Papas' Taverna


LANA SUTTON AND LEO PAPAGEORGE

Papas' Taverna sits on the banks of the Petaluma River at Gilardi's Marina on Lakeville Highway in the Wine Country of Northern California. It may look like the middle of nowhere but on Saturday night and Sunday afternoons, it's the center of the universe for people who love food, music, dancing, and the Greek way of life. Papas' is the place to fulfill your "Zorba the Greek" fantasies. Our little gem of a restaurant has been featured many times on television shows such as "Bay Area Backroads" (also listed in their book) and "Evening Magazine".

Leo and Lana

Papas' Taverna has been serving excellent Greek and American food since 1991. Leo and Lana welcome you and your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon or evening experiencing a little of Greece right here in Sonoma County. Leo Papageorge is the patriarch of Papas'. All the recipes are his creation and that of his family in Greece. The restaurant is owned and run by his friend, Lana Sutton. Although Lana isn't actually Greek, she said when you work or come to Papas, you become Greek. If being Greek gets a little overwhelming, you can step outside to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Petaluma River, the rolling hills, fabulous sunsets and the peacefulness of the country.

Historical Landmark, Donahue Landing

Calling it Lake Tolay, Native Americans settled here in the early part of the 19th century. They later renamed it Lakeville after their former Chief. Beginning in 1853, passengers and freight were carried to its first boat landing from steamboats. For fourteen years, Lakeville boasted a post office, school, blacksmith shop, hotels, saloons, dance hall, a winery, race track in its hey day. Mark Twain and Emperor Norton I often traveled on the Steamer Gold toward Petaluma. The Emperor suggested straightening the crooked Petaluma Creek to allow ships access to Petaluma. The Steamer could not pass through the many shallow turns in the river. Passengers rode from Lakeville by stage up Stage Gulch Rd. into Petaluma.

In 1870, a train depot was added as the southern terminus for SF & NP railroad by Peter Donahue. This included a roundhouse, turntable depot, repair shops etc. The town of Lakeville flourished until the completion of the rail line to Tiburon in 1890. Donahue Landing, of which only a house and stable remains, is a California Historical site.

The Restaurant

Papas' has two dining areas. The Café upstairs accommodates approximately 60-80 diners and our Taverna Room, downstairs holds up to 125. The Taverna Room offers a full menu and full bar. Live music and dancing keeps it hopping on the weekends. Our casual, family-friendly atmosphere and moderately priced menu selections will have you returning often. We are approximately one half hour North of San Francisco and about the same distance from the Coast. Come by car, boat, sea plane or bus.
Directions

Hours of Operation:

Upstairs Café overlooking the river: Mon. - Thurs. 11:30AM-2:30PM, Fri. - Sun. 11:30-9PM
Downstairs Taverna Room with live music: Saturday 7PM-midnight, Sunday 3:30-9:00PM
Greek Dance Lessons from 1:30-3:30 PM Sundays
Reservations recommended (707) 769-8545

Home Menu Parties
Music and
Dancing		 Belly
Dancing		 About
Papas'
Contact Papas' Taverna by phone at (707) 769-8545
Email Papas'
Find us at 5688 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA 94945 Directions
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Last updated: 2/8/08