Tiny Sonoma Town of 85 Residents Surprisingly Elevates as a Culinary Haven
DUNCANS MILLS, CALIFORNIA - Zip through and you'd hardly catch a glimpse of it on the map, but swing by for some chow and you'll stumble upon a village where steaming espresso intertwines with hickory smoke, and scrumptious shrimp-and-grits elbow their way onto the same block as mouthwatering wood-fired bear claws.
Here's why this former logging outpost on the lower Russian River has transformed into a covert gastronomic haven.
Cape Fear Café Boosts Southern Charms with Sonoma Produce
Indulge in low-country classics like shrimp & grits and blackened catfish, elevated by Healdsburg micro-greens and served alongside crisp, dry Russian River pinot.
Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery Flames Pastries in a Brick Oven
Rolling organic beans on-site, while croissants, bear claws, and apricot pastries bake in an authentic wood-fired oven, fills the village with a heavenly aroma by 7 a.m.
Blue Heron Tavern Marries Riverfront Fish and Chips with Live Blues
The county's oldest riverside tavern pours local taps and serves phenomenal fish and chips on a deck sheltered beneath towering redwoods-then turns up the heat with down-home blues every Saturday evening.
Sophie's Cellars Pours Micro-Lot Pinot from a Painted Cottage
This wine bar curates limited-edition Sonoma Coast bottlings and serves cheese boards -no crowds, no fuss, just comfy stools and captivating conversations.
Duncans Mills General Store Manufactures Roast-Beef Sandwich Legends
Tucked away among the shelves of this general store is a deli counter conjuring up critically-acclaimed sandwiches on cracked-wheat rolls-the go-to for kayakers and anglers setting sail on the river launch.
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Pro Tip: If you're searching for an authentic taste of Sonoma County, rent a kayak, paddle down to Duncans Mills, and treat yourself to one of its fantastic eateries. Just remember to bring your appetite!
In Duncans Mills, food-and-drink options are abundant, ranging from the enticing aroma of Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery's pastries baked in a brick oven to the low-country classics served at Cape Fear Café, elevated by Sonoma produce.
Travelers seeking a unique Bay Area experience can paddle down to Duncans Mills, immerse themselves in its charming lifestyle, and indulge in a variety of food-and-drink offerings, including the renowned roast-beef sandwiches at the Duncans Mills General Store.
