©The Old Place

The Old Place

The Old Place feels like a frontier saloon, with the bustling noise of patrons ordering beer and a live music band outside — which comes in handy when you have to wait, although everyone here needs a reservation to get in. Bought by Hollywood actor Tom Runyon, the Old Place has been family-run for the past 50 years, with the same rustic food and warm atmosphere. Clams in broth, cheese platter, and a lot of steaks with potatoes: choose the baked version, with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. All desserts come in a skillet, but the winner is a large chocolate chip cookie with whipped cream. Coming in for brunch? The sticky-sweet homemade cinnamon buns and skillet frittatas are a must. And one last tip: any bottle bought at the winery next door can be drunk at the table for a $5 corkage fee.