Our first foray as new residents of the area, was met with a genuinely warm welcome that you would expect was saved for long-time locals. Now hours and hours logged in at the establishment we are still offered the best hospitality: good drinks, great food, big portions, a bevy of entertainment, smiles for miles and the fondest memories. The honeymoon phase is still going strong...
Review Source:This is a great little stop along the road through Guerneville if you want to grab a cocktail, a quick bite or enjoy some live music on a weekend evening. The place is easy to miss if you don't know it's there, but once you make it, it's worth the visit! The bartender is super friendly and has been there for a while, so she knows almost everyone who walks through the door.
They have a full bar and are always updating their selection, so today I had a skinny girl vodka and soda with the coconut-flavored vodka! Loved it! My husband's a beer drinker, so he went for the classic Corona, but they have a number of beers on tap for the choosing. They switch up their specials and I noticed on the chalkboard today that it was a gumbo with garlic bread...yum! We just stopped for a drink and had the dog in the car, so we couldn't stay long. While they have an outdoor seating area, unfortunately it was too chilly to sit outside and they didn't allow our dog out there. We were quite happy inside, though, because they were showing an NBA game on the TV over the bar.
They showcase local bands often, and advertise well in advance, so the crowds build and create energy that's contagious. Chill place to stop for a drink and a bite when you're making your way through river country!
One of my favorites! Bar-restaurant with about five tables adjoined by a good sized enclosed in winter pavilion with several picnic-type tables benched seating big tv and it looks out over a grassy lawn dotted with white Adirondack chairs all  facing a stage which sits against a backdrop of redwoods and fir. Wide variety of tasty music almost every weekend outdoors when weather permits, roomy dance floor in front of the stage-  and the music moves into the pavilion in winter.. Operators Brad and Sandy and their staff are very friendly and eager to please. The Roadhouse has hosted midget wrestling with a ring set up on the lawn -the Mermaid Festival, Russian River Sisters grant awards, and a chicken poop bingo benefit for a suicide prevention group.
Good beer selection, the several TVs show mainly sports, Â pool table in the pavilion and very low prices for the entertainment. Roomy parking lot is very convenient, the place has a rustic "country" feel to it. Excellent food and they'll bring it outdoors to you if that's where you are. Tomorrow is super bowl Sunday and with many fine choice re where to watch the game, I;m going to the Roadhouse.
terrible service here - the waitstaff/bartender/whoever drew the short straw is inattentive every single time. waited about one hour for my mediocre fish and chips - soggy and soft, almost like a corndog! i have NEVER had fish and chips that bad. oh, then my salad came. after my entree. not the first time i ate here, not the first time i wasnt impressed, but the last for sure. also, glimpsed in the kitchen and that place is DIRTY.
Review Source:When I think of the Roadhouse I immediately smile. I have such a love for this place. Having spent every summer here since I was born I even learned to swim in their pool! Where else can you swim, water aerobics, listen to amazing live music, drink & eat amazing food and make some of the best friends a girl can ask for? Tina, Kim, Raena, Steph, Brad, Kerri, Sarah Athena, Â and everyone in the kitchen they have such a talent for making every person feel special and welcome.
They make the best food. Their nachos are insane! The specials are off the charts. Petty Theft is my favorite band to see in the summer. THey host tons of events for families and adults. If you haven't been you must get your booty in there!
Review is strictly for the bar. Oh, what a bar. Comfy, warm, inviting. Â
Wandered in at 5:45 on a Friday night and were able to claim the last two barstools (the rest of the place was fairly empty, but the barstools were hoppin'). Â Asked one of the lovely bartendresses (?) what kind of girly drink she could make and she only had to say "lemon drop" and I was sold. Hubby got some martini shmarmini...way too high brow for me. Â Both drinks were delicious. But better than that was the company of both the ladies behind the bar. Had a great conversation and when it came time for my second drink, we concocted a Malibu rum with cranberry and lime for me. Oh, I know what you're thinking - and to that I say: DON'T JUDGE ME! After talking about how great my drink was, she remembered to show me that Skinny Girl has a coconut rum and in the future I could try that. HEY - I TOLD YOU - DON'T JUDGE ME!!
