Outdoor dining, sometimes called “al fresco” eating by people who usually think way too highly of themselves, is a hit or miss proposition. Looking out onto a steaming asphalt parking lot, shivering under a heat lamp or or fighting against a herd of angry flies does not make for pleasant eating. On the other hand, we all sometimes need a little kick in the rear to realize just how hard the 360-degree vineyard views and azure skies are working to please us.
Out of 365 days, there are easily a few hundred meals that beg to be eaten in the great outdoors. The good news is that there chefs around the North Bay are more than happy to accommodate your desire for dining out(side). Just don’t call it al fresco.
See and Be Seen
Whether it’s Wednesday night market or Saturday supper, Santa Rosa’s Fourth Street is prime spot for people watching. Set up early at Flavor Bistro where their solid pastas, spinach salad and extensive by-the-glass wine list make for a light, refreshing dining. 96 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, (707) 573-9600. Next door newcomer Rendez-Vous Bistro is still working out some menu kinks, but crowds are thronging to grab a crepe and a glass of wine on their new patio in the heart of the downtown scene. 614 4th St., Santa Rosa, (707) 526-7700.
At Willi’s Wine Bar, you never know might be sharing macaroni or ahi tapas next to you–a local winemaker, touring author, Bay Area luminary, or maybe just your next door neighbor. But that’s the fun of it. The cozy outdoor patio is a favorite gathering spot for power-lunchers, tourists and everyday diners looking for a little dining inspiration. 4404 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa, (707) 526-3096. With square-side seating at a premium in Healdsburg, it’s like winning the lottery to get the lone outdoor table at Scopa, Unfettered by things like stemware (okay, they have it if you ask), this rustic Italian eatery focuses on more pressing matters — like the food. Split a bottle of chianti, squint real hard and you just might see a celebrity or two hustle by. 109A Plaza St, Healdsburg, (707) 433-5282.
Secret Gardens
Not that we’re endorsing furtive outings, but should a little romantic stealth be your aim, the girl and the fig’s cozy, enclosed patio is just the spot for a lunchtime rendezvous away from prying eyes. Save room for a plate of artisan cheese and a glass of wine from owner Sondra Bernstein’s incredible collection of Rhones. 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma, (707) 938-3634. Best bet for brunch: Seasonal cocktails and eggs Benedict on the garden patio of Barndiva (231 Center St., Healdsburg, (707) 431-0100) or pull up a creekside table for suckling hash and eggs at Sebastopol’s Cafe Saint Rose (9890 Bodega Hwy (a few miles west of downtown Sebastopol), (707) 829-5898).
Burgers Al Fresco
There’s nothing like munching down on a half-pound patty picnic-style — with napkins blowing, sun shining and bees a-buzzing. Petaluma’s riverside burger best is Dempsey’s, where you can snuggle up to a serious burger and local brew. 50 E Washington St., Petaluma, (707) 765-9694. You’ll likely have to brave the crowds, which are epic, to get your ahi tuna burger and sweet potato fries at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher (933 Main St., St. Helena), but it’s so worth it to sip a nice glass of cab while waving to the tourists at this vintage walk-up burgery. An even better pairing: Burgers, wine and bocce ball at the upscale-casual Healdsburg Bar and Grill (245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, (707) 433-3333). Here, kids can scramble about while mom and dad bathe in a few rays and sip a Bloody Mary in style.
Kickin’ it Country
Sometimes the culivated country charm of Wine Country can be a bit much. Which is exactly why Juanita, Juanita (19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, ((707) 935-3981)has such appeal. It’s off-putting in so many ways — ramshackle, weird, a little dusty around the edges, un-air conditioned and with politely detached wait staff, but utterly charming. Not to mention the burritos are some of the best around. Also off the path is Graton’s Ace in the Hole Cider Pub (3100 Gravenstein Hwy N. Sebastopol, (707) 829-1223), where you can get a cool, locally brewed pear or apple cider, practice your putting and chance upon a collection of remarkably odd and interesting characters at this West County crossroads. Fish and chips, burgers and bbq oysters or Sunday can’t be beat. Further afield, but equally quirky is Rocker Oysterfeller’s — a sort of Southern comfort foods, barbecue, brunch roadhouse between Petaluma and Bodega Bay. (14415 Coast Hwy 1, Valley Ford, (707) 876-1983). The large patio is perfect for sipping a cheeky rose and a little oyster liquor on a Sunday morning.
