Cafe Aquatica

We need more of these small independently owned market/grocery stores in every town across the US…read more Certainly Safeway, Albertsons and so many other large chains have fit the needs for grocery shopping, but in smaller towns this type of establishment should exist and thrive. What a delightful market this is, a must stop during any road trip up this way. You can get nearly anything you'd ever need from toothpaste, milk, cheese, chips, detergent, on and on... they even have two gas pumps. They sell ice too. There's a small cafe serving incredibly good things, including hand made sandwiches (we had a 'Rocketman' and an 'Architect'... being an Architect I loved being so honored!). Both sandwiches were utterly fresh, delicious and tasty. They have several specialty type sandwiches, as were these two, or you may customize one. They sell coffees and other drinks too. There's a bar type set up and a cozy back area for sitting to eat, plus some outdoor places too. The store is simple, rustic but ever so comfortable, organized and clean. The people working here are upbeat and friendly and you feel so welcomed, and utterly pleased you came in to get something. Great place for a drink, snack or basic groceries and product. Do stop in and check it out!

I'm up near Fort Ross a few times a year and Fort Ross Store is my go-to for lunch. They have a…read moresimple but decent sandwich menu along with a wide array of drinks and snacks for the road. In addition to a few inside tables, they also offer some outdoor seating with ocean views. Their portions are generous and a simple veggie sandwich is stacked with fresh produce. Once in a while they also offer some hearty Mac n Cheese. If you're up that way in the morning, there's also some breakfast sandwiches and various coffees. Staff is very nice and food is made quick. It's a popular and convenient stop along the coast just north of Fort Ross State Park, before you hit Timber Cove and Salt Point. I always make a point to stop here when traveling this lovely stretch of Hwy 1.

Interesting tea selections

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Sandwiches menu

Ocean Cove Bar & Grill

4.0(136 reviews)

12.6 mi

We never been so we called to make sure they were open since it is just starting opening camping…read moreseason. Their hours are on winter hrs currently so call ahead. Our server was friendly & courteous and friendly. Their fish & chips were amazing! Love their lemon ice tea. The ambiance was friendly & locals go here as well. This a definite place to stop & enjoy the scenery & food.

In this small coastal town of Jenner, there's not much options for lunch. After hiking nearby,…read moreOcean cove is a good place to stop in for some lunch! It wasn't busy at all, there is indoor and outdoor seating. Service was excellent and we were given personalized WiFi codes. Feeling famished, we ordered the burger and the cod tacos. Food was quick, well prepared and delicious. With the wood ceilings, old school rustic vibes with blaring country music, it feels like you're dining in a cabin. A lovey place to stop for lunch on the coast to recharge!

Interior

Fish n chips, chili cheese fries as side

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Sunset

Jenner Sea Store

3.4(19 reviews)

0.0 mi

Nice little shop, it has a variety of miscellaneous items. Because it has a sampling of everything,…read moreit's selection of any individual item like candy is not the greatest. It is a little pricey but not terrible for the only little market in town. I always frequent this shop when we go through Jenner as it always has something we want.

Very friendly people and a great cheeseburger and fish and chips. Try the chowder too!read more

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Jilly's Real Food Roadhouse

4.2(54 reviews)

1.3 mi

Thank you for an amazing afternoon Jilly! It's was so great to meet you and the chef yesterday! The…read moreservice here is OUTSTANDING!! Jilly is a fantastic woman who gives to everyone around her, and we are lucky that she chose a restaurant to run so she can share her love with even more people!! The location is a beautiful picturesque place on the edge of the Russian River, and there is a great patio that you can bring your pup to while you're dining! Now let's get to the best part: the FOOD!! The fries are so crispy and delicious because they are fried in tallow instead of toxic soybean oil! We both got the Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and everything about them was delicious. The meat was tender and not fatty, the cheese was melty and generous, and the produce was fresh! We can't wait to comeback again when we are in the area. Thank you for a wonderful visit, my Mom and I had a fabulous time!

What a little gem to find during a trip to the beach. We spent some time at Goat Rock and wanted…read moreto grab a bite before we left. We got to Jilly's and met Jill herself. She was so sweet and welcomed us in. The comfort food was delish, the fish and chips were crispy and flakey and the Philly cheesesteak was huge and flavorful. Great little spot to enjoy a view of the river and have a nice meal. Not fancy but comfy!

