Sebastopol Guidebook
Welcome to charming Sebastopol, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sonoma County! This guide will help you discover the best coffee shops, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and music venues this delightful town has to offer.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Retrograde Coffee Roasters – Local favorite for expertly roasted coffee
Taylor Lane Organic Coffee – In the Barlow. Contemporary cafe serving organic coffee & tea drinks in an industrial space with a loft & patio.
Hardcore Espresso – Sweet family-run spot with excellent baristas and a chill atmosphere. South of downtown
Emilou's Café – Cozy neighborhood café perfect for a morning brew
Coffee & Moore – Located in Gravenstein Station, ideal stop after walking the Joe Rodota Trail. Coffee and pastry lovers, indoor and outdoor seating, plus board games and local art displays.
Westside Cafe – Classic coffee shop with local charm
The Harvest Cafe – Farm-to-table café experience
Ice Cream Shops
Screamin' Mimi's Ice Cream (6902 Sebastopol Ave) – Local institution with creative flavors and classic favorites
Two Dog Night Creamery – In the Barlow. Ice cream is made using fresh organic Straus cream, supporting local organic dairy farmers right here in beautiful Sonoma County.
The Barlow: Food & Drink Hub
A 12-acre outdoor market district featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits, and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans.
Restaurants & Bars in The Barlow
Fern Bar – Live music and innovative zero-proof cocktails
Osito Style Tacos - an exploration of flavors, cultures, and ingredients that come together in a symphony of taste that’s uniquely Californian
The Punchdown – Natural wine bar and bottle shop
Salt & Sea Poke – Fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls
Region – Self-serve wine bar with local vintages
Barrio – Authentic Mexican cuisine
Crooked Goat Brewing – Local craft brewery
Acre Pasta – Handmade pasta and Italian-inspired dishes
Patisserie Angelica – Elegant high tea and scones (reservations recommended)
Sarmentine – Organic French bakery
Taylor Lane Coffee – Flagship location with organic drinks and patio
Two Dog Night Creamery – Small-batch organic ice cream made from Straus cream
Near The Barlow
The Farmer's Wife – Farm-to-table dining
The Redwood – Cozy restaurant and wine bar offering a variety of small plates and a notable selection of natural wines
Third Pig Bar – Neighborhood bar
Portico – Italian comfort food
Goldfinch – Upscale seasonal cuisine. A menu highlighting shared plates and a notable selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Americana – Family-friendly restaurant spotlighting breakfast and American dishes made with local farm-fresh comfort fare.
Downtown Sebastopol Dining
Lunch Box – Quick, casual bites
Campanella Kitchen & Garden Patio – Italian-inspired with outdoor seating
Sebastopol Cookie Company – Delicious baked goods and treats
Outdoor Adventures
Joe Rodota Trail
8.5-mile paved trail connecting Santa Rosa and Sebastopol
Great for walking, biking, and scenic views of the Laguna de Santa Rosa
Best enjoyed in fall and spring
Coastal Hikes near Bodega Bay (30–45 minutes away)
Bodega Head Trail – Clifftop ocean views, whale watching, easy-to-moderate hike
Kortum Trail – Bluff-top trail between Salmon Creek Beach and Goat Rock, wildflowers in spring
Duncan's Landing – Rugged rocky coast, tide pools, dramatic wave action
Shell Beach – Peaceful beach walk, sunset views
Salmon Creek Beach Trail – Birdwatching, gentle lagoon-side trail
Music Venues & Events
HopMonk Tavern & The Abbey Sebastopol
230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA
Sebastopol's music hub with local and touring acts in an intimate tavern setting. Craft beers & creative pub grub offered in a lively spot with a fire-pit patio.
Peacetown Summer Concert Series
Every Wednesday, June to August
Dance at Ives Park
Rancho Nicasio (about 45 minutes away)
Rustic Marin County roadhouse with dinner shows, live music, and western charm
Community Events & Markets
Sebastopol Farmers' Market
Held every Sunday at Town Square – a community gathering of local farmers, artisans, and fresh produce in a charming park setting
Additional Barlow Attractions
Artisan workshops and maker spaces
Local breweries and distilleries
Organic landscaping and edible gardens (mostly at the Barlow and the many Gravenstein apple orchards)
Pet-friendly paths and patios
Rotating art shows and pop-up events mostly at the Barlow and the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.
Getting Around
Very walkable downtown. The Barlow is easily walkable from Main Street. Ample parking at most venues. Trailheads around town. Beaches require a short 33 minute scenic drive west.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March to May) – Wildflowers, mild temps
Summer (June to August) – Outdoor dining, Peacetown series
Fall (September to November) – Harvest season, fewer crowds
Winter (December to February) – Stormy coastlines, cozy vibes
Final Note
Sebastopol is all about laid-back charm, great food, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're sipping local wine, biking scenic trails, or dancing under the redwoods, this town is ready to welcome you.