This modest spot helps to legitimatize the fantasy of a mythical
roadhouse eatery where the service is friendly and the food
is great. Duskie Estes and John Stewart took over the floundering
Willowside Cafe, which had fallen on hard times, and again made
it a Wine Country destination. Stewart offers a clever take
on traditional items: broccoli soup with housemade cheddar cheese
crackers or beef cheeks stroganoff style with chestnut noodles.
The interior has an old-fashioned appeal with low wood ceilings,
loads of framed mirrors on the wall and copper-top tables. A
bar dominates the front of the restaurant, making it a good
place to go if you're dining solo.
Cuisine: American Specialities: Appetizer of spicy tomato soup with
tiny grilled cheese sandwiches; flatiron steak with blue cheese ravioli;
roasted garlic balsamic pork shoulder with melting onions. Seats: 50 Prices: $16-$33 Parking: Free lot Vitals: 3535 Guerneville Road (at Willowside),
Santa Rosa; (707) 523-4814. Dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Beer and wine.
Reservations and credit cards accepted.
