This place is a cute, small craft cocktail bar on the square and is great for pre-dinner drinks! We loved the seasonal menu but felt that the cocktails we got were a bit on the sweeter side and missing a bit of "bite". Regardless, the drinks were still pretty delish and beautifully presented. The service was attentive too. Beware the bar can get quite noisy with the music pumping and crowds talking over each other to be able to hear. Overall, great tunes, decent drinks, solid pre-dinner or post-dinner spot. read more

The Beacon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

I visited the Beacon Bar in Sonoma recently and was disappointed by the level of hospitality we received upon arrival. Our party of four approached the bar and attempted to move a stool from the end of the bar to help accommodate our group. Instead of offering assistance or guidance, the female bartender mouthed from behind the bar, "That does not work for us, you will have to ask others to move." The interaction felt dismissive and unwelcoming. In a very small establishment, I would expect staff--especially bartenders--to play an active role in helping organize seating and accommodating guests when possible, or at least to communicate in a friendly and solution-oriented manner. A simple suggestion or offer to assist would have gone a long way. Unfortunately, the lack of warmth and accommodation made us feel unwelcome and discouraged us from staying or spending beyond one round. While the bar may have potential, customer service is a key part of the experience, and this visit fell short. I hope management considers reinforcing a more hospitable and proactive approach toward guest service. read more

Loved the interior. Had a little bit of a macabre, spooky feel. Great for a cocktail before/after a ghost tour (or dinner). The bartenders were very knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy their craft. The cocktails we tried were all excellent, perfectly balanced and exactly what we ordered. read more

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Great cocktail bar and speakeasy located just off the main Sonoma Square! The Beacon came as a recommendation to us by many locals so we ventured in on a Friday evening. While they were busy, there was still space to sit and enjoy some cocktails. Chase took care of us and made sure we had the best time! We started with the Heat Waves and Spill the Tea cocktails. I loved the different flavor profiles, presentation, and uniqueness to the drinks. I also tried the Duck & L'orange which was more spirit forward and dry to finish. Their menu truly has something for everyone. Props to Mel who curated the playlist which paired perfectly with the atmosphere of the bar. I highly recommend checking out this spot when in the area! read more

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Came here for a couple of drinks after dinner. My date loved this bar and wanted to come back. It has such a cool vibe, sexy and romantic too. The painted walls are dreamy and nostalgic and sitting at the bar was fun. I got the lychee cocktail drink, the bartender was nice to make it a tad sweeter for me - it was delicious. It was pretty quiet when we first got there and it did get busy for a bit with music playing in the background - that was great. We spent a couple of hours here and had a lovely time. read more

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I hadn't been to the Beacon before last week. It's a very lovely upstairs lounge near Sonoma Square. I was meeting friends there. The Beacon was new to all of us. My first impression was two fairly steep sets of stairs that you have to negotiate to get into the bar. No big deal if you're in your 30's, not so welcoming if you're in your 70's. There is a large bar, and only a smattering of two and 3 top tables. I was able to grab a bar stool and save the one next to me, but I had 2 friends coming, so we needed a table or another stool. I ordered a lovely cocktail before my friends got there. The bartender was very nice. My friends arrived and we all realized there wasn't anywhere for the 3 of us to sit and it was incredibly loud. Because of the seating situation and the fact we couldn't even hear each other, we left to find food ( The Beacon has none) and a little quieter venue, which is easy to do in Sonoma. I'm so glad I finally got to The Beacon and now I know that though the drink was very good, it is very crowded, very loud and those stairs are more than I'm willing to trek up for a crowd, too loud and no food. read more

Cute little upstairs hideaway. I like color on the walls and the tree shadows. Small place. Big green chairs were very comfortable. Chase took really good care of us. The drinks were exceptional. Some of the best cocktails we've had in a long time. I enjoyed the happy hour espresso martini for 10 bucks. Great deal. A carrot tropical drink with the crushed ice is the way to go. Very special. Stop here! read more

The Beacon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

The feel from the walk way up screams speakeasy. Definitely a must visit, I sampled this spot midday with some coworkers. sampled some of there signature drinks, I was happy with the choices I selected. The brown derby is what I sampled, slightly sweet with that kick of alcohol, refreshing, I would order this again. The coworkers sampled their version of old fashioned and the heat wave, both stated their drinks were delicious and refreshing Midday not many patrons, enough so you can carry a conversation and not be interrupted by the music or user walk bys Definitely spot you want to visit if you like speakeasy's drinks ***** price $$ service **** helpful staff ambiance ***** laid back, dark, clean read more

