Dean Biersch, founder of the Gordon Biersch juggernaut and owner of the Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol, plans to open a second outpost of his brew-house in the town of Sonoma, just off the plaza in the old Deuce/Emmy’s location.

The new Hopmonk Tavern will feature an outdoor beer garden for enjoying live musical performances and special beermaker dinners. Biersch plans to feature 16 craft beers on tap, focusing specifically on seasonal domestic and international brews, along with Sonoma Valley wines and free nonalcoholic drinks for designated drivers (an idea we’d like to see more of!). The kitchen will issue hop-friendly fare like Bodega mussels and fries, crispy calamari and grilled salmon.

Biersch had hoped to open late summer, but he’s currently looking at an October debut – in time for a late Oktoberfest celebration or two, we hope (691 Broadway, Sonoma).