HOW TO SPEND 24 FOOD-FILLED HOURS IN GUERNEVILLE LIKE A LOCAL
Just an hour and a half north of San Francisco, tucked underneath some redwoods and nestled next to the Russian River, a former logging town is the perfect destination for a day (or two) out of the city. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, strong drinks, or really, really good food — Guerneville’s got a little bit of something for everyone.
Annual events like the drag extravaganza Some Are Camp and other queer outposts like Solar Punk Farms help the town maintain its reputation as the “Gay Riviera.” But being a member of the LGBTQ community isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying a day there — although it doesn’t hurt, either.
While many of the spots here can be found on Main Street, it’s more than worth it to wander off the beaten path and uncover all the hidden treats this town has to offer.
9 a.m. Coffee and a doughnut at Pat’s International
16236 Main Street, Guerneville
Guerneville is a sleepy little town in the mornings without much open, which is a sweet and beautiful thing. Being the first in the door at Pat’s International isn’t just a perfect way to start your day; it’ll help you beat the line that inevitably forms around 10 a.m.
The coffee is quintessential diner coffee, which is to say, it’ll get the job done. It’s worth holding out for a full breakfast moment later in the morning, but the cinnamon sugar doughnuts made to order are not to be missed. The breakfast sandwich is a solid choice if you’re looking for something more substantial.
10:30 a.m. Stroll Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Filled with the substantial goodness that is caffeine and cinnamon sugar, midmorning is the perfect time for a stroll through some truly breathtaking (and giving) redwoods. Just a five-minute drive up from Main Street, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is the perfect place to get your steps in and see some stunning Nor Cal flora before tucking in to some major bites for the rest of your day.
11:30 a.m. Breakfast burrito from the Guerneville Taco Truck
16632 Main Street, Guerneville
There are a lot of good burritos in California, but this breakfast burrito might be the very best one. Parked in the Safeway parking lot, the Guerneville Taco Truck has served perfect burritos for over thirty years.
The Taco Truck is cash only so if you’re heading into town from the Bay Area, chances are you’re fine with that. If not, there’s an ATM inside the Safeway. You can’t go wrong with bacon on your burrito, but chorizo is also an excellent choice. Just don’t forget to get a side of the El Diablo salsa and grilled jalapenos when you order.
12:30 p.m. Sandwiches and snacks at Piknik Town Market
16228 Main Street, Guerneville
Yes, you just finished eating your burrito on the tables outside of the Taco Truck (or maybe you took them with you to go), but you’re not at Piknik Town Market to eat right now — you’re there to pick up sustenance to bring with you to to the river.
Chances are you’ll find Mags van der Veen, the owner of Piknik, behind the counter taking your order or making your sandwich. Mags is a Guerneville staple, and her menu is chock-full of seasonal delights and local treats — on a recent weekend, the farmers from Solar Punk were dropping off bachelor button flowers Mags was using to garnish the salad.
The Dutch Tourist is a nearly perfect turkey sandwich finished with spicy mustard and a kiss of jam, and if you’re interested in more confections after your morning doughnut, the ever-rotating selection of biscuits and muffins doesn’t disappoint.
1:00 p.m. Lounge, float, and soak up the sun on the Russian River
Johnson’s Beach is a popular entry point for jumping into the Russian River, but there are hidden spots all up and down you can explore, too. Find your favorite spot, and head on down with your sandwiches and maybe a small (or large) cooler you packed with some other drinks and snacks in town.
3:30 p.m. Frozen drinks and a fried chicken sandwich at the R3 hotel
16390 4th Street, Guerneville
The pool at the R3 — and, by extension, the pool bar and restaurant — are open to non-guests, and paying a visit to all three is a perfect way to transition into the late afternoon in Guerneville. In addition to a rotating list of frozen cocktails, there’s also a full bar — just be careful, as the drinks at the R3 are similar to other drinks at gay establishments across California (read: strong).
If you’re not yet hungry, that’s understandable, but it’d be a real shame to miss out on splitting a Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich by the pool with whoever you ventured into town with. Think of it as a little amuse-bouche to prep your palate for your eventual dinner.
6:00 p.m. predinner drinks at El Barrio
16230 Main Street, Guerneville
If you weren’t planning on staying the night in Guerneville, hopefully, you have a designated driver with you because there is a lot of good drinking to be done in this little town.
El Barrio is a mezcal lounge with an incredible menu of cocktails. If cocktails aren’t your thing, the mezcal selection behind the bar is also vast, and the bartenders are more than equipped to offer some fun selections for a tasting.
7:30 p.m. dinner at Road Trip
16218 Main Street, Guerneville
Chef and owner of Road Trip, Crista Luedtke, is part of the lifeblood of Guerneville. She’s the owner of Boon Hotel + Spa as well as Boon Eat + Drink, the hotel’s sister restaurant. Road Trip is her second concept in this space, replacing what was formerly Brot.
The menu changes seasonally, but the DIY deviled eggs are a fun way to start any meal. If you’re not already tired of fried chicken sandwiches — Guerneville is a small town of amazing fried chicken sandwiches, Pat’s has one, too — Road Trips’ version is excellent, but the burger is pretty great also.
9:00 p.m. pool and a nightcap (or two) at Rainbow Cattle Company
16220 Main Street, Guerneville
Right next door to Road Trip is Rainbow Cattle Company, a gay bar that’s been serving up powerful drinks since 1979. Rainbow is, no doubt, one of the country’s finest gay dive bars and is the perfect place to round out a full day in town.
Finish the night by taking over the jukebox, then try your best to beat a local at a game of pool, or just stand around and soak up some of the local color. No matter what you do, by the time you’re done, it’ll be clear why Guerneville is still called the Gay Riviera.