Guidebook for Santa Rosa
Drinks & Nightlife
Over 24 types of beer are available as well as a fun younger crowd with good pub grub.
262 residents recomanen
Russian River Brewing Company - Santa Rosa Location
725 4th StOver 24 types of beer are available as well as a fun younger crowd with good pub grub.
One of four (and there may be more!) micro-brew pubs in Santa Rosa. The pub grub is a bit more refined and is less crowded than the Russian River Brew Company on 4th Street. Our guests give it 4 stars.....
9 residents recomanen
Third Avenue Alehouse
319 3rd AveOne of four (and there may be more!) micro-brew pubs in Santa Rosa. The pub grub is a bit more refined and is less crowded than the Russian River Brew Company on 4th Street. Our guests give it 4 stars.....
Pub grub and great brews. It has a music scene on the weekends and a great fire pit and outdoor seating too. Very casual. It is also a family place so be prepared for a bit of noise.
122 residents recomanen
HopMonk Tavern Sebastopol
230 Petaluma AvenuePub grub and great brews. It has a music scene on the weekends and a great fire pit and outdoor seating too. Very casual. It is also a family place so be prepared for a bit of noise.
This is the place for comedy on weekends. Very laid back and funny. Definitely a different kind of night life fun....
The Laugh Cellar
This is the place for comedy on weekends. Very laid back and funny. Definitely a different kind of night life fun....
On Fridays all through the summer there is music, food trucks and beer and wine. It is outdoors and super reasonable. Local bands and local people having a good time on a Friday night...
FUNKY FRIDAYS
389 Casa Manana RoadOn Fridays all through the summer there is music, food trucks and beer and wine. It is outdoors and super reasonable. Local bands and local people having a good time on a Friday night...
Food Scene
Adjacent to the most amazing fish market in the county is a quaint restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Nothing fancy just great seafood and inexpensive wines by the bottle or by the glass. Great service too.
7 residents recomanen
Santa Rosa Seafood Retail
946 Santa Rosa AveAdjacent to the most amazing fish market in the county is a quaint restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Nothing fancy just great seafood and inexpensive wines by the bottle or by the glass. Great service too.
Cafe Citti
2792 4th StreetSmall and intimate Italian fair...A local favorite and close by....
Great tacos and ceviche! A must for taco Tuesdays when they take off $ 1.50 for each taco. Fresh ingredients and a great value.
6 residents recomanen
Chelino's
1079 4th StGreat tacos and ceviche! A must for taco Tuesdays when they take off $ 1.50 for each taco. Fresh ingredients and a great value.
Old style diner......the plus is it is open late and the portions are ample......
Adel's Restaurant Santa Rosa
Old style diner......the plus is it is open late and the portions are ample......
Superburger
1501 4th StTiny but the most awesome hamburgers, etc anywhere!!
This is the real deal! Order a molcajetes to share. It is huge and comes with rice, beans, homemade tortillas and guacamole. Be prepared to wait in line between 5 - 7 pm. Definitely not a touristy place....
Taqueria Molcajetes
1195 W College AveThis is the real deal! Order a molcajetes to share. It is huge and comes with rice, beans, homemade tortillas and guacamole. Be prepared to wait in line between 5 - 7 pm. Definitely not a touristy place....
Down home food for us locals. A must for breakfast or lunch as you wander around the town....
24 residents recomanen
Gypsy Cafe
162 N Main StDown home food for us locals. A must for breakfast or lunch as you wander around the town....
On the way to the coast? On your way back stopping in Occidental is a must do. Quaint little shops with a bohemian vibe plus great food at Hazel's. Make a reservation if you are coming after 5 pm. It is a tiny place with white linen tablecloths but casual. On Thursdays bring a bottle of local wine and there is no corkage fee. The menu changes daily to reflect what is local and fresh. Not expensive, great food and good service.
62 residents recomanen
Hazel Restaurant
3782 Bohemian HwyOn the way to the coast? On your way back stopping in Occidental is a must do. Quaint little shops with a bohemian vibe plus great food at Hazel's. Make a reservation if you are coming after 5 pm. It is a tiny place with white linen tablecloths but casual. On Thursdays bring a bottle of local wine and there is no corkage fee. The menu changes daily to reflect what is local and fresh. Not expensive, great food and good service.
Great fish and chips at super cheap prices. There is a small counter inside and 2 or 3 tables outside. Be prepared to take it to go or eat in your car when it is busy. Located in a mini strip mall it's all about the fish....
