Since moving here from sweet home Alabama, we've been enjoying taking little day trips and discovering new places. This weekend we made our way over to Petaluma and found the cutest little spot right on the water--Taps on the River. We grabbed a table outside, and goodness, it was just so peaceful. A nice breeze, pretty views, and some of the friendliest service you could ask for. We started with the Shishito Peppers and the Peach Salad, and they were both absolutely wonderful. I had the Korean Short Ribs, and my hubby ordered the Squash Burger. Bless their hearts..... they sure know how to cook! Every bite was delicious. I also treated myself to a Dunkel beer, which is mighty hard to find, and I just loved it! We'll most definitely be making our way back to Taps on the River. If you find yourself over in Petaluma, I'd sure recommend stopping by. It's one of those places that just makes you want to sit a spell, enjoy the view, and savor a good meal. read more

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It was a beautiful evening on the Petaluma River. We got a nice table on the far side of the restaurant. It was isolated and quiet which I liked. I started with the Westmalle (Belgian) Tripel beer. It was the best part of my meal. I ordered the Sasquash burger which is a burger with bacon and a squash ring. Our server recommended it. It was okay (3 stars). I'm not sure that a thick piece of squash on a burger really works. One of my dining partners ordered the fish and chips (3 stars). She said it was okay. Her favorite fish and chips is at Finnegan's in Novato. My daughter ordered the caesar wrap. I tried it. It was the best meal on the table (4.5 stars). Our server was very good (5 stars). I wish this place was better. I might come back again. I like the selection of beers. I would be willing to give it another try. read more

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Our server was fantastic and had provided great service. Unfortunately, the manager completely soured the experience. After we'd already paid and were chatting with the table next to us, I ordered another beer and told our new "server" I'd also like to buy a beer for one of the people at that table. Instead, the manager brought over a check that was nearly double what it should have been and claimed she thought we were all one group. Considering we arrived separately, sat separately, ordered separately, and paid separately, that explanation made zero sense. The mistake itself wasn't the issue. It was the way the manager handled it. Rather than simply apologizing and correcting the charge, she became defensive and argumentative, then claimed she "didn't want to escalate the situation" after being called out on an obvious billing error. I've spent over a decade in the hospitality industry, including with Karl Strauss, and this is the kind of interaction that should never happen. A good manager takes ownership and fixes the problem. This manager made the customer feel like the problem. One great server wasn't enough to overcome poor management. read more

Server was hood once he saw us. We sat for a good 5 min before being greeted. Nice view of the river. Food was alright, nothing to write home about. At the end on the bill , hot hit with living wage mandate line on the bill. That leaves a super bad taste in my mouth. The establishment should just pay the living wage mandate and accommodate pricing, don't put it as a line item on the bill. Really sg-ttty to see that on my bill. read more

I've been to Taps numerous times and I'm always looking forward to checking out any new items on the menu!! This time we came for Happy Hour and we love everything we have tasted. The Waygu sandwich is a lovely addition on the menu. The beef is juicy and the bread is toasted nicely. I hope it will stay on the menu since it's so delicious!! The beer tiramisu is definitely a must try. I love the location that it's by the river so I can always feels the breeze. The service is always great. It's a great place for anytime of the day! read more

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Good beer selection. Was hit with a 4% Fair Wage Mandate and not sure if I saw that on the menu because I didn't know I needed to look out for that but it's California. Also was in on a Wednesday and ordered wings but wasn't informed by waitress that it was Wing Wednesday and wings are $0.95 instead I get charged $20 for 10 wings with their "level 3" hot sauce which apparently adds a whole $2.50 to the order. So to sum it up, maybe a good place just to have a beer........ read more

I really like the vibe on the deck with the river. They have a great list of brews from many places. I like the burger or the fish n chips. The short ribs did not have much meat and were flavorful. If you are looking for a place to meet some one, this is the spot. read more

If you love beer, sports, and a quality bar food, look no further. Taps is known for their rotating craft beer menu (from local and afar breweries), their wings, and their river front views. Bar or patio seating are my favorite, just depending if there is a sports game on or the sun is shining. Due to the indoor/outdoor concept, there can be quite a few flies which is annoying while trying to eat when inside. Service is fair, can be slower if busy if seating anywhere but bar. read more

