MEET THE TEAM
The Armory is proudly owned and operated by a local Sonora family. Jenn and Doug Edwards, took ownership of the iconic building in Spring 2022. They previously owned and operated both the Groveland Hotel and Hotel Charlotte from 2012.
Originally owned by Tracie and Doug Kennedy, the building was home to The Bourbon Barrel, which operated from 2015-2017. The Kennedys had an incredible vision for the space, and with support from many excellent local contractors, designed the build-out of the Bourbon Barrel, Beer Garden and Event Center.
"We are incredibly excited to open this beautiful building to the public! Our community has been waiting a long time to have dinner and a few drinks on the roof-top terrace, enjoy live music, and return to the Bourbon Barrel. Our goal is for the Armory to be an anchor for the community, a gathering space that offers people a chance to relax and socialize in a vibrant downtown atmosphere. We want to create jobs, serve great food, and add to the energy of downtown Sonora."
Is the Beer Garden dog-friendly?
Great question! Per the health department, we technically can't allow dogs inside since guests actually enter through the doorway and there are no grassy areas for pets to go to the bathroom. However, if you can snag a picnic table downstairs in the lower Beer Garden, we are ok with your leashed dog being next to the picnic table on the sidewalk while you enjoy your food. Please keep dogs at the exterior side of the table. We can not allow dogs inside the Beer Garden.
Help! I think I was accidentally charged twice!
If you notice two charges on your statement, please don't worry! We take payment at the time you place your order. If you leave your tab open so that you can add to it throughout your visit, you may see an initial authorization charge and then a final charge for the total at the end of the day. The authorization charge may appear as 'pending' or 'authorized' but will not post to your account. It will drop off and the final charge will stay.
Do you take reservations?
We don't take reservations for tables in the Beer Garden. Seating is first-come, first-served, and we DO have room for 170+ guests. We are also booking private events. If you have a special occasion coming up, please click on our "Book An Event" page and provide a few details on the inquiry form. You can book private dinners in our Wine Room (<28 people), reserve the lounge area of the roof top patio (< 35 people) or even book the Bourbon Barrel or Event Space for large parties and receptions.
Can I order take-out?
Absolutely! You can order take-out during normal business hours. Just click the "Order Online" button at the top of our home page. Please note that the kitchen closes at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays even though we are sometimes open until midnight on those days.
Do you offer gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes. We always have several gluten-free food options available on the Beer Garden menu. You can also find wine, hard seltzer, hard kombucha, hard cider, and gf cocktails in the Beer Garden!
We always have at least one menu item that can be prepared vegan, but we do not specialize in offering an extensive list of vegan entrees.
Where can I find out about live music and events happening at The Armory?
We have tons of live music and exciting events for the community! Please check out the "Calendar of Events" page on our website for a list of everything coming up!
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What is the fast-casual service model?
If you are enjoying the Lower Beer Garden, please order food and drinks directly at the bar. We do not have table-side servers in the lower Beer Garden. We'll grab your drinks for you right away. You'll be given a red table number for your food order, and a server will deliver your food to your table as soon as it's ready.
If you sit on the roof-top patio, a server will take your order for food and drinks at your table.
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We do have service stations on both levels with napkins, condiments, and ice water.
What's The Bourbon Barrel?
The Bourbon Barrel is a second, unique restaurant inside The Armory building. It offers an expanded bar menu, in addition to drinks offered in the Beer Garden. Here you'll find an extensive list of elevated spirits. Explore our craft cocktail menu, martini offerings, and bourbon flights!
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Click "The Bourbon Barrel" at the top of our page for more details.