamy Blue Cheese Dip

Creamy blue cheese dip is the perfect way to kick off a meal at Land Ocean. Tangy blue cheese, rich cream cheese, and a little cayenne pepper are the stars of this addicting starter. Served with LO’s house-made potato chips—a star in their own right—it’s a guaranteed palate pleaser. 2720 East Bidwell Street, Folsom 916-983-7000; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-407-5640, landoceanrestaurants.com 

Enchanted Forest Dining Experience’s Chocolate Fondue

Fondue is a dip, right? So, chocolate fondue is, too! Warm, silky, melted chocolate with fresh berries, marshmallows, cookies, and apples for dipping, Enchanted Forest Dining Experience offers both gluten-free and vegan options—and both are divine. 372 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3078, enchantedforestdining.com

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine’s Guacamole

A list of lovable dips wouldn’t be complete without guacamole. But not all guacs are created equal. At Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine you can rest assured you’re getting the cream of the (fresh) avocado crop. Cilantro, onions, and lime—plus fresh tortilla chips—make the simple starter simply delicious. 5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-251-7153, mezcalitocuisine.com

Smith Flat House’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip

The spinach & artichoke dip (add Dungeness crab) at Smith Flat House is unlike the pre-made spinach dips from yesteryear. This lovingly crafted creation is a mixture of spinach, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Served warm and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s presented alongside house-made crackers and vegetables crudité. 2021 Smith Flat Road, Placerville, 530-621-1003, smithflathouse.com

Nacho Cheese Dip

DIP INTO THESE FACTS

• The sitcom Seinfeld made the phrase “double dipping” even more popular after a 1993 episode where George Costanza committed this embarrassing act. He was caught double-dipping a chip at a funeral and was called out for it. “You double-dipped the chip! You dipped the chip, you took a bite, and you dipped again! That’s like putting your whole mouth right in the dip!”

• Mark your calendars for March 23, 2025! National Chip and Dip Day is celebrated on this date every year.

• According to Google, the most searched dip for Super Bowl parties in California in 2024 was artichoke dip.

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Smith Flat House photo by Monica Golez. Dip Into These Facts photo ©LimeSky - stock.adobe.com. Enchanted Forest Dining Experience photo by Dante Fontana ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants.

La Rosa Blanca’s Queso Fundido

Melty cheese mixed with chorizo equals queso fundido. It also equals deliciousness! And at La Rosa Blanca, they add your choice of tortillas—corn or flour—for dipping. Ooey, gooey, and oh-so good, cheese lovers will be in foodie heaven with this one. 402 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-673-9085, larosa-blanca.com

Bricks Eats & Drinks’ Buffalo Chicken Dip

I may not be a football fan, but I’m a fan of the buffalo chicken dip at Bricks Eats & Drinks. Warm and creamy with chicken, provolone, blue cheese, sour cream, and Frank’s hot sauce, the version here is indulgent and impossible to resist. Pile it on fresh tortilla chips and enjoy! 482 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3480, bricksonmainstreet.com

The Breakroom’s Beer cheese Dip & Pretzels

Beer cheese dip & pretzels are a classic, crowd-pleasing combo, especially the version from The Breakroom. Made in-house with a hoppy IPA and warm, creamy cheese, it’s served with four giant soft, salty pretzels for dunking. No cheese left behind. 4131 South Shingle Road, Suite 7, Shingle Springs, 530-763-6761, breakroomeatery.com

Restaurant Josephine’s Fava Bean Dip

The menu at Restaurant Josephine is inspired by what’s available from local farms, like their spring-inspired fava bean dip made with pistachios, mint, feta, scallions, aleppo pepper, and black lime. Served with grilled flatbread, it’s a distinctive dip that’s almost too pretty to eat. 1226 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-820-3523, josephineauburn.com

The Vine’s Chicken Enchilada Queso Dip

Enchiladas, but in dip form. The chicken enchilada queso dip at The Vine is a savory concoction of cheese, enchilada sauce, masa, and chicken. Served with warm chips, it’s featured on their happy hour menu for just $7, and pairs perfectly with bubbles. 609 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-932-4234; 3907 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-510-2036, atthevine.wine

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace’s Smoked Paprika & Three Cheese Fondue

The smoked paprika & three cheese fondue with spicy spinach and artichokes at La Provence Restaurant & Terrace is a melty, cheesy combo with a welcome hint of heat. Speaking of kick, it’s a perfect way to kick off your French meets Mediterranean meal. 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com  

La Rosa Blanca and La Provence photos by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.