Where to Eat and Drink in West County Sonoma
Nibble_Sip_Sonoma
I spend a lot of time in Sonoma County, and one of the things I love best about the area is the food. The region has some of the best produce anywhere, and is arguably one of the great centers for cheese making in the world thanks to the many dairy cow and goat farms. Because many of the restaurants in this list have outdoor seating, they're also dog-friendly. Take a virtual tour with me through West County Sonoma and savor some of my favorite sips and nibbles along the way. (It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm opening hours and dog-friendliness.)
Bodega Bay
Drake’s Fireside Lounge (Bodega Bay Lodge, 103 Coast Highway One; bodegabaylodge.com/dining/drakes-fireside-lounge) is the casual bar area of the more formal Drake’s restaurant adjacent. On warm days or evenings, hang out by one of the fire pits and soak in views of the bay. I love the burger here.
Fishetarian (599 Highway 1; www.fishetarianfishmarket.com) gets its name from co-owner Dana, who was vegetarian before marrying fisherman Shane. Their clam chowder often wins the blind tasting at the annual Chowder Day.
Spud Point Crab Company (1860 Westshore Rd; www.spudpointcrab.com) is famous for their chowder, and there are almost always long lines. The tri-tip sandwich is an unexpected highlight, too.
Fisherman's Cove (1850 Bay Flat Rd; m.mainstreethub.com/bodegabayoysters), immediately adjacent to Spud Point, often has shorter lines, but rivals in quality. Their clam chowder ranks with Fishetarian and Spud Point, and the Portuguese fish soup is also worthy. Excellent crab sandos.
Terrapin Creek (1580 Eastshore Rd; www.terrapincreekcafe.com) is the best option in town for a special occasion meal. Though Michelin-starred, the restaurant has a casual, homey feel, serving food that is elevated yet accessible.
Gourmet au Bay (913 Highway 1; www.gourmetaubay.com) is Sonoma County's only waterfront wine bar, with a curated selection of small-batch California wines. Stop in for a glass, or try a three-glass Wine Surf flight, served on a wooden surfboard.
Duncans Mills
Cape Fear (25191 Main St; www.capefearcafe.net) serves California cuisine with a Southern flair. I'm particularly fond of brunch here.
Gold Coast Bakery (25377 Steelhead Drive) makes delicious pastries, and has some of the best coffee in the entire region. They're also open all week.
Blue Heron Tavern (25300 Steelhead Blvd; blueheronrestaurant.com) is a restored tavern serving pub fare in a casual, comfortable setting.
Freestone
I can't get enough of the breads from Wild Flour Bakery (140 Bohemian Hwy; www.wildflourbread.com). They're hearty, hippie, and full of flavor. I buy several at once, and slice and freeze them off.
Can't have bread without cheese. Freestone Artisan Cheese (380 Bohemian Hwy; www.freestoneartisan.com) sells artisan cheeses from California and around the world.
Occidental
Hazel (3782 Bohemian Hwy; www.restauranthazel.com) turns out pizzas and roasts from their wood-fired ovens in an airy, light space. Truly lovely.
Barley & Hops (3688 Bohemian Hwy; www.barleynhops.com) has over 50 beers and ciders, plus pub grub to absorb.
Negri’s (3700 Bohemian Hwy; www.negrisrestaurant.com) is your classic , nostalgic Italian restaurant experience.
Guerneville
Boon Eat + Drink (16248 River Rd; www.eatatboon.com) is a hip, bistro-style California cuisine restaurant with a fun selection of small plates, or heartier mains if you're good and hungry.
Big Bottom Market (16228 River Rd; www.bigbottommarket.com) wins on name alone, but also serves up stick-to-your-ribs food (try the Biscuit Bar). The market sells a variety of artisan food products.
El Barrio (16230 River Rd; www.elbarriobar.com) makes delicious tacos on handmade tortillas served up with craft agave cocktails. Need I say more?
Sebastopol
Handline (935 Gravenstein Ave; www.handline.com) serves up fresh seafood, salads and more. The handmade tortillas are among the best I’ve had. Leave room for dessert; they still have the original soft serve machine from when it was a Foster Freeze, and they use Straus ice cream base.
The Barlow (www.thebarlow.net) is a collective of buildings, formerly an apple cannery, on the east side of downtown housing a variety of restaurants, wineries, breweries, galleries and more. During peak season, the streets come alive on Thursday evenings with food trucks and live entertainment.
Bohemian Creamery (7380 Occidental Rd; bohemiancreamery.tumblr.com) makes artisan cheese from cow, goat and sheep milk--and also froyo! Try the BahBoom!, a washed-rind sheep's milk cheese that is deliciously stinky.
HopMonk Tavern (230 Petaluma Ave; www.hopmonk.com) pairs a broad selection of draft beers with satisfying pub grub fare.
Spirit Works Distillery (6790 McKinley St. #100; www.spiritworksdistillery.com) is a craft distillery in the Barlow, making vodka, gin and whiskey from California-grown wheat. They're the only producer of sloe gin in the US.
Fork Roadhouse (9890 Bodega Highway; www.forkcatering.com) occupies a former filling station, now filling bellies with fresh, organic, local food.
Fern Bar (6780 Depot St #120; www.fernbar.com) shakes up craft cocktail (including non-alcoholic concoctions fro Dry January and beyond) plus fresh fare with vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options.
Valley Ford
Rocker Oysterfeller's (14415 Highway 1; www.rockeroysterfellers.com) serves up hearty comfort food and top-notch cocktails in a saloon environment. Head there happy hour on Thursday for $1 oysters, or Fridays for fish tacos on the cheap. They have live music on Sunday evenings.
Estero Cafe (14450 Highway 1; www.sonomacounty.com/restaurants/estero-cafe) is one of my mainstays for breakfast and lunch. They serve fresh, locally sourced food made from scratch.
Bodega Bay Oyster Co. (12830 Valley Ford Rd; www.bodegabayoyster.com) delivers what the name promises: Oysters, and nothing else besides things to serve them with. Hit them up on the weekend for barbecued bivalves.
Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery (14390 Valley Ford Rd; www.valleyfordcheese.com) makes remarkable cheeses at this facility, opened in 2019. The cafe and shop in the front is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and sample their wares.