Stumbled on this restaurant while strolling on the river walk in Petaluma. Lots of people at the tables on the outdoor patio overlooking the river. The view was good. The portions were generous. The salmon was excellent. Cooked in a wood oven. The chef timed it perfectly. The homemade root bear was delicious. Friendly, courteous staff. Only flaw: Guests were trying to shoo away the flies on the patio. Don't know if it would work, but the restaurant could try using citronella candles on the patio.
Review Source:My wife and I ate there last night and while I was eating my salid I found what appeared to be a human hain in it stuck to the plate. I received my main order and it was a prawn pasta dish and again to my disbelief I found not only 1 but 2 hairs in the meal on the plate. I summoned the waiter and asked him if the cook was wearing a hat and he told me that they clean plates using brushes and sometimes they break off. The brushes used to clean in commercial cooking are much more coarse and they are usually dark black in color. The disgusting hair on the plates was lighter brown. blonde color!!!!!!!!! This in disturbing and should be dealt with more serious from the dept of health!
Review Source:I went for lunch last summer, which was fine. Good food, slow service, typical.
I tried to go again recently to eat dinner, but never got the chance. We sat in the bar area with probably, three other tables and watched the waitress refill coffee, the bartender dry clean glasses, and the busser aimlessly walking around.
For ten minutes.
No water, no hello, no menus. We left.
A nice place along the Petaluma River, with waterfront seating adjacent to a bridge with no-diving signs. Does that mean jumping is okay? On to lunch - We had a Caesar salad with added anchovies and prawns, and a grilled chicken sandwich. Everything was tasty. The chicken order was a nod to Petaluma's heritage, which is heralded by a funky multi-colored metal rooster out front of the restaurant. Â
We didn't have beers but would be tempted to try them on a return visit.
One question - a sign inside promoted "organic" acoustic music in the bar that night. What does that mean?
We have been 2 times now and each time we were disappointed. Â We have tried burgers, steak, pizza, curry, french fries and onion strings. Â
The onion strings, beer and wine were great!
The burger was dry and had no flavor, the steak had no flavor, the pizza wasn't edible, the curry was alright and the french fries were like styrofoam. We have wasted $200 on mediocre food here.
I love Dempsey's!
Years and years ago, probably about 7 now, I went there with a huge party, I'd say at least 12 of us. I ordered one of their seasonal specials, roasted chicken, on the bone, over vegetables (russet potatoes, squash, winter veggies)... it was the best chicken I've ever had... Ever! I still think back on the meal with a warm smile.
I always very much enjoy their hamburgers. Simple and exceptional.
Good, friendly staff. Clean location. Nice during warm afternoons to overlook the Petaluma slough, I mean river.
They need to re-train their staff! Â 2 stars for the food, which was ok. Â Waitstaff looked like they were bothered to be there. Â Table behind us complained of slow service, along with other patrons, we had to clear up our bill when it came. Â It wasn't busy at all. Â Our beer glasses were taken away without any inquiry on refills or other drinks. Â Extremely disappointed and would not recommend going back.
Review Source:I looked up Dempsey's on Yelp whilst in Petaluma with Julia D in the midst of a major allergy attack so I was looking for somewhere with parking and wasn't too fancy. Dempsey's fitted the billed perfectly.
I had a burger and regular fries plus a coke that was refilled endlessly. Julia D had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries which she enjoyed in between sneezes. The service was great and I really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. My only regret was that I never got to try the beer as I was driving.
I know you're looking to improve Dempsey's, and what can i say, you're doing good.
Well, I've gone here a lot of times in the past. Some of the times were good, others were bad. Well, after one disappointing trip where they burnt my hamburger, i decided to give this place another chance.
And, what do you know? They're really trying to improve the place! This time, the food is great, the service is great, the ambiance is great, they've really redeemed themselves.
I ordered a hamburger (again) and my 2 cousins both ordered salmon. Both meals were delicious. And as you would probably guess, they didn't burn my hamburger! Yay.
So Dempsey's, good thing you're trying to take a step forward and improve, 'cause ya done good.
