Lack of accessible food options
– Random local in a grocery store line
Next to housing some locals may find the lack of accessible food options being one of the most limiting factors of Mendocino’s North Coast. Whether it be high prices, or extremely difficult to meet peek demands, we have seen lots of disappointments related to food expectations in this beautiful place. McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell are examples of the only fast food on the entire Mendocino North Coast. All three of these fast-food locations are located in Fort Bragg. There are a couple other local businesses that we also feature on our fast-food page.
Beer
If high calorie cuisine, and beer are on your agenda then set your sights on Fort Bragg. With three breweries and fried fish galore, Downtown Fort Bragg and The Noyo Harbor can get you there! Please drink responsibly. There are very limited options for hired transportation such as Uber, or a taxi.
wAndering through the woods
If wine is your thing stop at some wineries in the Anderson Valley and look ahead for corkage fees if you’re planning to eat out. Nothing impresses a romantic get-a-way partner like bringing their favorite wine to a dinner that you planed just for them! If you miss the wineries Harvest Market has a great selection of local wines, and gourmet cheeses to pair with them.
Maximize your time and understand your surroundings.
Peak summer holidays can really strain the local eating establishments. We recommend planning around off-peak hours if you are trying to maximize your Mendocino time outdoors. Picnicking can offer up a lot of stress-free eating options. If you really want to get a feel for how the postindustrial locals eat then check out Corners of the Mouth in Mendocino, or Down Home Foods in Fort Bragg. Harvest Market has the most to offer and they have a store in the Historic Mendocino village, and a store in the Boatyard Plaza which is in Fort Bragg. All three of these stores offer some of the most unprocessed organic cold self-serve local options.
The real secret sauce is in finding the best benefit functions that have food. We have quite an amazing multi-generational local culture that relies on fundraising to support most of our rural infrastructure such as education, fire departments, animal control, and health care. In addition to these infrastructural elements, our local businesses get to showcase their goods, while supporting other important fundraising efforts that support the arts and other important philanthropic programs on the Mendocino North Coast. Several of these events have local music, and silent auctions that feature rare wines and other amazing local goods.
The community organizations, the volunteers, and the local service staff depend on your visits to Mendocino’s North Coast. Tourism is many people’s only means of financial support. Please pay homage and respect to the custodians of the Redwood Forest. We thank you for your support and respect for where we live.
