The staff and owners are great! The food is fabulous, I really think the cod sandwich is a true standout. Tuesday night is locals night, with no corkage fees. It's fabulous in the summer, but cozy even now, they have tons of heat lamps! They have now added options of multiple sides with burger, sandwiches. Dog friendly as well! My new fave place!
Thomas C.
Food was amazing, everything was fresh and cooked perfectly. We also had calamari which was delicious.
Gianna C.
I went a few months back shortly after they had opened. The food is fresh, but I can't say it was outstanding or even memorable, given the hefty tab. The portions and the cost do not match up. I do hope they pay attention to the comments of other diners who express the same sentiments. The atmosphere is pleasant, but seating is basically outside. If you don't mind the hefty price tag, it's a nice place to have lunch on a sunny day.
Sue K.
OK, so, I've heard nothing but rave reviews about this restaurant. I've never eaten here before today. First, this is a walk up to the counter and order your food place, like McDonalds, second I realized that there were several dishes on the online menu that weren't offered at the restaurant. I came to Valley Swim Club because of the online menu that offered things that weren't on the actual restaurant menu. That was a disappointment. Resigned to the current restaurant menu, my friend and I both ordered the fish and chips, one of those decadent dishes you only order now and then, like biscuits and gravy. The serving of fish was the size or a small trout! However, the crispy batter on it and the fish itself were both remarkably tasteless, the "chips" were limp french fries and the coleslaw tasted like multi colored cabbage doused in vinegar. Ugh. Two orders of that, plus two tiny glasses of wine with the tip was $100. $100??? Seriously?? That was a $50 meal at best. The furniture in the primarily outside seating area is heavy and hard to move. Like, you can't move your 75lb chair without a lot of effort. The food was bad and the semi outdoor seating was cold. I'm giving this place 2 stars and not 1 because the view from the outdoor seating area is lovely.
Cindy B.
I got the cod sandwich and my son got the tuna melt, I had a bite of his and it was delicious. My cod sandwich was also delicious and I had the soft serve 1/2 and 1/2 and it was really good too. In my opinion the valley swim club is another example of food that is sourced fresh and people who care, about what they cook and the integrity of the food. I am happy we tried it and we will be back. I Think the price of food has gone up everywhere and I would rather pay more for good food than drive to an out of town to try and save a buck.
Lucas Froehlich
a genuinely perfect meal start to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eliza G.
This place is everything I want in a restaurant. The food is excellent, the staff is lovely and the ambience is awesome. we came in a large group and everyone loved what they ate. Great place to accommodate large groups, or amazing to sit and work. Don't sleep on the tuna melt or crab sandwich. Can't wait to go back.
Lauren C.
Everything was seasoned to Perfection!! Really chill place, good for friends and family. Order and sit, staff will bring out your food. Staff still comes around to make sure you have what you need. Enclosed patio for seating with lots of heating, but a spare jacket wouldn't hurt. Good food is here and waiting.
Lily Thalheimer
Just the best. We’ve been here 3x now and cannot wait to get back; every time the food has been amazing—the best lunch / brunch option in Sonoma.- lunch: We love their shrimp sopes, cashew queso, smashburger, and clams & noodles. Also anything from their specials menu; last time we got the crab, and the chicory caesar. Next on our list to try is the fish + chips which look great too- dessert: we got cookies and the soft serve with sprinkles, very yum- vibes: immaculate. It’s so well designed, airy, and cozy. Obsessed with the bathroom tooOverall, such a fun and delicious spot! We love the order at the front format; it’s perfect for an easy lunch with friends
Welcome to the biggest disappointment in the Sonoma food scene! We all expected a follow up from the success of Valley not a crash! Expensive, uninspiring and tasteless. My noodles and clams was neither pasta alla italiana nor oriental noodles with an acrid flavor. My companion "impossible burger" was...exactly that. Impossible. Served with potato chips surely from a grocery store discount bag. All served in a tin plate. The burger, the noodles, two beers and a salad came to $90.00. I cannot wish them good luck.
