The sidewalks don’t really roll up in Wine Country as soon as the sun goes down. If you know where to look, there’s a thriving nightlife scene even in the most bucolic Napa-Sonoma burg.
Just opened in the former Last Day Saloon space at Fifth and Wilson in Railroad Square, this slick club mixes it up with live music and comedy from local and national acts. Grab a cocktail at the full bar, sip a local beer on-tap, and nibble on Cal-style small plates. // 9 Fourth St. (Santa Rosa)
Bergamot Alley
The downtown destination is a favorite hangout for local hipsters, who crowd into the skinny brick building and sit on elementary-school chairs converted into bar stools to admire eclectic art. Also notable is the live music, spinning vinyl, movies, and/or Berlin-style ping-pong tournaments. Folks craving an alternative to California wines drool over the impressive selection of international wines and craft beers, while hungry patrons fill up on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, cup o’ bacon, and mustard brined pickled eggs. // 328A Healdsburg Ave. (Healdsburg), bergamotalley.com
Hopmonk Tavern
It’s really not a chain. Independently owned by beer guru Dean Biersch, each location of Hopmonk hums with its own personality. The Sebastopol spot is a rustic 105-year-old stone-and-timber haven with a live music abbey and rocking beer garden, while the Sonoma store is a converted 1888 home with its own huge stage and also-cool beer garden. Fuel the party with a dizzying array of craft beers plus a full menu. Don't mis the killer Reuben. // 224 Vintage Way (Novato), 230 Petaluma Ave. (Sebastopol), 691 Broadway Ave. (Sonoma); hopmonk.com
Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny joint on Old Redwood Highway; a dark, wood paneled hidey-hole worth seeking out for live jazz, blues, funk, soul, rock, and a bit of country jam. The down home fans aren’t shy about dancing, singing along, and whooping it with a microbrew up alongside pool tables or on the patio. // 8210 Old Redwood Hwy (Cotati), tradewindsbar.com
There’s just too much fun to be had at this retro-themed salute to Sinatra (and a bit of other silliness) in the landmark Flamingo Resort capped with a pink neon flamingo. Clientele like to dress for the party, be it a tux or gown for ballroom dancing. Other music nights include bossa nova and local artists performing original music, west coast swing, R&B, '80s flashbacks, classic cover bands, rock, soul, or funk. Whew. // 2777 Fourth St. (Santa Rosa), flamingoresort.com
Tucked in the historic Napa Mill next to Napa River Inn, this cozy den draws big names in jazz, blues, rock, reggae, smooth jazz, and Motown. The intimate space lets you get up close with the performer, in a more civilized manner than your typical bar. But be warned—the customers here are known to get rowdy. // 530 Main St. (Napa), silosnapa.com
Bowling and dancing? Why not? At this off-the-radar gem in the Meritage Resort & Spa, there’s a dance floor next to the bowling lanes, pool tables, and TV set showing sports/ During the day, it’s a more family friendly venue, so come at night when the lights go down, the laser lights flood the lanes, the music cranks up, and the cocktails flow. // 875 Bordeaux Way (Napa), meritageresort.com
For more excellent nightlife, from wine bars to dance clubs, don't miss our Ultimate Nightlife Guide 2015:
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