Underwood Bar & Bistro Awards

Underwood Bar & Bistro Restaurant Review:

Don’t let the lonely one-block stretch of Graton fool you; you’ll find a bustling crowd of friends just behind the velvet curtain. A neighborhood hangout where tourists blend, the polished bar is ripe for retro cocktails with big-city attitude and sampling savvy local wines, oftentimes with the winemaker herself. Eat here, opt for a rickety bistro table nearby or retreat to the somewhat quieter dining room. On warm evenings, dine on one of two charming dog-friendly patios, the back patio complete with a bocce ball court and an intimate bar. The food menu beckons nibblers with several small plates such as oyster varietals, tuna tartare adorned with almonds, currants and capers or hoisin ribs with mango slaw --- all of which surprise and delight with their zing and generous portions. The ravenous will find soothing stews of Catalan fish or Moroccan lamb, sides of cauliflower gratin and a juicy burger that’s hard to ignore. Save room for a sweet nightcap: the Meyer lemon panna cotta or daily crème brûlée are well worth the wait. Another plus: Underwood boasts a special night-owl menu on the weekends, a rare find in Sonoma County.