Sebastopol’s Barlow is having its closeup moment. After some stunning lows over the years — namely the 2019 flood that left shops and restaurants literally underwater — the sprawling outdoor marketplace is suddenly a poster child for outdoor entertainment in the pandemic age.

Restaurants are bustling, as are tap rooms, tasting rooms and stores as Bay Area visitors, locals and anyone in need of a little vitamin D with their craft brew gather, socially distanced, for a much-needed outing.

– Read more: Sonoma Magazine

Blue Ridge Kitchen™ will soon be opening in the former Zazu space in the Barlow.

Describing the menu as “California comfort food with a Southern drawl,” General Manager Eric Zahra (Real Restaurants group, Piatti) heads up an all-star cast that includes Virginia native Jared Rogers (Guesthouse, Picco) as consulting chef and Matt D’Ambrosi (recently of Spoonbar, Harmon Guesthouse and Pizzando). The restaurant is undergoing a makeover, which includes a showpiece J&R live fire grill but maintains the open, airy vibe of the space.

– Read more: Sonoma Magazine

Sebastopol's industrial outdoor market, The Barlow, is getting two new tenants this month. 

The 12-acre industrial outdoor market offering local shops, food and drinks will be home to a wine co-op and new restaurant even with new mandates that restrict indoor dining in restaurants and bars.

– Read more: 7X7