Matt B. and I came here in the midst of a horrible allergy attack I was having. I got a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and sweet potato fries. He got a burger and regular fries. We both got sodas that they refilled for us endlessly. It was delicious. Big portions, great service, unpretentious and low-key atmosphere. If you're in Petaluma, it's a great choice.
Review Source:Place is really 5 Stars for anyone coming in her...want to sit by the water? Perfect. Right downtown.
Food is of the wall great! Grab a bite of desert and you'll love it...the staff is so cool. My family loves this Petaluma TREASURE FOR SURE! Great beer and selection of FRESH food. Burgers and Pizza are to die for...
Went here to celebrate my birthday. Â Got there in the early afternoon on a Saturday. Â There was no line, and magically, there was a booth waiting for the 4 of us. Â And, the table moved, so that my hefty papa could fit into the booth.
Nothing stood out as negative about my experience. Â We got drinks and food in a timely manner. Â The onion rings appetizer was really tasty, but a tad salty; it came with a tangy sauce that was really nice. Â The samosas were a bit too doughy for my liking and didn't have a lot of flavor. Â But the mint sauce was quite good.
As a vegetarian, options were limited, as the menu is just a front/back page. Â They apparently used to do a great vegetarian burger, but it didn't seem to be offered any more. Â So I ordered that falafel burger. Â It was ok; the really tasty homemade pickles made it a but better. Â The french fries were really good. Â I Â asked for Ranch Dressing to dip them in, but they didn't have it. Â They did have garlic aioli, and my sis assured me that it would be good. Â The garlic aioli was so good! Â My fries made me happy.
Also, it was sunny and not too hot. Â So it's great to be able to walk around after getting a full tummy.
If the veg options were better, I would definitely give at least 4 stars.
Great food; mediocre service. Â One of the best onion rings and burgers I have had. Â Great selection on the kid's menu with a list of expectations from the kids e.g. inside voices, staying in your seat(s), etc. - gotta love it, written so a kid can read it for themselves.
The location can be off putting, in a run down strip mall anchored by a Dollar Store and the Grocery Outlet (Gross me Outlet); I expected a fairly shitty and run down place but the entrance is away from the parking lot off the river and the ambiance is quite nice and upscale and different from what is in the parking lot
Wherever I go, I like to sample the local brewery/brewpub, if any. Â Aside from Lagunitas, which I have not been to yet, this is Petaluma's only downtown brewpub. Â I went on a sunny Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. Â The place was pretty busy, but I got a small table on the patio. Â I ordered a taster set of four beers: the porter, the double ipa, the ipa, and the rye ipa. Â None were particularly remarkable and I'm glad I didn't have a full pint. Â I needed something to wash down my Red Rooster pizzeta and green salad combo, though. Â So, I ordered a pint of their wheat beer. Â That's one they got right. Â Refreshing and tasting.
The pizzeta (a smaller version of their personal pizzas) was pretty good. Â Thin crust and nicely browned cheese. Â The green salad with champagne vinaigrette paired nicely with it, the acidity cutting the fat from the cheese. Â
HOWEVER, the service was VERY slow. Â I was by myself and I ordered modestly. Â Still, I was there for almost and hour and a half. Â After I got my food, my server didn't return for a long, long time. Â Sure, the place was busy, but come on. Â Having said that, I think this is a management issue more than poor conduct on the part of the wait staff. Â They need to hire someone else or something. Â The few waiters there looked pretty over-worked.
My family and I have been going to Dempsey's for about 15 years. Their food is consistently good and the service staff are very accommodating. My only criticisms are that they could improve the menu with more vegetarian choices and also take reservations for parties of 5 or more. (Sometimes it's tough to get in with a large group.)
Still, Dempsey's is one of my favorite restaurants and you'll see me there at least every couple of weeks.
Came here for dinner after seeing the lovely outside patio overlooking the riverfront and was pleasantly surprised to be joined by many of the locals enjoying some beers!
