The building is amazing. So much history! Lots of Americana and exposed brick on the interior. Dark wood and a gorgeous full length bar. Lots to see. We went on a Sat afternoon and there was plenty of seating both inside and out. Menu offered lots of choices. Between the 5 of us we all got something different. Our server was a trained professional who had no trouble getting our orders perfect. Not gonna lie $20 for a salad hurts my soul but it was tasty. read more

We went to McNear's last night with seven of our friends, total of 9. Before arriving I received a phone call from staff asking if we would prefer upstairs or downstairs. Either was fine, but I appreciate the concern in the event we had someone who could not make the climb. They had a nice table for us set up. From that point forward staff was awesome, as they were able to accommodate everyone's drink and food order without a glitch. More importantly, everyone was very happy with their food and said so out loud and to staff. Just want to let you know we had a great time in a great environment. It was a little loud due to the number of guest but it never stopped us from having a great time. Well done McNear's. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Our table for 11, 2 were a no show (and one was in the bano). - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

McNears. Consistent with their food and drink and their Mardi Gras menu proved it. I'm not sure if they will always have these specials but we celebrated Mardi Gras and they had an extensive offering of New Orlean style food for the celebration. The gumbo was superb, creamy, with chunks of sausage and not too spicy nor salty just the right amount of herbs & spices, very tasty. Then we ordered the fried chicken dinner another winner. And the third dish was the broiled shrimp, the shrimp were bathed in a buttery, garlic and other Cajun seasoning and herbs, just perfectly cooked and the toasted, diagonally sliced bread was perfect to dunk and sope up the flavorful sauce. The Presentation was spot on, service was fantastic, food arrived promptly. They even offered Beignets a standard New Orleans dessert but we were too full, I'm still thinking about them. I like that there is a host greeting and guiding one into the restaurant or the large bar area. McNears is an anchor of Petaluma. Good pub food, great service and welcoming employees. It's a must stop for a big or small meal and definitely a good beverage at the bar. I just love this place. read more

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Had the happy hour carnitas street tacos for lunch, three perfectly sized delicious tacos for 8.00, can't be beat. Churro donuts for dessert were perfect to split. Service was fast and friendly. read more

Came in shortly after lunch service started so they were not busy. Sat outside in perfect weather. Service was fast and friendly. We ordered one Californian sandwich with French fries. The garlic aioli was a little overpowering for me so I would opt to skip next time. We also ordered the fiesta salad. The chipotle dressing was excellent and tied all flavors together well. Lots to choose from on the menu and I would visit again. read more

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Thankyou McNears for a great time last night! We appreciate so much having a nice place to go to hear some fantastic music! We were there to see Pablo Cruise. We also got to listen to John Mason. WOW.. He was really good too.. When we left we were so glad to see your restaurant/ Saloon open late, and serving food.. We were seated right away, everyone was having such a good time..The vibes were just so happy..We had the potato skins and the quesadilla with added Korean pork..Everything was delicious..We needed a chill spot before driving home after the concert..It was perfect combo and we really had a great time. Thankyou so much to all your staff and servers, everyone is so friendly.. Cant wait to return for another outing. I forgot to photo the food before we ate most of it..Should be a clear indication how good it was.. We brought the leftover quesadilla to my son.. He also liked it. read more

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Historic restaurant and bar. Casual, lively and friendly atmosphere. We had a large group and service was great. Above average bar food and came out fast. Good beer too! read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Ahi tuna tacos - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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What a welcome we received to Petaluma!! Our first stop of the afternoon and Cat welcomed us with open bar seats and a genuine smile! We had just arrived in Petaluma and were excited to get the feel of the town and Cat delivered! Her expertly made cocktails, including my new favorite Grapefruit Martini, made us fans of McNear's for life and we'll definitely be back several times before we leave! We only had the Pot Stickers as we'd just eaten and they were delicious, perfectly fried and stuffed full of goodness. Happy Hour prices can't be beat and every staff member we had the pleasure of meeting was friendly, welcoming and genuine! If we lived here, it'd be our hang out spot for sure! read more

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Our waitress was pleasant and prompt with service and very attentive to our needs. We both ordered delicious broccoli mushroom soup, and the Ahi tuna salad. I must say it was one of the best salads that I've ever eaten in my entire lifetime. Beautiful presentation, excellent fresh ingredients. We can't wait to return to McNear's for another excellent meal and very comfortable seating. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Ahi tuna salad - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

This is a staple of Petaluma in an old, historic building. It is i loud,boisterous place. Great for happy hours and get-togethers. I came for an early dinner. I ordered the ribeye with a side salad. The ribeye was huge and I couldn't eat it all. Cooked the way I wanted and the mashed potatoes and salad were a wonderful accompaniment. The server was friendly and attentive. read more