Could have sat there all night long - next time we will!
After spending hours in Friday night traffic hubs and I were in need of a big meal and a stiff drink or two.
Glad we stumbled upon Rio Nido. It is off the main drag in a camping/cabin rental area. It is low key and very casual. With a full bar and menu. The outdoor patio was very inviting on a hot summer night that is where we sat.
The menu has typical bar fare, a few salads, sandwiches and pizzas. I had the special which was a warm chicken spinach salad  with bacon, onion, tomatoes and feta with an apple vinaigrette dressing. Hubs enjoyed his pizza. He said the crust was very good and the portion was large about a 12" pie. The salad was pretty good and the portion was average for an entree salad.
My rum and bacardi was strong. I must have looked like I needed it after traveling. Hubs had two draft beers and we were content.
Service was great. Our waitress was friendly and funny. We asked if they accepted plastic and her response was "Two women own this place, of course we do". Lol I love it!
There is a pool table and horse shoes for entertainment and live music some nights.
Price is average about $10.-$15.00. Total for two entrees, two draft beers and a well drink was $40.00 plus tip.
I've been coming here during the summer for over 5 years, and the Roadhouse never fails to be awesome. Rolling Stone cover bands, AMAZING wings, staff is always friendly, charming and honest. I love this town, and the Roadhouse is always has a positive vibe. Just a bunch of people from all walks of life there to have a good time at night and great for families during the day.
Review Source:This place is FUNKY, a mix of bar, restaurant and social melting pot of people that have been coming here for over 40 years! Big Brad is awesome, the staff is exceptional and you feel like family as soon as you step in the doors, the food comes in baskets ! but dont let that fool ya because Brad and the crew in the tiny kitchen know what they are doing and put out some amazing plates-------I mean baskets! the bar is old and feels good to sit at and drink! , then you look out side and see the pool with kids jumping around and the huge BBQ Pit and band stage and you realize that The Rio Nido Roadhouse makes you feel like, home, it feels good, it reminds me of when I was a kid, everyone is happy to see you, and that feels good, go there you will see
Review Source:I wasn't crazy about the tri-tip (chewwwwy), but this is a positively adorable place to drink, watch tv, and enjoy pleasant convo with the friendly bartenders, all in a cabin-setting nestled in the woods. I'll be back for a cocktail during the winter when I'm feeling like going to a cozy place, but I hear this place REALLY goes off in the summer- live music and whatnot. Excited!
Review Source:My boyfriend and I were looking for a nearby place to get some tasty food and a few beers last Friday. Fate delivered us to Rio Nido Roadhouse. Â Not only did we get some tasty food, and a few more beers than we had originally planned, but we found ourselves a really fun local hangout.
The staff at Rio Nido was so great. Â Our waitress was funny and friendly and she made some excellent beer recommendations. Â (Also, they have a wonderful selection of beers on tap.)
We ordered wings and some jalapeno artichoke dip, because we're on a health kick, you see. Â The wings were really good and crispy and the sauce was delicious. Â The dip was creamy and the chips were fresh and warm. Â
We braved the cold air and played a game of  pool, had a few more beers, and promised to come back soon and often.  Â
Then we got to talking food with the owner, Brad. Â He insisted that we try the bread pudding, a first for both of us. Â As we are not the sort of people to refuse delicious food, even when we are very full of wings and chips and beer, we agreed. Â He served us a piece with creamed spinach on top. Â It was like a slice of savory dream pie. Â
Good people. Â Great atmosphere. Â Tasty num nums. Â Can't wait to go back. Â
Thank you, Rio Nido Roadhouse. Â You taught us how to love (bread pudding.)
