Aquatica
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
10439 Hwy 1Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 865-2251
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Aquatica
Review Highlights
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"The stage/deck overlooks the Russian River and is the..." In 5 reviews -
"...delicious and super fresh clam chowder and crab sandwiches." In 8 reviews -
"note*** This place is cash only." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Cee P.
San Jose, CA
1/13/2012
Great service!
Awesome location! Right off the river
and the best crab panini, ever!
I will drive to Jenner simply for that sandwich. -
Review from Des D.
Corte Madera, CA
4/11/2012
The views alone make this a must seek out restaurant, right on the mouth of the Russian River.
Food was excellent - clam chowder and crab sandwiches were all that folks rave about. Limited seating inside with a good number of tables outside.
Staff is friendly.
The one issue, they don't accept cards and the ATM on the premises charges $2.50 for a max of $40 dispensed (6.75%). BRING CASH!
I will definitely make a return visit. -
Review from Kelley M.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2011
This coffee house is an oasis on the Hwy 1 drive. However, we just stayed in Jenner for the Thanksgiving holiday so we were able to enjoy the coffee here daily and I have to say it could be SOOOO much better. Perhaps having no competition has led to some slackness on the proper way to make an espresso drink and/or perhaps their machine needs servicing. My coffees each day were WAY TOO hot and they lacked the appropriate flavor for the drink ordered. On our last day the mocha I ordered was just undrinkable. I would have asked for a remake but we got the coffee to go and were on our way to the beaches to run the doggies.
What this place does having going for it are the delicious homemade cookies and especially the scones in the am. We did not have lunch there but it looked fairly good from the menu.
The staff was always great. Met you with a smile and they were pleasurable to chat with. The music in the cafe was great and the interior was clean. The place had very limited inside seating for the cold months but lots of outdoor seating for the warm days. The view and the seating outside were great on the days it was warm enough. You could sit by the riverside and watch the seals.
Of all the things I can recommend to this place it would be first and foremost to get a thermometer to use for heating milk.
Stay cool. -
Review from Jean L.
Syria, VA
4/11/2012
Yes! Vegans! They have amazing bread and fresh vegetables and nice people serving you, but the BEST was the vegetarian sandwich... Hummus, sprouts, cucs, lettuce... We drove all day yesterday and couldn't find a non-meaty/cheesy/slathered in mayo sandwich.
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Review from Scott G.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
Drive up the windin' 1 and you'll pass the town of Jenner, CA. Keep your eyes peeled - you may not even realize you passed it! "Downtown"(population under 200) can't be more than 100 yards long, but there's a hidden jewel tucked away along the Pacific coast.
The jewel's name is Aquatica, a small shack that serves up some delicious and super fresh clam chowder and crab sandwiches! Amazing views of the coast with outdoor benches, friendly service, you just can't go wrong! -
Review from Thanh T.
Hayward, CA
11/28/2011
Worth a stop for the back porch for the view and a conversation or two if time permits.
The clam chowder was interesting, a little different from the average variety. Sandwiches were pretty good until a few more bites because it gets pretty salty.
For those who appreciate aesthetics they had some pretty unique music playing and the interior is quaint and decorated.
Everything taste pretty fresh and is supposed to be local. -
Review from Steven P.
Pleasanton, CA
6/18/2011
Nice little place to take a break after riding the motorcycles on the curvy roads.
Nice staff and good little treats to eat. Lots of coffee drinks and even some healthy stuff!
The view on the back deck is the best! Check it out sometime. -
Review from Adam X.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2011 3 photos
5 Star Cafe?
Yup. Everything here is local, from the coffee (its roasted locally), to all the pastries. And there is no better setting on the coast to stop for a spell.
i have a friend who is a yogi/masseuse in Point Arena (Mendocino), and i head up for long weekends from SF to re-energize. I rarely miss a chance to stop at Cafe Aquatica either on the way up, or back if I'm heading down in the morning. I often don't even get coffee in SF so i can hold off to stop here.
Its that great. -
Review from Brandon C.