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Came here on a Friday for their special menu! I tried the prime ribs and it's definitely beyond expectations! It's $35 for 12 oz (or maybe 14 oz?) which came with mashed potatoes, string beans and horseradish. It's a big plate and every bite is yummy! They have other specials on the menu that I definitely want to come back to try! read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Fried chicken salad - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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The food was good but they allow dogs inside the restaurant. The staff was aware of the dog and even played with it. I saw the dog standing, all fours, on the table. Never again. read more

Warning! This place has 2 different happy hours going on at the same time. At the top of the menu it says happy hour, then half way down is an another type of happy hour ! Deceptive!! Owner, need to change that to be clear, we've never seen that before and we're seniors and foodies. ONE Happy Hour please !! read more

To celebrate a friend's BDay, we dined and brought along 5 Cupcakes for 5 friends. We were shocked when McNear's meal check included a $2 fee each for bringing outside desserts into the restaurant, in addition to a presumptuous 20% gratuity. We also attended a performance at the Mystic. Later, a few of us concluded that McNear's doesn't need our $$$ and we'll not be returning due to such a 'Petty Policy!' We'll enjoy our cupcakes n' candles elsewhere! read more

The chicken sandwich was delicious as well as picture perfect in presentation. The hospitality of Frank and Lauren make the experience work revisiting. I have found my local bar for every visit. read more

This is all about the Cobb salad. I have been dining at McNears for many years and, unfortunately, it has been hit and miss on the food in the last year or two. But tonight I had the best Cobb salad in memory. Fresh mixed greens, flavorful heirloom tomatoes, perfect avocado, crispy bacon, tender chicken, perfect egg and blue cheese. With homemade ranch dressing. Outstanding! read more

I went in today in hot day, they were slow, about 10 or 12 guests, i sat for at least 10 minutes, i got ignored, tried to make eye contact with the bartender and 1 of the servers, no luck so i just got up and went somewhere else. read more

WHY can't you guys cook meat? Several months ago I tried your special. Ribeye with prawns in caper sauce. You put caper sauce over the steak. Who does that? Lemon/caper ruined it. Then tried your prime rib. Came out grey. Have you never seen a photo of what prime rib should look like? Tonight was strike 3. I asked for medium rare. You guys forgot the medium. I should have known when it arrived at the table, even the "blue cheese butter" wasn't melting. That thing was cold and blue. I'm taking my $40 steak home to try to save it. Aka cook it myself. read more

It's Friday night. I've been looking online for a while for places between Petaluma and Santa Rosa who serve a proper pint of draught Guinness. I've narrowed my search down to here and Goose & Fern. Haven't visited a restaurant in months because you know, the economy. Talk the wife into going out with the two year old and she prefers the menu here. We arrive, recommended to sit upstairs. We get upstairs, order two pints of Guinness and an appetizer. I watch the upstairs bar person crack two cans and pour them upside down. Waitress arrives, I ask what's going on and she says they only have draught downstairs, they can't run it from downstairs. I refuse the cans and talk to the hostess to get reseated downstairs and she says "let me make sure we have the draught working downstairs" - she talk to the bartender, we get seated. New waitress, she knows what's up, order and Guinness arrives. Tastes bitter with the copper twang from a can. Can't finish it, it's gross. Food is good, we spend maybe 20-25 min total at our table. Figured it's maybe a bad or end of keg. Receipt arrives after paying - boom two $8 "Guinness 14oz cans". Suspicions confirmed. What's weird is the beers filled a standard 20oz glass. The menu clearly states 20oz draft Guinness, only canned Guinness in the menu is the non-alcoholic. I may call the ABC to report on Business & Professions Code §25600 - False or misleading advertising or general consumer fraud concerns. Shady and misrepresenting what they are selling. Don't recommend. Won't be back. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Guinness in a can sold as Guinness on draught without notifying customers. Violation of California ABC Business & Professions Code §25600 - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Everyone was so very helpful... We had our monthly girls night out and the staff continue to serve us as we waited for all of our guest to arrive. I wanted to get the fish and chips because it always is a good meal! But I decided to get the fish tacos and absolutely amazing meal! I would totally go back for those again! read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Happy customers! - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Late dining there is just ok for vegetarians I asked for a grilled cheese on sourdough with a burger set up on the side..., however, my meat eating counterparts enjoyed their food. It's a nice spot with club goers and rendezvouses ... look like we're had some folks getting cozy on the late night tip up in there. Great music, service was quick and efficient. read more

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Last night 3/23/26, we ordered through Petaluma food taxi and the food was 5 stars!! I had the hanger steak skewers with sesame garlic aioli and jasmine fried rice it was over the top delicious. Cooked perfectly and flavors were in harmony, chefs kiss! Can't wait to have it again. The rancher burger always so good, the fact that we asked for medium and it was delivered medium is so appreciated! I also always love dining in McNears, great vibe and ambience, great for kids and adults, service is always excellent and they have such a variety of food options. It's a go to for large parties. read more

We eat at McNears frequently for their surprisingly consistently good food and good staff.

