Best Bars in Sonoma County

From craft cocktail bars and brewpubs to late-night dives, you’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene in Wine Country. It can be hard to decide, though, which spots are worth a visit, since some of the best are the local dive bars and small pubs scattered throughout the county.

Fortunately, we’re here to help! Here are some of the best bars in Sonoma County.

Breweries and Brewpubs

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom, Santa Rosa

After a decade spent touring with and cooking for the likes of Katy Perry, KISS, and Motley Crue, Chef Gray Rollin decided to settle down in Santa Rosa to open Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom. Located on always lively Fourth Street, the beer selection at Belly is just as colorful as the food menu, featuring an extensive list of brews from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii — aka the “left coast.”

Brewster’s Beer Garden, Petaluma

Looking for laid back vibes, locally crafted beer, and live music? Look no further than Brewster’s in downtown Petaluma. This open-air beer garden has more than 20 rotating taps the feature seasonal ales from breweries all over Sonoma County, which pair perfectly with their menu of barbecue-inspired cuisine. And while they have live music booked every weekend, we recommend stopping in on Thursdays for Blues & Bourbon Night.

Cooperage Brewing Company, Santa Rosa

Intrigued by breweries that push boundaries, Tyler Smith opened Cooperage Brewing Company after spending a decade brewing beers in his garage. The Portland-vibe warehouse brewery quickly became a local watering hole for Sonoma County craft-beer enthusiasts. Along with their rotating selection of hoppy and Belgian-style ales, Cooperage offers yoga every Sunday and also collaborates on shows with the local arts community throughout the year.

Fogbelt Brewing Company, Santa Rosa

A celebration of all things NoCal, Fogbelt Brewing Company sources their ingredients locally and have named each of their beers after prominent coastal redwood trees, like the Godwood Triple IPA and Sapling Crushable Ale. Voted Best of 2022 by Visit Sonoma, the brewery hosts weekly and monthly events including unique food and beer tastings (bacon and beer, anyone?), trivia nights, comedy shows, and more.

Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa & Windsor

Also located in downtown Santa Rosa, Russian River Brewing Company’s flagship brewpub is the place to go to taste their new releases and seasonal favorites, like the Pliny the Younger triple IPA. We recommend stopping in early as the bar can get pretty crowded — in the best way — as the day goes on. If you’re wanting a little more elbow room and a more relaxed brewery experience, head to their 195-seat bar in Windsor.

Murphy’s Irish Pub, Sonoma

Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol & Sonoma

With locations in both Sebastopol and Sonoma, Hopmonk Tavern is a world-class beer garden in the heart of Wine Country. Both venues boast a cozy indoor tavern atmosphere and large list of innovative ales and other locally crafted beers and wines.

Explore the Sonoma County Beer Trail.

Cocktail Bars in Sonoma County

El Barrio, Guerneville

This lesser-known Mexican cocktail bar in Guerneville is another brainchild by the founders of the iconic boon hotel + spa and boon eat + drink. The Baja-themed interior feels like you’ve stepped into a Mexican vacation, and with their focus on tequila and mezcal, the creative cocktails complete the picture.

Lupe’s Mexican Diner & Agave Room, Windsor

Craft cocktails, fine tequilas, and mezcal…oh my! The Agave Room at Lupe’s Diner, nestled in the beautiful Windsor Town Green, is a lovely little tequileria. From the Passionate Pineapple, a refreshing blend of passionfruit, pineapple, lime juice, and agave, to the refreshing Tequila Slushie, you’ll find your own little slice of Baja paradise at Lupe’s.

Duke’s Spirited Cocktails, Healdsburg

It’s not often that you find an upscale cocktail bar that also knows how to party, which is why we love Duke’s Spirited Cocktails in Healdsburg’s downtown plaza. Duke’s amazing craft cocktails often include Sonoma County-made liquors and bitters, as well as ingredients harvested from their own garden. With a music mix of the ’90s through today, you’re bound to hear your song, and the bartenders will always welcome you with a twinkle in their eyes.

Jamison’s Roaring Donkey, Petaluma

Better known as the “Roaring Donkey,” this eclectic little bar in downtown Petaluma has it all: a great cocktail menu (including 10 different versions of a moscow mule!), a DIY bloody mary buffet every Sunday, trivia and open-mic nights, live music, and much more.

Find more great places for cocktails in Sonoma County.

Bars With Live Music

Lagunitas Petaluma TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary, Petaluma

The famous Lagunitas Brewing Company — known for brews like the Little Sumpin’ Ale and Lagunitas IPA — is located in Petaluma. Their dog-friendly beer garden is a popular local hangout, and often hosts live music that ranges from folk to indie, rock, and jazz.

McNear’s Saloon & The Mystic Theater, Petaluma

The McNear’s Saloon at Mystic Theater is a Petaluma staple, easily spotted from Main Street for its towering arched windows and warmly lit front bar. Housed together in a charming 1911 building, these two locally owned businesses provide a meeting, eating, and entertainment spot for the enjoyment of locals and fun-loving visitors. The theater/saloon is a live-music concert venue with a full bar, presenting an eclectic variety of sounds from rock to funk, blues, roots, reggae, ska, and Western swing.

Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge, Geyserville

Located in the historical Odd Fellows Building, the G.G.C. offers classic and seasonal cocktails in a casual, quirky-Western atmosphere. Their hearty bar menu focuses on Latin and Asian street food, as well as fresh fish crudos. Every Saturday night, the “Gun Club” screens movies like “Top Gun” and “The Godfather” (without sound) and features live music by local artists.

Check out live music and nightlife in Sonoma County.

Sonoma County Bars With Games

Buffalo Billiards, Petaluma

Known for great food, good fun, and groovy games, Buffalo Billiards is the type of pool hall you see in movies. From ping pong and foosball to pinball, air hockey, and darts…you name it, they’ve got it!

Gary’s at the Belvedere, Santa Rosa

Better known here as “The Belv,” this Santa Rosa staple is an old Victorian home turned dive bar. Like a big family under one roof for the night, you’ll find all types of people here enjoying pool, air hockey, and, of course, Jell-O shots.

7Ten Social at the Epicenter, Santa Rosa

More upscale than the average bowling alley and pool hall, the 7Ten Social and Victory House Bar inside of the Epicenter Sports Complex is a lounge full of beautiful lanes, pristine pool tables, large screen TVs, a full bar, and fun music for late nights.

John & Zeke’s Bar, Healdsburg

A Sonoma County favorite for its fairly priced drinks and laid-back, fun atmosphere, John & Zeke’s is an ideal place to gab with locals, have a few drinks, and play pool or shuffleboard ’til the sun comes up.

Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park

The bustling scene at Graton Resort & Casino, with its mix of colorful neon signs and sleek design, could easily be mistaken for downtown Las Vegas. And just like Vegas, you can spend the whole night here playing the slots, putting a hand down in blackjack, Baccarat or poker, enjoying a great meal, or even dancing the night away to music by local musicians and DJs.

Honorable Mention: The Cotati Bar Crawl

Want to bar hop like a local? Join in on the Cotati Crawl, which happens every Thursday night. It’s a great opportunity to meet folks in the area and enjoy some awesome drink deals. Each stop along the crawl — The 8 Ball, Tradewinds, and Spancky’s Bar — has its own personality, giving you a quick feel for Cotati’s Old West-style and small-town atmosphere.

During your big night out on the town, be sure to hydrate and fuel up at one of the late night eats in Sonoma County. You’ll thank yourself the next morning when you’re gearing up for those highly anticipated wine tastings.