Best Happy Hours in Sonoma County

There’s nothing better than going to grab a drink or two with some friends and realizing it’s happy hour! With all the different happy hours offered today—not only for drinks, but oysters, finger foods, and even discounts on meals—it’s hard to choose where to go. Here are nine uniquely great happy hours that we think are worth your buck in Sonoma County:

1. Stark’s Steak and Seafood, Santa Rosa

Stark’s has an impressive happy hour menu, featuring oysters, truffle fries, buttermilk onion rings, calamari, and more. Not to mention the drinks, ranging from $3.50 beer to $5 martinis and $6 classic cocktails. Insider Tip: The martini is amazing.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 3–6 p.m.

2. The Front Room at John Ash & Co, Santa Rosa

When you hear happy hour at John Ash & Co, you’re probably not picturing one that’s in your budget. But you’re in for an amazing surprise—so amazing, the spot fills up within 10 minutes of starting, so get there right on time for a seat! The bites are just as good as you’d expect from this pioneer of farm-to-table cuisine. Griddled cured pork-belly sliders, anyone?
Happy Hour: Daily, 3–5 p.m.

3. OSO, Sonoma

Right on historical Sonoma Plaza, OSO opens its doors for a brief-but-grand happy hour every Monday–Thursday. Standouts include $7 sangria and Champagne cocktails, $5 beer, $6 wine, and small bites that include a tasty $10 ceviche, mole-braised pork shoulder tacos ($3.50 each), daily oyster specials, and $10 Gulf shrimp cocktail.
Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday, 5–6:30 p.m. 

4. Belly: Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room, Santa Rosa

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room takes the term “Taco Tuesday” to a new level. Choose from street tacos, margarita carafes, or the Taco Tuesday Combo, which includes a shot of tequila, a Modelo Especial, and your choice of taco for $15. If tacos (or Tuesdays) aren’t your thing, Belly also offers a regular happy hour with eclectic shareables like Crispy Deviled Eggs, Cheesy Artichoke Beignets, Peppered French Fries, and Dynamite Shrimp—matched with beer, wine, cocktail, and sangria specials, of course.
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday 3-6 p.m.

5. Handline, Sebastopol

Handline’s modern, casual California menu extends to its happy hour, which is best enjoyed at a picnic table on their tree-shaded outdoor patio. You’ll find drink specials ranging from $5 beer pints to $7 red wine, along with must-try food specials that change with the seasons (think tacos, oyster sliders, and crab tostaditos during Dungeness crab season).
Happy Hour: Daily 3–5 p.m.

6. Jackson’s Bar & Oven, Santa Rosa

Head down to the famous Railroad Square in Santa Rosa for this great happy hour, with specials on beers, house margaritas, martinis, and more. The crew at Jackson’s is always coming up with new cocktail concoctions, some of which you’ll be able to sample on special. Add on some delicious wings, oysters, or prawn tacos to your order at a great price.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 3–5 p.m.

7. Salt & Stone, Kenwood

If the happiest hour just can’t come soon enough for you, then Salt & Stone is your best bet. Their weekday happy hour runs from opening time—that’s 11 a.m.!—until 5 p.m., giving you ample time to snag a bistro table on their stylish patio, complete with a pond, palm trees, and scenic vineyard views. Sip a $7 Sonoma County wine or well cocktail with raw or cooked oysters and small plates like calamari, steamed mussels, blackened snapper tacos, and truffle fries. Insider Tip: This happy hour menu even has dessert options!
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, from open to 5 p.m.

8. Seared Steak and Seafood, Petaluma

As a past winner of “Best Happy Hour,” this Petaluma restaurant isn’t exactly a secret, but it is most certainly a gem. Hearty menu options include mac ‘n’ cheese (add bacon), deviled eggs with Nashville hot pork belly, filet mignon skewers, kung pao prawns, and a prime rib dip—all ranging from $5.50 to $9.50. But you came for the drinks, right? Choose from a wide range of beers for $3.50, $7 wines, and classic cocktails like negronis and vieux carres for $8.
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Sunday, 3:30–6 p.m.

9. Bird & The Bottle, Santa Rosa

Right in the middle of the action on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa, this is the perfect spot for a post-shopping cocktail and snack. And Bird & The Bottle brings the happy hour deals; on the drinks side, try $3 wine, $5 beers, and $6 cocktails (we suggest the Shiso Pretty). For food, you truly can’t go wrong, from pastrami or Korean chicken-thigh tacos to beef-cheek barbacoa and smoked chicken wings—all priced at $6.
Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday, 3–5 p.m. (available in the bar, lounge, and front patio)

For more ideas, check out Nightlife in Sonoma County If You’re a 20-Something, Top Nightlife Spots in Sonoma County, and Great Places for Cocktails in Sonoma County.

Written by Sonoma Insider Mariah Harkey.