The long awaited opening of Dean Biersch’s HopMonk Tavern is finally here. Biersch is set for a Thanksgiving week opening of Wednesday, November 24 at the completely renovated space at 691 Broadway. The new location will feature 16 beers on tap focusing on seasonal domestic and international specialty beers along with delicious, appealing food and ample parking.
“The goal has always been to open by this date, which is one of the most social in every town and is always one of the biggest nights at our Sebastopol location,” said Biersch, founder and proprietor. “It’s a football weekend and there are always a lot of people around so it’s going to be a popular evening to be on the town.”
Chef Billy Reid is set to prepare some incredible food like a sublime braised short rib dish paired with a roasted root vegetable medley. Burgers are another hot menu item, especially when sandwiched between bread from the Plaza’s Basque Boulangerie. Also up his sleeve Reid has fish and chips, a house made tomato soup, delectable and unusual grilled cheese sandwiches as well as the popular garlic and sweet potato fries Biersch is known for.
“We’ve put a lot of new twists on some of our favorite menu items from Sebastopol. And always, plenty of beer on hand.”
In fact, beer comprises a central theme for the tavern menu. Fresh Bodega mussels and tavern fries are perfect with a citrusy Ommegang Farmhouse Saison. Fresh grilled salmon stands out when served alongside the floral and piney Russian River Pliny the Elder. HopMonk’s special unfiltered Pilsner pairs great with crispy calamari.
Additionally, the new restaurant will feature many of Biersch’s signature amenities including being dog friendly – with special dog day promotions– being bike friendly including off-street bicycle parking, plus an open and stunning beer garden complete with fire pit and communal beer garden tables.
“It took us a bit longer than we expected, but we are excited to join the Sonoma Valley dining scene just in time for the holidays”, enthused founder and proprietor Dean Biersch. “Sonoma has always felt like the perfect place for a beer tavern and beer garden.”
Dean Biersch has been intimately involved in the craft beer/brewpub industry for 23 years. He helped create the micro-brewing boom with his Gordon Biersch brand. He and partner Dan Gordon opened their first brewery restaurant in downtown Palo Alto in July 1988. Almost 20 years later to the date, Biersch opened HopMonk Tavern in one of two historic buildings in downtown Sebastopol. Rather than focus on beer production, Biersch’s new concept focuses on seasonal specialty beers from great producers. Along with the beer HopMonk offers an eclectic menu of tasty food made with fresh local ingredients.
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