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Black Cat Bar & Cafe - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Gay Bars Restaurants, Gay Bars [Edit]
10056 MainPenngrove, CA 94951
(707) 793-9480
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Coat Check:
- No
27 reviews for Black Cat Bar & Cafe
Review Highlights
"There is good live music several times a week."
(in 5 reviews)
"...new restaurant that is connected Humble Pie is AWESOME."
(in 3 reviews)
"Interesting music, awesome bartenders."
(in 5 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from David K.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2010
Black Cat Bar in Penngrove is CLOSING SOON...
You're gonna want to check this gem out before it fades away forever:
So come by and have a drink and say farewell.
Drink a beer and play some pool.
I encourage all, who have not been and those who have, to patronize the Black Cat Bar once or twice more before it shuts its doors for the last time in the next 3 or 4 weeks.
I'm posting this as a friendly reminder to the Sonoma County community. I have no business relationship with this bar except as a devout customer. It is a location that I've become particularly fond of in the 8 months I've been living in the county. I became a regular at this watering hole and subsequently met many amazing people here.
A few reasons to check it out:
The bartenders are friendly and nice
The atmosphere is universally welcoming
The decorations are unique and interesting (there are nearly 200 bras hanging from the ceiling)
There is good live music several times a week
The Drinks are cheap
You can say you were there once when the Black Cat was great!
Live Music Friday (8/20): The Bob Pittman Band
Live Music and Performance Sunday (8/22):
Myron the Moron and Bobby Voltage (this is sure to be one of the more unique experiences of your life)
Go see for yourself. -
Review from Rita C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/29/2008 ROTD 1/29/2009
Went in here again on an early Saturday evening with my mom and boyfriend (silly combo for a lesbian bar, aye?)...
All I can say is that I truly, truly, truly want this bar in San Francisco... No joke.
Our bartender for the night was Dawnielle (I am SO butchering your name, so I apologize for my horrendous attempt at spelling your name!)... And let me tell you, this lady can make a damn good drink... Strong one at that!
Good/funky ambiance to the bar, cheap, strong drinks, and nice people... It's all I can ever ask for!Listed in: Sonoma County Love..., Customer Service Is Where It's…, Reviews of the Day
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2007
a lesbian bar?
in sonoma county?
in PENNGROVE!?
ok, this makes no fucking sense... but considering this… Read more »
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Review from Mandy L.
12/30/2008 ROTD 6/3/2009
Not only are the owners and workers of this little gem a delight but the prices are good, the place is clean and the people that frequent it are super nice. They have a good energy in the place and go out of their way to provide a fun, comfortable place to party and also encourage safe partying.
ALSO, their new restaurant that is connected Humble Pie is AWESOME. They have nummie treats like home made tater totes!
This is the regular stomping ground for my sister and her friends so I go occasionally and join in on their fun. I love this place and love the ladies who own it. Being a "lesbian" bar has no affect on those who decide to go party here, you can party here and be treated equally regardless of your sexual preference, age, gender or other distinguishing characters or your person.Listed in: The Places I Go Out, My Shameless "Yelp" of Fame
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Review from Teddy B.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2007
I'm turning the corner and finally appreciating more classical music. The Green Music Festival was held at Sonoma State this past July featuring a roster of string quartets, cellists, pianists, violinists, a Mozart ensemble and other gifted young musicians. It dawned on me that my maturing in years is reflected in my attempted enjoyment of chamber music. The angel on my shoulder was beaming with pride over my enlightened musical choices.
( but then, moments later )
I didn't make it 5 minutes away from my epiphany when I heard the funk and grind of the blues pouring out from the Black Cat bar while driving back to the city. The Black Cat grabs your attention with it's purple neon sign and loud thumping music. I like the blues like I like cleavage. Meaning I love it, but I'm no where near it enough. And this dude is thirsty. Devil-Ted bitch slapped the angel off my shoulder as I eagerly walked into the divey den of drinking decadence. The musical enlightenment I experienced earlier with the string quartet and violins evaporated in seconds and was supplanted with the electric guitar and drums I love so much.
The Saturday crowd was sparse, but friendly and eclectic with singles, marrieds, pretties, fuglies, young, old (mostly older) straight, lesbians, and a couple of transsexuals at the end of bar that I ooopps winked to (or maybe transvestites--I get those two mixed up). Brassieres decorate the ceiling and black cat pussy paraphernalia cover the walls.
George Heagerty and Never the Same was the band the night I went. Vocals were meh. Rock and blues with great guitar, piano and harmonica solos. Do-able for swing dancers, and good for listening.
I wouldn't make a special trip to Sonoma for this place, but if I'm ever in the area again for chamber music, then you know what place I'm hitting afterward. -
Review from Rae'esah N.
Antioch, CA
10/20/2009
I've been wanting to step foot in this bar since they spotlighted it on Eye on The Bay a looong time ago!
Perfect oppurtunity was on Saturday after a 2.5 mile walk to end Alzheimer's in Petaluma.