Great view

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Smash Burger with French Fries

The Farmhand

4.4(284 reviews)

8.4 mi

Stopped here Thursday afternoon for a late lunch after visiting Armstrong Redwoods State Park…read more It's pretty much self service; We ordered: Apple & Brie Panini (sweet and savory) and Ham & Swiss Panini (delicious). Found inside seating along the window overlooking the river. Enjoyed a yummy and relaxing lunch.

I'm a local and have been going to Farmhand for years. Love the food and the local vibe. Had family…read morefrom out of state come visit and we went to Farmhand. Everything was great as usual except they charged me a $25 automatic tip for having 6 people. Nobody served us, we picked up our food from the front counter and cleaned up our table. Don't know what the $25 charge was. I'll be sure never to go back. Great food with hidden fees.

The Farmhand Russian River views Dec 2024

Hot pastrami sandwich!

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Relaxing views!

Duncans Mills General Store

4.2(64 reviews)

3.3 mi

Good sandwiches at the deli. I think the younger girls could probably be a bit friendlier but maybe…read morethat's just youth showing through. I definitely would go back.

A decent sized shop that was chock full of vintage goodies, from lamps and toys, to vintage vinyl…read moreand CD's The woman who was helping us was beyond friendly, and also quite knowledgable on the items she had. The ambiance matches the rest of the Duncan's Mills feel, and although there isn't much in the way of food there is a lot of very cool items to take a look at! :)

Turkey sando

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Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen

4.8(176 reviews)

5.6 mi

My friend told me about this cute coffeehouse and Israeli kitchen in the forest and said I had to…read moretry! It's right off of bohemian hwy, with easy parking and great views. There's a cool skatepark behind it as well. The owners were so friendly and humorous as well. I went on a Sunday morning and it wasn't incredibly busy around 11:30am. Enjoyed my hot vanilla latte in a coffee mug which are all different designs. I had the barekas. The babka roll was not very fresh so that was my only negative. I'll definitely go back.

Beautiful relaxing homey setting. Delicious choices. Lovely friendly staff. Definitely a vibe.read more

Side patio

Eggplant pita & Boreka plate

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Alaska Special

Fisherman's Cove

4.4(1.5k reviews)

8.8 mi

Locally sourced ingredients

Locally owned & operated

Halibut fish n chips yummy, and ample, must order coleslaw too, (wish a bit was included).read more

This restaurant has a relaxed, laid-back coastal vibe that makes it a great stop. Calamari and…read moreoysters are almost always my go-to whenever I'm near the coast, so we had to order both. We tried the butter garlic oysters, though I didn't really taste the butter or garlic. Even so, the oysters were enjoyable. The fries were perfectly crispy, just the way I like them, and the calamari was tender, flavorful, and well seasoned. They have a good amount of food selection. Our food arrived quickly, and both the server and cashier were warm and friendly.

Fresh King Salmon for menu special

Getting ready to fillet fresh halibut

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Two dozen Beautiful raw Oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce and lemons

Spud Point Crab Company

4.4(2k reviews)

8.8 mi

Ok I was skeptical, this place was hyped up a lot in travel websites and from our Airbnb host, and…read morethe wait was looooong but overall the crab sandwich was very worth it and not the priciest one I encountered. It's an unassuming, un-aesthetic sandwich but just simply real crab with light mayo and celery dressing. Only regret not getting 2 bc I'd have to brave the line again. Seemed to only have 1 person taking orders and also distributing orders so things were slow. Chowder was also my favorite one from this trip and my kids loved their chili (they sell bread loaves on the side if you need a dipper). Pro tip: not much parking, prepare for side of road and walk. Outdoor seating available but tables are pretty cramped.