Mel's Fish & Chips
1016 Hopper AveGreat fish and chips at super cheap prices. There is a small counter inside and 2 or 3 tables outside. Be prepared to take it to go or eat in your car when it is busy. Located in a mini strip mall it's all about the fish....
It is a fish market and low key restaurant. Great fish tacos and beers on tap. Many other fish and non-fish choices. They also do a gluten free clam chowder. You sit outside on benches communal style. After a great lunch head up the street to Doran Beach which is a dog and kid friendly beach. It is part of the Sonoma county parks system. There will be a fee to park -- about $8. They also have showers and a changing area so bring beach gear. Be sure to check the weather as it can be windy and foggy on the coast.
62 residents recomanen
Fishetarian Fish Market
599 CA-1It is a fish market and low key restaurant. Great fish tacos and beers on tap. Many other fish and non-fish choices. They also do a gluten free clam chowder. You sit outside on benches communal style. After a great lunch head up the street to Doran Beach which is a dog and kid friendly beach. It is part of the Sonoma county parks system. There will be a fee to park -- about $8. They also have showers and a changing area so bring beach gear. Be sure to check the weather as it can be windy and foggy on the coast.
Really, another micro-brewery? At last count I counted 4 in Santa Rosa alone. Pub-grub and great brew....for those of you who are tired of wine tasting this is another alternative....
26 residents recomanen
Fogbelt Brewing Company
1305 Cleveland AveReally, another micro-brewery? At last count I counted 4 in Santa Rosa alone. Pub-grub and great brew....for those of you who are tired of wine tasting this is another alternative....
A public ale house (aka brewery) featuring lots of television coverage of sports events. Lots of local beers to try and a decent pub-grub menu. It is off the beaten path away from downtown but an easy drive....
14 residents recomanen
Steele & Hops Public House
1901 Mendocino AveA public ale house (aka brewery) featuring lots of television coverage of sports events. Lots of local beers to try and a decent pub-grub menu. It is off the beaten path away from downtown but an easy drive....
A breakfast institution.....Everything is made in house. Tiny, and a local favorite. Only open for breakfast.
41 residents recomanen
Hank's Creekside Restaurant
2800 4th StA breakfast institution.....Everything is made in house. Tiny, and a local favorite. Only open for breakfast.
Thai food in downtown. Guests who have eaten here really enjoy the food and value. Although we have not gone yet ourselves, it is definitely on our "to do restaurant" list.
11 residents recomanen
Khoom Lanna
107 4th StThai food in downtown. Guests who have eaten here really enjoy the food and value. Although we have not gone yet ourselves, it is definitely on our "to do restaurant" list.
In case you want breakfast this is the place. There is another location on Santa Rosa Avenue as well.
20 residents recomanen
Dierk's Midtown Café
1422 4th StIn case you want breakfast this is the place. There is another location on Santa Rosa Avenue as well.
Technically a winery they offer brick oven pizzas and a jug, yes a jug of wine! It is their blend but oh, so tasty! The jug is $30 and will adequately do for 2-4 people. The pizza is great and their backyard patio an oasis. Plus, you keep the jug and can refill it for only $15! A bargain in wine country....
70 residents recomanen
VJB Cellars
60 Shaw AveTechnically a winery they offer brick oven pizzas and a jug, yes a jug of wine! It is their blend but oh, so tasty! The jug is $30 and will adequately do for 2-4 people. The pizza is great and their backyard patio an oasis. Plus, you keep the jug and can refill it for only $15! A bargain in wine country....
One of our guests highly recommends this Italian eatery. White linen tablecloths, small and intimate. More formal than others. Make sure to make a reservation as it is very popular.
Basilico
4776 Sonoma HwyOne of our guests highly recommends this Italian eatery. White linen tablecloths, small and intimate. More formal than others. Make sure to make a reservation as it is very popular.
Rated with 1 Michelin Star. Great for vegetarians and meat eaters. Be prepared to sit close to your neighbors though. Tight quarters but a local favorite. Sit at the bar if you can....
127 residents recomanen
Glen Ellen Star
13648 Arnold DrRated with 1 Michelin Star. Great for vegetarians and meat eaters. Be prepared to sit close to your neighbors though. Tight quarters but a local favorite. Sit at the bar if you can....
No, it's not in Italy but a SF favorite has just relocated to Glen Ellen. Amazing Italian cuisine "grandma's recipes" of course. Not pretentious or expensive considering the location. The corkage fee is $20 so bring your own favorite and enjoy...
