The Rainbow Oaks Restaurant, originally established in 1946, reopened in April 09, newly remodeled to restore the interior of the historic building to become a gathering place for locals, travelers and bikers to engage in fine, yet affordable dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving traditional American cuisine.

The Restaurant includes a sports-bar serving numerous draft beers and chilled wine in an environment surrounded by local timbers that have been salvaged from the 2007 fire that spread across north San Diego County and then milled special for the walls, ceiling and bar-top of the restaurant. Where there used to be a lounge with a low, dark ceiling, there are now hundreds of light, locally milled, rough-cut timbers reaching to a 20-foot tall peak in the main dining room. The bar is an equally impressive slab of cedar, and similar wooden touches everywhere. There is plenty of outside seating to enjoy a meal, a beer, a smoke or the fresh air if you desire. The original retro-neon sign is visible from Interstate 15 and stands tall, sending out an invitation to passers-by seeking a good, hot meal and a very unique dining experience.

GREAT PLACE FOR ALL
The best news of all is that now there is a great new place for families, travelers, and bikers to ride to, congregate, eat, drink or even rest for awhile. The “Oaks” as it has been referred to by many…is located between the Mission Road exit and Rainbow Valley Blvd exit off interstate 15 on the surface road (Old Highway 395) north of Fallbrook and just south of Temecula, California (look for the retro sign). Open every day from 7am to 9pm.

Located in a Rittenhouse Square space evoking the free-wheeling spirit of a speakeasy, Village Whiskey is prolific Chef Jose Garces’ intimate, 30-seat tribute to the time-honored liquor.

In fact, Village Whiskey features a veritable library of 80-100 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, rye and scotch from Scotland, Canada, Ireland, United States and even Japan.

Much as Village Whiskey could be a scene for toasting and roasting, it also comes from the culinary imagination of Jose Garces (of Amada, Tinto, Distrito and Chifa fame), meaning the food is no less than outstanding.

Cuisine

Village Whiskey´s specialty from the kitchen is “bar snacks,” but that doesn´t mean a bowl of cashews. Rather, it means deviled eggs, spicy popcorn shrimp, soft pretzels and an à la carte raw bar, all treated with the culinary care that made Jose Garces a finalist on The Next Iron Chef.

Perhaps you seek something heartier. The lobster roll, raw bar selections and Kentucky fried quail are standouts, but you’d really ought to order the Whiskey King: a 10 oz patty of ground-to-order sustainable angus topped with maple bourbon glazed cipollini, Rogue blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon and foie gras. Bring your appetite.

Cocktails

Whiskey-based cocktails are divided into two categories: Prohibition (classic cocktails) and Repeal (more contemporary, modern takes). Meanwhile, the venerable Manhattan is a mainstay, mixed using house-made bitters.

Prohibition cocktails include: Old Fashioned (Bottle in Bond Bourbon and house bitters); Aviation (Creme de Violette and gin); and Philadelphia Fish House Punch (dark rum, peach brandy and tea). Repeal cocktails include: APA (hops-infused vodka, ginger and egg white); De Riguer (rye, aperol, grapefruit and mint); and Horse With No Name (scotch, Stone Pine Liqueur and pineapple).

Atmosphere

The speakeasy atmosphere is accomplished through dim lighting, posters for various alcohols, a tin ceiling and antique mirrors. Black-and-white white tiled floors, marble topped tables and wooden drink rails add to the traditional bar decor.

Behind the pewter bar, whiskies are proudly displayed like leather-bound books.

During the warmer months, diners can sit at large, wooden tables placed along Sansom Street for whiskey alfresco.