I don't know what I was thinking but I love Vietnamese food so I ordered the Vietnamese Lemon Grass Pork Vermicelli Salad ($14.95). I some how glazed over the word PORK and was stunned to get a huge heaping of fatty pork belly! I love bacon, but this was really thick and gamey. Did not eat a single piece. I did enjoy the peanuts, basil, cilantro, and the noodles.
BF ordered a classic Cheese Burger ($10.95) with Sonoma Jack Cheese on a poppy seed bun served with hand cut fries. Burger was great! Especially with all the condiments they provided. Only thing BF complained about was the portion size... a little small...
After having wine all day, we decided to switch it up and have some beer! The Beer Taster ($8) gives you samples of 8 beers - a taster, IPA, Golden, Wheat, PSA, Irish, Rooster, and Stout. They are served on top of a piece of paper that explains each type of beer and the alcohol content. I would highly recommend it! Interesting and delicious!
What a disappointment. My folks are in town from up north, we show up at 7:30 on a Friday night. Â The waiter comes to the table with water and doesn't even greet us, but instead tells us they are out of chicken. Â Out of chicken? Go to Whole Foods down the street an get more! But they are subbing shrimp for a dollar more. Cool, what a convenience!
Also they are out of pork loins. Boo, that's what I wanted. Â But wait, they are also out of salami--now it is now bacon. Â Did I mention it's 7:30 on a Friday, not 9:30? Â The server says they run out of food because they don't want to waste money if it doesn't get sold. Â Understood, but a table for a family of six to eat, plus thirsty for a couple of beers each--just got up and WALKED OUT. How's that for "wasting money"?
What a shame. Thanks for nothing Dempsey's.
Maybe my wife and I will go another time and actually be able to try some of the beer and food. Â I wanted to try that Red Rooster Ale. Â If the food blows me away, MAYBE I'll change my review to a 3, but for now, you earned this one star rating.
Dempsey's has a great atmosphere in a tucked away location in Downtown Petaluma. It's casual, fun and a great place to go with friends.
Most recently we went on a busy Saturday night. I ordered the Five Spiced Pork entree and loved it. Tender pork with incredible flavor, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and squash with Asian pancakes to make little tacos with. I think I might have ignored the friends we were with for a few minutes because I was so into the dish. It was so good that I've been thinking about it days later. That's a pretty good sign.
Now the not so good...my wife's cheeseburger (ordered medium) came out rare. They fixed it, but it took a while. In general the service was fair to poor. Our appetizer took a very long time to come out, drinks were forgotten, the server was spread thin with too many tables. Our friends who are regulars said this was pretty usual to have the service be so bad.
We'll go back, but probably not on a Saturday night.
Dempsey's is a Petaluma staple! Anytime I want a healthy, flavorful meal with fresh ingredients and a fun, laid-back environment I look no further than Dempey's. I simply love their burgers, devour their flat bread and the mussel's in pesto sauce were to die for - not to mention the APPLE CRISP!!! Dear God ITS SINFUL!!!! It is a great restaurant, great environment (especially in the spring and summer) when you can dine outside overlooking the Petaluma River. Then its not only laid back, it's an overall GREAT TIME!
Why not 5 STARS you ask???
The service...
To make this dining experience exceptional, the waitresses/waiters need to be a bit more professional and timely. We were there almost two hours - which would have been terrific, if we had been waited on in a timely manner. However, the length of the dinner was extended because we did not get waited on regularly. It took a long time to get our order placed and our meal served. Nothing tragic or to complain about - just a friendly recommendation!
5 stars for the stout and a few less for the food selection.
I wasn't overly impressed with the menu options, but the burger I did end up getting was good. Enjoyed the onion rings because they were rather thin and crispy. Nice and different from other places.
Again, Â stout=really good!
Four of us went there for dinner Sunday evening.  It has been quite awhile since I have eaten at Dempsey's and was shocked at how far downhill they had fallen food wise.  The first thing the waitrss said as she approached us was that they were out of chicken breast  I ordered one of the specials which also turned out to be out.  They used to have a great hamburger with steak cut fries on a great bun.  The hamburger came pathetically small on a Safeway bun with McDonald style tasteless fries.  Note, McDonald's at least taste good.  The cook returned it with a soggy oversized bun and joked about it.  Another meal that failed to impress was the pulled pork sandwich that was left half eaten. Â
The beer however was as good as ever. Â I will not
Burger #209: Home Town Meh
Nothing special from this $10 burger. I did appreciate the poppy seed bun, but the whole ordeal was grossly under-seasoned and lacked any characteristics that would cause my brain to spurt out a few extra endorphins.
