KELSEYVILLE — At the beginning of the town of Kelseyville, on Main Street, in the shadow of a giant oak and redwood tree, sits the county’s longest standing destination restaurant, its large porch wrapped by wisteria, with the unusual name of Saw Shop. With a name like that, new visitors might think it’s rustic on the inside, however the mostly wood decor is elegant and polished, with wine glasses on each table, a bar made out of a black walnut tree found in Upper Lake. The walls of the Saw Shop are lined with art by local artists, adding to the ambiance.
Owner Marie Beery had been very involved in the wine country of Lake County as she worked for Sonoma County Kendall-Jackson for 16 years. Both Beery and her former husband then started Steele Wines in 1991. By 2001 they had parted ways and she discovered the Saw Shop, which was originally a shop that sold paint and saws and repaired them and was known around town simply as the Saw Shop.
Beery bought it, rehabbed it, and opened it as an art gallery July 1, 2001. It was not long after that a chef convinced her that the space would be perfect for a restaurant. Hence the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro was born.
Local John Clarke’s art work was the first art hung on the walls. His giant watercolors on silk currently adorn the walls. Beery said she doesn’t take a commission from any of the artists as she knows the struggles they go through.
Robb Gonzales, the general manager for almost three year says, “The lake is our big draw. We usually have about 60 percent locals come here, with 40 percent tourists.”
“We’re a community fixture,” said Beery, “a place kind of like the old TV program Cheers, where people gather and socialize.”
Beery’s menu consists of dishes created by Chef Sergio Ramos. On it they have appetizers, salad, handhelds, pasta and entrees. Some favorites are Guacamole Black Bean Burger, Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza, Bruschetta Chick Pasta and Corneal Crusted Halibut.
Chef Ramos proudly says, “We’re really great at making everything from scratch. Anything you’re going to get on your plate, we made here. We fabricated it, we created it all. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally. We even get our meat from Six Sigma Ranch.” His sous chef, Issie Negrete, he said, “Is really good at making the flavor combinations I want come into a dessert.” Currently the most popular dessert is Snickerdoodle Creme Brûlée.
They also have an extensive wine list, which consists of 98 percent Lake County wines. “I’m a big promoter of Lake County wines and have a good working relationship with the wineries,” said Berry, showing off her list with mid-priced wines.
Special promotions consist of $5 Tuesdays with a smaller tapas menu and on Thursdays there’s live music. This Thursday featured the Psychedellos.
Sitting on the porch for their meal, surrounded by the wisteria that clings to the porch, Angel Flores, 24, was at the Saw Shop for the first time. She was on a first date with Marcus Humphrey, 31, and said the restaurant is, “Cute and tucked away.” Humphrey has been to the Saw Shop several times because he likes the food and the staff.
Kathleen McVey, from Hidden Valley Lake, opted to sit inside in the cool of the air-conditioning. She said, “I’ve been here before and I like the quality of the food. They change the menu, which keeps me interested. It all looks good!” Her friend Lyn Willis from Lakeport had never been to the Saw Shop. “It’s my first time and it’s quaint and the menu looks intriguing.”
“We also have what we call The Backroom that is a separate area of the restaurant that’s rented out for special dinners, parties, even birthday parties,” said Beery. In that back area is a smoker for the meat that’s served on Wednesday nights, along with a vegetable garden.
As if Beery’s job as owner, hostess and customer service person doesn’t keep her busy enough, she said she’s involved with the Lake County Wine Auction fundraiser where one-third of the money raised goes to high school arts programs, one-third goes to five fire districts, and the other third goes to small programs such as Meals on Wheels and Tango Mike, among others.
She said that after 18 years, she’s still passionate about the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro. It’s her gathering place as well.
The Saw Shop Gallery Bistro is located at 3825 Kelseyville. Open 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. (707) 278-0129.