Tonight we came in for a post dinner drink. After serving a party of 7 totaling $120 I had a rather disturbing incident with the male bartender. I liked the metal straw that was used in my drink so I stuck it in my purse so I could use it later on my trip in Sonoma. Not realizing that at this establishment that they WASH straws and reuse them. Instead of explaining this policy to me (especially since I am a tourist and visiting their establishment for the first time and in Florida reusing straws would NEVER be a thing). This bartender demanded me to take the straw out of my purse and give it to him then tossed it in the sink in frustration. Had he handle the situation differently, his tip and the my impression of the establishment would've been totally different. I hope the metal straw was worth it. read more

Great speakeasy like atmosphere with unique drinks and a fun late night vibe, we came in for one night cap before hitting our airbnb. We enjoyed the cocktail that had the lychee in it - it was almost translucent but the flavor was refreshing. The bartenders were awesome too, super chatty and gave good recommendations. Not a ton of seating so come early! read more

Went here last night with a group of friends and the 3 ladies behind the bar were awesome! Amazing cocktails and the speak easy vibe is super fun! We had great conversations with all the bartenders and they made sure our waters and cocktails were filled! Definitely coming back and telling people about this gem! read more

Cute speakeasy vibe . Quiet and well made craft cocktails . downside is there was not a food menu. Just a few snacks. read more

The Beacon - Mai Tai and Paper Plane - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

Happy Hour was wonderful! We popped in for a quick HH drink. It's a beautiful lounge! The bartenders were very attentive and made a wonderful expresso martini. I love the little details...the craft cocktails looked amazing. Can't wait to try this place again! read more

The Beacon - Expresso martini was amazing! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

Came here yesterday with my partner. The tables next to us was given waters and their orders were taken at the table. For some reason they didn't bring us waters or ask for our order so we had to order at the bar- we were then told someone else would take care of us. Finally, the person who was going to the tables came and took our order after the bartender told him to. I don't know what it was about us that made it so we didn't get the same ordering experience; maybe it was just an accident but it was still a little weird. Aside from that the cocktails were really good and we liked the overall ambiance. read more

The Beacon - Funky business and smoke and mirrors - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

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Yelp always asks, "Do you recommend this business?" In instances where places like The Beacon are concerned my response is always a resounding "Absolutely effing yes!" Drinks, ambiance, service, all top of the mark for me. Great location as well, right off Sonoma Square and the best place to grab a post dinner nightcap. (Starts golf clap) well done Beacon, well done. read more

I went in this evening to get a glass of wine and feed my newborn out of the cold. I mentioned this to the female bartender who turned me away because my newborn is not 21. I'm now nursing my baby in a public bathroom because I am too embarrassed to try anywhere else. Edit: I must not understand the law as I have brought my infant to other bars. Can you provide a link to the law so that I can better understand where I am and am not allowed to bring my newborn? read more

So many drinks to choose from....so little time. Such a cute place, great vibe. Everyone was super friendly. I went for a mezcal drink but there were so many more I wanted to try. Great place to grab a cocktail! read more

The Beacon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

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Speak easy vibes, great ambiance, and cocktails that are out of this world! Perfect spot for a nightcap after dinner in the plaza. We tried the Mother Teresa and the Torched Piña--fantastic drinks that are impossible to replicate at home. The bartender was attentive and professional, definitely a contender for the Bartender Olympics. A must-visit for a unique and memorable experience. read more

The Beacon - Mother Teresa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

Atmosphere was relaxing and Drinks were delicious. Service was wonderful. Highly recommend!

Great location on SW corner of Sonoma Square Plaza. Cocktails are unique and well thought out. Mel was a very gracious bartender who clearly loves her trade. Also, very courteous on recommendations. We've been twice on this trip and may go back again tonight! read more

The Beacon - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

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I've been wanting to try the Beacon for quite some time now and happy I was finally able to stop in. I made a reservation online for a Friday night. It was pretty busy, so I am glad I did. The beacon offers cocktails, wine and has small bites available for purchase too. I tried the Juicy Gossip cocktail and it was very refreshing. This cocktail includes Hanson cucumber vodka and is topped with brut rose.  The vibe is speakeasy, and they have a great ambiance. read more

Met family for a cocktail before going to dinner and had a wonderful time at this cocktail lounge. First both bartenders were fantastic, friendly, informative and engaging. This is truly a mixologist cocktail spot, with several original cocktails. Nice vibe in the lounge and crowd with a mix of locals and tourists. Definitely coming back! read more

Nice room! Easy to walk to from anywhere near Sonoma Square. We met up with friends before dinner. The cocktails were very good from your standard Manhattan to a very creative Gin drink with carrot juice that was refreshing and savory. A perfect break from wine tasting. Both bartenders were very attentive. Definitely going back. read more

The service & service staff was very attentive & caring about the atmosphere & experience! It's a really cool speakeasy with a great vibe & even better drinks! read more

Found this diamond in the rough place! OMG!! Great service and the vibe is to die for. read more

The Beacon - Had the Sisu and the Manhattan and they were fabulous! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

What an absolute splendid time we had here! Rarely give 5 stars review but this one was well deserved x1000. We stopped by here for a few drinks before our dinner reservations at the Girl and the Fig. It was my boyfriend and his brother + his brother's girlfriend. I asked the bartender for recommendations and he promptly recommended the two cocktails I had been eyeing - the Heatstroke and the Long Story Short. Both are spicy, my fav! I ordered one after the other and both were great but the Heatstroke was absolutely amazing. Honestly, maybe the best cocktail I've ever had. The bartender was quick and friendly and all around was a great experience. The others liked their drinks as well! read more

Chase is awesome! This is the place to be in Sonoma! Great cocktails! Chill vibe! Amazing staff!

