The Lemoneer

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So, I've been experimenting with a new little drink that I'd like to share with you. I think you'll really like it. It's cool, refreshing and different. It' the Lemoneer. You can make one yourself; it's quite easy, you know. If you go to a place like In 'N Out, you can make one at the soda fountain. Bypass the Diet Coke and the Dr. Pepper.  The Lemoneer is simply half lemonade and half root beer.
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 There you go, add the Root Beer! Now you're all set.
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So good!
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So, if you were wondering what kind of cocktail this might make, I will tell you this: it makes an amazing cocktail. A variation on the dark and stormy, the light and breezy is exactly that. Here it's depicted in a Collins glass. Try it sometime!

Fremont Diner

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The best thing about The Fremont Diner is that you don't have to go to Fremont to get there. Instead, you'll find it in Sonoma—if you don't drive right past it, that is. This unassuming Highway 121 retreat maintains a low profile. But when you pass it, turn around and go back; you won't be disappointed.

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Sitting outside on the green-blue picnic benches, with the official start of Summer a couple weeks away, I was compelled to have their hot dog, which was grilled to perfection and the bun was nicely toasted, too. Other items my friends ordered looked really tasty, like the mini fried chicken sandwich. I may have to get that one next time.

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Great crumbly cornbread, Batman! Oh, that's supposed to be a dollop of honey next to the butter.

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Came back later for a milkshake. Yum!

.The Fremont Diner - 2660 Fremont Dr - Sonoma, CA 95476

Leopold's

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It's hard to believe that you're still in Russian Hill when you walk into Leopold's, an Austrian restaurant on Polk Street. The decor, staff, and ambient music would have you believe you're closer to the Viennese Alps than the Sierras. Get here early as it fills up fast. (Like no later than 6:30 on a weekday.) If not, you'll have to summon a good deal of Teutonic perseverance.

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Great selection of beers. Featured above is the Stiegl.

The schnitzel was super delicious and the jam was a nice touch.

Spruce

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A little pricey, yes, but the accurately—if uninspired—named Spruce Burger at Spruce is a delicious indulgence.

If you haven't made reservations, you can always sit at the bar if there is an opening.  Also, the cocktail/lounge area is fair game for dining, as well, which is where I sat on this visit. There's also a giant framed photograph of the back of a man's head.

The Red Door Cafe

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I really don't know where to begin with this one. What do you get when you cross a Cuban diner with Pee-Wee's Playhouse? Why, it must be The Red Door Cafe. And like a playhouse, it comes with its own rules: No waiting in line with corporate/chain coffees, no attitude, no whining. Ahmed, the colorful proprietor, will enforce these rules by bouncing you out of there. Your long wait in line could very well be expedited by the rule-breakers in front of you. Once inside this tiny curiosity, you'll be treated to some interesting takes on Cuban fare. The Red Door Cafe 1608 Bush St

 

The Country Boy

 

The Red Door

 

Amhed