11 Postcards
Nestled in Sonoma's Wine Country, this vibrant spot dishes out superb housemade Mexican favorites, from crispy fish tacos to rich tamales, in a casual patio setting.
"This casual, counter-service spot serves high-quality Mexican food, including beer-battered fish tacos, pork tamales, anda Yucatan turkey lime soup. Picnic tables on the huge shaded patio make for a pleasant place to sip a cerveza and dunk house-made tortilla chips into the kicky pumpkin seed tomato habanero dip or made-to-order guacamole." - Christina Mueller, Dianne de Guzman
"The unmissable roadside stop in Sonoma, El Molino Central makes stone ground masa, fresh tortillas, deeply flavored mole, and more." - Dianne de Guzman, Clair Lorell, Paolo Bicchieri
"Lovers of regional Mexican food will swoon for this laid-back charmer, which offers full-throttle fare made with quality ingredients. The colorful little building has a strange layout (order at the counter, then pass through the kitchen to dine on the patio), but it still draws a large following—expect to chat with fellow diners hungry for intel on the day’s best dishes. Entrées shift with the seasons, but the preparations are always expert: try the halibut ceviche with house-made chips or the red mole tamales chockablock with chicken and just a touch of masa. The Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos featuring handmade tortillas are a must, as are the addictive poblano-tomatillo nachos verdes. Of course, spice fans can't get enough of the crispy chilaquiles." - Michelin Inspector
"Located along Highway 12 in Wine Country lies a quaint building that serves some of the best Mexican food in the area. "Lovers of regional Mexican food will swoon for this laid-back charmer, which offers full-throttle fare made with quality ingredients," inspectors state of El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs in Sonoma County. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., large numbers of guests place their orders at a counter before passing through the kitchen to the seating area (or getting their food to go) to enjoy an array of flavorful dishes." - Aaron Hutcherson
"Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour Why it’s worth it: Lamb tacos, lamb tacos, also the huevos rancheros, and the lamb tacos. Actually everything at this bright, casual eatery in Boyes Hot Springs is a winner, from Niman Ranch beef birria tacos to the Dungeness crab tostada. Order at the counter and grab a seat on the patio in the sun." - Eater Staff