San Ramon, CA
6/13/2011
Awesome location with a killer view and great service. We did not eat food here, but the other patrons' food looked great.
The Go Bananas coffee drink shake was fantastic. It is vanilla ice cream, a banana and a shot of espresso. It was heaven and I only had a few sips from a friend's drink. I would go back for the view and the drink alone. -
Review from David G.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/6/2011
There are not many choices in Jenner, but you are really not that far from population centers, so this may be a place to miss unless you are very hungry. The only recommendation is the view, which, on a decent day may be worth a look see and perhaps a coffee. The menu if very limited. The clam chowder was watery and sandy, and really not worth eating.
I was not expecting much, but got even less. If Aquatica were located in a town of even 5000 people, it would not rate better than two stars. Sorry. -
Review from Jeffrey S.
Midvale, UT
9/30/2010
Part of the fun of driving up the coast on California's Highway 1 is discovering all the little surprises like Aquatica along the way.
Aquatica is a funky little cafe in the town of Jenner (population 250). The city sits just north of where Highway 116 ends on Highway 1 at the tailwaters of the Russian River as it empties into the ocean. Aquatica gives you a front row seat to the scenery with seating on the outdoor patio, the lawn, and a small deck that nearly touches the water.
Inside you'll find some very friendly people with a small (cash only) menu of coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and a few other simple items. I went with a simple grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of clam chowder. The sandwich was simple--maybe a little too much so--but very tasty. The chowder was chock-full of chowdery goodness. Celery, carrots, plenty of clam and made fresh each day with all organic ingredients.
After we ate we sat on the deck and just watched the kayakers paddle up and down the river, and soaked up some sun. Very good food, but add the setting and you get a perfect little spot for lunch. -
Review from Alison Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2011 2 photos
I find myself in Jenner quite a bit more often than the average San Francisco resident.... or at least that's my guess. For whatever reason, Jenner is on my regular list of destinations, either as a place to go on a day trip or to spend a long weekend in one of its amazing little vacation rentals.
And in a town of not very many people and not much else, Cafe Aquatica is more than enough reason to find yourself in Jenner. On a sunny day, sit outside by the Russian River, in view of Goat Rock beach, and enjoy a delicious freshly-made sandwich and a coffee. If you're lucky, get there right as they take the chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and melt into cookie bliss.
The ONLY downfall is that sometimes, when there is the perfect alignment of good weather, a Saturday, and lunch time, you might wait a loooooooooooong time before your sandwich is ready. Because often there is only one person behind the counter, and since they make every sandwich fresh, if there are a few groups ahead of you in line... well, go grab a chair in the sun outside and practice your patience. Don't worry, it's worth it. -
Review from Lor M.
Citrus Heights, CA
12/9/2009 1 photo
This is a very cute place. It is open from 8-4 (not 4-8 as another review mentioned).
Their clam chowder is generously seasoned and was quite enjoyable to eat on the grassy area overlooking the Russian River. There is indoor seating, wind-protected outdoor seating and picnic benches and chairs on a grassy area with a fantastic view.
The service was very personable and time just kind of slows down there. It was very relaxing and cozy. Our food was brought to us outside even though there was only one person working.
Will definitely be coming back here next time we are in town. It was a very enjoyable experience. -
Review from Michael S.
Sebastopol, CA
8/3/2010
Stumbled onto this place as I work out along the coast.
Friendly little place that unites not only those who live in the area, but those who travel through. Everyone in Aquatica is extremely friendly; both the locals and those who work there. The coffee is excellent, pastries are dangerous, and there's also a great selection of food stocked up in the refrigerator. A point is made of baking fresh cookies and brownies everyday.Their sandwiches are creative and delicious and people will go out of their way for the Clam Chowder. Furthermore, the owner recently built a small stage/deck for bands to play during the weekends. The stage/deck overlooks the Russian River and is the perfect place to sit on a sunny day. The Baristas are all cute too! After all of that, what else do you want in a coffee shop?!