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fHj9VL8MmJoM7bbJhVXFHw?select=qNHizhF6B7A7NAT7rY0emw">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
But should you ever need a nice "river" view while chowing on some food during your antique shopping, Dempsey's will suffice.
Let me start by saying,
You had me at "nothing frozen, no cans, no microwaves". Â
which as far as I'm concerned, should be the policy of practically every dining establishment... why go out for institutionally prepared, mass handled and mass produced food grown in whatever country is cheapest, that's shipped in frozen or canned form all across our country to then be mixed up, heated and plated? Â I can work my own microwave for that fare.
So this was the first wild card in my Petaluma explorations and what a bright and shiny surprise it was... Â My eco-conscious and high spirited self was pretty blown away.
Their food is real, local and fresh. The french fries are fresh cut Kennebuck and DELICIOUS! Â The beer is tasty. Â The giants game was on at the bar and easily watchable from the tables...without being oppressive. Â Though they don't boast it, I understand they grow most all their vegetables!
This is like a highly ethical, environmentally committed restaurant that brews beer plus a great brewery that serves good real food all wrapped up and rolled into one!
Dempsey's is one of my favorite lunch spots in Petaluma. I love the patio, a beer, and the Chinese chicken salad on a sunny day. So, it immediately came to mind when my boss charged me with planning our holiday lunch this year.
I set up the mid-week lunch for an off-peak hour with Bernadette, who I believe is an owner, several weeks in advance, explaining that one of the only requests my boss had was that we all be seated at one large conglomeration of tables despite being a large group of about 25. No problem, I was assured.
When I arrived 10 minutes prior to our reservation, our tables had not even been set up yet. Then they began setting up two groups of tables. Negotiations ensue about if we can even be seated all together. Fast forward to almost 20 minutes after our reservation time: all of my coworkers and my boss standing around nervously still waiting for our table to be set up. And me looking like an ass that dropped the ball. I was really disappointed.
Our food was okay and I'm sure I'll go back for lunch. But I don't think I'd return with a large group or for a special event.
I love Dempsey's!
Its the oldest brewery in Sonoma County starting in 1991. A salon style bar when you walk in and restaurant seating all around. They also have great outdoor seating right along the Petaluma river. Nice local feel.
We tried their sampler and I really enjoyed their Red Rooster Ale which was rich and floral and their Petaluma Strong Ale which was just so easily drinkable.
We left with a 22 oz of their Petaluma Strong Ale and the sampler for 10 even. Great deal!
My very first time in Petaluma and what a nice find. Â I loved walking through their charming small- town-America downtown filled with quaint shops, bars and restaurants. Â I loved walking across a foot traffic bridge over the Petaluma river into Dempsey's patio for a relaxing pint or 2.
Their Red is screamin' but their Irish Ale made me a fan. Â Their beers are sturdy in body and have proper balance and carbonation. Â Soft mouthfeel but packs a punch. Â Perfect for outdoor sippin', but I doubt it would be any worse indoors. Â And they sell it in duece-duece bottles which is perfect for a souvenir.
Tried some flauta app as a recommendation b/c we were still satisfied with a large breakfast earlier. Â Just ok, so the server had weak taste in food, worse things happen. Â It didn't knock my enthusiasm for their brews though. Â Glad I made it out to Dempsey's.
I always enjoy smaller microbrew restaurants, but don't often find the same transcendent beer quality as at some of the larger microbreweries, and often the food is typical pub food. Â I was pleasantly surprised by this place! Â
The beers were quite good. Â Wanting a lighter beer, I ordered the 6 degrees, a Mexican cerveca-style beer, and braced myself for something tasting like Corona. Â It was surprisingly rich and complex, with nice roasty malty taste but still good as a session beer. Â Second, I had the Strong Ale, which was described as being like an IPA, but had a more delicate hoppiness and Belgiany sticky-sweetness. Â I also got to taste the Red Rooster Ale, which was delicious, and the Pale Ale, which was not too special but drinkable.