Blessings on the Rio Nido Roadhouse! This place has great food at good prices, lots of good brews on tap and the nicest most hospitable staff possible. Owner, Brad has welcomed all proposed events with open arms and put the entire staff at our disposal and Bar manager Kim Link has been so nice to work with at the events I've held or helped organize at the RNR. I've had breakfast lunch & dinner here several times and never been disappointed, and they pour most of my favorite beers.
There is a nice grassy area, a pool and a good-sized stage with lots of power too! So five stars as an event venue, and five stars as a watering hole and restaurant for a total of 15 stars ; )
The Roadhouse is the wrong name for this place: it should be re-named the Rio Nido Municipal Restaurant, Park, Concert Hall and Swimmin' Hole. Brad, the owner, and de-facto mayor of Rio Nido, is the one of the most stand-up individuals you will see on the Russian River, and it's nearly guaranteed he will personally assure your happiness as a guest in his town. Â
This place can be everything to everyone. There's weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. There's a bar with a drink to quench your every thirst; whether you're slamming Jack Daniels with a Johnny Cash cover band, sipping red wine to french gypsy funk, or having a sprite at a fundraiser for a school, you're sure to be happy. The menu is very accommodating to people with dietary restrictions (or interests,) and you can get just about anything you want as long as you can dream it and Brad has it on hand. There is plenty of variety, and the ingredients are of good quality. There's even a dinner special on top of the regular menu each night of the week. The first time I went they made me a special pizza with spinach and bacon in the middle of a busy concert night. How kind is that? One word of warning: The kitchen can get very busy during a show. It might take a while. No, not you or anyone you know could do it faster. Cooking 200 plates in a 100 square foot kitchen is a true test. Get your order in early, and avoid the rush.
The music is consistently good. They have TONS of bands going through here, and some are perennial acts at this place. The variety of music is once again accommodating, and there's an act everyone is sure to love.
There's music on a heated, covered patio in the winter, but the summer is the best time to spend a day here. A day? Of course! Go swimming, have a cold drink and a hot dog for lunch, dry off, put clothes on and have dinner, get to drinking and dance the night away. Don't worry, there's a taxi.
The service is always great. You'll see Kim, the manager, there often. She somehow manages all of the wild goings on with composure, and there's few bartenders more fun to get liquored up with.
Not only is this place a lot of fun, they have a clear agenda of giving back to the community in whatever way they can. The roadhouse hosts charity events consistently throughout the year. Their support of local groups and charitable causes is enough to make up for any slight flaw these other reviewers could point out.
This is a great place to go when visiting Guerneville, and if you live there, then you know already. Don't pass it by, you'll be missing something memorable. Forget what I said about renaming the place. The roadhouse IS Rio Nido.
This place is the very definition of a hidden gem. As it is set a ways back from the main road (River Rd) you could easily drive past it and never know it was there. However missing it is a huge mistake. Walking in, the Roadhouse looks a bit on the divey side, but this is part of its charm. The place is homey and everyone, both staff and customers are very friendly.
I'm not a beer drinker, but they have upwards of ten beers on tap and what seems to be a wide variety in bottles as well. They have a full bar and the bartenders are very talented. The bar itself is made out of a giant piece of redwood and is very comfortable to kick back and watch the game at.
Where this place really shines in my opinion however is the food. The menu is decently sized, not huge but not tiny, and fairly diverse. You can get your standard bar fare, wings garlic fries, burgers etc, but they also have pizzas, carnitas tacos, and artichoke dip to name a few other specialties.
I have eaten my way through most of the menu here and I have yet to find a bad, or even mediocre item. The burger is one of the best I've ever had and it alone is worth the stop. The garlic fries are flat out amazing and easily the best I've ever had. The pizzas are very good and they have a dizzying array of toppings to choose from.
The regular menu is good, and would warrant the 5 star review by itself, but the specials they put out are so good I wish I could add another star. They have daily specials, Tuesday is fish and chips, very very good, Thursday is Chicken and Waffle night, perhaps the best fried chicken I've ever had. Friday they serve prime rib, I'm not sure how they make money serving up massive slabs of meat for these prices, but I am not gonna complain.
