When it comes to satisfying hearty appetites with bold flavors, few dining scenes deliver like Santa Rosa’s bar and grill landscape. But if you think the options stop with classic burgers and reliable steaks, just wait until you see what these local favorites have cooked up. While dozens of spots promise sizzle and satisfaction, the following are the establishments we suggest pulling up a stool for—even if it means saving room for an extra round of loaded fries.
Gather Bar & Patio
$$ | (707) 586-4065 | WEBSITE
Families celebrating birthdays with colorful balloons and the comforting scent of brown butter cake can only mean one thing: Gather Bar & Patio is nearby. It’s our go-to spot when we want a satisfying meal without breaking the bank (because we need to save room for that famous dessert). And the plates are generously portioned, overflowing even, with tasty, well-seasoned salmon, Greek fries, and juicy burgers.
Hydro Grill
$$ | (707) 942-9777 | WEBSITE
We grabbed a burger from Hydro Grill during a recent trip to Calistoga and were impressed by how smoothly this place runs. So when you want something that’ll satisfy your hunger and let you get back to exploring the area quickly, this is a solid choice. They had a quesadilla with a perfectly crispy tortilla and delicious cheese that we still think about. If it’s on their menu when you visit, make sure to order one.
Tap & Pour
$$ | (707) 909-0064 | WEBSITE
After rushing through airport security and navigating crowded terminals, you might want something comforting but also fresh and satisfying, so a stop by Tap & Pour is an easy choice. Located right in the airport, this popular spot is known for their chicken noodle soup that comes with freshly cubed chicken breast, carrots, celery, and onions, and their Caesar salad with freshly grilled and chopped chicken.
Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar and Grill
$$ | (707) 579-9408 | WEBSITE
If you want a solid sports bar experience with reliably tasty bar food, find Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar and Grill. And while the Buffalo chicken sandwich here is a hefty, flavorful beast that’ll fuel you through the game, don’t overlook the starters. The crispy fried pickles and the garlic parmesan fries are “good good” (that’s a sports bar reference since the place is built for watching games).
El Gallo Negro
$ | (707) 838-9511 | WEBSITE
El Gallo Negro wants you to forget all the blandness from other spots, but if it’s there, it’s likely because you haven’t tried their mole yet. Our advice: go for the carnitas with mole, which is served hot with that exceptional sauce and a squeeze of lime on a warm tortilla. It’s rich and flavorful. If mole feels too intense for you, they have super burritos and fajita salads on the menu, too.
Windsor Bar & Grill
$$ | (707) 838-5100 | WEBSITE
The thing with Windsor Bar & Grill is that you’ll need to be strategic about when you visit. Be smart when you order their fantastic (but definitely filling) flatbread pizza or NY Strip because, if you don’t dine during a lull in happy hour, you could find yourself somewhere in a booth completely satisfied while missing out on those great deals on truffle fries and chicken wings.
Ricardo’s Bar and Grill
$$ | (707) 545-7696 | WEBSITE
While sports fans cheer on their teams with the sound turned up, Ricardo’s Bar and Grill brings the comfort to your table. Portions are generous, so dishes like the mac n cheese with lobster are likely to keep you satisfied through the evening games.