This is a great location right in low-rise downtown Santa Rosa and a great place. The atmosphere is that of a true pub - low-key, good conversations, and great beer. The beer here is truly incredible, whether your tastes run to classic (well, OK, intense versions of classic) ales - such as blonde, pale, IPA, porter, stout - or run to exotic American versions of Belgian ales - dubbel, trippel, wit, sour, etc. This is a required stop.

In spite of what we’ve just said, we had quite poor service on our two visits. Even though we sat at the bar both times, and it wasn’t particularly busy, we had a terrible time getting a beer. We will still go back, however, because the beer itself is so special.

Out front on the sidewalk, separated from the passersby by a black steel railing, are a number of outdoor tables with market umbrellas and chairs. Then as you enter, there’s a small seating area on the left. Beyond this is the brewery, which you can see through windows. Straight through from the entrance is a long wide bar made of narrow wood, flanked by stools. Still in the bar area are a good number of tall tables and stools. On the right side of the room is the (kid-friendly) dining area. Floors are concrete and overall the decor is not fancy, but appropriately beer-related (e.g., burlap hop sacks, metal brewery signs, and old ceramic beer bottles).

reviewed on: 2009-08-11 00:03:30

I arrived on a Tuesday, en route to NHC in Oakland. We had to stop and sample the Pliny the Elder. We arrived right at opening time and were the second party to walk through the door. It's smaller than I expected. With all the hoopla about Pliney, I expected a huge place, full of west coast hop lovers and Belgophiles. Brick walls, hop sacks hanging from the ceiling, and old tin beer signs on the walls. I had a Mama Mia Pizza with pineapples and Jalapenos. I started with a Pliny, but moved over to the right column of the menu to have some Belgian style beers. The Salvation was fantastic. The Little White Lie wit was amazing. The server brought us a sample of the last keg of Mortification, their quadruple.

This places almost makes me want to move to California. It's amazing.

reviewed on: 2009-07-29 19:36:47

First, avoid RR the Friday night before a major Nascar race in the area. More middle aged women with inappropriate cleavage and excessive make-up that I'm prepared to witness. Fortunately, we returned the following day during a relatively quiet afternoon and I'll base my review on that experience.

This place is all about the beer. 16 brews on tap. A nice mix between traditional beers (IPA, Pale, Porter) and Belgians. We had come to RR for the Pliny the Elder and unfortunately, I thought it was about the same as I experienced in the bottle. The RR IPA, Blind Pig, Parking Violation Pale, Porter, etc. were all excellent, however. The Belgians across the board were very good to excellent as well. Only the stout stood out as just so-so. But overall, I was and continue to be extremely impressed with the quality of the beer.

We order some appetizers - wings and pizza bites. Food was satisfactory. Nothing out of the ordinary, but sufficient to help wash down the beer. Service Saturday afternoon was good. Wait staff served us promptly and was friendly. Friday night and then again Saturday night, the place was busy and the service was a little slower and less friendly, but I guess that is to be expected.

Overall, still a ranks as a destination beer spot worthy of a long drive.

reviewed on: 2009-06-24 02:31:46

Went out there on a Sunday evening. Sundays are nice because its happy hour all day. Big chalkboards listing all brews on tap. Huge bar, some outdoor seating, and small stage for live music.

Menu is a little limited - mainly pizza. Pizza was very good. Good pizza bite type appetizer if you're not up for a full on meal.

The best part is the Pliny and Blind Pig were sooooo good on tap. If you don't have a favorite style, go with the samplers.

I will definitely return when in the area.

reviewed on: 2008-08-15 12:38:46

The Russian River brew pub is just about the only place to go to try Russian River beer on tap. It's a cool little bar with the beer list written out on a chalk board as it changes frequently. If you have the time the sampler is highly recommended, it's a few ounces of every beer they have on tap, which is somewhere around 15. But Pliny the Elder is the real draw of Russian River. People come from far and wide to try one of the most highly regarded Imperial IPA's the US has to offer. Also very good are their barrel aged beers. They are expensive, but if you are serious about beer they are a must.

reviewed on: 2008-08-04 16:27:08

It's all about the beer (almost). I dropped by on Sunday and it was busy (happy hour all day). There is a comfortable bar area with additional tall tables and several TVs plus an adjacent table area as well as some outdoor seating on the sidewalk. Food is limited to pizza plus some simple salads and appetizers; mostly something to do while drinking the great beer. Service was a bit slow in the bar area. There is a public parking lot out back.
There were about a dozen house brews listed when I visited. I couldn’t stay long so I just had a O.V.L. (Dry) Stout which hit the spot on a pleasant afternoon. I will definitely will return for some of their barrel aged brews and their IPAs.
Edit: Dropped in again and got to taste Pliny the Younger (Triple IPA, 11% ABV). What a treat.

reviewed on: 2007-08-20 12:50:24