The original HopMonk is a 115-year-old stone and timber tavern in Sebastopol with serious character—rough wooden beams, a working fireplace, and an outdoor beer garden where live music happens regularly. It’s the kind of place where locals have been bringing their dogs for years, which means the staff knows what they’re doing when it comes to managing a crowded space with both dogs and beer drinkers.

That said, HopMonk takes their dog policy seriously, and it’s worth understanding before you show up. Your dog needs to stay leashed at all times, and the rules are strict about keeping service aisles clear and making sure dogs don’t wander between tables. They ask that you leash your dog to your own chair rather than the table—this matters for safety with servers carrying drinks and food. If your dog starts barking, they want you to take them for a walk outside the beer garden rather than let it go. It’s not meant to be unwelcoming; it’s about protecting other guests and keeping the space enjoyable for everyone.

The staff will provide a water bowl or disposable container if you ask, which is helpful on warm days. They’re clear that restaurant glassware and dishes aren’t for dogs, so keep any water bowls on the ground. They also ask that you be mindful of the grounds—protecting the trees and landscaping.

What makes HopMonk work as a dog-friendly spot isn’t that it bends over backward for dogs, but that it has clear expectations and enforces them consistently. The beer garden is pleasant enough that you’ll want to linger for a beer or food anyway, and the live music adds to the vibe. Just come knowing you’re responsible for keeping your dog from becoming the reason someone else’s evening gets disrupted.