We wanted to love Valley Swim Club but could not. The Crab Sandwich came on a nice brioche bun but where was the crab. I would estimate less than a quarter cup of crab that was way over dressed. Then the bun also had aioli as well as 2 huge lettuce leaves, all overshadowing the tiny amount of crab. I was hoping all the lettuce was hiding crab but it was not. For $25.00 I expect a good amount of crab. My husband had the Fried Oyster Roll. He felt the oysters were not fried to order but reheated. The one thing that was good was a Cherry Limeaid. Nice selection of drinks. One other plus is you can bring your dog in. The food is not good enough for a second visit.
Rachel R.
I have been here twice now, each time with a group. It is great for groups who don't want to share a bill, because you order up front and pay first. #1) The food is delicious, seasoned to perfection, and cooked brilliantly. #2) The whole place has been revamped and the decor is hip, fresh, and reminds you of a beach spot (hence the name). #3) The service was good, and it's clear that the owners and employees take pride in their work. #4) It is a casual- counter order, sit down (mostly patio seating) and wait with your table number for your food to be delivered system. Grab your own utensils and water. #5) Here's the kicker for me, it just comes down to prices. Everything is A la carte. The burger was great, but it was 18 dollars by itself, and if you wanted a slice of tomato, it was $2.00 more. Fries? Even more. Iced tea? $6 with no refills. Now I get it, if people are willing to pay, let them! It's Sonoma! However, I'm a big believer in making people feel good about their purchases. Nothing about the portion sizes (tiny cup o' fries) or lack of tomato made me feel good, and I don't even like tomatoes! So otherwise, food alone= 5-stars!
CJ G.
Located in the former Delicious Dish location on Arnold Drive, Valley Swim Club offers a West Coast take on a typical New England seafood shack. At this fast casual establishment, the team behind Valley Bar and Bottle more successfully applies the counter service model, which is not appropriate for their other supposedly more upscale operation. With very little renovation from the previous incarnation, the dining room consists of a semi-enclosed concrete patio with hard wooden chairs and tables. Uncomfortably frigid in winter despite a few heaters, the venue leaves one longing for warmer summer days. Overlooking a field barren except for a barbed wire fence, the view does little to help the atmosphere. The limited menu has many of the offerings that you would find at a typical roadside stand on Cape Cod: clam chowder, fried oyster roll, battered cod sandwich and the like. Typical of projects from Emma Lipp, Stephanie Reagor, Lauren Feldman and Tanner Walle, prices are high, so watch your wallet. Served with potato chips, the Valley smashburger ($18, seriously?) was quite good, although the meat patty was rather small. Simply presented with white American cheese, lettuce, onion and "swim sauce" (seemingly a type of aioli), it was true to its roots. Crispy and not oily, the fried oyster mushrooms ($14) were a delicious appetizer and disappeared all too quickly. The sweet potato fries ($6) were less crisp, but still OK. Consisting simply of sushi-grade tuna mixed with nori and cucumber and topped with sesame seeds, the spicy poke bowl ($26, ouch!) was unimaginative. For the price, the portion was minuscule: do not plan on sharing, or you will leave hungry. More appropriate for lunch than dinner and definitely much more pleasurable in summer than winter, Valley Swim Club is fine, but with prices that are too high for a fast casual roadside shack with small portions.
Ana V.
I want this restaurant to do well, but they need serious help with their menu. Cod sandwich had no salt and had to be taken home in a to-go box to be re-cooked and seasoned. The other fish sandwich was not remarkable, Also the buns used on both were not great and everything slid out everywhere, which would be okay, IF it was delicious. Slaw had very little acidity, for balance, so basically not good. I would come back here in warmer weather if their kitchen got it in line and gave customers some value for their money. Otherwise, no.
