Wine Country Times

Located in the heart of the SOFA Arts District, Café Frida Gallery is not only a café where one can gets tasty beverages and scrumptious foods, but also a gallery that allows creative members of the local community to come together and share their ideas in a collaborative space. 

Café Frida began as an idea as early as fall 2018 and would take just under two years to open its doors to the public in January 2020. The café was forced to close in mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in May, albeit in a limited capacity. 

"We have evolved slower than anticipated because of the pandemic, but we have kept our focus," Mamadou Diouf told the Times. "Luckily, our space includes a beautiful patio with a stage, and we have managed to stay alive, socially distanced and masked. Our food, art and drinks have improved regardless."

Currently, Café Frida offers live concerts featuring a range of genres from classical to jazz to Brazilian folk music. Also, the location has featured a group show in its gallery where patrons can find artworks from renowned local artists in Sonoma.

Wine and beer has recently been added to the menu as well as baked goods, which Diouf said are "very popular" with customers. In addition to being a locale for local artists to come together and share their gifts, Café Frida takes pride in its close proximity to Julilliard Park. 

"We are located in a very special and artsy neighborhood, next door to Juilliard Park, The ambiance of the space we created, indoor and outdoor, is unique in Sonoma County, we are the only café brewing our special coffee in town, our food, like our music, has an international influence," Diouf said. 

The café has big plans for 2021, including longer hours, a tapas bar/menu and additional events for indoor dining once it has been declared safe.