EXTORTION! I hate yuppie scum more than anyone. But It's 2026. People use their phones from time to time. It's one thing to be buying and selling stock options at the bar top. But it's any other thing to answer a quick polite phone call on the outside patio. Get bent. I love this bar. It's noisy and dangerous. Great beer. Friendly patrons. I would go back but I'm not sure I'm allowed to! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar is the coolest chill pub spot. I will drive 35mins every week just to come here. Giant beers with a beautiful view of Petaluma hills. The bar tenders are usually friendly, especially GiGi! Great pub for both tourists and locals! 20 beers on tap of many different kinds. Open until 9pm. Dog friendly outside where the best seats and view are. This place is 100 years old, it's a staple in Petaluma! read more

See all

What's not to love about Ernie's? Dive bar vibes, day time beers, no phones permitted, everyone is so friendly, and today it was actually Ernie behind the bar! Nice list of beers. Don't come hungry. They have food available, but it's chips and sometimes muffins. I love the no phones policy!!!! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - It calls to you from the road! - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

best beer bar in california! Allagash White, Death and Taxes, and Pliny the Younger - yes please!

They have chips. The beer was from all over. The bartender was awesome! So much to look at! Best dive bar in the area! Tip your bartender well and with cash. read more

See all

This roadside bar has dive-bar character and an excellent selection of beers on tap that keep me going back. And their no phone policy keeps the conversations going and fun flowing. Bonus: the drive here, from any direction, is beautiful. read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

My favorite local watering hole, with a top notch beer list. Friendly staff and great atmosphere. read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

On our way back from downtown Petaluma we had to make a stop at Ernie's Tin Bar. Half functioning car garage, half bar, all cool. They have a great selection of beer, the friendliest bartenders, and a great mix of metal, wood, vintage pictures and other cool pieces of nostalgia. The patio is awesome and the views of rolling green hills, wild flowers ( early Spring), and sheep farms are stupendous! Great for drinking their delicious beer, meeting new people, live music, and conversation. Porta potties are conveniently located just outside the patio. Careful when you park, cars whizz by pretty fast, Check out Ernie's for delicious brew, friendly people, and a unique drinking environment. read more

See all

An amazing place Packed with charm and local characters. Cold beer and warm smiles check out the old dodge car still in the same shape it was left 30 plus years ago. read more

We stopped here with our two older dogs for a beer. They had live music, great beer, and were so friendly. They also have a spigot and dog bowls on their patio. It's been six years since our last visit and seems they made some positive updates and changes. Still porta potties but I can get over that! We were just passing through this trip but plan to come back and hang out longer! read more

I've been driving past Ernie's Tin Barn for years and years. There's always a crowd, so my guy and I recently decided to try it out after so many years of passing by it. There is definitely a sign near the portable toilets that says "No Cellphones" The portable toilets the only available restrooms were an unpleasant surprise. I was more than willing to leave my phone in the car, because I had heard through the grapevine, if your phone rang in Ernie's Tin Barn, you had to buy a round of drinks for everyone in the place. Maybe that's an old wives tale, but I wasn't taking any chances. So no cellphone came in with me. What surprised me about this establishment, literally made of tin, is that all it offers in the way of liquid refreshments is beer. Period. Granted there were lots of kinds of beer, but I had no idea that they didn't even have wine! (I should have read the reviews!) More surprising is that half of the meager seating in the place is outside right next to Lakeville Highway, so the sounds of traffic, lots and lots of traffic, is your background ambience. The food for purchase came in little bags. So there was beer and there were chips you could purchase. Dinner would definitely have to be elsewhere. A gentleman came in at some point to play his guitar in the part of the bar that happens to be inside. That really was a nice touch. He was a good musician. So kudos for that. Ernie's Tin Barn is clearly a fixture in its little spot at the exact corner of Stage Gulch Road and Lakeville Highway. It obviously has a fan base, I'm just definitely not part of it. If you decide to go, (according to an earlier review I just read) do yourself a favor turn your cellphone off!! Nothing good will happen for you at Ernie's if it rings. read more

Whats not to like about Ernies on a warm summer evening. Excellent products, friendly and attentive service, plenty of packaged snacks. A true Sonoma County classic. I hope this place never changes. read more

Yeah, I used to go to ernie's tin bar all the time, my son took me there for Father's Day today and we ordered a couple of beers. I got a call from my daughter that was wishing me a happy Father's Day and Ernie told me I had to put $20 into this tub because I was talking on my phone so I put in two dollars. He said that wasn't enough and he took away our beers and said get out what a piece of shit I will never be going back there! read more

