Undeniably, Santa Rosa has excellent cocktail bars—which becomes obvious whenever you google ‘cocktail bars near me.’ There are so many options that committing to one spot can feel as daunting as choosing something to watch on Netflix with that friend who always thinks the book is better than the movie. We whittled things down to 10 must-try cocktail bar restaurants around the area.
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
$$ | (707) 595-7707 | WEBSITE
We could shout from the rooftops about Grossman’s Noshery & Bar’s phenomenal potato dumplings with fish roll, only to be interrupted by a bunch of other people also shouting about it. All you need is one trip to this bustling Santa Rosa spot to know it’s special. While all the classics like delicious and lean pastrami are great, turn your attention to the extensive menu.
There you’ll find an impressive selection of infused vodka drinks, including the popular 360° Vodka that makes for a perfect martini. Come with a group for lunch knowing tensions may get high when it’s time to decide who gets the last bite of that brown butter and sour cream goodness.
Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill
$$ | (707) 843-4716 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t explored Santa Rosa’s Mexican scene lately, this restaurant is a great excuse to venture beyond the usual spots. Tucked away in a vibrant storefront, the warm dining room is filled with colorful folk art and rustic wooden tables, making a meal here feel a bit like stepping into a lively Michoacan mercado. We urge you to try the rich-but-balanced mole enchiladas, which are simmered until tender and draped in a complex chocolate-chile sauce.
And comfort food fans will love the pollo a la crema, made with juicy chicken, a creamy tomatillo base, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs, giving the dish a comforting richness that pairs perfectly with their well-made margaritas.
Augie’s French
$$$ | (707) 531-4400 | WEBSITE
This Santa Rosa restaurant is strictly sit-down—a trip here means you’re settling in for a very saucy precious meal, or you’ve already devoured half of the bread basket before the appetizers arrive. Either way, order stand-out dishes like the French onion soup packed with melted gruyère in every square inch, the beef-heavy Bourguignon, and the black truffle escargot in a buttery and garlicky sauce with bright handmade gnocchi—because, balance.
SEA Thai Bistro
$$ | (707) 528-8333 | WEBSITE
Much like a perfectly balanced cocktail or a well-aged wine, this Santa Rosa bistro has no weak spots. They keep the classics elevated here, and it pays off. You won’t find a sprawling menu, but a focused collection of incredible seafood Panang and delicious green and yellow curries. Spice levels are thoughtfully calibrated, with attentive servers like Stella and Lee ready to guide your heat preferences. But the most valuable perk is that the remodel has transformed the experience.
Dinner in the newly designed bar with creative cocktails will be as satisfying as lunch on the patio with that nice wine list. Yeah, it’s ambitious to operate a restaurant whose name suggests oceanic freshness. But SEA Thai Bistro is not just a name—it’s a destination.
Taqueria Molcajetes No. 3
$$ | (707) 575-5793 | WEBSITE
Much like a reliable neighborhood spot or a go-to comfort food joint, Taqueria Molcajetes No. 3 can do no wrong. This Santa Rosa taqueria offers excellent Mexican street food, including its flavorful Al Pastor tacos—a perfect balance of seasoned pork and fresh toppings. But the best thing is the fantastic Happy Hour deals which pair nicely with the friendly staff and efficient service. And the quiet atmosphere, despite the loud TV music, makes it worth a visit.
All those elements make Taqueria Molcajetes perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a much better alternative to generic chain restaurants after shopping at nearby stores.
Gary’s at the Belvedere
$$ | (707) 542-1890 | WEBSITE
Gary’s at the Belvedere is tucked into a beautiful old building, and half of the charm here is soaking in the dive bar atmosphere, with pool tables, glowing TVs, and that late-night local buzz. The cocktail and wine options are impressively diverse, highlighted by the knowledgeable sommeliers who guide you through selections with genuine enthusiasm.
The bartenders are super friendly, engaging, and good listeners, creating a scene that’s more welcoming than finding a prime parking spot on a busy Santa Rosa evening. Just be ready for the food to take its time arriving—patience is part of the experience at this adults-focused spot.
Dolan’s Den Bar & Grill
$$ | (707) 544-1447 | WEBSITE
This windowless Santa Rosa spot is our go-to for a casual bar meal that doesn’t feel so casual. The American-leaning menu has touches of pub and comfort food influence, and the result is highly satisfying stuff. Prime rib on Wednesday nights contains the tenderness of a home-cooked roast, especially paired with those crisp, golden French fries. Crisp fish and chips with perfectly cooked, non-greasy batter is the perfect meal with a cold draft beer during happy hour.
And that friendly, family-like atmosphere from the welcoming bartenders restores our faith in neighborhood bars. (Not like we lost it or anything.)
Stark’s Steak & Seafood
$$$ | (707) 546-5100 | WEBSITE
This Santa Rosa restaurant has a terrific menu for celebrations and special occasions. Warm lighting illuminates dark wood paneling and white tablecloths while a bustling kitchen churns out classic steakhouse dishes with premium dry-aged beef and fresh seafood. The dry-aged ribeye is perfectly cooked and the butterfish melts in your mouth with delicate flavor.
And for all the seafood lovers out there, the calamari is lightly fried and served with a zesty lemon aioli that we can’t stop thinking about. (We are said seafood lovers.)
Wagon Wheel
$ | (707) 546-1958 | WEBSITE
If you, like us, have spent hours scrolling through videos of people belting out classic rock at karaoke bars, then you’ve already glimpsed the fun we had at Wagon Wheel. This Santa Rosa spot packs so much character into every corner that it feels like you’re stepping into a living time capsule. The Traveler’s Old Fashioned on Fridays tastes like every single sip has been steeped in tradition, while the lively chatter from the shuffleboard and pool tables complements the dive bar vibe.
Their jukebox nights burst with so much energy you will literally have to shout over the music—but the effort is rewarding. While there’s nothing fancy to the decor except some vintage signs and a few very worn-in bar stools, Wagon Wheel works for a casual drink or a lively night out after spending hours exploring downtown Santa Rosa.
Final Edition Bar
$ | (707) 542-1416 | WEBSITE
Santa Rosa has plenty of spots for a drink, but Final Edition Bar stands out above the rest in the Larkfield area. Cocktails have friendly prices and solid pours, beers are fresh and local from Henhouse and Cooperage, and their Greyhound is our preferred citrusy sip to start the night. But the best bite is their burger—an instant mood-booster of juicy patty with nostalgic flavors that bring back memories of the old Rogers in Santa Rosa.
The sampler combo with chicken strips, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and a chicken quesadilla is highly recommended too, especially with the relaxed vibe from neon signs and pool tables. Live bands, karaoke, and game nights keep things lively, and bartenders are known for chatting with customers. It’s a cozy divey spot perfect for a night out, even if the kitchen closes at 9 pm on Fridays. Overall, it’s a welcoming place with a variety of entertainment options for both locals and visitors.