Not every Triple D stop is just a TV appearance. Some are personal. The Russian River Pub in Forestville, California falls squarely into that second category. When Guy Fieri featured it in Season 1, Episode 12 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “American Cookin’,” aired July 30, 2007 — he called it one of his favorite California hangouts of the last ten years. This was his show, and he was already a regular here before the cameras ever showed up.
That kind of backstory doesn’t come along often. The Russian River Pub isn’t just a place Guy found on the Triple D trail. It’s a place he genuinely loved, and it shows in the way the episode played out — and in the fact that he’s come back to feature it twice more since.
Quick Facts:
Restaurant: Russian River Pub
City: Forestville, California
Cuisine: Pub Food / American
DDD Season: 1
DDD Episode: 12
Episode Title: American Cookin’
Original Air Date: July 30, 2007
Address: 11829 River Rd., Forestville, CA 95436
Phone: 707-887-7932
Website: https://www.russianriverpub.com/
Status: Open
About the Russian River Pub
The pub opened under its current ownership in May 2005, when Wendy Gause — an old acquaintance of Fieri’s — took it over and turned it into exactly the kind of neighborhood joint that earns real loyalty. Guy liked what she did with the place so much that he made it one of the first stops when his new Food Network show got rolling.
Situated along the Russian River in Sonoma County wine country, the setting alone is worth the drive. Redwood forests, vineyard roads, and a laid-back outdoor patio where dogs are welcome and nobody’s in a hurry. The interior has the feel of a classic roadside pub — wood-paneled walls, a comfortable bar, and the kind of atmosphere that makes it easy to stay longer than you planned.
The Russian River Pub has since been featured on the show three times total, including a 2021 appearance on the “California Comfort” episode. That kind of repeat recognition isn’t handed out. It’s earned one plate at a time.
What to Eat at the Russian River Pub
During the original Triple D episode, the Food Network highlighted the Pub Burger, Chicken Wings, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, and the Beef Tri-Tip Sandwich — a version loaded with caramelized onions and blue cheese crumbles that Guy has gone on record calling one of his favorites. The pot roast also made an impression during filming.
Menus evolve, and some of those original dishes have been updated or rotated out over the years. The BBQ chicken wings have stayed the course and remain a crowd favorite. Weekly specials keep things interesting for regulars, and the kitchen has never stopped swinging for the kind of bold, satisfying pub food that put this place on the map in the first place.
No-frills and all flavor. Road-trip material in the heart of Sonoma County.
Plan Your Visit
The Russian River Pub is open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday, noon to 8:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Outdoor seating is available and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Address: 11829 River Rd., Forestville, CA 95436
Phone: 707-887-7932
Website: https://www.russianriverpub.com/
Status: Open
The Russian River Pub appeared in Season 1, Episode 12 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “American Cookin’,” originally aired July 30, 2007. It has since been featured on the show two additional times.