"Karen Taylor's masa-driven regional Mexican — visit El Molino Central in Boyes Hot Springs for red mole tamales and beer-battered fish tacos."
About El Molino Central
El Molino Central sits on Central Avenue in Boyes Hot Springs, just north of the Sonoma Plaza, and opened in 2010. Chef-owner Karen Taylor learned Mexican cooking from the books and classes of the great Diana Kennedy — the two became friends — and travelled the country to study its regional food. The kitchen grinds its own masa daily and cooks with real depth, which is why it draws a line.
It sits among the valley's most-loved tables. Compare the wine-country classic The Girl & The Fig, the Italian Diavola and the bistro Cafe La Haye, or browse the full Sonoma dining guide.
The Kitchen
The cooking is full-throttle regional Mexican built on house-ground masa. The dishes to order are the red mole tamales with chicken and the Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos on handmade tortillas, with the halibut ceviche, the nachos verdes and the crispy chilaquiles close behind. Plates shift with the seasons, and the masa, salsas and moles are all made in house — the reason the food eats so well.
It is excellent value: plates run roughly $8 to 20 at the counter, with most diners spending around $20 to 30 a head.
The Room
The setting is laid-back: order at the counter, grab a seat indoors or out on the patio, and settle in. It is sunny, casual and unpretentious rather than a sit-down dining room, with a quick, friendly rhythm. The mood suits a daytime stop, an easy lunch or a relaxed early dinner. It can get busy at peak times, so expect a short wait.
Best for a casual, top-quality Mexican meal in Sonoma
El Molino Central suits an easy, high-quality meal — the counter format and the patio make it a low-key first date or a comfortable seat for solo dining in the valley. For more of the area's tables, see The Girl & The Fig or browse the full Sonoma dining guide.
Not for
Not for a formal, full-service or special-occasion dinner — El Molino Central is a casual counter-service kitchen built for top-quality regional Mexican, not a dressed-up night out.
Frequently Asked
What is El Molino Central known for?
It is a regional Mexican kitchen in Boyes Hot Springs, Sonoma, open since 2010, known for house-ground masa and dishes like red mole tamales and Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos — a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Who is the chef at El Molino Central?
Chef-owner Karen Taylor, who opened it in 2010; she studied Mexican cooking with the authority Diana Kennedy and travelled Mexico to learn its regional food.
How much does El Molino Central cost?
It is excellent value: plates run roughly $8 to 20 at the counter, with most diners spending around $20 to 30 a head.
What should I order at El Molino Central?
The red mole tamales and the beer-battered fish tacos on handmade tortillas are the signatures; the halibut ceviche, nachos verdes and chilaquiles are the picks around them.
Where is El Molino Central?
At 11 Central Avenue in Boyes Hot Springs, just north of the Sonoma Plaza in California's wine country.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at El Molino Central
El Molino Central is counter-service and takes no reservations; arrive off-peak to skip the line.
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Practical Information
Address11 Central Avenue, Boyes Hot Springs, Sonoma, CA 95476
NeighbourhoodOn Central Avenue in Boyes Hot Springs, just north of the Sonoma Plaza
CuisineMexican
PriceÀ la carte plates roughly $8–20; counter-service, most diners spend around $20–30 a head
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingCounter service with indoor and patio seating; no reservations
ReservationNo reservations; counter service, lunch and dinner
