Casual Restaurants

AT A GLANCE: Burger and beer joint right on the plaza.

HIGHLIGHTS: This place is brand new and although packed, it is struggling to get its sea legs. Expect a few bumps along the way.

BEST FOR: A hearty burger and nice selection of beer on tap. Bar open until 1 a.m. and live entertainment many evenings. Good place to watch sports events.

AT A GLANCE: Top-notch Mexican food in a somewhat funky setting. Take out or sit out back at a picnic table.

HIGHLIGHTS: Stone-ground tortillas, 18-ingredient Oaxacan red mole, Swiss Chard enchiladas, fish tacos and more. Service can be slow but food is definitely worth the wait.

BEST FOR: Good for take out when you are too tired to cook. Seated dining is almost non-existent (and leaves a lot to be desired) but hands down they have the best quality Mexican food in the valley.

AT A GLANCE: Excellent, authentic dishes from the Yucatan region of Mexico served in a warm, beautiful and casual setting right on the Sonoma plaza. Local hangout, particularly at the Tequila bar.

HIGHLIGHTS: Best spot in town for an evening of margaritas and casual yet classy dining. Wide range of food from sopes and cevechies to slow roasted carnitas, tortilla soup or mixed grill.

BEST FOR: You simply cannot lose here if you like Mexican food.  Extensive Tequila menu. Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-6 p.m.

AT A GLANCE: Oso Sonoma is hands-down the current hot spot in Sonoma Valley!

HIGHLIGHTS: Tucked into a small storefront on the town square, Oso Sonoma is really more a bar and lounge than a restaurant. But no matter, as the food is clearly the star attraction.

BEST FOR: Oso is perfect for a casual meal on the Sonoma Plaza that does not sacrifice quality or creativity. It's a great spot to bring a group and share plates. Menu is constantly changing; sample as many items as possible! As an added bonus, Oso stays open late (til midnight on Fri/Sat. and 11 all other days).    

AT A GLANCE: Grand Opening has been delayed due to COVID-19; however take-out is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

HIGHLIGHTS: Don't know, we havn't been inside yet.

BEST FOR: Trying someplace new!

AT A GLANCE: A gem of a restaurant tucked away in sleepy Glen Ellen.

HIGHLIGHTS: If you tried but couldn't get a reservation at Girl and the Fig or want a more casual meal, make a beeline for its low key sister restaurant in Glen Ellen. Same great experience minus the crowds. No reservations accepted.    

BEST FOR: Sunday brunch or a leisurely dinner any day of the week. And don't forget to bring that bottle of wine you've been hanging onto as there are no corkage fees!

AT A GLANCE: Family friendly restaurant featuring thin crust pizza. Half block off the Sonoma plaza.

HIGHLIGHTS: Sonoma is lacking a fabulous pizzeria but if you must have pizza (thin crust that is), come here.  Nice indoor or outdoor seating. Lunch menu also has paninis while dinner menu adds fresh pastas and grill items such as burgers and NY strip.

BEST FOR: Lunch of thin crust pizza or panini seated at an outdoor table. Kid friendly dinners that offer items beyond pizza like grilled cheese or burgers.