Jan Chernoff
Nothing extraordinary here. Environment would be nicer in summer.
The staff and owners are great! The food is fabulous, I really think the cod sandwich is a true standout. Tuesday night is locals night, with no corkage fees. It's fabulous in the summer, but cozy even now, they have tons of heat lamps! They have now added options of multiple sides with burger, sandwiches. Dog friendly as well! My new fave place!
Food was amazing, everything was fresh and cooked perfectly. We also had calamari which was delicious.
I went a few months back shortly after they had opened. The food is fresh, but I can't say it was outstanding or even memorable, given the hefty tab. The portions and the cost do not match up. I do hope they pay attention to the comments of other diners who express the same sentiments. The atmosphere is pleasant, but seating is basically outside. If you don't mind the hefty price tag, it's a nice place to have lunch on a sunny day.
OK, so, I've heard nothing but rave reviews about this restaurant. I've never eaten here before today. First, this is a walk up to the counter and order your food place, like McDonalds, second I realized that there were several dishes on the online menu that weren't offered at the restaurant. I came to Valley Swim Club because of the online menu that offered things that weren't on the actual restaurant menu. That was a disappointment. Resigned to the current restaurant menu, my friend and I both ordered the fish and chips, one of those decadent dishes you only order now and then, like biscuits and gravy. The serving of fish was the size or a small trout! However, the crispy batter on it and the fish itself were both remarkably tasteless, the "chips" were limp french fries and the coleslaw tasted like multi colored cabbage doused in vinegar. Ugh. Two orders of that, plus two tiny glasses of wine with the tip was $100. $100??? Seriously?? That was a $50 meal at best. The furniture in the primarily outside seating area is heavy and hard to move. Like, you can't move your 75lb chair without a lot of effort. The food was bad and the semi outdoor seating was cold. I'm giving this place 2 stars and not 1 because the view from the outdoor seating area is lovely.
I got the cod sandwich and my son got the tuna melt, I had a bite of his and it was delicious. My cod sandwich was also delicious and I had the soft serve 1/2 and 1/2 and it was really good too. In my opinion the valley swim club is another example of food that is sourced fresh and people who care, about what they cook and the integrity of the food. I am happy we tried it and we will be back. I Think the price of food has gone up everywhere and I would rather pay more for good food than drive to an out of town to try and save a buck.
a genuinely perfect meal start to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is everything I want in a restaurant. The food is excellent, the staff is lovely and the ambience is awesome. we came in a large group and everyone loved what they ate. Great place to accommodate large groups, or amazing to sit and work. Don't sleep on the tuna melt or crab sandwich. Can't wait to go back.
Everything was seasoned to Perfection!! Really chill place, good for friends and family. Order and sit, staff will bring out your food. Staff still comes around to make sure you have what you need. Enclosed patio for seating with lots of heating, but a spare jacket wouldn't hurt. Good food is here and waiting.
Just the best. We’ve been here 3x now and cannot wait to get back; every time the food has been amazing—the best lunch / brunch option in Sonoma.- lunch: We love their shrimp sopes, cashew queso, smashburger, and clams & noodles. Also anything from their specials menu; last time we got the crab, and the chicory caesar. Next on our list to try is the fish + chips which look great too- dessert: we got cookies and the soft serve with sprinkles, very yum- vibes: immaculate. It’s so well designed, airy, and cozy. Obsessed with the bathroom tooOverall, such a fun and delicious spot! We love the order at the front format; it’s perfect for an easy lunch with friends
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Soft Serve, Smashburger, Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie, Crab Sandwich
Welcome to the biggest disappointment in the Sonoma food scene! We all expected a follow up from the success of Valley not a crash! Expensive, uninspiring and tasteless. My noodles and clams was neither pasta alla italiana nor oriental noodles with an acrid flavor. My companion "impossible burger" was...exactly that. Impossible. Served with potato chips surely from a grocery store discount bag. All served in a tin plate. The burger, the noodles, two beers and a salad came to $90.00. I cannot wish them good luck.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
We wanted to love Valley Swim Club but could not. The Crab Sandwich came on a nice brioche bun but where was the crab. I would estimate less than a quarter cup of crab that was way over dressed. Then the bun also had aioli as well as 2 huge lettuce leaves, all overshadowing the tiny amount of crab. I was hoping all the lettuce was hiding crab but it was not. For $25.00 I expect a good amount of crab. My husband had the Fried Oyster Roll. He felt the oysters were not fried to order but reheated. The one thing that was good was a Cherry Limeaid. Nice selection of drinks. One other plus is you can bring your dog in. The food is not good enough for a second visit.
