I've noticed two brew pubs in Santa Rosa -- 3rd Street Iron Works and the Russian River Brewing Company. Both within walking distance of each other. Which one has the best Brew? Best Food?

I haven't been to either, but I love beer, so therefore I feel compelled to answer.

Have you checked out ratings on ratebeer.com?

Also...when trying to decide between the two, perhaps you may consider results from the 2005 Great American Beer Festival. Russian River won 2 medals -- a gold for Pliny the Elder (Imperial or Double IPA category) and a silver for Supplication (Belgian style sour category...YUM).

Third Street Ale did not medal in any category...and I'm pretty sure they went because they're going again this year.

So according to GABF, I would say that Russian River has the best between the two.

Budman, here is a plan of action for you.

Get a beer. Walk to another brewery. Get a beer. Walk to another brewery. The one after which you can't walk any longer is the best.

Kapish?

Thanks for your reply -- that good news and bad news. The good news (for me) -- great beer. The bad news (for my wife), the other place has a much better food menu/selection (she doesn't drink beer -- maybe she'll throw down a couple cosmos).

FainaAgain, you're a great help!!

In that case, I suggest Russian River for a pre-dinner cocktail, and the other for your main dinner event. Happy drinking!