I meet up with some co-workers about 6pm and we head in!
A blast! It's a BLAST in here!
You will see everything from hetero couples, to lesbian couples, to straight men on the prowl to cross dressers - i love a diverse mix of people!!
I'm a casual, simple girl and I prefer a casual simple environment - the black cat is just that!
They have some dirty white couches you can snuggle up on and a few little tables here and there...crazy bras are hanging all over the ceiling and they make a sturdy drink. There is one pool table you can use - but get there before the bands start otherwise, they haul the pool table away and make room for mic stands and drum sets!
They offer local artists the opportunity to share their gift of music, I love it when businesses support their local musicians etc.
I had so much fun here over the weekend - i'm almost looking forward to next year's 2.5 mile walk! -
Review from Miriam D.
Petaluma, CA
8/28/2008
YEAH muffukkin Black Cat!!!!!!!!!!
Penngrove rules.
This is the best bar in the world.
-With love,
muffukkin Humble PieListed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from maranda w.
San Rafael, CA
12/8/2009
Glad I finally made it over to the Black Cat! Prices are good, food is accessible from Humble Pie next door-- and they carry CIDER! yes, this place works out just fine for me.
The bar staff are incredibly nice, and might I add patient when my friends and I get a little rowdy.
Just a note-- the place is SMALL. If a band is coming in, they have to move the pool table over to the smaller room to accommodate. While I wasn't crazy about the band playing the night we were there, I really respect the owner's decision to NOT charge a cover, and allow people to tip the band throughout the night and draw a larger crowd for local exposure. Very nice! -
Review from Shahin 'Pink Slip' K.
Sonoma, CA
10/29/2009
And so it was scribed, there would be but one Bar to enjoy the swilling of godly nectars. Here, it was written, that the resting place of Prometheus' fire would be protected and celebrated for many eons. Sojourners would come and go, heeding on the command of the daily ebb and flow; yet, when the sun hid its cowardly face, and the freakish night began its howl, the pilgrimage of the enlightened freaks commences: a journey to the sacred pub.
Arise ye freaks! take up your oddities as sabers. Embrace your aberrations and move swiftly - to the Black Cat we ride, on ghoulish clouds we soar!
Thug love to the Black Cat
----- That brown guy in adjoining kitchen. -
Review from Chris W.
Tahoma, CA
8/22/2008
A couple people have already mentioned that The Black Cat has a magic and mystery that is all its own. Its hard to put your finger on just what it is. Maybe its the fact that on any given night you can walk in and see a cowboy in a ten gallon hat talking to a lesbian with a "dykes on bikes" t-shirt on. Maybe its the underwear and brassieres that are hanging in all manner from the ceiling. Maybe its the awesome drink deals on random shots like snakebites and cans of Hamm's. All of these forces come together to give this bar its own character. Definitely hit it up with some friends and have a blast.
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Review from Will S.
Arcadia, CA
9/28/2008
Funny that the best bar in Sonoma County is a "lesbian bar" in the eerie backwoods on a dark and shadowly little street in a town that may or may not exist.
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Review from poops mcgee p.
Concord, CA
9/20/2006
My kinda place... bras hanging all over, PBR on tap, live music, interesting crowd, dive bar feel and attitude. What more could I want? I was there Saturday night and saw a Ukele band followed by a standup bass and drum duet from Baton Rouge, LA that sounded like Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits. Damn! the crowd is very interesting... fairly large gay/bi group, college looking kids, bikers, old locals... diverse in every way except ethinically (at least not on the night I went). My only complaint is it's a bit of a drive, but in a way it's cool cos' you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere and just happened to stumble on this place. Great, friendly service as well...
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Review from ryan m.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2007
While attending SSU I ventured to this bar on a regular basis. Yes, it's a lesbian bar, but it's so much more than that. It's one of those bars that you feel comfortable at. Where it doesn't matter who you are or what you're wearing, everyone who works and drinks there is accepting and really awesome. They have one of the best open mics in Sonoma county every wednesday night. If you perform, you get a can of Hams for 50 cents. Honestly, they serve hams and have bras hanging from the ceiling. Why are you not drinking there right now?
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Review from Jett H.
Vallejo, CA
4/6/2009
This is a great community bar where everyone is welcome. The staff is friendly, the decor is unusual, and the building is historical. Drop by for a drink on different nights of the week to get the full Black Cat Experience. Play pool on a Sunday afternoon, catch a band on the weekend, enjoy open mic on Wednesdays...it's always a good time.
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Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2010
Penngrove is the straightalkin' ,scruffy pinky finger of Petaluma, if this bar is any indication. Bras on the ceiling, worn-through linolium, live metal played with gusto, cookies on the counter, the sentiment in the air seeming to be that this was as good a place as any to have a beer after a long day.
