Driving through the Sonoma County countryside you long for a meal of distinguished tastes and flavors in an atmosphere that is a bit romantic and fun. Enough of the Black Bear Diners and the roadside luncheonettes that dot the road as you pass through Santa Rosa. A Mecca for the chains, along the highway, it is time to exit onto Rte 116.
Head West. Follow the road through Sebastapol as though you were headed for Bodega Bay. But, there is no need to travel that far. A few miles up the road, a sign will point to Graton. You will feel as though you are in the middle of no where, but suddenly, a small intersection becomes cluttered with parked cars and without any sense of conformity, as would be appropriate in this Bohemianville, park the auto and run to The Underwood Bar and Bistro.
Upon entering, forget the dining room banquettes. Although most inviting with their warm tones of deep red accented by the mahogany and brass of the stylized bistro, the bar is the place to be. Sit on the hook so you have a clear view of the room and your neighbors, The diversified crowd of liberal lovers and foods connoisseurs who not only no their herbs, but their wines, is a significant part of the evening..., or afternoon.
Once the bat tender notices your arrival, he immediately convivially invites you onto the stage and begins to bring you into his act. Soon, you will be chatting with neighbor as though you had been there before carrying on conversations about the food, the weather and the war.
Not a place for the faint of heart, the Underwood is a food lovers paradise that caters to the locals, but makes visitors feel like they belong.
Although a bit transcontinental for the Sonoma Countryside, the Underwood serves some of the most respected food in Northern California.
And, the atmosphere cannot be duplicated.
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