Hops- and barley-fueled bliss is just around the corner in Petaluma.
The Block: Hidden in an industrial area off of East Washington Street, The Block has a relaxed, backyard feel. The patio is outfitted with picnic tables and fire pits, and inside, you’ll find long wooden tables and a cozy bar that tempts hopheads with 30 draft beers. Feeling snacky? Firetrail Pizza serves wood-fired pies, while food trucks offer tasty alternatives. Weather permitting, there’s live music on weekends and Mondays. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
Firetrail pizza at The Block in Petaluma. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
Brewsters Beer Garden: Brewsters boasts two dozen beers on draft, mainly from California darlings such as Barrel Brothers and Seismic Brewing, along with inventive beer cocktails (don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried ‘em). The indoor space has a hipster vibe, combining metal and wood accents, and the beer garden sports picnic tables and a bocce court. (There’s even a kids’ area.) Try the beer-friendly fried chicken sandwich and barbecued meats. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
A selection of plates at Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
Taps Beer Co. & Kitchen: Taps was popular with beer lovers long before it moved from its subterranean digs at the Hotel Petaluma to its current locale, complete with a heated, river-facing patio. The 40-beer draft list has lots to explore, like the New Belgium La Folie sour beer and Belching Beaver Brewing Peanut Butter Latte. Settle in and watch the game on the bar’s bank of TVs, while noshing on a perfectly seasoned burger or addictive fried Brussels sprouts. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
101 North Brewing Company: Founded by brothers Joel, Jake and Joey Johnson, 101 North has developed an enthusiastic following for its edgy labels and full-throttle beers. It specializes in bold interpretations of traditional styles, from the flagship Heroine IPA to the Stigmata American Red Rye Ale. The taproom décor is a combination of Old West saloon and modern industrial, with bar, table and sofa seating. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Dempsey's Restaurant & Brewery: Petaluma’s original downtown micro-brewery, this riverfront spot got its start in 1991. Classics such as the Petaluma Pils and Red Rooster Ale are now joined by an excellent hazy IPA, French-style saison and other creations. The restaurant makes one of the best burgers in town, plus a wide variety of other dishes (the Latin offerings are especially yummy). (Courtesy photo)
HenHouse Brewing Company Palace of Barrels: HenHouse got its start in Petaluma before moving to a new brewery and taproom in Santa Rosa. The Palace of Barrels marks the brewer’s triumphant return to P-town with a dedicated home for the HenHouse barrel-aging program, plus a laid-back industrial-style taproom. Here you’ll find the flagship oyster stout and saison, plus such adventurous brews as the sour Kumquat! Barrel-aged Wild Saison. New IPAs appear in the taproom each week. There’s bar and table seating, plus free popcorn and food trucks on the weekends. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Lagunitas Brewing Company: While it’s no longer locally owned (ever heard of Heineken?), Lagunitas still offers great local flavor at its Taproom & Beer Sanctuary. Sample Lagunitas IPA and Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ at the source, or try taproom-only specials and under-the-radar brews such as Aunt Sally, a wild-fermented sour with yuzu lemon and pineapple accents. While you’re exploring, devour a plate of nachos or grilled sausages and listen to local bands play. (Photo by John Burgess)
The outdoor area at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. (Photo by Jeremy Portje)
There’s no denying it: Petaluma is a beer town. True, Santa Rosa has Russian River Brewing Co., but we’ve got Lagunitas, HenHouse and more. Even better, many of the town’s beer-drinking destinations are within walking distance of each other. From nationally known breweries to downtown taprooms, hops- and barley-fueled bliss is just around the corner.
