One of the curses of success in a small town like Healdsburg? Being too full to accommodate the locals. Which is exactly what’s happened to Barndiva over the years as out-of-towners have flocked to this essential Wine Country destination.
Not surprising considering Chef Ryan Fancher’s spot-on dishes — Lobster risotto, goat cheese croquette with wildflower honey, pork belly salad with poached quail egg — and the rustic, Cali-chic indoor-outdoor dining. Now, however, they’ll be offering a no-reservations, stop-by for a drink option in their nearby gallery (Studio Barndiva) with simple dishes and curated cocktails. Fancher’s sous chef, Andrew Wycoff will handle the studio kitchen, featuring plates of bone marrow tater tots, pork meatballs with fennel, Cuban sandwiches and fish and chips. Continuous service from 3p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
“We miss the custom of neighbors drifting into the Barn after work for a few drinks with friends, groups that would exponentially grow by dragging a few tables together without worrying about the noise or someone with a reservation needing the tables,” said Jil Hales, creative director for Barndiva, in her “Eat the View” blog. Find Barndiva at 37 Center St., Healdsburg.
Crowded bar is not the reason locals don’t go there.
The new bar is so fun and I love drinking my cocktail on their lovely couches. Just tried their slider – AWESOME.
It’s nice because it’s not jam packed with people, even on a weekend night. We had excellent service and the food/drinks are phenomenal. Looking forward to our next opportunity to enjoy the new space.
I have gone to Barn Diva and been turned away from the bar because they were at capacity. Didn’t look that busy to me but….regardless…never had that happen to me anywhere in sonoma county. I haven’t been back since. Lately hitting spoonbar, chalkboard and willis!
It’s part of my charm! Flying fingers can’t be stopped
Reso? Resto? Sandos? Please, can we stop this trend? I’m sure the extra letters will fit.