Sonoma County is full of hidden gems and local spots, but some of the best spots come with long lines. A prime example is the hours-long lines for Pliny the Younger. Click through the gallery above for 20 things in Sonoma County that are worth the wait.
20 Things Worth the Wait in Sonoma County
It's not just Pliny people are ready to wait for. Some of the best spots and events in Sonoma County come with long lines.
The Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma: It might take an hour to get in, even with a ticket but once you're inside the gates, a brew-filled party ensues. The Beer Circus is held mid-August at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
A cheeseburger from Superburger: Superburger serves up awesome, greasy cheeseburgers at three locations (Cotati, Santa Rosa, Windsor). On any given night, customers fill up the dining room waiting for "fancy burgers" and homemade shakes. (Here's a list of the best burgers in Sonoma County)
Starting Line at Levi's Granfondo: This annual cycling event, both a race or a casual ride, features 11 different paths around Sonoma County and some 3,500 participants. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Whale Watching at Bodega Head: For this one, the waiting comes at the mercy of the whales. However, once you see just one pod travel through, the waiting is worthwhile. The peak period for whale watching is January through May. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Autographs at the Green Music Center: Program autographs from well-known performers at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park is another thing worth the wait in Sonoma County. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Advertisement
Teeing Off at the Bennett Valley Golf Club in Santa Rosa: Low prices can attract a crowd of golfers, so what would be a 4-hour-game turns into a 5-hour-game. But on a gorgeous afternoon, it's worth waiting for. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Ice Cream at Screamin' Mimi's in Sebastopol: Screamin' Mimi's in Sebastopol is a locals favorite. On a warm summer day, you can expect to see a line almost out the door for these frozen treats. (Photo by John Burgess)
The Human Race: Hundreds of runners and walkers participate in the Human Race in Santa Rosa every year and the lines are usually long. (Photo by John Burgess)
Flying Goat Coffee in Santa Rosa: Flying Goat Coffee in Santa Rosa has long lines because so much care goes into the coffee: each latte gets its own pitcher of steamed milk. This cup isn't for the grab-and-go types, it's for coffee lovers looking for a relaxed morning. (Photo by John Burgess)
The Fremont Diner in Sonoma is famous for its chicken and waffles. The wait for a plate can be up to an hour on busy weekends, but these chicken and waffles transport your taste buds straight to the South. (Photo by John Burgess)
Advertisement
Pliny the Younger: Beer lovers from around the world stand in line for hours on end for their chance to taste the limited release Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)
Dinner at Girl and the Fig in Sonoma: Even with a reservation, it can take while to be seated at the Girl and the Fig in Sonoma. But once the dishes make it to the table, the delicious flavors make up for the wait time. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Wild Flour Bread in Freestone: Wild Flour Bread in Freestone serves up a different selection every day, but if you can get one of their fresh baked scones, the drive out to Freestone is well worth it. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
El Roy's Mexican Grill: El Roy's Mexican Grill, which has been voted the best food truck in Sonoma County, often has a line spanning the parking lot they're in. But it's no wonder people wait for El Roy's, the tacos are the real deal. The truck can be found on Edith St. in Petaluma and Sebastopol Road in Roseland. More favorite food trucks here. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
The Naked Pig in Santa Rosa: This small restaurant on Santa Rosa Ave. fills up quick during breakfast, but the farm to table food is incredible. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Advertisement
Country Summer: Headline acts at Country Summer are guaranteed long lines. Each year, this event is held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa and attracts country music lovers from all over. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Lucchesi's Deli in Petaluma: Lucchesi's Deli in Petaluma is a local favorite. This mom-and-pop deli serves up some of the most delicious sandwiches around. Around lunch, the small space is packed with people from all over Petaluma – from business men to high schoolers. (Courtesy photo)
Sonoma County Fair Funnel Cakes: Once a year, funnel cakes at the Sonoma County Fair are available. The lines for these deep fried treats can sometimes be longer than the ride lines, but just one bite is powdered-sugar heaven. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Amy's Drive-Thru: Amy's Drive-Thru in Rohnert Park often has lines, both inside and in the drive-thru, which can be tedious to sit through on an empty stomach. But this one-of-a-kind fast food joint has the best veggie burger in town. The busiest times are around noon and 5 p.m. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Phin Bar Pop-up Stand: Phin Bar serves up a selection of Vietnamese-style steeped coffee drinks and Thai Tea at their pop-up stands in local farmers markets, but waiting in between markets for a Vietnamese coffee fix can be tough. (Photo by Erik Castro)
Advertisement