The sun is shining and the bees are out. We've got more of our favorite spots for outdoor dining in Napa Valley. If you're especially cautious, you'll encounter less visitors on a weekday. Reservations are highly recommended where possible. More below for Napa Valley restaurants with outside dining that are open now:
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch · St. Helena
One of my most favorite places to take friends. Plenty of outdoor dining for social distancing. Cocktails are amazing (they offer their own Bloody Mary Mix) and so is what to eat: Addictive Mini Ham Sandwiches on their cheddar biscuits with pepper jelly, Grilled Artichoke, Smoked Wings and more! Did I say Cheddar Biscuits? You'll want those. Ribs! Also get LMR's own EJ Church Reserve Cabernet to go with your fabulous meal. Also, they take care of their community. While they were closed for dining, they offered organic produce boxes - fresh veggies, fruits and fresh farm eggs from their own Rutherford farm - for pick up. You can still order the produce boxes.
Boon Fly Cafe at Carneros Resort · Carneros
Located in the very posh Carneros Resort, this small cafe has perennial favorites, particularly for brunch. Don't miss the famous Boon Fly Donuts or the Griddle Cakes. They are the perfect solution to absorb all the wine you drank the night before. If you're a bit more carb-conscious, go for the Green Eggs & Ham. Oh heck, just get the Boon Fly Chicken and Malt Waffle. A great spot on the way home for the morning after a great weekend. (Spicy Bloody Marys available.)
Sam's Social Club at Indian Springs Resort · Calistoga
With plenty of open air dining, Sam's Social Club is a Calistoga mainstay. The staff are always friendly and the food is always good. Plan your meal accordingly. You don't want to miss the Churros for dessert - the best ones you will ever have, better than Disneyland. Don't miss the Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese Dates. Try the Chicken Paillard and for dinner, the Bianca Pizza (add egg and truffle oil). Now serving brunch and dinner.
Brix · Oakville
Recently renovated, Brix has gorgeous patio seating looking out into their manicured gardens and is right next to well know vineyard Missouri Hopper. The interior is airy and bright, so even dining indoors feels like you're on a veranda. A great cocktail and wine list, Brix is a favorite for Sunday brunch among locals and visitors alike. For brunch, get the Bananas Foster French Toast and Housemade Pork Sausage (MUST HAVE). For lunch and dinner, don't miss the Brix Burger, the Short Rib Arancini, the Wood-Grilled Prime Ribeye and the Forest Mushroom Risotto (with Black Truffle). Cocktail: Mule from the Gardens. And of course they have a stellar local wine list!
Gott's Roadside · Downtown Napa & St. Helena
Always a winner here! Family friendly and everyone friendly. Standouts: The Ahi Burger. And the Impossible Cheeseburger may convince diehard meat-eaters to go vegan. The California Burger. Get me a side of Sweet Potato Fries and a Malted Oreo Peanut Butter Milkshake too! (Just remind yourself to do an extra hour on the Peloton.) There has only ever been outdoor dining at the original St. Helena location. And recently they partnered up with Cameo Cinemas for Drive-In Movies at the St. Helena location. Use their easy online ordering system and avoid the lines. (PS. Lobster Rolls and Mexican Street Corn are currently on the menu.) Open until 10 pm on the weekends! Separately, Gott's Roadside Oxbow Market in Downtown Napa also has plenty of outdoor seating, but we tend to order online for curbside delivery. It's seamless every time.
Remember, do what you think is the safest for you and your loved ones. If that means takeout only or grilling at home, that's all good too!