"Sixteen-plus taps, an 1888 farmhouse beer garden and weekend live music make HopMonk Sonoma's easy, sociable group table for a casual night."
About HopMonk Tavern
HopMonk Tavern is the beer-garden gastropub at 691 Broadway, a few blocks south of the Sonoma Plaza, housed in an 1888 farmhouse renovated in 2010. It was founded by Dean Biersch, co-founder of the Gordon Biersch brewery group, and it is the most relaxed, group-friendly entry in our Sonoma guide, a town otherwise known for its wineries and tasting menus.
The draw is beer and a backyard: sixteen-plus taps, including HopMonk's own house ales, poured beside a straightforward American pub menu, with free live music in the beer garden on weekends. It is the antidote to a heavy wine-country dinner. For why an honest, long-running room earns its regulars, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The food is solid pub cooking built to drink with: the house Reuben of thin-sliced pastrami on rye, beer-battered fish and chips, burgers, curry samosas and sweet-potato fries. The bar runs more than thirty bottled beers and sixteen-plus on tap, mixing HopMonk's own hefeweizen and tavern ale with Sonoma County names like Russian River, Lagunitas and Moonlight. Mains land in the everyday range, which keeps a big table affordable.
The Room
The setting splits between a rustic tavern in the old farmhouse and a large outdoor beer garden and dining deck, which is where the place comes alive on a warm evening. It runs loud and friendly, with live music in the garden Friday through Sunday, built for groups rather than a quiet tête-à-tête. Service is casual and quick, and it is dog- and family-friendly in the garden.
Best for a casual group night or a low-key date
Grab a long table in the beer garden for a team dinner or a birthday over the taps and live music; the easy mood also suits a low-key first date.
Not for
A quiet, refined wine-country dinner: this is a loud, music-filled beer garden built for sociable groups, not a hushed romantic table.
Frequently Asked
What is HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma?
HopMonk Tavern is a beer-garden gastropub in an 1888 farmhouse at 691 Broadway in Sonoma, pouring sixteen-plus taps alongside an American pub menu, with free live music in the garden on weekends.
Who founded HopMonk Tavern?
HopMonk was founded by Dean Biersch, co-founder of the Gordon Biersch brewery group. The Sonoma location occupies an 1888 farmhouse renovated in 2010.
What food does HopMonk Tavern serve?
Pub plates built to drink with: a house Reuben on rye, beer-battered fish and chips, burgers, curry samosas and sweet-potato fries, alongside more than thirty beers.
Does HopMonk Tavern have live music?
Yes. There is free live music in the beer garden on weekends, typically Friday through Sunday, which makes it a lively spot for groups.
Is HopMonk Tavern good for groups?
Very. The large outdoor beer garden and dining deck, sixteen-plus taps and everyday pricing make it one of Sonoma's easiest tables for a team dinner or a birthday.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at HopMonk Tavern
Walk-ins welcome; book ahead for large groups and weekend evenings with live music.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
NeighbourhoodBroadway, south of the Plaza
CuisineGastropub · American
Price$$ · pub mains in the everyday range
Recognition1888 farmhouse, renovated 2010; founded by Dean Biersch of Gordon Biersch
SignatureHouse Reuben; beer-battered fish and chips; 16+ taps