My experience on a Thursday night: Arrived at 5:50 pm - Nobody at the hostess station. 5 minutes pass, hostess arrives and sits us. Odd. Seated and try to make eye contact with the 3 servers/helpers running around - nobody will make eye contact. This is not good. Finally flag down our server and order a beer. Runner is quick with the beer. Its looking up. What occurred over the next 15-20 minutes was a master class in ignoring a table. Our server passed by our table on at least 10 occasions, she was assigned tables in no logical order .... zooming to the back, outside, inside and wherever. Her eyes firmly focused on her little handheld computer every time she passed. During this time, she greeted other tables, carried waters, beer/drinks, took orders, spent some time communicated with other staff. She was working ... but we were ignored. 6:20pm - We are done. This place sucks. Finally got her attention and paid for the beer and walked over to Luma Bar and Grill where we received 5 star attention. To her credit she apologized and offered to comp the beer, but I refused. Paid her for the beer and a $1 tip because the real issue was created by management. 1. Beer was cold and quick to our table - 2 stars. 2. Food - No comment because we could not order in a reasonable amount of time (within the first 20 minutes of sitting down). Couldn't order an appetizer (was going to try the poutine with bacon) and and a few entrees and more drinks, but that was not possible this night. 3. View - Good. 4. Management - Never saw an obvious manager helping, just servers, a runner and bartender. That said, if you are going to operate the restaurant understaffed and not be on the floor then you need to have your servers work in sections and not have tables sprinkled throughout the restaurant. 5. Staff - Needs training, at a minimum, make eye contact and let your guests know they have been seen, which will go along way in getting some grace. A simple acknowledgement that "I see you and will be with you shortly" is fundamental to getting a 2 star v. 5 star review because we all get the fact that you were understaffed this evening. read more

Enjoyed a drink with the pretty views and yummy fried Brussel sprouts! Kid friendly casual bar with outdoor connect four and jenga. Service was really slow but I think holiday weekend crowd was probably more packed than usual. read more

Taps on the River - Pretty views - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Not welcoming to solo women. Beers great so is food can't go on my own. A singles table especially outside would be appreciated

The food is excellent and the location on the river is lovely. Fish and chips are superb, and the beer selection offers something for everyone. read more

Finally the perfect bacon cheeseburger! So good! Wonderful service and great ambiance! read more

Taps on the River - The best bacon cheeseburger!! - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

We love Taps! Great beer list and the perfect brewery food menu. The chicken Caesar wrap was great and we loved the salt and pepper fries. We sat outside and there is a lovely view of the water. Jessica was our waitress and she was awesome!! Thanks girl read more

Taps on the River - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

This is a great place to grab a beer and take in the ambience of the Petaluma river. Their beer list is extensive and rotating with probably 30 different beers from all over the world. The food menu offers something from everyone and you have a choice with inside or outside seating. Oh and there are plenty of TV's near the bar area if catching a sporting event is your thing. read more

Everything. Service excellent. Food good too. Dinning outside was clean and refreshing.

This was my first time going to this popular Petaluma eatery! We were seated right on the edge of the river outside, and the view was killer. Out server was super sweet, although the service was a little slow. Otherwise it was a great experience! The beer list is extensive which is great! I got the Cooperage Amber Ale, which was delicious. We started with the buffalo cauliflower, and it was genuinely an 11/10. The cauliflower was cooked perfect, and wasn't mushy at all. A must-try if you go here! For my entree I ordered the steak caesar, which I enjoyed and would probably order again. The steak was seasoned well and paired great with the salad. It wasn't overdressed and was overall a great meal. I would definitely recommend trying this restaurant at least once! read more

Taps on the River - View from table! - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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We have been going to Taps for years now. The last 2 times we were there, the service was horrible. There is not enough staff working there. And the staff that are, are running their asses off. Most recent visit, the waitress forgot to put the order in for the person in front of us. For us, we didn't get our drinks until our food was there. Also, the food was not as good as it used to be. Fish tacos are normally "the bomb" this time, they were dry with no sauce on them. The fries were not cooked enough. It's too bad, great location, but we won't be going back. read more

Good beer and drink choices. Waiters are really nice. The food is almost always perfect and hits the spot. Slightly pricy. Last time I went I ordered appetizers and two meals. It all came out at once after waiting and some stuff wasn't super hot. Most of the seating is great. The indoor outdoor combination makes it a great place for summer. Wouldn't suggest sitting on the smaller tables on the far side of the restaurant. It smelled weird one time and you couldn't see the tv from there. Overall really like this place and it's a good place to go get a casual drink or bring a big party! read more

Always a great beer selection, especially around Oktoberfest. Good mix of local beers. Food is okay, best off with burgers. Good wings. read more

Taps on the River - Liter of goodness - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Food, service and ambiance 10/10. The burgers are amazing and the staff is fantastic. We eat here at least 2 times a month Poutine fries are highly recommended read more

Food is always good and service is great. Love sitting outside on the river. They have a large assortment of beers and ales. You will find at least one you will love. read more

Came in on a Monfay afternoon. Place wasn't empty but wasn't packed. It was really nice and air conditioned inside but they also have a spacious patio on the river. The service was great, both the bartender and I'm assuming the manager checked on us regularly. If you're not a drinker, they have amazing sodas by Hanks and the root beer is on Draft!! But their selection of brewery beers is fantastic. GET THE SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS. You will not regret it. They were so hot and so perfectly smoked. Served naked but with bbq and ranch/blue cheese on the side. Can't wait to try other things in the menu. read more

Taps on the River - One of the menu as of July 2024 - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

We ordered the Shawn Won Fries to share. It had sautéed sirloin, caramelized onions & pepper jack cheese, topped with thousand island dressing. It was very tasty and enough for 3 people. We sat outside and the view was of the river. It was very nice. My only complaint was that they started I think a grill and the smoke was coming in where we sat. It was stifling. The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