This place is awesome! Highly recommend Came for the prime rib and it did not disappoint. Waitress was so nice, atmosphere was perfect, food was fantastic. We will definitely be back. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Colonel salad - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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Stopped in before the concert next door at the Mystic Theatre. I ordered the fish and chips! Absolutely delicious! The fish had a light batter with crispiness, excellent fries, and the food was delivered quickly and hot! My husband ordered the fish tacos and they were excellent! Both tasty meals. We will stop by again, even when not attending a concert. read more

With a look and atmosphere as eclectic as it is as McNear's Saloon & Dining House, one would think that it has been around for generations, but you'd be surprised that they have only been around for the past thirty-five years and counting. Open since St. Patrick's Day 1989, McNear's Saloon & Dining House has certainly become a local institution in downtown Petaluma. Located on Petaluma Boulevard North, McNear's Saloon & Dining House is a part tavern, part family restaurant, part sport's bar, part banquet hall, and even part theatre and event space as it is connected to the Mystic Theatre & Music Hall which was founded back in 1912. What brought me and a group of friends here was a recent sunny weekend afternoon and we were walking through town and as we passed by places that were piquing our interest, a member of our party suggested we head to McNear's Saloon, and without knowing anything about this beloved local establishment, I was sold since they knew where we were headed and I didn't. Coming from Washington Street on foot, it was actually super easy to find McNear's Saloon, and when we arrived, it was after the lunch rush, so we were lucky enough to be seated immediately at a table for four in their front patio area. The lunch and dinner menu at McNear's Saloon & Dining House is separated into categories including Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, House Favorites, Something Sweet or desserts. They also have a separate menu of daily specials, as well as a full menu filled with libations with cocktails, wine, and beer from the draft, bottle or can. Since we were a group of four my friend and I were not super hungry, and since the table was going to split a few appetizers to begin with we ordered their Memphis Pulled Pork Sandwich Slow which featured smoked pork shoulder, topped with house slaw, and topped with bbq sauce served on a brioche bun. The appetizers we chose to split among the four of us included their Brussel Sprouts, which were deep-fried topped with smoked bacon, apple chutney, parmesan, lemon; and their Fried Zucchini, which was served with a ranch dipping sauce. All of their sandwiches come with a side option of fries, soup, salad or slaw and we order their French Fries, which are served crinkle cut. With our dining mates ordering dishes such as Fish and Chips and the Fish Tacos, in addition to plenty of libations, we were all set for the day. Our first two dishes were their appetizers which were their Brussels Sprouts and their Fried Zucchini, of which I actually liked the former better as they were served with white raisins and chopped green onions as well, which made for a more thoughtful entrée. The zucchini were sliced like pickles and were your run of the mill deep fried savory treat. As for our entrée, ordering a Memphis Pulled Pork Sandwich from an Irish Pub sounds odd enough, what is odder that they do not have a corned beef sandwich on their menu, but ironically enough the sandwich tasted pretty good, and with the amount of condiments that McNear's Saloon provides only enhanced the flavor. Their fries were only average as crinkle cut are not my favorite type of French Fry, but the best part was the price as it came to twenty dollars per person among my friend and I, as we didn't order any libation for this visit, so it was the perfect pick me up and get me on my way kind of meal. Are there better options for dining in what is becoming the trendiest of places in respect to downtown Petaluma? There sure are, but with drinks and bites in an unpretentious setting, sometimes the best meal to enjoy is to try one as unfussy as it served seven days a week at McNear's Saloon & Dining House, where old-fashioned pub bites that are inspired from around the world still reign supreme. read more

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After a weekend in Sonoma county of wine and dine - NFL Sunday football games. We called at 9am before they are open and the phone was answered. "The early games would be shown here". Brandon greeted us at 10am and put on the games we were looking for. Juan took good care as the attentive waiter. No breakfast grub here and kitchen starts taking orders about 10:45am. Hot Pastrami sandwich was very good quality and minestrone soup fresh. Nice pickle spear on side. Family folks start coming in around 11:30. Kid friendly. Mimosa for grown folks. Thanks for being there for us with the games on! We will be back! read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Pastrami sandwich and soup - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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I was recommended to this place by a friend. I had fish and chips. When we walked in the host was nice and sat us down promptly. Our server was also very nice so we were happy. We received our food and it was good but the prices are Sausalito prices but without the view and quality. I'm not sure I would come back as my partner also thought the prices were high. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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Rating would normally be a 5, but not tonight!!! The host was so rude and dismissive we left one of our go to restaurants, that we go to about once a week. There were a lot of empty tables and no one waiting to be seated. He would only sit us in the smallest tables in a corner. I asked to move to a an adjacent 2 topper not in the corner and he said no one ever complains about it. I have personally seen 3 groups ask to not sit in that specific table. The host is the first experience at a restaurant, if I see this person there again I think I will turnaround and leave, so I don't have the same awful experience again! @manager / owner, your food and wait staff is usually amazing but if the host staff angers everyone, it will make it hard to keep your customers happy!! read more