This bar caught my eye while I was driving to Santa Rosa. I was ready for a break so I stopped in for a cold one. It's a funky old dive with a lot of character. There's a bunch of old time posters hanging on the walls and a good beer selection. The staff was super friendly and gave me some really good restaurant suggestions when I asked. Sadly ETB doesn't serve food or I would have stayed. It's got a rural feel, cellular phones aren't allowed, and the restrooms are of the portable variety. That didn't take away from the experience in my book. It's a no frills kind of place, and the cell phone ban forces people to have good old fashioned conversations, instead of texting each other from across the table. Definitely one of the coolest spots around. read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - They serve em up cold and frosty. - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

Funky, old building with a very narrow inside bar. They are located on the corner of Lakeville Highway and Stage Gulch Road (between Highway 37 and Petaluma) They also have tables outside overlooking Highway 116 and the fields that line it. I've passed by this place many times but never knew it was a bar. I might've given this place 5 stars for the funkiness and great selection of beers (draft and bottled), but my friend and I were so busy trying to keep flies off our faces. It was a very pleasant day (shorts weather) so we sat outside in the shade. The young lady tending the bar was very nice and gave us several tasters. I'm glad I went, but won't be back unless I sit inside. They don't have food here and it's a drive to find food. read more

This place is the happiest place on earth! Despite what Diane A. said about their cell phone policy it is a welcomed policy to the regulars. Everyone is so friendly! We love the camaraderie and kindness of the patrons and bartenders. We will be back! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Indoor bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

Why has no one ever told me about this place? It immediately made my list of the top 100 Best Bars in the Bay Area. Ernie's is a roadhouse outside Petaluma. It has been around for over a century. They serve a wide selection of good beer. It's one of a kind! read more

Always have to stop at Ernie's!! We drive to the Sea Ranch every year for a vacation and we plan a trip to Ernie's every time! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

Great spot to get a cold one and not have your phone out, it's a rule and what a wonderful rule it is. Everyone was super nice! If you're in the area don't skip out on this place, you're welcome! read more

Talk about a Roadside Attraction!!! Right at the very busy corner of Lakeview Highway and Stage Gulch Road is a great place to grab a beer...or two. Quality choices at great prices with lots of places to sit outdoor. Couple of things to know 1. The only food they have is bags of chips...so bring ur own 2. They are very SERIOUS about nobody talking on their cell!! 3. The Bar Keep is very cute read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - The outside - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

See all

Terrific spot, owned by two women who inherited it and are determined to make it a nice place No late hours, so no wild events. Nice place for a quiet drink. read more

We've always noticed that $1.75 cold beer sign when we pass through Petaluma. On our way back from the beer fest in Santa Rosa we stopped in to check the place out. Solid tap list at this awesome little tap room/bar. It is a throwback type of converted garage with an old school classic car in the shop area. They had a 3 man band that played really good music. This is obviously a hot spot in the area as many people were enjoying a cold one and some great conversation. The bar was packed so we found a spot on a community table on the patio and had a couple beers and enjoyed the cooling temps as the sun started going down. If you are ever passing through and are thirsty for a beer stop by and check them out. 5 Stars !!!! read more

See all

What more can be said? It's a tiny beer bar on a country highway in beautiful Sonoma county. It feels like you're stepping back in time. I recently went there in the rain and it was magic. read more

Great dive bar! Beer only but they have a seltzer of beer is not your thing. Don't use your cellphone unless you are prepared to buy the bar a round. Great conversation with locals. It was a fun time read more

Great place for a drink. I would definitely recommend stopping by. Friendly people working there and quick service

Beer only bar, very cool local spot, lots of great beers on tap, cool atmosphere, great people and a nice pitstop after work. read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - customers sitting at the bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

We live very close to Ernies. It is a fantastic local spot to meet fellow locals. Petaluma is a fast changing population and it is fantastic to be able to meet fellow "elder millennials" who have recently relocated here. Meeting our predecessors is also a joy. Ernie's is a diamond in Sonoma County. I love the respect Ernie's gives to not chatting loudly and obnoxiously on a phone. You will have to buy a round if you choose to answer or take a voice call on the premises! It is a simple ask. Looking something up or texting on your phone is one thing, but taking a call.... no! Cheers to this lovely local space. Very happy they made it through Covid. We will continue to visit every week. read more

A neat little dive bar sort of place and I don't mean that in a disparaging way. Ernie's has a bar and they have beers and drinks on tap. On this particular evening, there was even live music. Beers aren't cheap but they're full pints. $12 for two drafts plus tip. The ladies behind the bar did a good job of keeping up with drink requests. Their "No cellphones" policy is posted everywhere. read more

See all

This place is a little extreme on their "cell phone" policy. you cannot talk on your cell phone inside their small little bar area or the outside with the overhang. They make you go out to the parking lot and if you don't do that, you have to buy a round of drinks for everybody in the entire bar. Now, I understand that they want to maintain an intimate bar feel but when you receive a call from the hospital that your mother has been admitted, you shouldn't have to buy a round of drinks for everybody as you are already stressed out from your mom going to the hospital with an emergency. This really gave me a bad taste in my mouth. I 125,000% will never come back here again. You think you live in the wild wild west at a little corner bar on the way to Petaluma. read more