Ladies’ Luncheon
A tuna-egg-mayo foccaccia sandwich and iced tea on the patio of Café Citti is something of a lunchtime tradition for gal pals in Wine Country. Casual dining, a relaxed atmosphere (that’s kid-friendly without being a free-for-all) and some of the best-looking waiters in Wine Country. No wonder the ladies love it here. 9049 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, (707) 833-2690. A bit more upscale is Calistoga’s Sol Bar, the inhouse restaurant for the Solage Spa. But don’t expect just iced tea and lettuce here, Gary Danko-alum Brandon Sharp oversees a menu that ranges from blistered asparagus and shrimp wraps to hearty beef brisket and double cheese burgers with fried pickles.
Romantic
You don’t have to be a guest to eat at the Glen Ellen Inn. This romantic hide-away has a bubbling fountain and plenty of spots for gazing longingly into your sweetie’s eyes –before or after diving into a few oysters. Don’t miss the Dirty Dozen–12 raw oysters with a Bloody Mary mignonette–by candlelight. 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, (707) 996-6409.
My two favorite outdoor places are Monti’s in Montgomery Village and the Bluegrass Grill in Glen Ellen. Monti’s is cosmopolitan with great fountain, flowers, etc. Bluegrass is creekside on a deck with umbrellas – very casual and comfortable.
One of my favorite places is KC’s Downtown Grill on the green in Windsor. Great location, food, and staff. A wonderful place that has something for everyone. It is well worth your while. Sit outside and enjoy!
Charlie’s Restaurant at the Windsor Golf Club has a gorgeous outdoor lakeside patio with beautiful views of the golf course. The food is great and they have a really nice wine list.
The Garden of Ravenous Cafe in Healdsburg has its own bar and a community table as well.
In Petaluma there is a great place to dine out side and that is Dempsey’s. They always have great food and beer.
Anyone hear what happened to Stella’s Cafe in the old Topolos site on Hwy 116 out of Sebastopol? (Not the steak place next to Mom’s). We called a few weeks ago when the weather was nice but they were only open for lunch/brunch on the weekends.
CAFE CITTI IS MY FAVORITE OUTDOOR RESTAURANT!
I second HopMonk. Had my birthday party there last year in the beer garden and it was a blast. Looking forward to going back and having a nice cold beer and some good eats! Thanks to Dean for opening this in Sebastopol!
Kenwood Restaurant has to make the list.
I second HopMonk. Had my birthday party there last year in the beer garden and it was a blast. Looking forward to going back and having a nice cold beer and some good eats! Thanks to Dean for opening this in Sebastopol!
Madrona Manor has great outdoor dining on the Palm Terrace. The view is of their beautiful grounds and the best tasting menu you will ever have.
HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol has a great outdoor area. Great place to be in the Summer. They also have an acoustic stage and during the Summer they have free music in the beer garden.I think Thursday thru Sunday. Check it out. We have a blast there! Great for kids as well!
Mosaic, in Forestville, has a beautiful enclosed garden patio, which is perfect for an upscale sandwich and glass of wine lunch.
The Red Grape in Sonoma has a wonderful patio area, as does its not-to-distant neighbor … The Sunflower Caffe. They both have GREAT food. Sunflower will be opening up it’s new patio grill on weekends very soon I hear.
Can’t believe i forgot Jimtown Store…I was thinking about it while I was writing the story, but forgot about it! Yeah, a classic.
Don’t forget about the lovely little outdoor patio at Willow Wood Cafe in Graton. (: Getting there is such a lovely drive as well, especially in the springtime, and the patio is my fav. place to enjoy their heavenly polenta with maple syrup.
Jimtown Store in Alexander Valley has a great patio with red pic-nic style tables. When the grape vines and wisteria grow over the top of the patio it makes nice shade and a comfortable place to enjoy a sandwich.
Yeah, i heard about that. But honestly…it’s way more fun not to use it.
Scopa has stemware, just have to ask for it. (or have a wine deserving of it)
you missed the Hofflman House in Geyserville. Lots of patio seating and a covered portch as well.