The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience

The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience

Boasting dozens of historic restaurants and iconic vineyards throughout the land, Sonoma County harbors many classic gems we couldn’t fathom living without. From favorite watering holes only locals know about to legendary experiences you have to try at least once, here is just a handful of our favorite Sonoma classics.

 

Ernie’s Tin Bar, Petaluma

Since 1923, this watering hole on Lakeville Highway has offered respite from the bustling world outside its door. Snack on all the shelled peanuts you want, but keep your cellphone tucked away — their use is frowned upon. Instead, strike up a chat with your neighbor. “If you sit down, you’re going to end up in a conversation with somebody,” says third-generation proprietor Ernie Altenreuther. 

5100 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, 707-762-2075, facebook.com/erniestinbar

 

Apple Crumb pie with ice cream at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, January 24, 2025. Pies at Hazel are baked once a week every Friday. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Friday Pie Day at Hazel, Occidental

Michele Wimborough’s Friday pie day is legendary, with picks ranging from peanut butter and blackberry to Dutch apple and lemon meringue. You never know what she’ll be making, which is half the fun of your pie adventure. 

3782 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com

 

Pliny the Younger, Santa Rosa and Windsor

Why is there a long line of folks standing out in the cold — even sometimes in the spring rain — along Fourth Street in Santa Rosa? It’s a rite of passage that goes back over two decades: the annual release of the Pliny the Younger beer. The triple IPA packs a punch at over 10% alcohol and is available at Russian River Brewing Co.’s pubs in Santa Rosa and Windsor for only two weeks, starting in late March. Waiting in line for a pint of Pliny is a classic, only-in-Sonoma experience that you’ve got to try at least once. 

725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa; 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor, 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

 

Geyserville Gun Club, Geyserville

This former Masonic lodge masquerades as the most next-level bar in the county. Though their craft cocktails would spit in your eye if you called them that, selections like the She Devil, with mezcal, cherry liqueur, a squeeze of citrus and a dusting of ghost pepper are certainly creative. The bar menu is a munchie fantasy: fat Korean tacos with Kewpie mayo and bonito flakes, for example, and some of the tastiest burgers around.

21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0036, geyservillegunclub.com

 

The Swiss Hotel, Sonoma

There’s no better place to take in the scene on the Sonoma Plaza than from one of these outdoor tables, a well-mixed Negroni in your hand. This historic hotel and restaurant has been around for well over a century, and the sense of history shows. A collection of beer steins hang above the bar, black-and-white photos of sportsmen and Hollywood actors cover the walls, and the menu is filled with classic Italian, family-style favorites like pastas and chops. There’s an epic wall of wine bottles, many rare and historic, in the main dining room. 

18 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-2884, swisshotelsonoma.com

 

People dine on fresh seafood at Fishetarian in Bodega Bay. (Kim Carroll)

Fishetarian, Bodega Bay

This easy-going seafood shack right on the Bodega Harbor boasts fresh-caught fish daily and picnic table seating just steps from the water. You can’t go wrong with the menu here, with picks like platters of fat oysters served raw or barbecue-style, Boston-style clam chowder, fish tacos and crab cakes. Stock up for the fridge back at home at the fresh seafood counter. 

599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com

 

The Casino Bar & Grill, Bodega

Oh, Casino, how we love you — and we hope you never change. This classic waystation in the town of Bodega was overseen by the legendary Evelyn Casini for 75 years. Evelyn passed away last September at age 97, but Casino keeps going, fueling ranchers, fishermen and lucky visitors to this tight-knit town of 200. The Casino hosts rotating popups from various local chefs. 

17000 Bodega Hwy, Bodega, 707-876-3185, facebook.com/thecasinobarandgrill

 

Jack's Filling Station on Broadway in Sonoma not only sells gas, beer and wine, but you can pick up a vintage vinyl record, a canned candle, and any number of sundries and unique items. The retro vibe is prominent throughout the building, and there are many small vintage still life paintings scattered around the store, on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly)

Jack’s Filling Station, Sonoma

It’s the only place we know where you can both fill up your gas tank and walk away with a vintage vinyl record and a six-pack of craft beer or a bottle of natural wine from an up-and-coming producer. The Little Lou’s food truck is parked at the side most mornings, with gigantic breakfast burritos and some of the best burgers in town. 

899 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7203, jacksfillingstation.com

 

Washoe House, Petaluma

This fun roadhouse on the rural outskirts of Petaluma and Cotati is one of the oldest buildings in the county, dating back to 1859. Over the decades, it’s been a stagecoach station, a dance hall and a locals’ watering hole, with pinned-up dollar bills and handwritten messages absolutely plastering the ceiling. The food is good, from barbecue oysters and steaks to Henhouse fried chicken and fried cheese curds. 

2840 Roblar Road, Petaluma, 707-795-4544, washoehouse.feastbuffet.site

 

A pit stop at Dry Creek General Store in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll)

Dry Creek General Store, Healdsburg

This distinctive green-and-white clapboard 1881 general store and restaurant is the place to stop on a wine-tasting tour through rural Dry Creek Valley west of Healdsburg, near the Lambert Bridge. It’s the heart of this small rural crossroads, with cellar staff stopping in for takeout deli sandwiches during harvest and mixing it up with dressed-up visitors having a glass of wine on the porch. The adjoining bar is back with its distinctive saddle barstools, and everyone’s having a good time. 

3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-4171, drycreekgeneralstore1881.com

 

The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience
The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience

Work With Us

We love nothing more than helping buyers and sellers achieve their home-buying and selling goals. If you’ve got questions, we can’t wait to answer them.

Follow Us on Instagram