Skip to Main Content

Local Favorites

Category: Guides

We asked, you answered! Locals share their favorite Downtown destinations and businesses.

Want to add to the list? Fill out this form.

1
Fiber Snob
641 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“I was thrilled to see FiberSnob open up Downtown! They not only have a gorgeous array of fabrics and notions, they offer pattern printing. I’ve taken one of their classes and can’t wait to go back for another.”
- Cara

“It fills a HUGE niche! The closest fabric store that sells fabric for clothing is 2 hours away if not for fiber snob! If you don’t want to drive 2 hours with tolls , you are looking at $20 in shipping for unreturnable fabric you can’t feel. I love that they have gone with quality over cheapness. Because half of the reason I sew clothing is I want it to last-last! I love that they have community classes, as I see more and more people turning to learning to sew. Beating fast fashion and upcycling thrift store finds and ultimately saving money. Whenever I go in everyone is so friendly. There’s a huge underserved community. And I’m so excited to have someone so close and knowledgeable. They helped me find the fabric terms I was looking for and brainstormed solutions to a costume gone awry. They’re getting off their feet still a bit. But I’m excited to see where they go and want to support them into staying downtown and open! “
- Katharine

2
The California Theatre
528 7th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“I can’t believe the array of entertainment this place has. I somehow missed it when they moved Downtown years ago, but now make sure I’m constantly checking their events schedule. There’s literally something for EVERYONE.”
- Joe

3
Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room
523 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“We always get a seat, indoors or outdoors, with or without our dog, they have a wide selection of beers and delicious food, the service is always quick and super friendly, and they have several big screen TVs with different sports showing. We feel at home there.”
- Gig


“Their appetizer selection is top notch and the beer is great.”

- Sophia


“Belly is one of my favorite places to go on a date night with my husband. This place not only provides amazing food and great atmosphere. We enjoy the concerts that they provide.”

- Anonymous

4
T206 Cards
684 7th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“I love taking my son here to buy him Pokémon cards. The business is only a year old but I look forward to creating more memories with him.”
- Sam

5
Treehorn Books
625 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“I could spend hours at Treehorn! I’ve found so many gems in the place. Plus, the smell!
- D

“Everything about treehorn books is my favorite! It is my favorite place to find treasures… To browse used books… to read to my daughter… It helps keep the hometown feel of downtown Santa Rosa . Every time I’m in downtown if they’re open, I have to stop in.”

- Gloria

6
La Rosa Tequileria & Grille
500 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“La Rosa has and will always be the downtown heart. The perfect vibe for the square and making the market a great time💪♥️”
- Kevin

“Best Mexican food downtown!”

- Amy

“Consistently delicious margaritas! Best outdoor patio and great service.”

- Angela

7
L'oro di Napoli
629 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“Best Italian pizza you can find around the whole town of Santa Rosa! I love the seasonal dishes they have too.”
- Anonymous


“They’re always so welcoming, so happy to see people, and always so quick to help you find something you’ll love but everything at the restaurant is amazing!”

- Casey

“I remember one night I was craving pizza after moving to Sonoma county, and L’oro di Napoli was the first search. Ever since I tried their pizzas I have gone back many times! The staff are amazing and very friendly.“

- Nicole

8
Ooh La Luxe
517 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“I love shopping here and the selection they offer. I love all their clothes!”
- Anonymous

“Ooh La Luxe is my favorite because they’re a local clothes boutique and they have cute stuff and nice people and an area for kids to play.”

- Karen

9
Land + Water Coffee
621 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“It’s the best cafe in town! I love the vibes and I feel at home whenever I’m there. I love strolling around 4th street with a cup of coffee from there. It’s warm and cozy especially during autumn.”
- Christine

“Good Coffee. Good Vibes.”
- Anonymous

10
Ausiello's 5th St Grill
609 5th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“Food is always great and fun sports crowd.”
- Ina

11
J&A Lounge
643 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“I wanted to reach out and share my thoughts on J&A Lounge. I truly believe it is the best spot in the area because of how inclusive it is. Whether you are looking to go on a nice date, head out with a group of friends, or even bring your family along, it is the perfect setting for any occasion.”
- Joanna


“This place is so cute for any time of the day as they have different menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! THE BEST steak for such a good price. Everyone is friendly and so many fun events. I had my birthday party there and everything was easy like splitting the bill.”

- Ivy

12
Mac's
630 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“They make a perfect omelette, have gluten free bread, a great BLT, the best corned beef hash and they treat you like family.”
- Leticia


“The best food and always consistent. The family and employees are all very nice. Never had a bad meal or service there. It has become a regular spot for me and my nonni to have lunch twice a month. Love it there!”

