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 runs through the city’s epicenter, 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. 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.

Stellina 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 to your everyday life.

QUIOTE

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

“Amy’s is extremely excited to be part of the growth of downtown Petaluma where we’ve always been rooted. We see our new headquarters as a way to cement ourselves as active members of the Petaluma community, not only through our support of local businesses and nonprofits, festivals, and events, but also by showcasing who we are as a company and our values. It’s a great place to grow.”

–Paul

In The News

Have you heard? Nationally renowned organic and non-GMO food manufacturer Amy’s Kitchen is headed to downtown Petaluma. Amy’s started out in a Petaluma kitchen in 1987; today, its new headquarters in the heart of downtown will be a full-circle moment for the company. To try Amy’s delicious offerings, check out Amy’s Drive Thru in nearby Rohnert Park.

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. •

Stay Nearby

REST YOUR HEAD HERE.

Home2 Suites by Hilton

Petaluma is a brand new hotel located just 10 minutes from downtown. Other places to stay near the heart of downtown include Hampton Inn Petaluma (in the former Carlson-Surrier Silk Mill Company building) and Hotel Petaluma. Go to page 77 for more accommodations.

ARTS ALIVE

Every third Thursday of the month, Petaluma hosts Arts Alive. A celebration of visual and performing arts, this event features artist talks and demos, poetry readings, createyour-own art stations, and more.