For years, the unassuming taqueria at Montgomery and Mission was a neighborhood fixture, perfectly wedged between Rincon and Bennett Valley and just steps from Howarth Park. Lepe’s was the go-to for post-hike takeout on a Wednesday night, beloved for its simplicity and affordability. Its closure in early 2026 left a real void for locals.
Restaurateurs Hayley Cutri and Efrain Balmes felt the loss as much as anyone. Balmes, a regular after long bike rides through the park, knew the corner well. When the space became available, they saw the chance to bring back a neighborhood gathering spot, this time with a casual menu of American and Mexican comfort food. After a quick spruce-up, Parkside Eats quietly opened its doors in early April. Locals wasted no time — news spread quickly and so did the appetites.
The vibe
By late Sunday morning, as breakfast blends into brunch, the dining room and bar fill with families and couples easing into the day.
The kitchen hums with activity: chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, birria, pancakes and tres leches French toast filled with cream. Sturdy Mexican clay mugs are filled with coffee, café de olla and Mexican hot chocolate, while the bar pours mimosas and tangy-sweet jamaica.
Colorful butterfly wallpaper brightens the room and an enclosed patio sits ready for sunny days ahead. The staff is friendly, if a little stretched in these early weeks, but it’s clear Parkside Eats is in experienced hands.
Lunch brings a quieter pace, with scrambled eggs making way for burgers and burritos. By dinner, the room fills again for heartier plates: pan-roasted rosemary chicken, wild sea bass in tomato broth, baby back ribs and a rib-eye with white truffle fries.
Door closed, window opened
Parkside Eats was meant to be a second act for Cutri and Balmes, who also ran Sonoma Eats in Agua Caliente. When rising rents shuttered that spot just as Parkside opened, it became an unexpected blessing. Loyal regulars followed them north and new faces quickly filled the seats. With a small but dedicated crew — including Cutri, Balmes and new chef-partner Gerardo Reyes — the restaurant’s reputation grew fast on social media.
Chef Reyes brings serious chops from his time at Michelin-starred Auro in Napa, and it shows. Birria hash arrives neatly pressed in a ring mold; jicama salad is layered with pepitas, little gem lettuce, Tajín vinaigrette and edible flowers. The food isn’t fussy, but there’s clear attention to ingredients, flavor and presentation.
Cutri and Balmes hope to eventually reopen Sonoma Eats, with its focus on Balmes’ Oaxacan recipes intact. In the meantime, a few favorites have made the trip to Santa Rosa.
Best bets
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, $14: These sprouts had a shaky debut, but they’ve found their groove. Tender inside, crisp outside, with a drizzle of Dijon honey and a kick of chorizo.
Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos, $24: Yes, it’s a splurge, but the quality of the tuna and the bright toppings — pickled onions, cucumber, avocado — make it worth the extra dollars. Presentation is spot on.
Jicama Salad, $16: Crisp jicama triangles, orange segments, cucumber, and pineapple are layered in a wreath and topped with leafy lettuce and a Tajín vinaigrette. It’s as refreshing as it looks.
Parkside Cheeseburger, $21: I don’t hand out burger praise lightly, but this one earns it. A half-pound of house-ground Angus, fresh produce, red onions, cheddar, garlic aioli, and a pillowy brioche bun. It’s a two-hander — save the fries for after.
Baja Fish Tacos, $14: Lepe’s fish tacos set the standard, and Parkside’s version rises to the challenge. Beer-battered fish with a sweet kick of chipotle aioli — worthy of the legacy.
Cauliflower Steak, $28: I veered off my usual path for this vegetarian plate. A thick, golden slice of cauliflower sits atop creamy garlic mashed potatoes, brightened with chimichurri and pickled onions. Worth every bite — garlic breath be damned.
Chilaquiles, $16: Huevos rancheros may be the crowd favorite, but the chilaquiles with their bright, tart verde sauce are the sleeper hit. Sautéed tortilla chips, black refried beans, eggs and avocado round out the plate.
Tres Leches French Toast, $16: Sweeter than abuela’s kisses. Croissant slices get a soak in tres leches batter, fried crisp, then filled with whipped cream and berries.
Birria Hash, $22: I’m somewhere between love and obsession with this one. Birria, potatoes, and red peppers are pressed into a tidy ring for a composed plate — not the saucy birria I usually crave, but delicious all the same. Fried goat cheese balls on the side are a bold move. It’s not what you expect, but sometimes that’s the point.
The price
Prices are on par with other casual spots in town, but this is no fast food joint. Starters and salads are $12 to $16, tacos (three per order) are $14, and burgers or sandwiches (with fries or salad) run $18 to $22. Larger plates range from $26 to $28, with the rib-eye at $42. Breakfast is $14 to $21, brunch $16 to $22. There are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Taco Tuesday is an all-day affair: five tacos for $14, or two tacos and a draft beer for $10.
What to expect
Parkside Eats is already drawing crowds, so expect a wait on weekend mornings and Taco Tuesdays. Parking can be tight in the lot, but there are usually spots in back. Like any new spot, there are still a few kinks to work out. And just to clarify: Parkside Eats is not connected to Dierk’s Parkside Cafe on Santa Rosa Avenue.
Parkside Eats is located at 4323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Instagram.com/meetme_parkside