In addition to the daily set specials they also run a ton of other specials. I've had excellent meat loaf on several occasions. They also do a weekend brunch however I have not been able to try it as of yet.
Whether your looking for dinner, an after work drink, or five, or want a place to catch the game, the Rio Nido Roadhouse has you covered. Easily my favorite Russian River haunt. All in all get in here. You won't be disappointed.
I was hesitant to write a review of the Rio Nido Roadhouse because it was one of those places I wanted to keep secret. However, I see by all the reviews that I'm too late.
If you're in the area, this place is not to be missed! It's hidden from the road so you have to keep a sharp eye out.
Best time to visit is during the fall/winter when the crowds are gone. There's ample parking and I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table.
I like to sit out back and if you ask you can bring your food and drinks and sit on one of the adirondack chairs for a tranquil, lazy lunch or dinner.
The menu is hearty and often there's a few gems, like the Carnitas which will stand up to anything in SF's mission neighborhood.
The service is friendly and the bar has a very local atmosphere with friendly folks.
There's some talent behind the bar as well, and during my visits nobody blinked twice when ordering a top shelf Negroni.
The beers change often and usually include many local brands like Boont and Racer 5.
There was also a good selection of Bourbons.
During the summer the back area is pretty crowded and there's a public swimming pool that's often packed (which I why I prefer the fall/winter). However, even in the summer if you go at night it's much more relaxed and often there's a band playing.
Anyhow, for us city folk you won't feel underserved with a visit.
Give me a BLT on a buttered roll with six slices of bacon alongside skinny, crispy fries and a garlic-y caesar salad, and I'm very happy. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Husband H. had the exact same thing and he was also taken away to Deliciousland.
This is a very rustic place. They have a pool, and what I've heard is great live music on some evenings. If we'd been staying in the area the next night (a Saturday) we certainly would have gone back again for BACON and to hear the band play.
It pays to take advice from locals. We were camping down the street at the schoolhouse campground and were directed to the roadhouse. What's not to like? A pool, live music, outdoor seating, pool table, friendly servers, beer, good food, close to the russian river? This place is a winner. I had the tri tip sandwich and very tasty. The food isn't 5 stars (3.5-4 stars) but the location and everything they offer makes it a 5. This place has a great sense of community which is something missing at most establishments. Keep up the great work, Roadhouse!
Review Source:My wife and I recently stayed in Guerneville and we scoured the internet to find a decent place to eat dinner. Â The reviews of Rio Nido Roadhouse were good, so we thought we'd give it a try. Â What a mistake. Â The food was terrible, they only had about half of the beers listed on the menu, and there were a million wet screaming kids running around. Â (They have a pool in the outdoor area.) Â Our salads were mundane and the pizza was lousy. Â The staff was very friendly though. Â This would be a good place to take kids, or to just have a few beers, but do not go for the food. Â I did like the novelty of a restaurant with outdoor Adirondack chairs and a pool, though.
(To be fair, I'll admit that we were there just after the July 4th holiday -- their performance might have been affected by the aftermath of the holiday rush.)
On our recent stay we, just a few doors down from this funky little spot, we happened in on a weekend of live music here. Despite the cover charge and the fact that we could take our own drinks to the back side of the patio and watch the band from the street, clear as day, we did enter the bar one night to take a peak and listen to some fun live music. Â We were pleasantly surprised with the entire operation. Â Staff was great, prices even better, and the place was pretty big. Â We only came for the music and drinks -but had a great time. Â If you are staying within walking distance it's a great spot for a few drinks and fun music - careful...I didn't say good music...
Review Source:I spent the Saturday night of my bachelorette party at the Rio Nido Roadhouse. We had a GREAT time. The staff is super friendly, the food is solid, the drinks are pretty cheap, and there was a Rolling Stones cover band. What more could a girl ask for?!? We sat outside on a large picnic bench with a view of the stage. If you're familiar with San Francisco, it's kind of like a gigantic Zeitgiest, but with real bikers and no hipsters :) There's also a pool there, which would be fun on a hot summer day.