15 residents recomanen
Umbria
No, it's not in Italy but a SF favorite has just relocated to Glen Ellen. Amazing Italian cuisine "grandma's recipes" of course. Not pretentious or expensive considering the location. The corkage fee is $20 so bring your own favorite and enjoy...
One of our guests recommends this spot for brunch. Healthy food, good value and good vibes. We can't wait to try it ourselves!!
87 residents recomanen
Sunflower Caffé
421 1st St WOne of our guests recommends this spot for brunch. Healthy food, good value and good vibes. We can't wait to try it ourselves!!
A brewpub and more. Decent pub grub with a very local vibe and local brews on tap. They have live music on Thursday's plus other funky fun things on other days of the week. Sit outside on a nice day......
41 residents recomanen
Palooza Brewery & Gastropub
8910 Sonoma HwyA brewpub and more. Decent pub grub with a very local vibe and local brews on tap. They have live music on Thursday's plus other funky fun things on other days of the week. Sit outside on a nice day......
Located in "West county" this Italian eatery comes highly recommended by friends of mine. Wednesday's the corkage fee is waived on a bottle of wine. On Thursdays they have a fixed price 3 course menu. All ingredients are locally sourced. Unpretentious and very local.......great value and a beautiful part of Sonoma county to visit. There are also great wineries along the way....Open for lunch and dinner.....
34 residents recomanen
Canneti Roadhouse Italiana
6675 Front StLocated in "West county" this Italian eatery comes highly recommended by friends of mine. Wednesday's the corkage fee is waived on a bottle of wine. On Thursdays they have a fixed price 3 course menu. All ingredients are locally sourced. Unpretentious and very local.......great value and a beautiful part of Sonoma county to visit. There are also great wineries along the way....Open for lunch and dinner.....
Awesome, fresh and fabulous Mexican fare. Be prepared for a line on the weekends. Great food and great value....very local and low key.
141 residents recomanen
El Molino Central
11 Central AveAwesome, fresh and fabulous Mexican fare. Be prepared for a line on the weekends. Great food and great value....very local and low key.
Our friends tell us this is the best Thai food in town. We just ate there and we thought it was amazing. The noise level can get a bit high and you may have to wait for orders when it is busy but so worth it....located in an outdoor shopping center about 20 minutes from us in Santa Rosa.
75 residents recomanen
SEA Thai Bistro
2350 Midway DrOur friends tell us this is the best Thai food in town. We just ate there and we thought it was amazing. The noise level can get a bit high and you may have to wait for orders when it is busy but so worth it....located in an outdoor shopping center about 20 minutes from us in Santa Rosa.
Smaller and less pretentious than The Girl and the Fig. Open for breakfast and lunch in the quaint town of Glen Ellen. It i about 15 minutes from our house....Afterwards, go down the street to Jack London State Park.....a gem.....
82 residents recomanen
the fig cafe & winebar
13690 Arnold DrSmaller and less pretentious than The Girl and the Fig. Open for breakfast and lunch in the quaint town of Glen Ellen. It i about 15 minutes from our house....Afterwards, go down the street to Jack London State Park.....a gem.....
If you happen to be around Bodega Bay this family style Italian restaurant is a local favorite. Lots of food and good vibes....
27 residents recomanen
Dinucci's Italian Dinners
14485 Valley Ford RdIf you happen to be around Bodega Bay this family style Italian restaurant is a local favorite. Lots of food and good vibes....
Our recent guests say that the food is fantastic but be prepared for a line as it is a popular place. Located in the historic part of Santa Rosa it is a treat to eat and then wander. Service can be slow but the servers are very attentive and "authentically" Italian......
40 residents recomanen
Lococo's Cucina Rustica
117 4th StOur recent guests say that the food is fantastic but be prepared for a line as it is a popular place. Located in the historic part of Santa Rosa it is a treat to eat and then wander. Service can be slow but the servers are very attentive and "authentically" Italian......
Just had lunch today here with my daughter. I was a bit leery because of all the "hype" when they first opened but what a pleasant surprise! Excellent cocktails, service and more than ample tapas. They said to order 6 for 2 people but honestly 3 was more than ample (get the street tacos--worth the money). Not inexpensive but a nice vibe and very "local"..
72 residents recomanen
Bird & The Bottle
1055 4th StJust had lunch today here with my daughter. I was a bit leery because of all the "hype" when they first opened but what a pleasant surprise! Excellent cocktails, service and more than ample tapas. They said to order 6 for 2 people but honestly 3 was more than ample (get the street tacos--worth the money). Not inexpensive but a nice vibe and very "local"..
