Blue Heron Restaurant and Tavern
| Address: | 25300 Steelhead Blvd, Duncans Mills, CA 95430, USA |
| Phone: | +1 707-865-2261 |
| Site: | blueheronrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 3–11PM 3–11PM 3–11PM 3–11PM 3–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 22
ST
stephendavidgross
Ive had a love affair with the Blue since its inception, and I haven’t always been drawn to it but the last few years, under the guidance of Tom OBrien it’s morphed into a total delight - almost a sanctuary, a friendly roadhouse full of loving, albeit noisy people who all seem to be related to one another. Moonlight travelers who drop in are soon adopted by the attendant family and before long, feel at home. There are dinner specials on some nights, $10 Lasagne, $11 Meatloaf Dinners. And beyond the bar is an expansive and comfy wood-accented dining room. But what I like best is the live music. Usually four or five days a week local virtuosos drop by and thrill the room. These are often well-known musicians who know half the people in the room and it’s always free. In the warm seasons, there’s live music on the outdoor stage, beyond the dance floor which borders a patio with shade umbrellas and several long wooden tables. It’s a country roadhouse fantasy, beer and oysters on the outdoor grill, table service against a backdrop of green hills and cooled by its nearness to the coast. Family-friendly, casual and a very familial atmosphere. The staff and owner Tom O’Brien are friendly, helpful and focused. There are more good qualities but you may choose to discover them yourselves!
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Nicholas The Tennis Rat
I really love this restaurant. The location, first of all, is so charming. Duncan Mills is a quaint little hamlet nestled in the hills amidst tiny dairy farms. The restaurant overlooks the Russian River (I think; Ive only been there at night). Anyhow, it is a pleasant interior, with a perfect ambiance balance between romantic and casual. There is a bar attached to the restaurant from which live music is heard, which is sometimes good and other times bad. Now the food, at last: I have only gotten the fish and chips here, and it was by far the best fish and chips I have ever had! I imagine its what you would get from the best places in London, even. The fries are very good, but the fish is of course what people order, and it is whats most impressive. So crisp and juicy, and not overly oily. It was just delectable both times for me. Dont go in expecting to be charioted away to heaven as you bite into it, though. You must bring in with you "the purple light" *, and then the food will be all the more transporting. * As Charlotte said of her sister Emily Bronte
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Cior Wills
I usually like a local or dive bar, but listening to the owner/manager defend his views about hitting women I had a hard time stomaching my meal. The meal itself didnt make up for the conversation, not that you can really do that when the topic is violence. Im sure a lot of nice folks go here and perhaps the owner/manager exercises better judgement when sober? As a girl new to the river community, I wont be going back to see. Just not worth it when the establishment itself feels unsafe or unsavory. Who even says that kind of stuff anymore? I wish I were joking about this. Other patrons in the bar even asked him to consider his position, but he really dug in and even went on to describe an event when a woman "accidentally" made contact with his hand. At 6pm it wasnt something I could brush off as loose bar talk...
KE
Kevin Van Alden
Been there several times for cod fish and chips and they are absolutely the best Ive ever eaten, the fries are superb but the fish is to die for. It comes fresh off the boats out of Bodega Bay every day and its just incredible, flaky white meat, perfectly cooked and lightly coated and the crust stays crispy even when drenched in malt vinegar. The music is sometimes bad but it usually rocks and the dining areas are separated from the bar and stage if you just want to dine and you can barely hear the music so it doesnt matter anyway. The wait staff are very friendly and served us well and there was not a long wait for anything, the service was relaxed but prompt and it never felt rushed. For $42. the two of us each had our own huge platter of fish, chips, and cole slaw with a Stella Artois and a Lagunitas.
ER
eric monette
I have been here many.. many times.. Over the last 15 yrs. Both week days and weekends. The food is always great! Service is good even with a weekend croud. Great beer selection. All drinks as well. U have to come enjoy the great live bands on weekends on the summer patio/dance floor! EVERYBODY feels welcome to dance! Try the Bad Ass Bbq oysters! To die for!
KR
Krishna Jon
A local Watering Hole thats been around for decades serving good food and good drinks. Beautiful country views and solid California style food. Its an old wooden building and is well-loved by locals. The kitchen stays solid as does the bar. And you really cant go wrong with any of those standards or the special.
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Steven Budden
Delicious place for self indulgence. 3 Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese and Salmon Fish and Chips were wonderful. Also had a burger and onion rings once, which were top notch too. Again, dont go here if you want health food. But if you want to indulge in comfort food, it is a great place.
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Kris Hach
Best fish and chips I have ever had and excellent salads. Great local tavern that does get busy, dont expect fast food wait times when the bar and restaurant are full!
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Terry Adams
Dive, expensive junk food. Took a gamble AGAINST what locals told me, my mistake. My teen daughter summed it up best, "skuzzy people, skummy place, and sucky food."
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Randy Lewis
Food was only so, so - took FOREVER to get the food - gave us a "side salad" as a sorry - dropped over $200 and it was a very poor experience.
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Calder Hutcheson
After a long wait for my take-out burger, I found the quality to be very good. 3 bucks for a canned soda is kinda steep though
AN
Anne Petersen
Friendly people, good music and I love the Salmon Fish n chips! My home away from home up the River.
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Kathleen Cochrane
Great outdoor patio, cozy friendly bar, great quiet dining room with beautiful view. Great food!
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Jeffrey Clark
Nice atmosphere. Outdoor dinning with live music some days.
MA
Marilyn Wheatley
Friendly. Good bar and Food. Beautiful drive to get there.
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Rob Hawks
Outdoor seating the perfect thing on a warm and sunny day
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Joel Higuera
Excellent food and friendly staff! Reasonably priced.
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Blythe Stanley
Nice local place but a bit pricey for what you get.
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James Peck
Pliny. Pliny. Pliny. Live music. Good times.
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nick nesbitt
Great local spot. Tourists need not apply.
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Matt Dawson
Good food, good drinks, good people
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Kimm Munson
Great food & atmosphere
