For the second year in a row, Cotati’s Jaded Toad have taken home the honors of “Best happy hour” and it’s easy to see why. It has an inviting cool, backyard feeling, an outdoor spot with an awesome selection of beer. Jaded Toad is concept type restaurant with fire pits and picnic tables to setting a casual ambiance. The music sets the tone with some upbeat tunes, making you just want to sit back and enjoy a game on one of the many TV’s or take in a game or two of corn-hole. 

Owner Greg Maples says Jaded Toad’s unique environment and laid back atmosphere appeals to not only the Sonoma State students, but to the local neighborhoods and residents surrounding the restaurant. It’s a community type place and Maples strives to appeal to all demographics, not just Sonoma State students on the “Cotati Crawl.” In the coming months Maples said Jaded Toad will be adding live music and other weekly specials like BBQ’d oysters in addition to their Taco Tuesday andHappy Hour specials. 

Jaded Toad offers a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $4 drafts, 25 percent off starters, $5 specialty drinks. The beer list is extensive and seasonal, with 36 beers on tap, you may be in for a treat with a rare, hard to find seasonal beer on tap. isLagunitas vast selection always a popular choice, along with 805’s Blonde Ale, Drake’s rotating selection, like this week’s Denogginizer, and Sierra Nevada’s seasonal brews. The mixed drinks like Bloody Mary’s and margaritas are served up with lots of fresh garnishes and wine comes in a jam jar. 

Then there is the food. The starters list is has a lot to choose from and the bruschetta makes a perfect choice with crisp toast, chopped tomatoes, basil and drizzled balsamic reduction. All of their BBQ is cooked on site to perfection. If your looking to try the BBQ during happy hour, try some pulled pork nachos or taquitos. The pulled pork is perfection with the sweetness of the sauce and smoky flavor of the BBQ.  

The pork sliders are another good choice with tender roasted pork and topped crunchy superfood coleslaw on toasted rolls. These are just a few samplings from the starters menu that are worth the happy hour deal. 

When making your way through Cotati, take a detour to Jaded Toad and sit for a spell while enjoying a good cold brew and some creative eats. With it’s many offerings and unique setting, it’s easy to see why this beer garden is a popular choice. 

Jaded Toad is located in the Oliver’s shopping center, off East Cotati Ave. It’s easy to spot, just look for the big red Jaded Toad truck out front.