Grin and Bear It
We wandered into the Bear Republic Brewing Company because it looked just like the brewpub we always ate at in Burlington, Vermont; indeed, Healdsburg is, in its small, very-hot-in-July way, a dead ringer for progressive, small-town Burlington. Summary: both the food and the service were better than in the land of Ben-and-Jerry's.

All of the fascinating burger selection can be had with turkey burgers, garden burgers, or a chicken filet, as well as with the usual beef. The French dip was loaded with lean beef and not the slightest bit greasy or fatty. Garlic fries proved to be sprinkled with seasoning, again making them a little lighter than ordinary pub fare. The beer menu includes multiple IPAs, some of them award winners. All-in-all, the food was a good, solid meal, with less grease and more taste than at many a brewpub.

The outstanding feature of the experience was service. Although the t-shirted waitstaff, the shellacked distressed-wood tables, and the biker contingent among the regulars suggests VERY casual dining, the service is quietly outstanding. The attentiveness and politeness of the waitstaff is rare even in "fine dining" restaurants.    [21 Jul 2003 16:58:32]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: anything with garlic fries

     ­Anonymous   

Huh?!?!?! Must've been Vermont's Lucky Day
There must be TWO Bear Republics in Healdsburg. The one I go to has good beer (Hop Rod Rye is my favorite; my better half likes the Racer 5), but service and food have both been inconsistent. We still eat there when we don't feel like driving down the road to Santa Rosa, where you'll find other places. RRB gets all stars for their service.

I hope that BR trains their waitstaff at some point. I might give it another try (at least until traffic on 101 clears up!)    [25 Jun 2004 02:24:24]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Black and Blue Burger - if you're REAL hungry!

     ­A Local, Healdsburg, CA   

Local Favorite
The above local must be used to dining at many of the upscale restaurants in Healdsburg. I find Bear Republic to be a fantastic escape from the uppity wine snob world that this town has become. The beer is excellent and has won many awards at several different beer festivals around the country. The food is pub grub, plain and simple. If you are looking for "fine dining," just go around the corner and pay three times as much money for half the amount of food. I enjoy going to Bear Republic, enjoying a fantastic ale, and simply living in the slow lane. The servers have always been kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. Sure, Russian River is good, too, if you are in the mood for greasy, overpriced pizza. The beer there is wonderful. The menu is limited and not appetizing at all! Definitely NOT worth the drive through traffic to Santa Rosa. Now there is something we agree on!    [12 Jan 2008 22:02:50]

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Recommended Dishes: Roasted garlic, fish and chips, black and blue burger, chocolate mousse is awesome!

     ­Local Gal