Kapu Bar in downtown Petaluma has garnered great reviews for their immersive Polynesian and Chinese themed spaces, plus notable drinks and inspired food. We heard there have been some changes to the venue so we went to go check it out.
Most notably, reservations are no longer available and seating is now fully on a first-come basis at all times with no greeter at the entrance. This means that locals will have an easier time dropping in during the week but that out-of-towners will have to do more planning to visit on the weekends. We opened the place at 4 pm on Saturday so were able to secure a booth, but later in the evening it likely would be more chaotic.
There is no longer a wait staff, and all orders are at the bar. Drinks are delivered to your table and staff did pop by the table occasionally but once again if the bar is busy you likely will need to be more vigilant about going up to order another round. We weren’t eating but heard that the food menu is pared down on weekends and significantly reduced on weekdays.
Despite this, we had a pretty good time with our friends who had never visited Kapu before. The music and decor really helped us get into the mood and our cocktails were overall pretty good as well. The 1944 style Mai Tai leans a little sweet but not too much for a snob like me to dislike it, but the balance was welcomed strongly by another person in our group who enthusiastically ordered one for a second round. I also enjoyed a nicely balanced Three Dots & a Dash that had a flavorful rum blend. The venue has a well-stocked rum collection, so there’s plenty to enjoy if drink spirits neat is your thing.
The remaining staff at Kapu seem to be adjusting to these changes with good cheer, and a positive attitude certainly goes a long way as both from the crew and also as a customer. We still think Kapu is a great option in Petaluma’s charming downtown.
