The List: 12 Guerneville eateries to try

Guerneville is becoming a year-round destination, drawing visitors during the off season with a batch of restaurants worth driving for.

The sleepy River town has always had a few restaurants known for their dependable quality, but the arrival of a few pioneers with track records and business savvy has raised Guerneville’s profile.

Crista Luedtke opened Boon Eat + Drink during the summer of 2009 and, with partner Michael Volpatt, followed it two years later with the Big Bottom Market. Both had their best year ever in 2014, she said.

Although it has since closed, Whitetail Wine Bar set another standard when it opened in 2011. While walking through Guerneville, Sitka-born architect and designer Leslie Bahr said she was struck by the cardboard covering windows of closed shops, the drab pallor engulfing the town and a general run-down appearance.

She decided, as a “gesture of building infrastructure for the town,” to “create a backbone of revitalization.” Awash in low lights and with comfy sofas, the Whitetail was a chic yet homey place to sip and schmooze.

After it closed in May, Luedtke stepped in to fill the space with a Mexican-themed bar called Barrio that specializes in Mezcal, Tequila and their allies.

A few more bistros and fusion spots have joined the core of locals’ favorites, covering all the bases. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Boon Eat + Drink

Luedtke has earned coverage from the New York Times for her modern California bistro, serving small plates, salads and seasonal main courses. Truffle fries and Brussels sprouts with chili, lemon and salt help distinguish it.

16248 Main St., 869-0780, eatatboon.com.

2. The Big Bottom

The name refers to an early Guerneville moniker; the market’s environment is almost Bauhaus. Baked goods are a standout, with designer sandwiches named after local celebrities and biscuits that are veddy British. Sit at the long dining counter next to the front window for a great street view.

16228 Main St., 604-7295, bigbottommarket.com.

3. The Garden Grill

The Garden Grill calls itself a cozy hole in the wall, Guerneville’s best kept secret. Locals love its lovely fern and flower bedecked patio, with heaters that keep it warm year-round. They come back for the country breakfasts and pastrami, tri-tip and smoked meat sandwiches.

17132 Highway 116, 869-3922, gardengrillbbq.com.

4. Chef Patrick’s

Chef Patrick is Vietnamese and trained in France, which may be why his California cuisine carries a heavy French accent. Now in its eighth year, his restaurant offers Poulet D’Oignon Confit, a superb beef ragout and a special occasion ambience.

16337 Main St., 869-9161, chefpatricks.com.

5. Dick Blomster’s Korean Diner

Before Pat’s Restaurant dissolved a few years ago, David Blomster and Korean-trained chef Eugene Birdsall leased the space after 5 for a pop-up they called Hi Five. Then Blomster and Birdsall parted ways, with Blomster purchasing the restaurant and bar and renaming it Dick Blomster’s Korean Diner.

It still serves authentic and savory Korean dishes like noodle bowls, battered shrimp and Bo Ssam lettuce wraps, and tends to stay open later than most other restaurants, especially on weekends.

16236 Main St., 869-8006, dickblomsters.com.

6. Seaside Metal

This seafood and raw oyster bar was two years in the making, opening in 2014 with raw fish dishes, hot and cold entrees and other seafood choices previously unavailable in Guerneville. Twins Mike and Tim Selvera, who also own and operate Bar Crudo in San Francisco, will return in March after a two-month winter break.

16222 Main St., 604-7250, seasidemetal.com.

7. Trio

Christina Pappan’s Trio promises food, music and drinks, with sandwiches, baskets and entrees served in a casual setting. Week night specials and a full bar that’s open until 2 a.m. make it a locals’ favorite, with $5 hamburgers on Tuesdays.

16225 Main St., 604-7461, triorussianriver.com.

8. Coffee Bazaar

Coffee Bazaar is another meeting place for locals, many of whom bring their laptops and enjoy coffee, sandwiches and pastries while waiting for their laundry to finish tumbling at the laundromat next door. Manager Vatru (aka Sister Yoda) says the place has been around for more than 30 years. Offerings range from Weiner Mac to couscous and kale.

14045 Armstrong Woods Road, 869-9706, facebook.com/CoffeeBazaar.

9. Three Alarm Grill

Recently opened in a spot vacated by Ono’s Hawaiian restaurant, Three Alarm Grill boasts a firehouse theme, thanks to owners Chuck Limbert and John Stephens, San Francisco policemen who also serve on the Russian River Fire Board. They serve up a mean Philly Cheese Steak, Philly Eagle (chicken) sandwich and home made fries. Prices are reasonable, and the service is cheerful. Specials are advertised on the chalkboard outside.

Three Alarm Grill, 16218 Main St., 604-6102, 3alarmgrill.com (still under construction)

10. Betty Spaghetti

This isn’t your father’s spaghetti joint. Betty Spaghetti is located in the R3 Hotel and is owned by Master Chef Greg Barnes, a Sonoma County native. The menu features bites, salads, a dark chocolate bourbon torte and pasta dishes with a twist - think meatballs made with basil and pine nuts, and fettuccine in a pumpkin goat cheese sauce. The pulled pork and mozzarella pizza for two is well worth biting into. The hotel also boasts karaoke, back deck stage shows, a roomy pool, pool tables and a full bar.

16390 Fourth St., 869-8399, betty-spaghetti.com.

11. Taqueria La Tapatia

Travel to the western edge of Guerneville for a little taste of Mexican heaven. Taqueria La Tapatia features a wide range of traditional dishes, with copious seating, many years at this location and a steady stream of customers whenever it’s open. Kids love it, perhaps for the atmosphere that is heavy on window glass and perpetual taco chips.

16632 Highway 116, 869-1821

12. Main Street Station

Longtime owner Suzy Feheery is watchful, caring and present at this Guerneville institution. It features live music most nights, a full bar and two dining rooms. The menu includes a fair number of choices - pasta, pizza, salads, entrees and appetizers - plus late-night eats served in the piano bar and cabaret. The food is average but the roomy, family-friendly environment, the cheer at the bar and the excellent succession of musicians have made it a popular place to visit.

16280 Main St., 869-0501, mainststation.com.

Contact River Towns Correspondent Stephen D. Gross at sdgross@sonic.net.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Michael Volpatt as a partner in the Big Bottom Market. This story has been updated to correct the description.