Because, if you have never experienced Peruvian food this is a go to place. Moderately priced and service is okay but not great. Go for the food experience....
29 residents recomanen
Sazón | Peruvian Cuisine
1129 Sebastopol RdBecause, if you have never experienced Peruvian food this is a go to place. Moderately priced and service is okay but not great. Go for the food experience....
Our recent guests (who happen to live in New York) said this place is great.....what more can I say? Can't wait to try it myself...
21 residents recomanen
Riviera
75 Montgomery DrOur recent guests (who happen to live in New York) said this place is great.....what more can I say? Can't wait to try it myself...
A recent guest thought this restaurant was great. So do we. They have been doing "farm to table" before it was fashionable. They have their own garden for produce and source locally for the rest. Interesting menu that will please everyone.....
49 residents recomanen
Lowell's Restaurant
7385 Healdsburg AveA recent guest thought this restaurant was great. So do we. They have been doing "farm to table" before it was fashionable. They have their own garden for produce and source locally for the rest. Interesting menu that will please everyone.....
Nepalese/Indian restaurant with an ambiance that is hard to beat! Great food in a great location. You will think you are in a cafe in the Himalayas! The lamb shank curry is a must....
36 residents recomanen
Yeti
14301 Arnold DrNepalese/Indian restaurant with an ambiance that is hard to beat! Great food in a great location. You will think you are in a cafe in the Himalayas! The lamb shank curry is a must....
Parks & Nature
Beautiful access to coastal redwoods without a long drive.
500 residents recomanen
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods RdBeautiful access to coastal redwoods without a long drive.
Great hiking and biking. Just down the road from us. They even have an observatory.
95 residents recomanen
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon RdGreat hiking and biking. Just down the road from us. They even have an observatory.
Mount Hood
Another mountain area to hike, bike or walk.
Ruins of one of Jack London's homes. Beautiful scenery with great history. During the summer there is live theatre there. Also close to Glen Ellen a wonderful little town to walk around.
201 residents recomanen
Parc Històric Estatal Jack London
2400 London Ranch RdRuins of one of Jack London's homes. Beautiful scenery with great history. During the summer there is live theatre there. Also close to Glen Ellen a wonderful little town to walk around.
Beautiful hiking trails amongst nature....good for beginners...
162 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal Trione-Annadel
6201 Channel DrBeautiful hiking trails amongst nature....good for beginners...
A funky bohemian town that boasts Italian style dinners at both Negri's and the Union Hotel. We think that Hazel's restaurant is the place to go though. Small, intimate and a menu that changes daily. Definitely off the beaten path.....
71 residents recomanen
Occidental
A funky bohemian town that boasts Italian style dinners at both Negri's and the Union Hotel. We think that Hazel's restaurant is the place to go though. Small, intimate and a menu that changes daily. Definitely off the beaten path.....
Not only is there a beautiful beach but check out the seals where the Russian River meets the Pacific. It can be a bit windy though so go prepared....
61 residents recomanen
Jenner
Not only is there a beautiful beach but check out the seals where the Russian River meets the Pacific. It can be a bit windy though so go prepared....
All of the plants and trees have been started through seedlings brought over from Japan. It is beautiful to walk in. It is also free on Tuesdays...
29 residents recomanen
Quarryhill Botanical Garden
12841 Sonoma HwyAll of the plants and trees have been started through seedlings brought over from Japan. It is beautiful to walk in. It is also free on Tuesdays...
Doran Beach
201 Doran Beach RdGreat beach. Definitely not touristy. Lots of folks and dogs too.
Arts & Culture
Small venue offering an eclectic mix of music styles and genres. It won't break the bank either!
54 residents recomanen
Green Music Center
1801 E Cotati AveSmall venue offering an eclectic mix of music styles and genres. It won't break the bank either!
Wonderful small venue with top notch talent.
71 residents recomanen
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs RdWonderful small venue with top notch talent.
Everything about Charles Schultz and more. If you like cartoon/comic strips you will love this place. About $12 per person or $8 for seniors....
144 residents recomanen
Museu Charles M. Schulz
2301 Hardies LnEverything about Charles Schultz and more. If you like cartoon/comic strips you will love this place. About $12 per person or $8 for seniors....
Shopping
4th Street
4th StreetQuaint 3 or 4 block area with shopping, dining and interesting shops. Not touristy.
Much less touristy than Sonoma or Healdsburg with great shops. The Rialto theatre is a place to watch movies and enjoy wine or beer too. The Gypsy Cafe is a must for breakfast or lunch.
