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Willie Bird's Restaurant, Santa Rosa: Sip Pliny the Younger at the bar, which is often full of locals, or settle into the cozy dining room for a sky-high sandwich, a giant drumstick, or our favorite: the Hot Turkey, an open-faced sandwich with mashed potatoes, stuffing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce - a.k.a. the perfect meal to soak up a big glass of Pliny. 1150 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-542-0861, williebirdsrestaurant.com. (Photo by John Burgess)
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Trail House, Santa Rosa: Two things that go hand in hand in Sonoma County are beer and bikes, and you can find both at Trail House. Located around the corner from Howarth Park, order a Pliny post park ride. You can even get your bike serviced while you sip your beer and nibble on trendy foods like avocado toast or pub grub like pretzels and hot dogs. Feeling sleepy after your beer? Order a coffee for the ride home. 4036 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4943, trailhousesantarosa.com. (Photo Joshua Talbot Design)
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HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol: A favorite West County spot for sipping a brew in the afternoon, Sebastopol's HopMonk will be serving up Pliny, too. If the weather is nice, hang on the dog-friendly patio or relax at the bar with an order of fish tacos, pickle fries, or one of the greatest beer foods on the planet: currywurst (local German sausage, sliced, grilled and served on a bed of sauerkraut and topped with curry tomato chutney). 290 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300, hopmonk.com.
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The patio at Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol. (Courtesy photo)
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Ernie's Tin Bar, Petaluma: This beloved roadside dive bar will serve up Pliny the Younger - cash only. Hang out on the patio and watch the cars cruise by or sit at the overflow bar, playing liar's dice, while owner Ernie Altenreuther repairs a car in the attached working garage. Feeling tipsy after that pint? Ask the bartender for a ride - Ernie's offers free rides to and from the bar Friday through Sunday, 3 pm-10 pm. 5100 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, 707-748-0586. (Photo by Conner Jay)
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Carneros Bistro, Sonoma: This is the only establishment that is set to serve Pliny the Younger in the town of Sonoma. Located inside the Lodge at Sonoma, guests can get their brew at the bar and then wander through the hotel to enjoy the drink outside by the pool, if the weather allows. Hardcore Pliny fanatics can opt for the special Sonoma Craft Beer Experience, which includes an overnight stay at the five-star resort, a craft beer tasting with resident beer expert Dan Noreen (Pliny included!) and lunch for two at the Carneros Bistro. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, marriott.com. (Courtesy photo)
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Elephant in the Room, Healdsburg: A watering hole with a partying elephant as its mascot, this Healdsburg spot pairs live music with local drinks and, in February, Pliny the Younger. During the day, relax with your beer and dog in the beer garden, then move inside for live music acts, ranging from indie rock to bossa nova. Food trucks are often on site, which will help soak up that 10.25% ABV. 177A Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, elephantintheroompub.com. (Photo courtesy of winecountrytable.com)
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Barley & Hops, Occidental: Locals and visitors alike head to Barley & Hops for their Pliny pints. The cozy pub, located in an old Victorian house, offers live music most nights and a hearty pub grub menu featuring beer-centric dishes like honey ale chicken wings and chicken marinated in Chimay with mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies. 3688 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental, 707-874-9037. (Photo by Erik Castro)
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The Blue Heron, Duncans Mills: Tucked away in the tiny hamlet of Duncans Mills, Blue Heron was built in the 1800s making it the oldest bar on the Russian River. Specializing in Sonoma County beers, their bar offers up both Pliny the Younger and Elder. Sip your beer on the patio or in the redwood bar while listening to live local music. The Blue Heron also has a full food menu, which includes chowder made with local clams. 25275 Steelhead Blvd, Duncan Mills, 707-865-2261, blueheronrestaurant.com. (Photo: Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock)
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Beercraft, Rohnert Park: A beer shop and taproom, Beercraft serves over 14 beers on tap and hundreds by the bottle. Settle in with your Pliny and chat with friendly locals and staff, who are fonts of knowledge about the state of craft beer in America. After you finish, explore the shop's offerings which include rare beers you won't find at your local grocer. Oh, and don't forget to give a toast to their mascot, a handsome gorilla. 5704 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-206-9440, beercraft.com. (Photo by Jess Vallery)