The only downsides were that the fries were too salty and the bathrooms were kinda ick. But hey, I can deal with that if everything else is awesome :)
While up on the river, our neighbor told us about this great place. Â It's got a little for everyone. Â We showed up on Friday night for a live show from the Fargo Boys, in the garden. Â Drank some beer and ate some ribs. Â Kids can run around wherever they want. Â Fantastic summer evening. Â Can you tell we were on vacation?
Review Source:The Roadhouse is one of those special places that you really don't want everyone to know about cause you may not get an Adirondack on the lawn if too many people show up.
It has a public swimming pool and is perfect for families. There is also a bar, restaurant and outdoor stage for live music. Imagine that, kick back on the lawn and sip a cold beer while your kids get  to swim under lifeguard supervision (you still need to watch them of course). The whole place is fenced in and safe for little ones and in the evenings on the weekends, there is usually a band.
This place it too fun and the people who work there are all friendly. A great hang out, especially for families.
We showed up too late for the music, a little drunky, wearing big rings with blinking colored lights inside. Â Additionally I was wearing a huge pink feather boa, a wifebeater bedazzled with the word BRIDE and a fake tiara with a "veil" attached. Â Nonetheless, we were welcomed, served and even offered hula hoop lessons from the locals. Â Lots of fun!
Review Source:Went last night for some drink and dancing....this place is so relaxed and inviting....Just come as you are and enjoy being among the redwoods. Â I had the portabello mushroom sandwich, it was good, tasty, reasonable price....fries, very good....
We sat outside in cozy seats facing the stage..they even have waitresses that actually come to you! Â wow.....
the band was so fun....we danced our booties off. Â Service is good, and the staff was friendly. Â What more could you ask for on a warm Saturday night in Sonoma County. Â Check it out!
I was pleasantly surprised that RNR offered up good eats and good times. Parking was easy, the staff was very friendly, and the outdoor area was very relaxing. It's all about local flavor here...
We've been determined to spend more time locally and this experience was certainly encouraging. I'm only upset that I came to learn about their pool at the *end* of the Summer season! There's always next year...
I'm insanely picky about hot wings and these ranked very high on my "best of" list. This is saying a lot considering I had pretty much sworn off all hot wings after leaving my Chicagoland favorite behind. The thick sauce has a sweetness to them but don't be fooled, the heat kicks in soon enough and it will kick pretty hard.
The burger was on the "okay" side of the fence but the fries were outstanding (not greasy, thin, perfectly salted). Vegetarians have a couple of options and they will work with you if you're vegan.
I would certainly go back for the music and decently priced pints (lots of good picks on tap)...oh, and those oooeyeee goooeyyyee hot wings.
For a relaxed and easy-going day or evening, head to RNR!
Whether it's a day by the pool you crave (there's water aerobics classes, too!), an affordable lunch or dinner, the best Bloody Mary around, or an evening of dancing and live music, The Rio Nido Roadhouse IS the place to be!
Family friendly (lifeguard on duty, toys for the kiddie pool, a bubble table and basketball hoops!) atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious eats and a wide selection of beer.
If you're looking for an authentic experience on the Russian River -- and by authentic I mean hanging with the locs -- Rio Nido Roadhouse is the spot. Connie, Jessica and I rolled into Guerneville last night, and were immediately pointed in the direction of this place for some good pub grub.
It's a pretty divey bar and restaurant, with welcoming lady servers, great beers on tap and a big patio out back with heat lamps and lights all around. What's on the menu? Calzones, pizzas, hamburgers, fish & chips and an abundance of comfort food, fit for big stomachs and thinnish wallets. I opted for the fried chicken, fries and coleslaw and a Prohibition Ale, and while the food was not outstanding, it hit the spot after a long drive.
Warning: The regulars are VERY welcoming here. Mr. Handle Bar Mustache, while I appreciate your kind offer, no thanks.
Night One at the Russian River! Woohoo!