This place beautifully illustrates the difference between the forced coolness that defines seemingly every bar, brewery, and restaurant nowadays and authentic, earned quality. An old, well maintained, lived in beer bar with knowledgeable bartenders and a really nice list. Absolutely worth a stop. read more

Good beer, good times, friendly bartenders, really cool vintage decor. Just wish they enforced the no phones rule

Ernie's is the place to get a cold beer without any fancy beer-snobbery which seems to have taken hold of the industry. I've been going here regularly now for about 10 years and it's exactly the type of "off the beaten path" place I look for. The staff is friendly and accommodating. You can "try before you buy" any beer on the draft menu, which is extensive. They have cans and bottles as well, plus some snacks. The bartenders can guide you in making a beer selection, as they are very knowledgeable and the managers/owners go personally to local breweries and try many different ones before putting it on the menu. The no cell phone policy is great. Whoever had the crazy idea to talk to one another in person should get a medal. It used to be that if someone picks up a phone call on the premises, they'd have to buy a round. That's no longer the case, but prepare to get a mild talking to if you do not adhere to this simple rule. You can text and stuff, just don't be obnoxious. Or take the call in the parking lot; it's really not complicated. The regular, loyal crowd is usually pretty nice. On a busy day, you will find people from all walks of life, enjoying a beer in the (generally) beautiful Sonoma weather. I've made many friends there in large part due to the aforementioned no-phone-call thing. Alternatively you can talk to the bartenders when they're not super busy (not just about beer; they're really nice). I am looking forward to live music again once this Covid thing is fully gone. In the mean time The Ernie's crew has done a thorough job keeping the customers safe. read more

This is by far, hands down, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest, most relaxing, best bar you will ever visit. Ernie, the owner, is the most down to earth and knowledgeable beer guy you will ever meet. We stopped in on a recommendation from a good friend and fellow beer lover, and boy, we are beyond stoked that we did! They have over 20 craft beers on tap, local and imported from around the country and world, and each one of them, better than the last. Beyond the 20 on tap beers, Ernies has a massive stash of epic canned and bottled beer he is happy to pour for you... as long as you like beer, you'll find any and every beer you've ever wanted right here with a fun, quirky, and down to earth place to tie it all together. I highly recommend a stop on your next visit down this iconic stretch of road in Petaluma. A true representation of Sonoma county hospitality and charm. Don't miss it! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

We need more original and authentic places like this. What a history! 100 years in business. This place is so much fun and you'll find all types of characters here with great stories. It's located inside an old mechanic garage and they often have live music crammed into the corner. I can't wait to go back! read more

Driving down Lakeville Highway going to Petaluma for the weekend? Then you have to stop by Ernie's Tin Bar! Don't blink or you might miss it at the interchange. This quaint truck stop bar in the middle of Lakeville Highway is seemly a hole in the wall dump, however once you take a closer look is truly a hidden gem. They have twenty beers on tap, some bottles, and soda. You can purchase a bag of chips or slim jims from them as well if you want some snacking. There are seats right up at the bar, a stove heater in the corner and fun decorations all over the walls. They have a no cell phone policy so be sure to chat up your neighbors and bartender to meet new people traveling through. There is also outside seating, which on a nice day is heavenly. read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

I get that every bar has their own rules, but to scream at someone for being on their phone because this is against "bar rules" is insane. The most unwelcoming bar I've ever been to and the customer service is nonexistent. Don't bother coming if you're not a local or regular, because they clearly don't want your business if you're not one of the two. read more

What cute little place to visit. I have heard about it a few times from some friends. A bar with a no cell phone policy. Sounded so interesting. It is such an amazing place. They only have beer which is totally okay with me I am more of a beer gal myself. The atmosphere was really cool. Was there on a slower day with some friends, had an amazing time talking with our bartender, who just happened to be Ernie. I really enjoyed my time there chatting with friends and others in the bar. They have live music certain days of the week and they also have a free shuttle within about 15 miles Fri-Sun 3pm-10pm, and I am very excited to one day take advantage of that shuttle. A must try place! read more

Ernie's Tin Bar - Bars Near Me - Petaluma, California

Terrible experience. Answered my cell phone for a group meeting me after about a minute of being there and was yelled at by the bartender to no come back because cell phones were not allowed. Joke of a place. read more

Favorite new road side dive bar. Loved the cold beer, couldn't ask for a better bartender than CJ. Lots of fun interesting people coming and going. I highly suggest making a stop if you are on the way to Sonoma! read more

So I came here for a drink, sat down at the bar and my husband called me because he was meeting me there. While on the phone, the bartender yelled at me "no phones or you buy the next round" he wasn't smiling and it scared me honestly so I left. read more