You have to come for brunch on Sunday! They have easily my favorite breakfast with the biscuits and gravy with fried chicken on top, it's a must! The diner vibe is great and it's a huge spot right on the curve in downtown Petaluma so if you sit outside you get a great view in downtown. read more

Really loved this place. It was my first time visiting Petaluma, I came here by recommendation and it did not disappoint. I sat at the bar and Cole was my bar tender. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and always readily available. The ambiance is so laid back, comfortable and historical. I enjoyed the Calamari for my appetizer, the French dip, and the Baja fish tacos for my main course. All the food was hot, fresh and flavorful. I will definitely come back to this establishment as it made me feel at home. Thanks to all! With Gratitude, Vanessa read more

Everytime we have gone to McNears we loved it. Now I order take from them and the food is always good, and especially I love calling in because every person who has answered the phone is so nice. I can't say enough about this restaurant! read more

Can't believe you took nachos off the menu after all these years. Super disappointed. Sounds like some of your wait staff think it's lame, too. I don't know where these decisions come from, but this seems like a fairly basic food item that's a general crowd pleaser... I'd be happy to update my review if the nachos come back. Been coming here for 25 years. read more

Food here is not very good, everything tastes frozen and from Sysco. The interior needs a redo, all the brown random decor and dim lighting is cheap. The vibe is never right. The workers need a raise because they seem miserable. Used to come here with my family all the time, wouldn't go back anymore. read more

Went there about a week ago with a friend. After reading the reviews I was surprised how good the food was. The fried calamari was great, so were the fish and chips, the wedge salad was a little light on the ingredients for $20, it had maybe one slice of crumbled bacon! That lost them a star. The service was fine, he looked bored out of his mind, but the service was fine. The place has an old time bar and grill feel. Overall everything was good but nothing that stood out as great. read more

Typical pub food in Downtown Petaluma. The service was excellent and they have a great selection of wine and beers. Good place for a meal or to have a drink or Happy Hour at the bar. We sat outside with a group and everyone liked it. I had the pulled pork bbq sandwich with the cauliflower soup. My wife had the Cobb salad and the others had burgers and sandwiches. Everything was good and tasty for reasonable prices. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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I can't wait to come back! The pulled pork sandwich was so many layers of delicious. It was served with a side of red pepper soup. Service was upbeat and friendly and the place got busy quick! Must be a locals' fave. It's a quirky spot with a great view for people watching, history, lots of food options, and is now a fave of ours. Don't skip the Irish coffee- delicious. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - Irish coffee - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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We were looking forward to a drink & nice bite after a wonderful jazz performance in the Plaza. So disappointed we chose McNears. The waitress was unwelcoming, curt and unfriendly. She walked up to our table and said "What do you want?" No hello, no introduction, no smile, no nicety. This treatment persisted throughout the service. We had to flag her down to get more sauce and another drink even though she, and other wait staff had walked by our table several times. No one bothered to ask us if everything was OK. Basic service failure. Also, the food was mediocre. I had the calamarI ... it was tasteless. The cost for 2 beers and 1 appetizer was $40.00. In Petaluma, one can and should expect much better considering the competition. I will never go there again. read more

After shopping downtown, I visited McNears to check out the happy hour menu, where a toothless waitress handed me three menus, and as I waited for my Uber I opted for a salad to go. Only to find the prices were significantly higher on the regular menu. The waitress was dismissive and made it clear that she favored some customers over others, creating an uncomfortable divide between white patrons and people of color. I was the only person in that restaurant of color. She seemed to be under the influence, unable to maintain eye contact as she moved rapidly yet accomplished little. read more

McNear's Saloon & Dining House - The onions were soggy - American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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We came here for dinner after a failed attempt at dining at another restaurant. I have to say, this place turned our evening around. First off, the service was great. I didn't get our waitress' name unfortunately, but she was incredibly friendly and attentive. We felt welcomed from the moment we arrived. We ordered some fish fry platters and some burgers. Everyone loved their food. It was hot, fresh and even the fried items were not overly greasy. The drinks were also fantastic. We're so glad we came here and look forward to our next visit! read more