Load Up: Cyclists’ Favorite Places to Eat
- Riviera Ristorante
The friendly, unassuming owner Giampaolo Pesce also happens to be one of the fastest cats in town. And if you happen to be in the right place at the right time you will see him chasing down Santa Rosa's own Levi Leipheimer who reports of Giampaolo not only as a training partner but as a close friend. The walls of their restaurant will tell the same story as they are adorn with Levi's past racing jerseys, signed photographs, and other memoriabilia from the hometown hero. But what people really talk about when they go to Riviera is the astonishingly good food--truly Italian to the core and, in fact, arguably the best in town and miles beyond. This little restaurant operates in the engine room of what feeds Sonoma County's biggest names in the cycling culture here.
Riviera Ristorante, 75 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 579-2682 - Mac's Deli
A favorite stop where you'll often catch a glimpse of some engine room cycling greats like Gavin Chilcot, owner of Team BMC this place serves some of the best damn food on the planet! Breakfast is a must here, as they make the best two eggs, pancakes and sausage you can find. They make some killer lunches too. Definitely a local cycling favorite as the part owner/chef is an avid rider himself, and seems to know everyone with a bike.
Mac’s Kosher Style Deli, 630 4th St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 545-3785 - Arrigoni’s Delicatessen
Arrigoni’s has been in the same location for some ridiculous number of years and has been serving some fine breakfast and lunch dining ever since inception. While not particularly a cycling destination, it's one of my favorites and whether it be due to the fact that there are so many cyclists in Santa Rosa, or it's really just a popular place within that community, a lot of them go there for lunch, and a lot of them work at your friendly neighborhood bike shop!
Arrigoni’s Delicatessen, 701 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 545-1297
Energize: Cyclists’ Favorite Coffeehouses
- The Flying Goat
"The Goat", as frequenters have nicknamed the local establishment backs up against the (hopefully) soon-to-arrive SMART train station where a 70 mile bicycle corridor is slated to begin development in 2009. But its prior absence hasn't kept cyclists away. In fact you'll see more local cyclists in this stone building than pretty much any other place before 8:00 in the morning. They serve up a mean cup of joe too, and if you get it "for here" it comes complete with a beautiful porcelain mug so you don't have to waist a paper cup. Sit down here, order up a bagel and chillax!
Flying Goat Coffee, 10 4th St Santa Rosa, CA 95401, (707) 575-1202 - Peet's Coffee
If you're on the business end of cycling, ie trying to sell something related to bikes then it seems that all the deals that will make your business fly are done over coffee in this modern-day second office. Lines frequently lead to the door on 4th street but they're quick, and they have got the darkest drip coffee in town. Once cup of this tar will have you bouncing off the walls. Most of the cyclists who frequent this spot are in and out in a heartbeat on their way to work, but on weekends it seems to be more of a casual destination or pre-ride meeting spot for many of the local members of various riding and racing clubs.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, 650 4th St, Santa Rosa , (707) 545-5757 - Sawyer's News
While this is actually a news establishment selling magazines and such of every sort, there is tucked up against the storefront window a tiny little bistro bar that serves up Americano's as their house coffee. Many who prefer the taste of espresso will dig it, and you'll regularly be served by none other than one of Santa Rosa's biggest bicycling advocates. A couple of small outside tables with seats make for a nice place to read your morning paper while people come and go.
Sawyer's News, 733 4th St, Santa Rosa, (707) 542-1311
“Rehydrate”: Cyclists’ Favorite Brew Pubs
- Sweet Spot Pub
The cyclist-friendly owner at Sweet Spot Pub is one of the earliest establishments in downtown Santa Rosa to jump on the city's budget for installing bike racks outside of businesses that request it. They serve great beers from Sonoma County's own Lagunitas Brewing Company as well as a variety of other great pub beers. They are home to the largest screen in town and have regular movie nights and are big supporters of local cycling advocacy organizations and events.
Sweet Spot Pub & Lounge, 619 4th St Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 528-7566 - Toad in The Hole Pub
Host to Santa Rosa's first ever Alleycat food-drive race, the Toad in The Hole is hip with the hipsters and a definite destination for anyone looking to meet up after a ride, or gaze out into the street as lines of blinky bike lights cruise on by over the rim of a nice cold-one.
The Toad in the Hole Pub, 116 5th St., Santa Rosa, CA 95401, (707) 544-8623 - Russian River Brewing Co.
Famous for its Belgian style ales and small quantities that sell out all-too-soon, this lively place is alive with commotion every single night. The beer is phenomenal, and by the time you've had two of those Belgian head throbbers after a big ride you'll be in love with their tasty pizzas, focacia bread, and "savage" hot wings (with a side of celery for relief). If you don't find a dozen mountain bikers in this place on Thursday nights then you must be a day ahead. Trust me, they'll be there.
Russian River Brewing Company, 725 4th St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 545-2337