Summer in Sonoma County is about to get even better.
Jack London Taproom, Sonoma
Beer and history will collide at the Jack London Taproom, where hopheads can indulge in handcrafted brews and explore the history of iconic author Jack London, who lived in Glen Ellen, through memorabilia. Located in Cornerstone, in the Carneros region of southern Sonoma County, the taproom will feature an expansive beer garden with live music, games and a light menu. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to support their summer opening. (Photo by Rachael Hairston Photography)
Sigh, Sonoma
The only sparkling wine bar in Wine Country, Sigh, will re-open in a new location and with a new look in downtown Sonoma this summer. The new 1,700 square foot space is rich with old school luxury and glam. Sigh will feature an ever-rotating selection of sparkling wines from around the world, wine on tap, and Miller High Life, the Champagne of Beer, for non-bubble enthusiasts. Small bites will also be available.
Tips Roadside, Kenwood
You've probably seen it: a big red trolley, with a giant cow wearing sunglasses painted on the side, serving up "world famous" tri-tip sandwiches throughout the County. That is Tip's Tri-Tip trolley and now tri-tip fans can enjoy Chef Thaddeus Palmese's self-described "Wine Country comfort food" at Tips Roadside restaurant in Kenwood. The restaurant will start with breakfast and lunch, expanding to dinner later in the year.
hare & hatter Coffee Bar & Sausage Emporium, Sonoma
Once a food stand inside a Friedman's Home Improvement store, the hare & the hatter will open their first restaurant in downtown Sonoma and bring a much needed casual eatery to the area: a sausage shop. They'll serve up local artisan sausages with local craft beers and wine in a little shop just off the Plaza. After imbibing on sausages and wine, grab a cup of their fair trade coffee to get you through the rest of the day.
Adobe Road Winery, Petaluma
Downtown Petaluma keeps getting hotter, and the hip-factor will only increase when Adobe Road opens their new 15,000 square foot winery and tasting room along the Petaluma River. And it's going to be more than just a winery - they'll have a motorsports museum (Adobe Road owner Kevin Buckler owns one of the most successful racing teams in the world), an event center and commercial kitchen. Guests can sip wine by the bottle, served alongside wood-fired pizza, on the riverfront patio.
BARRIO, Sebastopol
Mexican food is finally coming to the Barlow in Sebastopol! Based in Marin, this will be BARRIO's first brick and mortar in Sonoma - so far they've been a standard at local farmer's markets. A "mix of street food with a gourmet edge," is how Mayra Rosas of BARRIO describes the cuisine. All of their tortillas are made from scratch and are GMO free. They use local meat and organic seasonal produce, all which they require to be raised or grown within 45 miles of their kitchen.
The Astro Motel, Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa has a new trend: renovating old, out-dated motels into cool, hip, design-focused boutique motels. The Astro Motel will mark the city's third and most anticipated retro motel: chef Liza Hinman of the acclaimed Spinster Sisters is opening it, along with her business partner Camille Canon. Located across from the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, the motel was built in the 1960s. The renovated 34-room Astro Motel uses Mid-Century design and will offer an edible garden and onsite services for cyclists, including rental bikes. (Photo by Bob Stender: Spinster Sisters chef/owner Liza Hinman, left, and the Astro Motel's general manager Camille Canon)
2 Tread Brewery, Santa Rosa
Recently named the microbrew capital of the United States, Santa Rosa will gain it's third downtown brewery with 2 Tread. The almost 10,000 square foot space will feature on-site brewed beer, casual dining (think: grilled cheese, smoked salmon flatbread, duck fat fries), live music, a full bar, and a large beer garden. The family-friendly brewery will also be bicycle-friendly, with secure bike storage inside the building for guests.
The Laugh Cellar, Santa Rosa
Comedy fans will cheer when Sonoma County's only comedy club, the Laugh Cellar, opens this summer. Founded by Lisa & Carlee Pidge, who brought comedy to the county through their Crushers of Comedy series, the club will be family-friendly and have a wine and beer lounge and dining, both which will be available all day, creating a new, much needed hang-out spot in east Santa Rosa. The club opens with the the annual Sonoma County Comedy Fest July 13-15.
Summer in Sonoma County is about to get even better. As we speak, nine new businesses are getting ready to open their doors to local and visitors alike. From wineries and breweries to restaurants and hotels – even a comedy club – we’re super stoked about these new additions to the Sonoma scene. Check out the slideshow above to discover 9 new local businesses to experience this summer.