Aquatica is also really the only social center in an otherwise quiet and tiny community. It creates a good forum for those who live in Jenner, who are traveling through, and most importantly for those who work in the area. -
Review from patrick r.
Oakland, CA
6/18/2009 2 photos
This wonderful stop up hwy 101 offers spectacular views of the Russian River as it flows into the Pacific Ocean, a barista that takes pride in ever cup of coffee that he turns out, and food that is reasonably priced and tastes really good to boot.
After a couple of double expresso's, always ready for whatever the coast has to offer. Great place, with great views, a coast treasure. On the left side of hwy as you head north up hwy 101, just as you enter Jenner, just before the post office.
So sit down outside, sit and relax and watch the river flow to the sea. -
Review from me y.
Santa Rosa, CA
1/3/2010
***note*** This place is cash only. They do have a generic ATM machine just inside the door but I'm not sure what the fee is to make a withdrawal.
Stopped by this afternoon for lunch with my family as we headed out to the beach, after first checking this place out by fellow Yelpers.
We had sandwiches; one ham, the other turkey. They were delicious. Fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes, yummy bread, and generous amount of thick cut meat. My son got the chowder, and loved it, I tasted it and concurred. The chowder is very very good.
We ate outside on a picnic table which was very nice, clean and relaxing with a nice river view.
lunch for the three of us; sandwiches, chowder, chips, three drinks and a little tip in the tip jar was $40. Not bad
In my opinion this is a must if your headed to the beach. -
Review from Xinwei L.
Berkeley, CA
8/17/2011
I enjoyed the view a lot however the food is just so so. Service is also not great -- I ordered green tea but got black tea instead. She also forgot about my bagel until I asked 10 minutes ago.
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Review from Dragonfly C.
Santa Rosa, CA
2/12/2011 1 photo
This is my favorite coastal haunt! I love sitting with my cup of favorite tea, watching the birds, and sea lions play at the river's end. Just me and my kindle on a mini vacation who knew a day could be so rejuvenating. Wonderful staff, great sandwiches who could ask for more.
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Review from Luke W.
San Ramon, CA
2/21/2011
Delicious breakfast sandwiches and good coffee with amazing views. Cash only though.
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Review from Eden S.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010
Cafe Aquatica is a hidden gem. Situated next to a realty office and a roadside gift shop across the street from a gas station you might think you're going to get stale coffee and unimaginative/tasteless grub. We wandered over here after I was unable to eat breakfast at our B&B. My experience at the Jenner Inn had soured my outlook so I was expecting the worst when I wandered into Aquatica. They had pastries, breakfast burritos and a breakfast sandwich. The breakfast sandwich was served on sourdough so I could eat it! The two eggs are microwaved up fresh and the bread toasted and finished in a pannini press. It hit the spot. I returned the following day for another. My fiance - on a quest for the best clam chowder - ordered the clam chowder the first day. As another reviewer mentioned it was generously seasoned and he enjoyed it very much.
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Review from wckdkoolbtxh m.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2009
sensational sandwhixhs, attentive staff, lovely artwork, inspiring conversation...***and*** de.li.cous hot coco. haute damn.
~for what more could a lady of the coastal influence ask???~
(a: a less annoying ocean)
cheers,
wkb -
Review from Randy R.
Flint, TX
5/24/2011
"Hole-in-the-wall" type place in a spectacular setting with great views of the river. As noted by others, the chowder is superb--cream-based with plenty of crab, potatoes, celery and finished with spicy paprika. The dungeness crab sandwich is very good too. Don't miss the "Go Bananas" cold coffee drink. I was hesitant at first, but the mix of a shot of espresso, banana and vanilla ice cream is unbelievable and addictive.
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Review from Doug L.
Sebastopol, CA
5/30/2010
I love this place!, The service and the food is always great and Aron really does a great job in making you feel right at home when ever you visit.
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Review from Nelson L.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2009
The clam chowder is da BOMB! Great little sandwich place. Friendly staff, outdoor seating next to the river with the Jenner Tourist Information station close by.
