The holidays are filled with family and friends — which is why we need bars. Whether you’re catching up with old pals over a holiday cocktail, taking your cousins out for a beer or evading grandma’s probing questions about your romantic status, there’s always a reason to say cheers to cozy, comfy bars this season.
Best for a secret rendezvous
The Beacon
Dark walls, moody lighting and a hidden door make this speakeasy-style bar an under-the-radar gem. Grab a cozy banquette and a classic Manhattan and let the canoodling begin. 497 First St. W., Sonoma. 707-721-1107, instagram.com/sonomabeacon
Best Dive That Isn’t Divey
Third Pig Bar
This tiny local watering hole is one of the best bars you’ve never heard of, and everyone’s welcome. House cocktails with esoteric ingredients? Check. Miller High Life and Bourbon Boilermaker? Check. Grey Goose, neat? Check. 116 S. Main St., Sebastopol. thirdpigbar.com
Best for a Holiday Miracle
Brewsters Beer Garden
The annual Santa-themed pop-up party returns to Petaluma this year with all the wonder of Christmas morning. Tacky holiday decor strung from stem to stern is part of the fun, especially with boozy eggnog or hot buttered rum upping your cheer.
229 Water St., Petaluma. 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com
Best for British Cheer
The Goose and Fern
Brits practically invented the modern Christmas, so why not raise a pint (or hard cider) at this English pub to old Scrooge, figgy pudding and Queen Victoria’s questionable introduction of pine trees decorated with lit candles into British homes. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com
Best Substitute for an Island Getaway
Kapu
If a trip to Tahiti isn’t in the cards, a mai tai in a tiki mug is the second-best option. Score a grass hut table, tuck into Hawaiian garlic chicken and Kalua pork fries, and live your island dream. 132 Keller St., Petaluma. 707-559-3665, kapubar.com
Best for Recharging
Underwood Bar & Bistro
Screaming kids and drunk uncles can be a lot during the holidays. Escape and recalibrate your mental state in the tiny town of Graton with a spicy Dark and Stormy or Ginger Hot Toddy at the bar. 9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com