Taps on the River - Outside seating - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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Came for lunch on a Saturday. We sat outside on a beautiful sunny day. I had the Sincere apple cider in a can. It was very enjoyable. The food was fantastic. Everything was so freshly made. My party enjoyed a veggie burger, Philly Cheesesteak and Brussel sprouts. I enjoyed BLA - bacon lettuce avocado sandwich. It wasn't so loud that you couldn't hear one another. The music they were playing was nostalgic from the 70's and 80's. I already want to come back. read more

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Great fries and cider! Sat at a bench overlooking the river and had a lovely meal. Slightly slower service but food came out fast and it didn't really matter since the view was so nice. Pretty good prices read more

Taps on the River - Smoked wings, garlic fries, fried chicken sandwich. Blurberry and pineapple ciders - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Shawn won fries are a must if you go. The outdoor patio overlooks the water and its a perfect place for beers and apps. Service is fast & friendly. read more

Taps on the River - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

After spending the day at Dillon Beach, we were looking for a restaurant in Petaluma that would allow our dog Henry to eat with us. We decided on Taps! Starting off with seating - there is a ton of outdoor seating that allows for dogs. We sat at a picnic bench next to the water - beautiful views. My husband got a plain cheeseburger, and I ordered the Mac burger with a small side of garlic fries. It was delicious! The garlic fries were sooo good. We also got a plain meat patty for our pup (he loved it lol). Service was impeccable. Allissa took care of us and was very attentive. We enjoyed our experience and would recommend this place to other pet owners who want to enjoy a nice meal with their fur babies. read more

Taps on the River - Mac burger and small garlic fries - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

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We came here for lunch with our furry baby Ginger. We were welcomed and offered to sit inside though we thought probably with the dog we couldn't. It was hot outside so we decided to sit inside. The service was great, we were treated like guests and even our Ginger too. They provided a water bowl for our furry baby. We ordered drinks and a beer flight which comes with a variety of beers. Black Cherry soda and Root beer float. The appetizer was brussel sprouts, garlic fries and we shared the watermelon summer salad with steak and chicken wings. The food was great, the service indeed was great and the ambience is quite comfortable. They do have restrooms outside. It must be definitely amazing to sit outside in the evening to see the view of water and sunsetting skies. I definitely recommend this place as first we were hesitant if it would be like a brewery kind only but the restaurant is great as well. read more

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I've never actually gone here until yesterday, and I was pleased to find a great view and a place where locals can go. It's tucked away and the food was delicious and the people were friendly. read more

A great meet up spot for any occasion for a great variety of beer. They have wine too. And allow dogs . Menu stays the same with a few occasional twists which is fun . Service is great . Enjoy indoor while watching variety of tv screens and bar, and enjoy outside with the Petaluma river and fresh air. Pick your scenery. . And just relax . read more

Taps on the River - New American Near Me - Petaluma, California

Food was good! Tried three options for fries, I think sweet potato was best. Accommodated a big party on the patio, nice heaters going to keep it warm as we were there after dark. read more

All around good food and drinks and service was also friendly and fun. We will definitely be back soon and with friends.

Our in town go to for wide range of beer options to enjoy with the Salt and Pepper fries. Views of the river and a fresh breeze.

Service was good great place to go for happy hour maybe a beer. Favorite of our group was the mac & cheese.

Great downtown on the water location, excellent service, and wide variety of beers on tap. Tried something new I've never experienced before and very glad we've stopped by on this Mother's Day weekend. So of you ever in and want to give it a shot, check out Aventinus, which is a bit on the pricier note, however definitely worth it! Although, don't get me wrong, Paulaner on tap is always excellent and always available. Thank you Jessica for keeping up with us, great suggestions and quality service. Will definitely be back to get more. read more

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Right on the waterfront, wonderful ambiance and our server was engaged and very helpful on the menu and local places. Ask for Jessica she was awesome. The food was delicious and tasty. The beer was fun to search for, a huge online list and the weather was fantastic. We came at lunch midweek. The cauliflower was excellent, I think the best we have had anywhere. I liked the kalamata olives in my salad. Definitely coming back. read more

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I used to love taps but this evening I went to dinner and there was 4 people, we all shared appetizers. When the first check came, we put our card down and handed him cash for the tip. When the bill came back, there was an extra 20% added after he said "sorry, I made a mistake so I had to fix it". We got charged "large party" after paying him the cash without it being on the original bill....this felt very deceitful. I would expect more from this establishment. I am very disappointed, especially from the same server I have had before and always tipped. read more

Steady and reliable bar food. Right on the water with outdoor seating. A bit pricey, but on par with the area. People make fun of me, but I LOVE the Mac and Cheese. The beer and cider list is awesome! read more

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long beer menu and wonderful views at outdoor seating. service was acceptable. noisy. the food was somewhat edible. you should skip this spot if anything else is available for food read more