Part Deux: Sonoma
Who knew that Sonoma County, long prized for its wines and produce but
never its nightlife, was so hip? Surprise, surprise: it turns out that Napa’s
wine country cousin has plenty to offer in terms of après-tasting festivities,
just so long as travelers know where to find them. Speaking of which, get
ready for some diversity: the following list of eclectic hot spots spans
everything from haute cuisine havens to dive bars, karaoke joints and hip
hotels. Leave it to a region known for marching to its own beat to produce
such a progressive menu of night spots du jour.
Sonoma
Registered California landmark The Swiss Hotel boasts just five
guest rooms and a modest restaurant, but it’s big on charm. The quaint
19th century adobe, located just off the plaza in the center of town,
is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in wine country, due
in no small part to its generous cocktails and well edited list of Scotch,
Cognac and Port. Those in the know will tell you it’s best to go early
to avoid the crowds, which can make things a bit congested around the
bar later in the evening. Instead, savvy Sonoma bar hoppers make this
their first stop, lingering over happy hour drinks before heading out
to their next after hours destination.
The Swiss Hotel, 18 W. Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 938-2884 swisshotelsonoma.com
With an evocative name like The Girl & the Fig this place was destined
to be hip. Chef-owner Sondra Bernstein’s outrageously popular restaurant
pays homage to Cal-French cooking with wine country warmth thrown in for
good measure, and the combination strikes a fabulous balance between avant-garde
and homey. The food is delicious (proof: the spot’s even got its own namesake
cookbook), and, like Bouchon in Napa, The Girl & the Fig makes an ideal
destination for lively diners looking for a culinary oasis with a little
hipster scene thrown in for good measure. Hint: the patio’s where the action
is.
The Girl & the Fig, 110 W. Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 938-3634 thegirlandthefig.com
Hankering for a little more action after your meal at The Girl & the
Fig? Then head back over to the Plaza for a nightcap at local institution
Steiner’s Tavern. You might call Steiner’s the melting pot of Sonoma nightlife,
which is quite possibly why it’s also the most lively bar scene in town.
A merry band of bikers, locals, tourists and misfits share barstools and
stiff cocktails at this spot that’s part sports bar, part pool hall and
pure Sonoma. For serious nightlife seekers only.
Steiner's Tavern, 465 1st Street W. Ste 100, Sonoma (707) 996-3812
Healdsburg
Besides its cutting edge haute cuisine reputed to rival that of
Napa’s French Laundry, Cyrus Restaurant’s gourmet cocktails are drawing
sophisticated nightlife seekers interested in gorgeous drinks in a beautiful
setting. The striking Michelin two-star, tucked inside Healdsburg's luxe-boutique
Les Mars Hotel, has been drawing rave reviews for its bar cocktails crafted
by affable mixologist Scott Beattie. Cocktails take their cue from seasonal
ingredients and make a fantastic upscale alternative to wine, particularly
if you’ve been hitting the tasting rooms all day. Twenty bar seats.
Cyrus, 29 North Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3311 cyrusrestaurant.com
Beyond
This campy north county locals’ joint serves up Texas-style BBQ
and a raucous Thursday night karaoke party attracting an international
crowd of wine interns around harvest time. Housed in one of the oldest
standing buildings in Geyserville, the Smokehouse boasts a vintage bar,
exposed brick walls and an affordable home cooking-inspired menu.
Geyserville Smokehouse Restaurant, 21021 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville
(707) 857-4600 geysersmokehouse.biz
This four-year-old restaurant features California- and tapas-inspired bistro
fare alongside a lively bar scene that might, if you blinked, lead you to
believe you’re back in the city. Stylish locals linger at the attractive
nickel-plated bar and flirt over a smart wine list and good-quality imported
spirits. The burger and a nice selection of oysters are solid bets if you
get the urge to nosh while knocking a few back.
PS: In case you’re wondering, the town of Graton can be found
in the heart of the Russian River district of Sonoma just
west of Santa Rosa.
Underwood Bar and Bistro, 9113 Graton Road, Graton (707) 823-7023
underwoodgraton.com
The Savvy Traveler
