After creating two successful taverns in Sebastopol and Sonoma, Dean Biersch of Gordon Biersch microbrew fame opened Hopmonk Tavern Novato in November 2012. The Vintage Oaks Shopping Center location previously served as home for a Shane Co. jewelers and the short-lived Southern Pacific Smokehouse. Hopmonk features a top-flight selection of craft beers and wine, excellent food that's a big step up from typical pub grub, a gorgeous beer garden with fountains, and live music in the separate Session Room.