Redwood Coast/Wine Country
Redwood Coast/Wine Country Content
CRA’s Wine Country and Redwood Coast region is essential to local economies. In Marin, Napa, and Sonoma, world-class restaurants and farm-to-table bistros support major wine tourism. Further north in Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte, maritime fare, seafood shacks, and craft breweries cater to Redwood travelers. Across the region, restaurants foster close ties with local fisheries, dairy farms, and vineyards.
By Haiden Emmett and Esau Flores
PUBLISHED AUGUST 11, 2026
Del Norte
Have something to report? Share it with us here!
Humboldt
Policy:
Have something to report? Share it with us here!
Plates:
Arcata approves permit needed for The Alibi revival
The Arcata Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional-use permit connected to plans to reopen The Alibi. Bhupinder Singh, who owns Greenview Market, is leading the project. Plans divide the property into bar and restaurant portions, although the restaurant component is expected to proceed in phases. Significant building repairs remain, with costs estimated at approximately $1 million, and no reopening date has been announced.
Why it matters: The approval advances a potentially significant reuse of a longstanding downtown hospitality property, but the scale of the renovation means operators should view the project as a developing story rather than an imminent opening.
Marin
Policy:
Have something to report? Share it with us here!
Plates:
Three concepts bring new energy to West Marin
West Marin is experiencing a small restaurant revival with three recently debuted concepts. Salt Bloom Kitchen in Stinson Beach is a seasonal, beachfront takeout operation from owner Rachel DiPaolo that also incorporates mentorship opportunities for young employees. In Point Reyes Station, owner Shannon Gregory and executive chef Anthony Paone have opened Bar Auklet as a more elevated, sit-down restaurant. James and Sophia Tolbert have also revived a former Inverness restaurant space as Bayside Bar, Lounge and Restaurant, emphasizing casual coastal food.
Why it matters: The openings show continued independent investment in visitor-dependent communities while introducing different service models- from seasonal takeout to full-service dining.
Mendocino
Have something to report? Share it with us here!
Napa
Policy:
Napa Planning Commission Explores Drive-Thru Restrictions
Napa officials are considering whether to develop new restrictions on drive-thru uses. The San Francisco Chronicle reported July 21 that the Napa Planning Commission directed staff to develop a proposed ban on new drive-thrus, with discussion focused on fast-food and food-service uses and broader city goals tied to car dependence. City staff expect the ordinance to be presented late this year to council for consideration.
Why it matters: A drive-thru restriction could affect restaurant site selection, franchising, permitting, traffic access, and future tenant improvement planning in Napa.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Plates:
Have something to report? Share it with us here!
Sonoma
Have something to report? Share it with us here!