Reason

An oasis in the middle of muddy Guerneville

The Applewood Inn is an amazing B&B located just a short stroll from "downtown" Guerneville. However, in spite of its proximity, it feels like it is a world away -- very understated, peaceful, and with a beautiful pool and gardens. The restaurant here is one of the area's jewels, and it is hard to believe that this gourmet experience is so close to the offhand trashiness of the Russian River. The meals that we had here were nuanced and delicious, the service was knowledgeable, friendly, and polite, and the wine selection was local and interesting.

Depends on the quality of the piano player

My partner and I love Martuni's because it is great fun to listen to the piano player's patter and the bar can attract quite a high caliber of singers for its continuous open mike. The down side is that the fun depends on the quality of the piano player, and our favorite retired a couple years ago. But still, a lovely place to sit and listen to music.

A pleasant place for lunch or brunch

I've only been here as a diner, but this is actually one of my favorite lunch spots in the Castro. The food is not spectacular -- the portions are on the small side and the sandwiches are better than the salads -- but the banks of large windows make for a bright, sunny place to relax and watch the crowds pass by. There are some seriously fine waiters here as well.