Great cocktails in a cool spot near the historic downtown Sonoma plaza. The perfect way to change things up during a wine tasting marathon. Quality, classy, yet modern and welcoming take on a speakeasy-ish cocktail bar. A perfect drink before dinner, or escape from the heat in summer. Check it out! read more

The Beacon - Fun riff on a classic style Mai Tai, with a garnishes and nutmeg really adding to the experience. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

I love this place. Great cocktails and the staff is very nice. The ambience is like Vampire Diaries meets Peaky Blinders. Looking forward to returning. read more

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After a few days of wine tasting, we longed for a change of palate. We stumbled upon The Beacon and even just walking in we knew this was it. This place offers a true speakeasy vibe and the drinks are decadent, tasty, and classy. Shout out to the great bartenders who customized our drinks to our specific tastes. One of the best places of our weekend getaway. read more

The Beacon - Close up of the details added to the drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

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We stumbled upon this place after dinner and ended up staying for a few drinks. Loved the speakeasy vibe and our bartender was great - crafting up not only cocktails from the menu, but some based on what we said our likes and dislikes were as well. read more

The Beacon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sonoma, California

Sonoma's finest place to get a cocktail. Hands down. Amazing presentation and service. Most beautiful interior space. Delicious everything.

Amazingly delicious cocktails, kind & friendly bartenders, and a totally cool speakeasy vibe.

We have been coming to this place since they opened. Initially, it was awesome. You had to have a reservation, which seems weird for a cocktail bar, but they always had seating. The drinks are expensive, but I thought worth it. Our most recent visit was on 100° day where The guy at the door made us wait and stand in the sun for 10 minutes to get in. Once we got in there, it was packed to the gills. Clearly, they are nurturing the bachelorette party scene. It was packed where there wasn't even room for the four of us to stand. We left and I mentioned it to the snarky guy at the front door and his retort was people do stand in bars. Not when the drinks are $26 buddy. We went down to Steiners and had some eight dollar drinks that were just fine and as hard it is to believe it was quieter Even on Saturday evening than the beacon. Why would I spend so much money on a drink if I'm going to be sandwiched into a place where I have to scream at my friends to be heard. Ridiculous. read more

We stumbled upon this place a few weeks Sagi. We really love the ambiance and the incredibly delicious cocktails!

Third visit to this bar - highly promoted as a speakeasy - and one with such ambiance. First two times, we loved it. A little hideaway with great atmosphere and pleasant music at a perfect volume - making it cozy and nice for conversation and a relaxing cocktail or two. All of which made the pricey drinks worth it. This time though; ugh. What a change! Music was like loud club music. Bar was packed and SO loud, we had to keep trying to talk above it all. We were shocked. What happened to this cozy little speakeasy that we loved?? We had once found a unique, sweet little place to be transported away and now yet another club bar atmosphere (and in such a small space). Just why? Aren't there enough of those? Normally we stay for a second drink but couldn't stand it. With tip; $44 for just two half-filled drinks. Why would we stay and pay twice that to stay in a place that felt downright stressful? And to think we have referred this place to several friends. Not any more. So disappointed. read more

Shoutout to Matthew for the awesome drinks and service! Ask for the banana hammock, you won't regret it! I was also stuffed from dinner and Matthew recommended the Summer Solstice which did just the trick in helping me digest my dinner :) I wish I was a local so I could come back every week! 10/10 would recommend! read more

Chase and Gerard mix up fabulous cocktails and the setting and vibe are awesome. Love this place.

Chase and Girard are top-notch professional bartenders! I love stopping at the Beacon after dining on the Square or a Sunday afternoon of wine-tasting. The bar is beautifully decorated and very hip. Something much-needed in Sonoma. Awesome cocktails and an eclectic appetizer menu. A must-visit in Sonoma! read more

Fantastic staff and even better drinks--worth a find (right next to Sigh!, another fabulous bar, but for Champagne). They have the most fabulous craft cocktails in all of Sonoma.... the staff knows what they're doing better than some of the Michelin Star-wielding fine dining establishments in Napa. Highly recommend and ask for Matt! read more