As for food, the creamy fennel soup off the specials menu was fantastic. Â The pizzetta with pesto and fresh mozzarella was good, but my friend's sausage one was better and will probably get it next time. Â The biggest surprise was the chicken tikka masala with a cucumber chutney, which was on the specials menu, since I didn't think that an Indian dish could be pulled off so well at a brewery. Â
Another plus was the atmosphere--I loved the outside seating next to the river  Will be back!
We've been here twice. The service was mediocre-to-poor both times.
The food? First visit: the entree was a delicious surprise, the appetizers are so-so, the beer was good. Second visit: we ordered the same dish, a salad and an appetizer. This time the meat was overcooked and dry and the brussel sprouts were burned-- I literally had to spit it out! The beer couldn't even drown out that horrible bitter taste. Our server apologized but the chef took the overcooked beef (now cold) and plopped it on top of  a new base of brussel sprouts.
The ambiance? Sitting inside, next to the kitchen was not a good experience-- especially having to send back burned/inedible food to a chef looking right into our booth.
I don't think we will be going back.
I've been to Dempsey's many times.  This restaurant and brew pub is  a mom and pop joint.  The wife is the chef and her husband is the brew master. Â
I've eaten at lots of brew pubs and this one is hands down, the best food with some of the most original plates. Â Of course you have your fried bar foods, but you also have your organic salads and your large, yet fairly healthy plates. Â Not to forget the amazing desserts and creme brulees. Â The chef makes the best coffee creme brulee in the north bay, IMO. Â Oh and her fllourless chocolate cake is seriously, to die for!! Â Their cheeseburger is fantastic and so are their fries. Â MmmMMm...Try their chicken sandwich, you won't be disappointed.
All of her vegetables are picked from her personal farm and grown without pesticides. Â Not sure where you can find pub food like that in the bay area? Â She's been on numerous shows about her food, so it sort of strikes me when people give her a few stars or say they've gotten sick because of her food. Â
Service is always great. Â The servers work as a team here, so things are usually on "tick" every time.
As far as their beer is concerned, I like Dempsey's Pale Ale and also their Christmas ales. Â Not really a fan of their IPA, but I'm not a fan of IPA in general anyway. Â
If you've never been to Petaluma, but are driving through this not-so-small town anymore, check this place out. Â When you see its location (right on the river and hidden in the corner), you'll ask yourself how this place is so PACKED, all the time?? Â It's simply a hidden gem in this town and because of its reputation with food, beer and hospitality, people come from all over to eat here! Â
You should too:)
Best food in any brewpub in the world (and yes, here I can actually say that I am a pretty confident authority on this subject). Â Beers leave something to be desired, but maybe that's because I'm a hophead and their IPA just leaves me flat (despite the natural carbonation).
Their food is the thing. Â Try whatever is seasonal--in any given season. Â
Put it this way, if you are going to give your friends a tour of North Bay Brewpubs, you have to plan on coming here for your one meal--lunch. Â Start with Marin Brew. Co. for breakfast blueberry ales, and then head to Moylan's and start your IPA regime for the remainder of the day, then to Dempsey's, then Russian River (Belgian beer alert!!), and finally Bear Republic. Â By the way, you should have a driver, or one of you should be designated, because these NoCali hoppy ales will rock you along the way.
I generally don't like this pub because the food seems too gastro-pubby. Â I mean I just want a beer. Â And a hamburger. Â But what if I don't want a hamburger but want something just a simple and fatty? Â Well that's where is gets tricky because everything on the menu always seems so complicated. Â But for the staples they do have, they do well. Â The hamburger is great and the onion rings are OMFG so good. Â I just hard the heirloom tomato salad yesterday too. Â Dude, amazing.
It has a really nice atmosphere and outdoor patio too. Â It really is a great place to chill. Â I just wish they had lighter beer :(
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