Whether you're a craft beer junkie, an aspiring beer connoisseur, or just like to drink, we've got you covered with the best breweries and beer gardens in the North Bay.
When the weather's right, it's only natural to want to kick back with a nice cold brew. Whether you're a craft beer junkie, an aspiring beer connoisseur, or just like to drink - we've got you covered with the best breweries and beer gardens the North Bay has to offer.
HopMonk Tavern
HopMonk Tavern (230 Petaluma Avenue // Sebastopol)
A highly regarded spot among Sebastopol's locals as a hip joint hosting hot bands, a good selection of beers, tasty American food, and a quality beer garden - perfect for boozing, schmoozing and floozing away your sunny spring days.
Russian River has become one of Northern California's most well established and respected brewery, offering up a mighty fine and varied selection of beers and wholesome food. Lines tend to get a little crazy during peak hours, but if you're serious about good beer this is the place to go.
If you’re a Racer 5 fan, this is the place for you. It’s pretty massive so rarely will you ever have trouble finding seating, plus it has plenty of booze to choose from and a cute little view from the garden. Their staff is super knowledgeable, so feel free to ask about flavor notes or the history of the brewery.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
This brewery is gaining national acclaim, and it's a perfect specimen for both the categories: brewery and beer garden. Lagunitas is known for its menagerie of different styles - most known, their Little Sumpin' Ale - and their large patio where they host their outdoor Live At Lagunitas music series ft. names like Deer Tick and Tune-Yards.
The Belvedere is another hot spot in Santa Rosa, with older folks by day and the younger crowd by night. You'll find pool tables, air hockey, a beer garden that you can smoke in, and a pizzeria upstairs. That pretty much checks all of our boxes.
Not to be confused with the coffee! This low-key place is a bit off the beaten path, and the service system here is a little clunky being pay as you go, order at the bar and cash-only, but otherwise, this spot is one of our favorites. The ribs are just what you need after a sunny stroll along the Russian River - making it the perfect spot for those looking to have a brew with a beautiful view.
Fogbelt Brewing
If you're looking for beer, they've got the goods. Their menu is modest, but don't let it fool you - the food is phenomenal. We recommend the Rueben. The patio is not huge but offers an area for people to mingle and make new friends. Isn't that what drinking quality beer is all about?
Marin Brewing Company (1809 Larkspur Landing Circle // Larkspur)
Quality cheap beer starting at $5 pints that become $3 on special days - we say hell yeah. This little location is the perfect neighborhood hang out spot, whether or not you're a local. The grub is fittingly American, which pairs perfectly with their home brewed taps.
If you want to check out some more poppin' breweries and beer gardens in the Bay Area, we've got you covered:
You'll probably want something to eat after a few pints.
Grab some of the Bay's Wildest Hot Dogs (And Corn Dogs!)
