Brewsters Beer Garden – Come for the Beer; Stay for the Party

When you’re walking in downtown Petaluma, as you cross Washington Street and head north on Petaluma Boulevard, you may notice a flat-roofed, semi-industrial structure, landscaped with native grasses and ground cover. The building looks rather unassuming but an intriguing free-form metal tree sculpture beckons you to enter through the gate.

As you descend the stairs, what comes into view practically takes your breath away. Calling Brewsters a “beer garden” does not do justice to the full scope of dining and entertainment possibilities that await in the immense space.

Family-friendly and beer garden typically don’t describe the same venue but that’s just one of the happy surprises in store at Brewsters. About half of the tables – the restaurant seats 350 – are in the open air portion, so if the kids’ happen to spill their root beer, it lands on the hard packed ground and no one blinks an eye. When the little ones are finished with their French fries and start to get squirmy, they can burn up some energy in the playground area, giving mom and dad and chance to enjoy the last few sips of their beer in peace.

And speaking of beer, Brewsters offers a choice of 30 craft beers on tap. You can count on enjoying local favorites including Lagunitas and plenty of other popular Sonoma County brews. Plus, Brewsters has a full bar offering some creative cocktails with nothing priced over $10. Try the “Cineplex” which is buttered popcorn rum and Fentiman’s brewed cola.

Outdoor seating practically demands barbeque and Brewsters fare is getting glowing reviews. Sonoma Magazine described their BBQ as “serious pit master kinda stuff.” You know a chef is confident about his skills when they are “frequently roasting entire beasts for the restaurant’s impressive barbecue dishes.” Much of Brewsters seating is at picnic tables giving the space a friendly block party vibe that makes the barbeque, brews and beverages taste even better.

But wait…there are more good times to be had at Brewsters. If you and your friends want to engage in some friendly competition, they have a bocce court. Or if just chilling is more what you’re in the mood for, enjoy live entertainment by local bands Thursday through Saturday starting at 5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday also at 1pm.