Korbel's Loss is Your Gain
We were disappointed when the Russian River Brewery's tasting room closed down at Lake Sonoma Winery (owned by Korbel). Quaffing a cold beer while taking in the scenery of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County was a favorite habit of ours after a weekend in the garden.

We were subsequently glad to hear that the RRB lives on -- relocating to(after much renovation of) the Old Vic on 4th Street in downtown Santa Rosa. It took a while to get open (ask why one of the beers is called "Beerocracy"), but was worth the wait. Great ales served in imperial pint glasses, available for $3.75 ($2.50 during happy hour - 4-6 Mon-Sat and all day Sunday). Pizzas are an excellent balance of crust, sauce, and topping -- not too heavy. You can enjoy all three elements, as no one item dominates the pizza. Although the menu doesn't offer much in the way of variety, the pizza is good enough that you don't tire of it.

RRB has been experimenting with sound-deadening treatments on the concrete walls; their latest attempt appears to be working, as the place no longer reverberates (although it's still a bar atmosphere!).    []

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: The Duncan Pizza - with your choice of brew

     ­Anonymous, Healdsburg, CA