Finally got to try one of the most popular places around this town - Spud!! We were around the area…read morefor camping so we decided to get breakfast here on a Saturday morning right when it opens. That way we can skip the line and get a taste of this first thing in the morning! We thought this was gonna be a heavy breakfast, but I think portion came out just right. Between my partner and I, we shared a Crab Sandwich, Manhattan Clam Chowder and a Bay Shrimp Cocktail. Pretty much no wait for our order since there was no line. They have a seating area outdoor, but it kinda looks like they just manage the kitchen and everything else is self service. The Crab Sandwich was delicious!! There was a generous amount of crab stuffed in a roll that came out warm. It wasn't too saucy and the sauce didn't overwhelm the taste of the crab meat. The roll was neither too dense or fluffy - has a bit of a crunch and bite to it. I think my favorite this morning was the Manhattan Clam Chowder though. Probably because it was a grey and chilly morning, so this bowl was really comforting. I like the mild tartness of the tomato base. There's also lots of chewy bits in the chowder from the seafood they add on there. It tasted really good! Last but not least, the shrimp cocktail. Taste was great, but I just wasn't feeling this for this morning. My partner liked it though! Fresh tasting little bites and the cocktail sauce was great in adding some extra tangy flavor. I'm glad we checked this off our list! Spud provided an awesome start to our morning. Of course I wouldn't mind having this again, but definitely not when there is a wait.

Crab cakes

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Crab sandwich

Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery

4.4(300 reviews)

3.4 mi

Gold Coast Coffee is a must-go!…read more We stopped by around 7:20 a.m. and there was plenty of parking, plus a beautiful outdoor area that makes it such a nice place to sit and enjoy breakfast. The people are extremely friendly, which made the experience even better. Just really good vibes all around. The coffee was fantastic, and I love that they roast their coffee right there and fresh-bake their pastries on-site. They also use organic flour, which is another huge plus. My husband had the ham and mustard pastry, and I had the turkey and pesto. The dough was perfectly crispy, flaky, and absolutely delicious. My only regret? I had already bought food for our kayaking trip...I should have just grabbed some of their day-old pastries that were nicely wrapped up to take with us instead of bringing processed snacks. I was lucky and got 2 chocolate croissants, and a yummy looking scone with jam on it. Everything we tried was amazing. We will definitely be back for the soft serve and wood-fired pizza next time. So glad we found this place! Also, someone mentioned the general store right next door is a lot of fun to check out, so we'll definitely be exploring that on our next visit too.

Oddly we were in Sonoma on a Monday so of course go out of our way to stop by one of our favorite…read morespots for coffee and pastries. The woman working was miserable and was as welcoming as a mosquito bite on your face. Later, spouse went to grab some cinnamon rolls to go and she was still a complete. Lol Still, we enjoyed the outside atmosphere. Americano decent, cappuccino was not great. Pastries are tasty especially the cinnamon buns.

Counter Area

Evening sweets and coffee.

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Iced coffee.

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Raina W.

13 years ago

I recently moved up to the Russian River full time and spend all of my free time hiking, biking and exploring the redwoods and coast. My husband and I found Cafe Aquatica on a blustery day after a long hike. Now this is my absolutely favorite hang out on the coast. The owner is hospitable and warm. My mum ran coffee houses for many years and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the owner roasts his own beans in small batches and hand pours coffee, old school style, fresh, not acidic nor bitter. The brew was so good that it didn't need any dressing up. Their beans come from a fair trade, organic farm in Nicaragua. The staff are laid back, easy going and approachable. They have a small, but delectable organic ingredient lunch menu, sell locally crafted gourmet chocolates that are literally to die for. Their pastries are made by graduates of the New York Culinary Institute! They have live music outside in their garden on the weekends and are not at all bothered if you hang out for a couple of hours reading, chatting with locals or making arts and crafts. In fact the owner has even said that I can teach felt crafting there on weekdays. You can bring well behaved dogs to the outdoor tables with you. Oh and did I mention the world class view of the peninsula and bay? Well, that is something you must experience yourself to appreciate the glory of nature and fine, hot teas and coffee. http://cafeaquatica.com/ and their facebook page can be found here, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Café-Aquatica/269646206414035?id=269646206414035 read more

Morgan C.