Thanks to the extremely friendly bartender at Rainbow down on Main St who suggested that we head over here for some good grubbin, because good grub was what we got. (Locals know best!)
The Roadhouse is tucked away from the main street, and somehow I ended up making one turn too early and completely missed it. We stopped to ask some locals to direct us to the Roadhouse and after giving us directions, he asked us if we were from SF. Was it that obvious?
When we arrived inside the divey looking bar, there were only one or two people sitting inside, including the server who was having her dinner at the end of the bar. Everyone was super friendly and made us feel really welcome. We decided to sit out in their back patio, where there were about 6 other people hanging out there. We noticed the swimming pool nearby, which is supposed to be pretty hopping during the day.
Our server recommended that we try the special of the evening (which was their honey fried chicken with mashed potatoes, biscuit and slaw), one of the pizzas or calzones and their Angus beef burger. Nicole and I went for the special, but substituted fries for the mash -- which was a great decision because their fries were so good. Jessica had one of their calzones, which was delicious. The fried chicken (it came with 4 pieces) had the crispiest skin and tender meat, and the biscuit was yummy. Thank goodness Nicole asked for butter and honey, because that made it taste even better.
They have a full bar inside, and a good selection of beers. With my recent illness, I'm staying off beer and hard liquor for a few weeks. However, Nicole had a nice pint of Prohibition Ale.
On our way out, we chatted it up with the really nice gals who served us and they gave us some fun recommendations for hotspots to check out in Sebastopol over the weekend. Of course, they asked if we were from the City. I suppose it's that obvious. I'm also looking pretty exotic in these areas.
Another jewel tucked away in the redwoods of the Russian River. Â Just outside of Guerneville it is a great destination. Â It is far enough away to feel like you are really away from the madness of the bay area, but close enough to easily be done as a day trip.
I went after a great ride up the coast on my motorcycle and could not have found a nicer spot. Â The big back patio and lawn are perfect for soaking up the sun. Â The owner / barman "Tiny" really takes care of his guests and the best surprise is how good the food is.
A place like this you expect the beer cold, and the game on the TV, but the menu is fabulous with traditional bar food and few few special items thrown in for fun. Â
Take a road trip, set for a spell, and you will be back again and again.
After spending the day in (and sometimes suddenly, sputteringly out of) canoes on the Russian River, our motley crew piled into our red, white and blue school bus (aka, The Freedom Bus) and made our way to the Rio Nido Roadhouse. Â It was the perfect end to a great day!
Nestled in among towering redwood (?) trees, the Rio Nido Roadhouse is a unique gem. Â Under new ownership and now completely renovated, there are just a few tiny tables and the bar inside. Â The real action is outside on the back patio -- or after the pool closes (what?! Â yeah, I'm getting to that...) in the big backyard area.
What it feels like to me is a rural Zeitgeist -- but the owners and bartenders are really friendly, with none of that urban attitude so many San Francisco bars seem to exude these days. Â
What makes this place so unique is the swimming pool. Â On hot summer days, it's actually pretty cool sitting out on the patio and seeing so many kids having the time of their lives. Â (I was half afraid it'd be annoying, but it wasn't at all.) Â And, if you're like some parents I know, the opportunity to pop into the roadhouse for a quick drink, while watching your kids from the patio, is a real bonus! Â You can't take your drinks off the patio and onto the lawn while the pool's open, but there's a lifeguard on duty at all times so you can enjoy your tasty beverage without worrying you might have to jump in the water to rescue little Timmy.
There's a new stage, where the new owners plan to showcase live bands -- it wouldn't *really* be a roadhouse without the occasional live blues band, would it? Â
Not far from Santa Rosa, it's a bit of a drive from San Francisco. Â But if you're in the area -- or just want to get away for the day to see live music at a real live roadhouse -- the Rio Nido Roadhouse is well worth the trip. Â Also? Â It's a beautiful drive! Â
Full disclosure: Â My girlfriend's ex-boyfriend is one of the new owners -- so I really wouldn't be saying such nice things about it if they weren't true!
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