Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ

What it's like

Bounty Hunter is part wine bar, part bottle shop and part barbecue restaurant, in a historic building from 1880 on First Street. The wine list is the unusual part: more than 400 highly allocated wines on the shelves, 25 poured by the glass, and a large selection of American whiskeys. It is loud, friendly and unpretentious.

Who it's best for

Groups who want a casual meal with serious wine, and visitors who are curious about bottles that are hard to buy elsewhere. It is a good pick for a lively lunch or early dinner, and it works well if some of your group cares more about barbecue than about wine.

What to order & how to book

The kitchen is built around smoked meats: ribs, brisket and pulled pork are the core of the menu, and beer can chicken is the dish the place is known for. Wednesdays bring $14 Bounty Bargain Bites, and Friday is prime rib night, when reservations are recommended. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 5 pm. You can reserve online through OpenTable or by calling 707.226.3976.

Hours are 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday. The shop side sells curated wines and spirits, handy if you want to take a bottle home.

How it fits into a day

Bounty Hunter closes earlier than most downtown restaurants, so it works best as lunch or an early dinner. Pair it with an afternoon on First Street and the Oxbow district nearby. Because wine is the point here, plan a rideshare or a designated driver.