Lizz H.
Yelp
Tuesday in Sonoma County wine country, and we were looking for a more quiet and upscale Happy Hour. Needed a respite from the crowds. Well, we certainly found the perfect place and definitely off the "tourist" beaten path. John Ash & Co. Yelp was instrumental in locating this elegant and classy HH spot. Plus, seeing and reading a review by Yelp CM, Mary V., Healdsburg (speaking of classy), sealed the deal even though our destination was only for HH and not dinner about which she had written. However, after our visit, a return for dinner service would definitely be considered!
Located in a more remote area of Santa Rosa, with such beautiful landscaping (including wine country's favorite...grape vines!), it was stunning from the minute you entered the grounds for sure! This is a resort. John Ash & Co is the trendy restaurant providing food for Vitners Resort (which includes a hotel and spa). The Front Room Bar and Lounge is in the restaurant where 3 of us enjoyed a serene and top-notch happy hour. (Served from 3 p.m., until 5 p.m., daily)
A hostess greeted us and directed us to the very close by bar. First impressions...low key, casual elegance! And doing a nice business for 330 p.m., I might add. Loved the low lights, which contributed to the charming ambiance. And the roomy, comfortable chairs were perfect. (Lest I forget...a fireplace too. Think winter:) This is exactly what we wanted and needed.
The well-dressed bartender came to our table just as we were sitting. He provided us with HH and regular menus. Took water orders and then gave us time to relax and peruse it all.
During the course of an hour and more, we had two rounds of drinks and some fabulous HH appetizers. HH menu and photos incuded. If we had not been going to dinner elsewhere, we all agreed that dinner here would have been incredible. Great food, views, inside outside dining...what's not to like!
This was one of Santa Rosa's first restaurants to bring the farm to table, local, and seasonal ingredients experience to the dining plate. Many of the herbs are grown on-site. So you would be in store for a memorable brunch, lunch, and dinner experience.
Sadly, John Ash, Renaissance man for sure, passed away in March of 2023. The company has been sold to Jackson Family Wines, I believe. It looks like to me they are taking it in the right direction. And I expect many more good things to come.
Free Wifi, dog friendly, and great customer service. How can you go wrong!
See you at dinner... right? Cheers!