3 years ago

My visit to Cafe Aquatica left me with mixed feelings. While the views were undeniably great, the overall dining experience fell short of my expectations. Upon ordering, I encountered an issue with the person at the counter who seemed unfamiliar with the concept of an open-face sandwich or a crab roll, resulting in a regular sandwich being served instead. The lack of knowledge and understanding from the staff was disappointing. Moreover, the counter staff's rudeness and unhelpfulness further marred the experience. On a positive note, the food at Cafe Aquatica was delivered swiftly, with my order of a toasted bun and lump crab mix being prepared and served in less than 5 minutes. However, the quality of the food did not match the speed of service. I pulled-out crab shells in my sandwich, which was certainly off-putting. While the food was quick, it lacked the attention to detail that one would expect. Additionally, I regrettably failed to notice a compost trash can, which the the restaurant should be complying with. This oversight on my part highlights the need for better signage or clear communication regarding waste disposal options. It is essential for establishments to prioritize eco-friendly practices and provide clear guidance to patrons. read more

Ashley B.

14 years ago

This place makes the BEST sandwiches. Its basically a little coffee shop meets indie band hub and gormet cafe. Everything is fresh and organic and boy does it taste like it! The best is to order something really fresh from the ocean then watch the ocean outside. I love seafood and the stuff I had at Aquatic is really some of the best to be had. I haven't tried the coffee or tea yet (not sure I will, because I'm really a Starbucks girl at heart) but wish that Aquatic was easier to get to. I've only been twice and definitely want to give it another go soon. read more

Bj S.

8 years ago

New menu, new owner, new paint job, and alot of new goodies to buy such as t shirts, coffee mugs, stickers. The crab is to die for. Ask for Rachel, she is the new owner. Such a nice girl. Staff is great. Good job Rachel. The chowder is very tasty. Not as thick as most places. Tastes like soup not gravy. The fact that everything is made with fresh local ingredients and from scratch is a plus nowadays. read more

Sharon F.

392

6 years ago

great location. nice outdoor seating area. nothing i was interested in on the menu though and the prices are high. NOT as high as the store across the street, but high. Might be good if all you want is coffee. read more

Leah P.

7 years ago

Good Vibes in Jenner! The food is vibrant, The staff is lovely, The art is stellar, The space is rad, indoors and out! Real nourishing all around. (the coffee is yummy to) read more

Temo R.

5 years ago

Excellent food excellent service We will stop again love this place My wife and me stop by for breakfast on a weekend and we enjoyed it read more

David B.

7 years ago

I love this Cafe. Great food and coffee. Outdoor seating with awesome views. Service is the best ... I recommend Cafe Aquatica!!!

Joanne W.

6 years ago

Lovely coffee house and lunch spot on river with view of ocean in near distance. Good food, nice service, and deck seating.

Jane F.

16 years ago

Sparkling water, fresh air, cozy cafe with good food and good espresso. A perfect stop as you travel along Highway One.

Gretchen D.

4 years ago

Best atmosphere of any restaurant with great fresh food! I pass through the area often and this is a great stop!

Amanda L.

5 months ago

Good coffee and food choices , a bit crowded but worth the wait nice views nice employee's strong coffee

Kevin B.

5 months ago

The clam chowder was amazing and being able to sit outdoors and watch the birds and the water I love

Tom K.

11 years ago

Wonderful Vegetarian Food made by A Vegan Cook! Simple and delicious!

Mary H.

9 years ago

Nice place good sandwiches. Nice people working there.

Leigh M.

7 years ago

best duo music I have heard anywhere.

Cafe Aquatica - coffee - Updated August 2026

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One of 2 breakfast places open before 9am, Piknik acts like it... I completely forgive a long wait…read morewhen busy. AND I expect to get my food correctly when I do finally receive it... Got the turkey sandwich and it was a travesty. I had no idea it would come hot-- that should be noted. I told the cashier I was packing it with me for the river. I don't want sticky Dutch crunch bread and HOT lettuce... I guess my bad for not asking. But then the turkey... one single sad slice running the length of an 8" piece of bread. For $16. Absolutely absurd. I only waited as long as I did to get a premium sandwich. After all that, they didn't even wrap it to go and I had to plop the sticky mess into a box myself. Thanks. Giving 3* because they have cute snacks/drinks and the smoked salmon and biscuit for the "Sea Biscuit" were well done. It didn't have the promised shallots though, and all the capers were concentrated in the middle. Not a super pleasant surprise. Don't offer food you can't make correctly while busy. And fire that blond guy who was walking around like he'd never seen a kitchen before.

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Roadhouse Coffee

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