Beer Gardens in Sonoma County

With Santa Rosa recently dubbed Microbrew Capital of the U.S. — beating out high profile beer hubs like San Diego, Denver, Portland, and Chicago — it’s no shock that you’ll find beer gardens throughout Sonoma County for you to enjoy these craft brews. To get started, here are some of the best beer gardens to enjoy a cold one in Sonoma County: 

Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma 

This place offers a modern-rustic take on the original German bier garten, pairing local craft beers to a tasty menu influenced by Southern Carolina barbecue dishes. With 30 beers on tap, Sonoma and Napa Wines, and a full selection of spirits and cocktails, you’ll find a drink that suits you. Sit by the fire or get up and play some bocce, it’s your call.

Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol and Sonoma

The rustic 105 year old stone and timber Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol will really take you back in time. This tavern (along with the Sonoma location) has fresh beer, local wines, a great indoor atmosphere, and a fun beer garden. There’s always live music playing at the tavern, whether it’s acoustic, local jams, or some regional headliners gracing the Sebastopol and Sonoma locations.

Jaded Toad BBQ & Grill

Grab a seat outdoors at the Jaded Toad in Cotati for an afternoon of unwinding and catching up with friends next to the firepits. With its big screen TVs, the Toad is a perfect place to watch a big game, plus it features more than 20 craft beers on tap waiting for you. You can also catch comedy nights, live music, sport events, or even have a dinner at their sit-down restaurant indoors. They’re also pet and family friendly. Let’s get “Jaded!” 

Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma

It’s hard to be a beer lover and not make your way to the iconic Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. Visit the TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary of the craft beer that has taken the U.S. by storm with it’s Lil’ Sumpin’ Sumpin’. You can also take a free guided tour while you’re there, and feel free to bring the pup along to the beer sanctuary. Get ready for some live music, and great munchies! Insider Tip: Get an “Around the World.”

Shady Oak Barrel House, Santa Rosa

Using wild yeasts and Brettanomyces to ferment his beer, head brewer Steve Doty embraces the natural funk found in his sours and artisanal ales. The picnic table–strewn, dog-friendly tasting room is homey and the perfect spot to kick back with friends. Insider Tip: The Sonomatastic is a super-quaffable, floral yet peppery farmhouse-style ale.

The Wurst, Healdsburg

Right off the downtown Healdsburg plaza you’ll find “The Wurst,”  where you can enjoy the finest sausages, burgers, artisan draft beers, and local wines. This casual sausage and burger joint has some of the most delicious polish dogs, along with legendary milkshakes, root beer floats, and sundaes. And also beer! Dogs are welcome on the patio, too.

Get started on your craft beer hunt with the Sonoma County Craft Beverage Map to all the local breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the area.