119 residents recomanen
Sebastopol
Much less touristy than Sonoma or Healdsburg with great shops. The Rialto theatre is a place to watch movies and enjoy wine or beer too. The Gypsy Cafe is a must for breakfast or lunch.
A quaint little town with lots of galleries, book stores, eateries all situated on a square. Very spanish. Although it can get a bit crowded on the weekends it is worth a trip. Less touristy than Sonoma. Don't forgot Racer brewery for their Racer 5 or 15 IPA...
154 residents recomanen
Healdsburg
A quaint little town with lots of galleries, book stores, eateries all situated on a square. Very spanish. Although it can get a bit crowded on the weekends it is worth a trip. Less touristy than Sonoma. Don't forgot Racer brewery for their Racer 5 or 15 IPA...
An old-fashioned outdoor shopping mall with something for everyone.....
56 residents recomanen
Montgomery Village Shopping Center
2404 Village CtAn old-fashioned outdoor shopping mall with something for everyone.....
A historic district in Santa Rosa with everything from food to clothing and some great thrift stores too. I have been told that folks from Marin take the Smart Rail just to visit. Very low key and non-touristy.
19 residents recomanen
Railroad Square Historic District
9 4th StreetA historic district in Santa Rosa with everything from food to clothing and some great thrift stores too. I have been told that folks from Marin take the Smart Rail just to visit. Very low key and non-touristy.
Essentials
Small grocery store about 1 mile or less from us that has great wines, hot entrees.....
Oakmont Village Market
6550 Oakmont DrSmall grocery store about 1 mile or less from us that has great wines, hot entrees.....
This is a great grocery store to get hot items, cold sandwiches, amazing wines and organic fruits and vegetables. It is my favorite grocery store.
45 residents recomanen
Oliver's Market - Stony Point
461 Stony Point RdThis is a great grocery store to get hot items, cold sandwiches, amazing wines and organic fruits and vegetables. It is my favorite grocery store.
Sightseeing
Quaint little seaside town. Go down to Doran Beach and stroll anytime of year. There is an entrance fee of about $8. Or pick a spot for a glass of wine and a view...
291 residents recomanen
Bodega Bay
Quaint little seaside town. Go down to Doran Beach and stroll anytime of year. There is an entrance fee of about $8. Or pick a spot for a glass of wine and a view...
This sleepy little spa town has changed little in the 30 years I have been going. It is a bit trendy now but still has great shops. A mud bath and a day at the warm springs is a must at Calistoga Inn and Spa. The Star Market is down the street and you can pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy poolside. Many wineries are right there on the El Dorado trail as well. Take Calistoga Road from our home. You will enjoy the 20 minute ride.
77 residents recomanen
Calistoga
This sleepy little spa town has changed little in the 30 years I have been going. It is a bit trendy now but still has great shops. A mud bath and a day at the warm springs is a must at Calistoga Inn and Spa. The Star Market is down the street and you can pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy poolside. Many wineries are right there on the El Dorado trail as well. Take Calistoga Road from our home. You will enjoy the 20 minute ride.
The farthest point north in Sonoma county this little town isn't so little anymore. Stroll the main street for a bit of nostalgia. There are also some great little shops and galleries. Definitely off the beaten path which we like. There is usually some kind of music venue going on too. Coppola winery plus others of the Alexander Valley are a short hop away.
6 residents recomanen
Cloverdale
The farthest point north in Sonoma county this little town isn't so little anymore. Stroll the main street for a bit of nostalgia. There are also some great little shops and galleries. Definitely off the beaten path which we like. There is usually some kind of music venue going on too. Coppola winery plus others of the Alexander Valley are a short hop away.
It is Sonoma afterall.....quaint but busy downtown square with interesting shops and eateries. It still seems to hold onto it's small town appeal....Don;t forget the Farmer's Market on Tuesday nights.
166 residents recomanen
Sonoma
It is Sonoma afterall.....quaint but busy downtown square with interesting shops and eateries. It still seems to hold onto it's small town appeal....Don;t forget the Farmer's Market on Tuesday nights.
Located on the square in Sonoma. After a visit, check out the rest of the town. Known for fine restaurants, shopping and thrift stores too. We locals enjoy it but not on the weekends. On Tuesday nights go check out the farmer's market. Live music, produce and lots of foodie trucks.
19 residents recomanen
General Vallejo's Home
Located on the square in Sonoma. After a visit, check out the rest of the town. Known for fine restaurants, shopping and thrift stores too. We locals enjoy it but not on the weekends. On Tuesday nights go check out the farmer's market. Live music, produce and lots of foodie trucks.