"The Charter Oak is the more casual spot from the people behind The Restaurant at Meadowood, a legendary fine dining option that closed after the 2020 Glass Fire and is yet to reopen. Luckily, The Charter Oak lives up to that pedigree and has become one of our favorite places in the valley. There’s a wonderful garden patio that’s great for a meal or to lounge on bonfire seating while you wait. The inside bar is a fun place for craft cocktails and people-watching, but the focus in the main dining room is the food that’s cooked on an open-flame hearth. Pretty much everything that comes out of the kitchen is delicious, but your order should include the homemade bread, crudité, wings, little gem miso caesar, grilled chicken, and the truly excellent cheeseburger." - christina julian