If you can’t get into the French Laundry (because seriously, who can?), Bouchon is a very worthy, more casual, consolation prize from the same chef, featuring the best steak frites in the valley. This spot is every bit the buzzing, loud, tightly-seated French bistro you’d expect, which is another one of the reasons we love it here. It’s also where we come for “late night” (that’s after 9pm in Wine Country) snacks, oysters, and classic cocktails. The expertly crisp truffle fries, onion soup, and escargots sitting on top of Bouchon Bakery’s puffed pastry are all absolute perfection, as you’d expect.