Drink: New Craft Beer Bar Opens In Downtown Petaluma, TAPS
TAPS in Petaluma opened this weekend and we stopped in to check things out. Technically in “soft opening” phase, the place is looking terrific. Between TAPS, the Lagunitas TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary, and Dempsey’s Brewpub, Petaluma’s become quite the destination for beer geeks. I couldn’t be happier.
This new destination is a group effort from Eric Lafanchi (pictured), his brother, and Eric’s wife Wendy (not only co-owner, but also the driven, determined, secret-ingredient to Taps’ existence). Together they’ve culled a tasty tap and bottle selection for both Geeks and regular Peeps alike, thanks to some expert input by Mario the Brewsario behind Brewed For Thought. And since they happily offer samples of anything tapped it’s a great place to experiment or just knock back a few. Wash it all down with fries and $4 sausages & dogs, and you’re all good.
First up was this amazingly creamy ‘n biscuity Tripel Karmeliet from Bosteels, in respective glass and coaster no less. Most of their beers are served in corresponding glassware. All others get the curvy, English-style pints, thankfully not the flat shaker pints (which really just bore me). Details, folks.
On top of about 30 taps and over a dozen bottles, they’ve got six flatscreens. Count ‘em, six. All will be fired up for the big game(s).
The guys have been unearthing artifacts hidden in the basement of 1923 landmark Hotel Petaluma. Shown here, a vintage flyer for the Steamer Gold paddle wheel. You could ferry from the wharf at Washington & Jackson in SF all the way up to Lakeville landing in Petaluma for 50 cents. My bus ride costs $8.50. Each way.
Get a load of that Umlaut! That’s a bomber of Valley Brewing Überhoppy next to Lagunitas Hop Stoopid.
TAPS is located around the side of Hotel Petaluma. Go say hi to the Lafranchi Brothers and find your new favorite beer from Lagunitas, Bear Republic, Dogfish Head, Anderson Valley, Stone, Mad River, Marin Brewing Co, Moylan’s, North Coast, Moonlight, Firestone, Anchor, New Belgium, Avery, Koningshoeven, Abita, Moortgat, Ommegang, and more.
TAPS Petaluma
205 Kentucky Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707.763.6700
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Deep Fried Bacon Dog and Anchor Humming Ale at TAPS Petaluma
Lagunitas TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary Now Open
Brewsario, I like it.
Don’t miss the Grand Opening Party on October 2nd presented by RateBeer Events. 5 very tasty special ales will be on tap for one tasting price. Plus there should be some brewer’s and brewery reps on hand to pour some of their wares as well.
Glad you liked the place.
Sweet! I’m there this weekend!
I gotta keep in touch with you Fred – you always scoop me on beer-related news. Speaking of which, I need updates on Lagunitas parties. They supposedly took my email down but I’ve never received a single announcement. Almost missed the Beer Circus!
Cheers,
Brian
Thanks, BeeDub! Lagunitas is in the process of updating their mailing list, so stay tuned.
Beer Circus will happen again in 2010. Bigger and crazier than the first.
If you want to stay posted, click up on the right to follow the Umlaut on Facebook!
Headin’ down to TAPS around 4 today, fate willing!
Great beer but watch out for Erics father who’s a convicted felon out on parole and trolling around the place.
He tried to pick me up.Gross!
P.S he lives upstairs