Fern Bar sits at the heart of The Barlow and quietly does some of the best drinks in Sonoma County. The cocktail program leans garden-to-glass — herbs and produce sourced close to home, plus a genuinely good non-alcoholic list for anyone sitting out a night of wine tasting. The food menu holds its own too, with organic, locally sourced small plates built for a long evening at the bar rather than a quick bite. Most nights bring some kind of live music, making it an easy pick after a day of wine tasting or hiking the Barlow’s outdoor spaces. The space is warm and a little moody — good lighting, a proper bar to lean on, plenty of outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. Go early evening for a calmer happy-hour feel, or later on a weekend for the full live-music crowd. Reservations are smart on weekends since it’s one of the most popular spots in the Barlow after dark, but walk-ins can usually find a seat at the bar itself.
