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The Front Room Bar + Lounge at the Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa: A hot spot for locals and guests staying at the Vintners Inn, the Front Room has an old school ambiance with dim lighting, comfy leather bar stools, and a fireplace, which makes this a great spot for rainy day cocktails. Founded by famed Wine Country chef John Ash, the bar serves up creative cocktails and an award-winning wine list, coupled with vineyard views and cuisine by executive chef Thomas Schmidt. (Courtesy photo)
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The Front Room knows how to attract value seeking locals looking for a luxurious experience. They have nightly happy hours, which include complimentary small bites, an all-day happy hour on Saturdays, and deals on gourmet beef burgers on Sundays, as well as discounted cocktails, beer and wine. Arrive early - you'll be waiting for a spot along with regulars who know the drill and guests flocking to the hotel for its romantic getaway offerings. 707-527-7687, 4330 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa, vintnersinn.com. (Courtesy photo)
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Rocker Oysterfeller's at the Valley Ford Hotel, Valley Ford: Built in 1864, the Valley Ford Hotel is a classic roadhouse with seven rooms, modern amenities and plenty of West County charm - including a cool saloon and restaurant. Bikers and city dwellers alike cruise to Rocker Oysterfeller's, heading through an open door into a bar filled with natural light and colorful furnishings. (Courtesy photo)
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Located only a few miles from the coast, Rocker Oysterfeller's is a great pit stop en route to the ocean. A crew of locals hold down the bar in the saloon, sipping on draft beer (including PBR), sharing a bottle of wine (including cult favorites like Papapietro and Radio Coteau), or enjoying a "Rocktail" - one of the many craft cocktails on the menu. Tomales Bay oysters rule here. Belly up to the bar and order the house favorite - you guessed it - the Rocker Oysterfeller, comprising oysters, arugula, bacon, cream cheese and a cornbread crust. 707-876-1983, 14415 Highway One, Valley Ford, rockeroysterfellers.com. (Photo by Mark Aronoff)
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Bean & Bottle at the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma: Located just a few blocks south of the historic Sonoma Plaza, the Lodge resort is a prime spot for Wine Country weddings and special events - so much so that they have two bars to accommodate the palates of locals and guests. The Bean & Bottle is a coffee shop and wine bar located inside the resort - poolside to be exact. On warm days, guests (including a healthy following of locals) sip sparkling wines or beers on the overstuffed patio furniture, taking in the sunset and poolside vibes. (Courtesy photo)
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Bean & Bottle has the feeling of the coffee shop of your youth with the added perks of Wine Country living and a contemporary look. Wine bottles line the walls, and a full bar serves up not just coffee and wine, but beer and cocktails, poured by a seasoned group of bartenders that locals know by name. Plentiful seating, including communal tables, and free WiFi, make it work-friendly, whether sipping craft coffee or an IPA. Light fare, including salads, panini, local cheese and charcuterie, and dessert are available and there's live music in the evenings. 707-935-6600, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, marriott.com. (Courtesy photo)
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Spoonbar at h2hotel, Healdsburg: When it opened in 2010 at the h2hotel, Spoonbar put Wine Country on the map as the capital of the craft cocktail with artful farm-to-bar beverages. Today, that tradition continues on the ground floor of h2hotel where Spoonbar resides on the main drag in downtown Healdsburg. Each quarter, the bar team comes up with new cocktail offerings, working with local farmers and garden owners to develop drinks that speak to the season. (Courtesy photo)
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At almost ten years, Spoonbar retains its cool look, with mid-century modern furnishings, and reclaimed wood touches. A wall of spirits features regional and international selections - from Spirit Works to Pappy Van Winkle. Guests of the ultra-eco-friendly h2hotel head downstairs to Spoonbar to seek out a seat among locals, who flock to the bar for what Heather Irwin of BiteClub calls one of the best happy hours in Sonoma County. 707-433-7222, 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, spoonbar.com.
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Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort, Jenner: After an extensive facelift, Timber Cove has become one of the most popular destinations for an overnight getaway on the Sonoma Coast. Their onsite bar and restaurant, Coast Kitchen, adds to the experience. The bar is located in the Great Room, a family-room style space that serves as the anchor of the hotel. Colorful mid-century modern furniture surround a large fireplace, where guests lounge with cocktails, reading coffee table books, chilling with their laptops, or enjoying conversation. (Courtesy photo)
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The Coast Kitchen bar, which is kid-friendly, features a menu comprising locally sourced seasonal bites, including cheese and charcuterie, kimchi calamari, oysters and burgers. Guests pair their nibbles with Sonoma County draft beers and wines, and craft cocktails that use local spirits. Every Wednesday is locals night, during which regulars receive 20 percent off on cocktails and food. After ordering a drink, head out to the seaside fire pit or play a little pool, bocce, or foosball, there's plenty to keep you busy while the sun sets. 707-847-3231, 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, timbercoveresort.com.
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Cocktail at Coast Kitchen at Timber Cover Resort in Jenner. (Photo by Sarah Stierch)