- Mandi

13
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
700 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“Barnes & Noble is a place where I'm able to take myself and my kids and pick out books at expand our imagination help us create new possibilities. Whether it's books on Crystal healing or books about how to draw Pokemon. Barnes and Noble is not just a place to buy books but a place where families can brows together to remember the old times as well as the new.”
- Anonymous

14
Corrick's Stationery Store
637 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“A Santa Rosa, family-owned, iconic store with specialty items galore. This historic store has the perfect gifts for friends or family, art pieces, local artist wall art, and unique and chic clothing. All things wedding new baby gifts, art supplies and framing. Cards, pens and calendars. This store in downtown on 4th St. is a destination shopping experience.”
- Cathy

15
Noble Folk
539 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“My kids and I love the unique flavors and variety of treats they offer so close to the square.”
- Nyny

“They have the best ice cream and macarons and the owners do so much for the community.”
- Brianna

“Their cookies, pie, and cupcakes have unbelievable flavors and taste freshly made! The ice creams are creative and use their own in house cookies. The best is when you combine a cupcake with an ice cream, you’ll be in culinary heaven!”

- Maritsa

“They have the best ice cream and they always offer vegan choices 😋”

- Emilie

16
El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine
400 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“The food is consistently good, full of flavor and authentic. The service and smiles from the staff are always heart warming. I will always come back to El Coqui!”
- Katie


“I absolutely love the food and ambience! We go all the time.”

- Anonymous


“From my knowledge there is only one restaurant in Santa Rosa that serves Puerto Rican food and this place is the best! Large portions, nice environment and friendly staff. The food is delicious and I recommend it to everyone!”

- Ilene

17
Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen
614 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“Beer Baron has the best Bloody Marys and their outside patio is awesome.”
- Sascha

“Beer Baron has the best fries and an awesome beer list. It is a favorite happy hour stop. Also a great library and a treat combo. I’ll take the kids to the library to pick out new books then we will sit on the patio at beer Baron, order appetizers and snack will reading our new books. And, if the kids get too squirrelly, they can run around the square while you enjoy the patio!”
- Rebekah

“Beer baron is my favorite because the food is always consistent and delicious, service is amazing with a wonderful selection of drinks and food. I also love how they go all out for Christmas with special drinks and decor.”

- Emily

18
Russian River Brewing Company
725 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“This is mine and my wife’s favorite place to eat. We go any chance we get and love the environment and family vibe. The best beer, wings, and pizza in all of Santa Rosa in my opinion. Don’t miss out on the famous Pliny the Younger weeks that come around once a year also!”
- Roberto


“It doesn’t matter how many times I go, It always brings me back to the first time i’ve ever gone. Everytime i think about visiting downtown that’s the first place on my list. The food, the drinks and the people are amazing. Anytime a family member comes and visits me this is the first place I take them. It never disappoints. I love Santa Rosa and I love Russian River Brewery. I’m proud of where i was born and raised.”

- Amy

“I go here alot. I love the Santa Rosa location. They have amazing food. All the staff is very friendly. They never disappoint.”

- Maura


“This is where it all began! One of my favorite breweries, but in particular, I love this downtown location as it brings back memories when they were still small and you could show up anytime and there would always be a seat open at the bar! And not to mention, I dream about their beer bites!! The best staff, food, and home to my favorite sour beer - Temptation!”

- Christina


“Everything is 10/10! From the beer, to the pizza, wings, salad, atmosphere, and always good vibes. Whether you’re looking for a night out with your friends or a family friendly place to take your kids! Russian River Brewery is always my downtown Santa Rosa pick!”

19
Augie's French
535 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

“Augie's French brings a little bit of Paris to Downtown Santa Rosa. The food is always exceptional, the atmosphere feels warm and inviting, and it’s just as perfect for a casual meal as it is for a special occasion. It’s one of those places you keep coming back to!”
- Riley

“The food is fantastic, the service is wonderful. The experience is more traditional than one would think. Don't sleep on the crepes!”

- Doug


“Augie’s is one of my favorite restaurants because it has everything from a quiet corner to a social bar, and the perfect window seat for people watching. The martinis are excellent, the food is delicious. It's just a really enjoyable restaurant perfect for any occasion. They are playful and classically french at the same time.”

- Aly

20
Wilibees
700 3rd Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

“Where everybody knows your name! Most friendly and knowledgeable staff (they know their wine and Bay Area sports).”
- DW