I have been here twice now, each time with a group. It is great for groups who don't want to share a bill, because you order up front and pay first. #1) The food is delicious, seasoned to perfection, and cooked brilliantly. #2) The whole place has been revamped and the decor is hip, fresh, and reminds you of a beach spot (hence the name). #3) The service was good, and it's clear that the owners and employees take pride in their work. #4) It is a casual- counter order, sit down (mostly patio seating) and wait with your table number for your food to be delivered system. Grab your own utensils and water. #5) Here's the kicker for me, it just comes down to prices. Everything is A la carte. The burger was great, but it was 18 dollars by itself, and if you wanted a slice of tomato, it was $2.00 more. Fries? Even more. Iced tea? $6 with no refills. Now I get it, if people are willing to pay, let them! It's Sonoma! However, I'm a big believer in making people feel good about their purchases. Nothing about the portion sizes (tiny cup o' fries) or lack of tomato made me feel good, and I don't even like tomatoes! So otherwise, food alone= 5-stars!
Located in the former Delicious Dish location on Arnold Drive, Valley Swim Club offers a West Coast take on a typical New England seafood shack. At this fast casual establishment, the team behind Valley Bar and Bottle more successfully applies the counter service model, which is not appropriate for their other supposedly more upscale operation. With very little renovation from the previous incarnation, the dining room consists of a semi-enclosed concrete patio with hard wooden chairs and tables. Uncomfortably frigid in winter despite a few heaters, the venue leaves one longing for warmer summer days. Overlooking a field barren except for a barbed wire fence, the view does little to help the atmosphere. The limited menu has many of the offerings that you would find at a typical roadside stand on Cape Cod: clam chowder, fried oyster roll, battered cod sandwich and the like. Typical of projects from Emma Lipp, Stephanie Reagor, Lauren Feldman and Tanner Walle, prices are high, so watch your wallet. Served with potato chips, the Valley smashburger ($18, seriously?) was quite good, although the meat patty was rather small. Simply presented with white American cheese, lettuce, onion and "swim sauce" (seemingly a type of aioli), it was true to its roots. Crispy and not oily, the fried oyster mushrooms ($14) were a delicious appetizer and disappeared all too quickly. The sweet potato fries ($6) were less crisp, but still OK. Consisting simply of sushi-grade tuna mixed with nori and cucumber and topped with sesame seeds, the spicy poke bowl ($26, ouch!) was unimaginative. For the price, the portion was minuscule: do not plan on sharing, or you will leave hungry. More appropriate for lunch than dinner and definitely much more pleasurable in summer than winter, Valley Swim Club is fine, but with prices that are too high for a fast casual roadside shack with small portions.
I want this restaurant to do well, but they need serious help with their menu. Cod sandwich had no salt and had to be taken home in a to-go box to be re-cooked and seasoned. The other fish sandwich was not remarkable, Also the buns used on both were not great and everything slid out everywhere, which would be okay, IF it was delicious. Slaw had very little acidity, for balance, so basically not good. I would come back here in warmer weather if their kitchen got it in line and gave customers some value for their money. Otherwise, no.
Nothing extraordinary here. Environment would be nicer in summer.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5