Let’s Meet Downtown

Petaluma’s historic downtown has it all. Locally owned boutiques. Wine tasting rooms, distilleries, and breweries. Ingredient-driven restaurants helmed by some of the North Bay’s top chefs. Art galleries, live music venues, and colorful murals. A river that cuts through the middle of downtown, offering plenty of ways to play on the water. Iron-front buildings and other architectural gems. And the best part? It’s all walkable. Park your car (Hello, free parking!) and set out on foot to explore downtown. Start on Petaluma Boulevard North and see where downtown takes you.

By Martha-Page Althaus

Latest & Greatest

Taste your way through downtown at the newest spots to eat and drink.

LUMA BAR & EATERY

Enjoy plant-forward dishes in a riverfront location at this newest concept from the owners of The Shuckery. (Tip: Don’t sleep on the flatbread and wine happy hour special, Thursday through Sunday.)

KAPU BAR

At this fun bar, the vacay vibes are as strong as the drinks. One step into the cavern-like entrance and you’re instantly transported to island time. Inside, tropical decor (hand-carved bamboo panel, Balinese tiki sculptures), Hawaiian-inspired bites, and inventive cocktails await.

ACME BURGER

This Sonoma County favorite has a new home in a renovated gas station (really!), and retro charm abounds. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy the simple pleasures of a grass-fed, locally raised beef burger.

Bonus: It’s next door to the new Crooked Goat Brewing Taproom, so you can order a pint of Ibex IPA with your burger.

STELLINI ALIMENTARI

Coming soon from the owners of Stellina Pronto bakery, this Italian specialty market will include a bottle shop, deli counter, and imported goods to add a little bella vita in your everyday life.

QUIOTE

Come here for tacos, tostados, and other delicious Mexican plates at this familyowned eatery.

Shopping Time

DOWNTOWN’S NEWEST BOUTIQUES

Estuary is a well-curated, woman-owned shop that carries sustainable items for home and garden. Stylish objects range from ceramics and clothes to gifts and gardening tools. Across the street, step into the grandeur of Au Thentic, where the setting is as good as the shop. Located in an ornate, 1926 former bank, Au Thentic carries made-in-Petaluma brands, accessories, and textiles.

STONEWORK PIZZA & TAP

Stone-fired pizzas and Sonoma County craft beers on tap. What more could you ask for? Try The Farm & The Fig, with prosciutto, fig jam, and balsamic glaze.

FLORALUNA APOTHECARY & TRADING CO.

This isn’t your average bar, and that’s a good thing. This intimate, zero-proof bar (the first of its kind in Sonoma County) serves creative drinks made with nonalcoholic spirits and homemade bitters and syrups. •