Listed in: Sonoma County
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Review from Envytime I.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/6/2006
Always have something going on (check local listings) from reggae, dance, punk, rock n' roll, everything including an open mic (Wed Nights). Bras decorate the ceiling in this small cozy place where all kinds of people converge (unlike other bars). It can get crowded depending on the event. They have good 'ol Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap. Good service and great wide selection on the juke box.
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Review from Mark m.
Penngrove, CA
1/10/2008
Food is good at John's cafe. The staff at the black cat is great. Bring some friends if it not a busy night and all is good.
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Review from Dianna H.
Davis, CA
5/22/2008
The Black Cat is really fun-and not just because their drinks are extra boozy-it's cozy, friendly, laid back, and has some of the best opportunities for people watching in Sonoma county. The bartenders are fantastic! Admittedly, I go here because it is the only bar within walking distance of my mother's, but if this were in my town, I'd go all the time.
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Review from Sahara G.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2009
Great little spot for a cocktail ! Wine needs improving. But we'll forgive that for friendly upbeat bar maidens! Great hangout spot. Love the bras hanging from the ceiling - especially the ones which are autographed or have funny things written on them - CLEVER !!! And love the black cat figurines in honor of Toto the cat the bar is named for. purr purr purr
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Review from Shannon C.
Albuquerque, NM
6/14/2009
This is a great place. Every time I visit home I have to stop at the Black Cat. It is one of my favorite small bars. The bartenders are awesome, the people are nice, and the decor is fantastic. There are bands on the weekend and everyone is so damn friendly. Step outside for a smoke and enjoy the beautiful night sky and landscape. This is a must visit bar if you're in the area.
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Review from T L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2009
Fucking awesome. A bra-decorated lesbian dive bar next to a Pie-ery! What could be better? Also, when you drive there from Petaluma, you get to pass Palace of Fruit. It's great to get the hell out of LA and be in the real word. Interesting music, awesome bartenders. Love it. The Pie next door is fantastic too. Eating pie, being in Sonoma County and listening to interesting music. Good times.
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Review from J F.
San Rafael, CA
8/26/2007
I wanted to go the Macy Gray/Brand New Heavies concert at the Fillmore and couldn't find anyone to go with me. So, I headed up to The Black Cat with some friends and enjoyed some of the best live music. I rarely head north out of Marin, but now I have a good reason. The Black Cat is awesome. Everyone was friendly, the music was great and the drive wasn't all that bad.
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Review from denise g.
Rohnert Park, CA
7/26/2009
Now this is my idea of a neighborhood bar. A little bit divey, yeah but a little bit charming too. I'm guessing that comes from the lady's point of view. Friendly, low-key atmosphere because of or in spite of the gay influence. Depends on your point of view, I guess. I've only been in a couple of times and then for the music. The night we were there Danny Sorentino and his Honky-Tonk band "Lucky Buck" were playing. GREAT local talent! To see a band like this in a local bar was such a thrill for me. We are SO lucky to live here in Sonoma county. It's not like this anywhere else. I wanna go back for Open Mic. The only thing is, I'm a spoiled wine drinker (no, I don't drink spoiled wine - I'm the one who's spoiled) and I would love a greater selection. Maybe a local winery would like to work a deal here?
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Review from B T.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2009
Great dive bar to make your home. Highlights include open mic nights and live music. Reasonably priced drinks and friendly service.
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Review from J R.
San Rafael, CA
8/14/2009
I use to go to this bar A LOT back in the day and it was awesome then and it's awesome still. Like everyone else has said, it's a bit of a dive bar with class (possible!). Open mic night, live bands and great (gay friendly) people...a must visit!
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Review from meagan r.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2007
oh dear i miss those sumer sunday nights where i would go here with a few friends and we would be basically the only people in the bar. i adore this place. i know they have live music and it gets pretty busy and lively some nights, but i think this place is best experienced on a slow night with a small group of friends. pretty good jukebox, not pricey at all. yes bras eeeeeeverywhere. nice bartenders! this place has such character, and is super friendly and comfortable. i miss it!
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Review from Mike C.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2007
I've been to every gay bay in San Francisco and most arent half as much fun as this hole in the wall way over yonder in Penngrove(North Bay). The first songs I heard in this place were from Michael Jackson-PYT, B-52's-Love Shack, Sir Mix-A-Lot-Baby Got Back, and some other terribly/terrificly obvious party mix. The DJ, bless her heart, was approaching her first social security check, and spinning the hits on her CD Turntable. None of those are complaints, im just painting a picture. Everybody was dancing, drinking, having a good old gay old time when...everybody kept dancing drinking and having a good time. There's no "then there was a fight" or some "redneck came in" or "some cokehead tied up the bathroom". It's just an old fashioned good time at a nice joint with a best of the 90's soundtrack. If I lived in Sonoma, id be there every day. Next time I go to the north bay, ill visit for sure. And while the bar is predominately lady, I had a good comfortable time with my date(for the night).
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Review from Louella B.
Petaluma, CA
7/25/2007
an old favorite watering hole - great for dancing and beer.
