In early 2025, two distinct dining establishments—Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse and Cock Robin—solidified their presence in the culinary scene. Nestled in picturesque Jenner and bustling Sebastopol respectively, these venues have carved out unique niches with their diverse offerings. Jilly’s offers a rustic patio overlooking the Russian River, serving hearty comfort food, while Cock Robin brings a fast-casual burger experience to The Barlow. Both restaurants have refined their menus over time, appealing to a broad audience.
Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse provides an inviting atmosphere that blends natural beauty with homey charm. Perched along Highway 1 in Jenner, this eatery boasts panoramic views of the Russian River as it flows toward the Pacific Ocean. Owner Jill Lippitt infuses warmth into the establishment by personally greeting guests and sharing her vibrant background as both a community organizer and spiritual guide. Taking over from previous owners who ran a pay-what-you-want restaurant, she introduced a menu featuring weekly specials ranging from barbecue delights to Asian-inspired rice noodle bowls. Under chef Tommy Hickox's direction, the menu now includes smashburgers adorned with caramelized onions and house-made sauces, buttermilk fried chicken served with slaw and fries, and barbecue brisket sandwiches.
The restaurant also caters to brunch enthusiasts with classic dishes like eggs Benedict, veggie scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes, and biscuits smothered in pork sausage gravy. On cooler days, indoor seating offers a cozy ambiance with blue-checked tablecloths and large windows framing breathtaking vistas. Beverages include beer, wine, ciders, and other chilled options available near the entrance. Brunch hours run from Saturday and Sunday mornings until early afternoon, whereas lunch and dinner service extend across weekends.
Meanwhile, Cock Robin has established itself as a lively fast-casual spot within Sebastopol’s renowned Barlow marketplace. Spearheaded by entrepreneur Barney Aldridge and former Easy Rider chef Jared Rogers, this expansive 4,000-square-foot venue pays homage to Aldridge's cherished childhood haunt in Naperville, Illinois. Despite initial hiccups involving long queues and inconsistent quality at its debut, the restaurant has since enhanced several key items on its menu. Notable favorites include the Classic Robin burger, Wisconsin Burger topped with local cheese curds and tomato pork jam, and a crispy chicken sandwich layered with bacon, avocado, pepper Jack cheese, and a zesty kick from Frank’s RedHot sauce. Milkshakes remain reliably satisfying additions to meals.
Avoid dipping sauces such as the overly complex pistachio Romesco paired with fries, which detracts from the straightforward appeal of quick-service dining. Additionally, feedback suggests improvements could be made regarding the ranch dressing option; perhaps incorporating nearby Acre Pizza's exceptional homemade version would elevate customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, given its prime location amidst The Barlow's sprawling outdoor marketplace, Cock Robin holds immense potential for continued growth.
Together, Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse and Cock Robin exemplify how thoughtful adaptations can transform fledgling enterprises into beloved fixtures within their communities. Their commitment to refining offerings ensures patrons enjoy memorable experiences rooted in regional flavors and personalized touches. Whether savoring scenic views alongside comforting cuisine or indulging in convenient yet flavorful fare amidst lively surroundings, these establishments cater admirably to diverse tastes and preferences.