Happy hour is a great time to explore Petaluma’s vibrant dining scene, without spending too much money.
The Shuckery: The Shuckery reels in seafood lovers from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for specials including fresh oysters ($1.50-$3 each), popcorn shrimp ($5), and other daily fish specials (up to $7). Drinks include draft beer ($5) and house wine ($8.) The same deals are offered Thursdays and Fridays at the restaurant’s sister bar inside the Hotel Petaluma Lobby. 100 Washington St., theshuckeryca.com. (Courtesy photo)
Baked oysters (choice of classic chipotle BBQ, salsa verde, tasso herb) served with lemon & grilled baguette at the Shuckery in Petaluma. (Courtesy photo)
Seared: Petaluma’s version of a fancy steak house is the town’s go-to happy hour spot. The ever-changing menu includes such favorites as daily tacos, filet mignon skewers, Kung Pao prawns, local oysters and the ever-popular salt and pepper calamari (prices run $2-$7). Drink specials include $4 draft beer, $5 house wines and $6 cocktails. Happy hour happens daily from 4 to 6 p.m., along with a late-night version on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 to 10 p.m. 170 Petaluma Blvd. North, petalumaseared.com. (Courtesy photo)
The Drawing Board: For slightly lighter fare, The Drawing Board provides some delicious clean and healthy options—including dishes for vegetarians and vegans. It’s always filled with a diverse cross section of Petalumans, who flock to the restaurant for happy hour specials like the locally famous chickpea fries (pictured), deviled eggs, tacos and seasonal salads ($6). TDB’s cocktails are made with locally sourced ingredients, so don’t miss the specials. Classics such as negronis and Manhattans are just $8 and well drinks are $5. You can also get deals on draft beer ($3) and house wine ($4). Happy hour runs 4:30-6 p.m., plus the last kitchen hour, Tuesday-Sunday. 190 Kentucky St., tdbpetaluma.com. (Photo by John Burgess)
Westucky cocktail with date-infused bourbon, rosemary tea, cara cara, rabarbaro, orange bitters at Drawing Board Restaurant in Petaluma. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
Rosen's 256 North: Also offering excellent happy hour fare is Rosen's 256 North, owned by Jan Rosen of J.M. Rosen’s Cheesecake fame. Rosen’s food is better than ever, including such happy hour bites as tender prime rib sliders, crispy artichoke hearts, shrimp rolls and Brussels sprout chips ($3-$7). The drink menu features $2 house beer, $5 wine and a selection of $6 cocktails. (Hours are 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.) The space is comfortable yet contemporary, with plenty of seating options in the bar and restaurant. 256 Petaluma Blvd. North, 256north.com. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Sake 107: Executive Chef Eiji Ando and his crew pull out all the stops at Petaluma’s premier downtown Japanese restaurant, offering delicacies such as veggie or seafood hand rolls, spicy Japanese fried chicken, and tuna tartare ($4-$12). Beer and wine options are $5, and sake specials are $7. Happy hour runs Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. 107 Petaluma Blvd. North, sake107.com. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
Quinua Cocina Peruana: On the south end of Petaluma Boulevard, Quinua Cocina Peruana offers authentic Peruvian food, drinks and hospitality. Happy hour treats (each only $4) include salchipapas (sausage and potatoes), pollo carretillero (chicken adobado) and the best empanadas around. Drink specials ($5) feature sangria, mimosas, wine and beer, including the malty-sweet Cuzquena beer from Peru. Hours are 3-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 500 Petaluma Blvd. South, quinuapetaluma.com. (Courtesy photo)
