Barley & Hops Tavern For the esoteric completionist drinker, Barley & Hops sources some serious suds from Munich to Salzburg to Petaluma to Fredericksburg to London to Sebastopol. For hop (egg) heads. 3688 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. 707.874.9037.
The Mayflower Pub Established in 1971, 40 years have given the Mayflower some of the lovely grit of the true local. Darts, quizzes and perfectly handled Guinness are among the pleasures of this friendly spot. 1533 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.1011.
Mondo American Beer Garden Boasting the largest draft beer selection in the town of Sonoma, Mondo is a cheerful spot as generous with its wide selection of bottled beers as with the 20 or so they always have on tap. 875 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.938.8013.
Murphy’s Irish Pub Live music, poetry readings, quiz nights and such special annuals as tributes to Bobby Burns are among the offerings of this tucked-away Sonoma pub. “We don’t sell Bud—don’t ask!” warns a sign. 464 First St. E., Sonoma. 707.935.0660.
The Norman Rose Tavern Among the newest additions to downtown Napa’s revitalization, the Norman is all about being able to fall in the door, grab a great pint and have a great burger. Unpretentious and always crowded, the place tends to put the words “of love” after its offerings (i.e., “the burger of love”) . 1401 First St., Napa. 707.258.1516.
Olde Sonoma Public House See Swirl, p26.
Stout Bros. An Irish-style pub and restaurant, Stout Bros. boasts its own brand of pale ale as well as a sturdy collection of brews from old Blighty and beyond. For nondrinkers, the soda, tea, coffee and even lemonade are “bottomless.” Servers, fortunately, are not. 527 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.636.0240.
Taps So named for the 60 or so beers regularly on draft, this is the place for a bacon-wrapped hotdog and the game. 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707.763.6700.
Toad in the Hole Pub Run by tousled and beloved Paul Stokeld, the Toad is a neighborhood local. Women aren’t bothered, children are welcome, dogs are given a dish, the food is inexpensive and savory. Like Barley & Hops, the beer here is serious. Tuesdays at the Toad feature different breweries. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.544.TOAD.
