Get Smart

EATING AND DRINKING ALONG THE SMART TRAIN LINE

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART) train began alleviating traffic congestion along the 101 Corridor and lessening the region’s carbon footprint in August 2017. Since I mostly work from home, my walkable commute meant I had not yet ridden the train when I accepted the assignment to write this article, but I was eager to explore this modern version of the romanticized mode of transit—as were my 8- and 10-year old boys.

With the opening this past December of the SMART Train’s Larkspur station, a quick stroll from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, it is easier (and faster) than ever to travel from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, and vice versa. The train and ferry schedules are synched up with commuters in mind, but, as we discovered, there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way. And to ride the SMART train just for the pleasure of it.

Earlier this year, with Woody Guthrie’s “This Train is Bound for Glory” in our hearts and our eyes on our region’s expansive foodshed, we set out to ride the rails, exploring the edible and potable options within walking distance from each of the current SMART train stations.

From its origin point at Larkspur on the shores of the San Francisco Bay to its current terminus at the Sonoma County Airport, the SMART route glides by dining and drinking hubs including the downtowns of San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma and Santa Rosa, making it the ideal way to access popular hot spots without parking hassles, or concerns about driving after enjoying a glass or two of the region’s renowned potent potables.

Additional stations—Windsor (which is fully funded), Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Petaluma North (for which funding is incomplete) are anticipated—but the failure of Ballot Measure “I” this past March, which would have renewed SMART’s ¼ cent retail sales transaction tax, combined with the decline in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may curtail expansion plans, at least in the short term.

As of this writing, many restaurants along the SMART train route are open for curbside pickup, and a significant number also offer outdoor dining. Masks and social-distancing protocols are now required of all SMART train passengers, both on the train and at the station. Please check the websites of the stops on our list for their updated hours and COVID-19-specific protocols.