A local beer garden is giving a defunct Sonoma County brewery space a new lease on life. The team at Brewsters Beer Garden is nearing completion on their new Waterhawk Lake Club, remodeling the former Bear Republic Brewing Co. location in Rohnert Park. This restaurant is a separate project from the original sprawling Petaluma restaurant. Co-owner Mike Goebel told Sonoma Magazine the vibe will be similar, though, with lots of outdoor seating and approachable food.
An Instagram post on Sunday, July 13, from Brewsters showcased a bit of the new restaurant. The huge space, which sits next to Roberts Lake, has sat vacant for two years. In April 2025, the Press Democrat reported Brewsters had taken the lease. The Bear Republic location shut down after local player Drake’s Brewing Co. acquired the business and moved operations to San Leandro. A final opening date for Waterhawk Lake Club is still TBD.
The outstanding Pizza, Bagel, & Beer Festival hits North Beach Saturday, August 16 from noon to 4 p.m. The neighborhood party brings 65 local pizzerias, bagelries, and breweries together for a day of indulgence. There’s the Ooni Pizza Championship competition, a full beer garden, DJ sets. General admission tickets start at $90, and there are absolutely pricier versions with more bells and whistles (and bagels)…