Guys' Weekend in Sonoma County

What to do with your guy friends in the Sonoma wine country?  Well, wine tasting is the obvious choice, but what else is there?

Beer

Sonoma County is craft beer heaven!

Tell me this doesn't look like a good time
At Russian River Brewery
Image from sfgate.com

The big guys are Bear Republic, Lagunitas and Russian River Brewery. There are many other small ones around, too, from Carneros Brewing to Woodfour.

There are numerous beer bars specializing in local micros such as Heritage House and Sprenger's in Santa Rosa.

If you're going for food, too, try Dempsey's, Hopmonk or Third Street Aleworks. Lagunitas offers brewery tours.

Fishing

Check into a a sea fishing charter out of Bodega Bay.

Golf

There are lots of courses including Bodega Harbour, Northwood, Oakmont, and Windsor.

Graton Casino

This is a new, Vegas style casino. Lots of restaurants. If you get tired of losing, Hooters isn't too far away.

Kayaking the Russian River

Outdoors

Bicycle tours, hiking (flat lands, hills, or beach, your choice), canoeing and kayaking (river, lake, or ocean).

Racing

Sonoma Raceway--check their events schedule as there are pro and amateur events to watch. Wednesday night drags are open to the public.

Thoroughbred horse racing comes to the Sonoma County Fair in the summer.

Restaurants

Guys like beef so where do you get it?
Stark's for the fancy (more expensive) steaks.
Cricklewood for steaks in a bit funkier, locals atmosphere.

For burgers the top choices are:
In N Out - The CA chain burger joint. If you are from out-of-state you should go because when you get home someone will ask if you've had an In N Out burger.
Mike's at the Crossroads - A basic diner in Cotati with what many call the best burger around.
Flipside - Great Santa Rosa downtown location for a burger and a beer.
Healdsburg Bar & Grill - Outdoor seating for a burger and a beer.

Wurst Grill - More of a sausage place that definitely qualifies as guy food (in Healdsburg).

For the other guy food, pizza, try La Vera, Old Chicago, Red Grape, or Rosso's.

Happy Hour

The weekday after work crowd at Jackson's
Image from sfgate.com

Stark's, Jackson's and Jack & Tony's in Santa Rosa. Spoonbar in Healdsburg is considered the best place around for cocktails. BTW, Jack & Tony's full name includes "Whisky Bar" so if that's your thing this is the place to go as they have a couple hundred available.

Wine Tasting

If you are a group of eight or more call the wineries in advance to see if it's okay. You will probably need a reservation.