Sonoma County Line

Ponder the following words: Abita. Deschutes. Bison Brewing.

Or perhaps try these: Chocolate Stout. XXXX IPA. Karmeliet.

Ok, how about these: Chicago Dog, Bratwurst, Garlic Fries.

Sold yet? If you’re a beer fan, I probably had you at Abita.

Petaluma has new bar in town and SCL’s vote is in: Bravo. Focusing on craft beers (both tap and bottle) and the food that goes best with such libations, TAPS is welcome addition to Petaluma’s (lacking of quality, not quantity) bar scene.

My curiosity was piqued last week when I swung by Bank of America to make a little financial transaction (which usually consists of more take than give, unfortunately). Across the street I spied a sign hanging  below the Petaluma Hotel that read something to the effect of: ‘Coming Soon – TAPS! 30+ Craft Beers on tap!‘; subtext: ‘Serving gourmet dogs, brats and more!‘.

A bar with mostly craft beers? On tap? And gourmet brats? In Petaluma? I could barely wait for the weekend to find out more.

Eric Lafanchi is the face behind Taps, along with his wife, Wendy and his brother. Together, they’ve managed to take what used to be the old outdoor courtyard for Petaluma Hotel (now enclosed) and transform it into a classy atmosphere, with even classier beer and most excellently executed gourmet dogs.

With 30+ craft beers on tap, 30+ more in bottle, 6 flat screen televisions and a streamlined – yet not lacking in the least – menu, TAPS should become a local favorite in no time. It’s the kind of place you might stop in for just one and find yourself still there 4 hours later. Knock back a few microbrews (served in properly corresponding glassware), see what they have on cask for the week (unveiled on Wednesdays), order a BLT dog (deep-fried dog with bacon, lettuce, tomato) and watch your day of Saturday sports unfold.

TAPS is located on Kentucky street across from the Bank of America, so it’s easily accessible to downtowners and a perfect hideaway for men with downtown shopping wives – at least, I’ll know where to find my beer-loving father next visit.

Cheers.

TAPS Petaluma: 205 Kentucky Street Petaluma; 707-763-6700; 11:30-10pm (Mon-Sat) and 9:30-10pm (Sun).

SCL Insider Tip: Join TAPS Facebook page and be in-the-know for their daily secret passwords which will score you specials on beer. Words such as ‘Jimmy’ might get you $3 pint of Abita Purple Haze. Don’t you just love being part of the cool crowd?