You’ve spent the day traipsing around the idyllic Napa Valley, nibbling on delicious treats and sipping the finest wines but, after a short siesta, get ready to experience the nightlife that goes well past the last wine tasting appointment. Here are a few favorites for your bar hopping itinerary:
Headquartered in the city of Napa?
Start off at Gran Electrica with some hearty tacos to help soak up their dangerously delicious margaritas. Add a cool atmosphere (complete with Napa Valley themed Calavera art) and you’re guaranteed to be in the mood for a good time. Cozy up to their bar or head out to the patio, either way, you’ll be sure to run into plenty of locals that have made Gran Electrica a downtown Napa staple.
After a margarita (or maybe two, you’re on vacation after all), head over to Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar atop Archer Hotel. With an incredible view of the Napa skyline, sip your cocktail by the fire pit as the sun goes down and cuddle with your date. Or, if you’re out with friends, start a competitive game of Jenga or cornhole.
Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, Cadet Wine & Beer Bar is a modern bar with a classic twist. Featuring futuristic style decor, crackling vinyl in the background, high-end wine, bubbles, and cider, and classic grilled cheese and charcuterie boards, the good times will definitely roll. (Be sure to ask the staff about their Happy Meal box - it’s what adult dreams are made of).
If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, wander into Ca’Momi Osteria for Osteria Live! and enjoy a more mellow, but still enticing night out. Starting at 10pm, the Italian restaurant transforms into a speakeasy-style listening room, with plenty of handcrafted cocktails to go around until well past midnight.
Looking to polish up your dancing shoes? Head over to Eiko’s, Napkins, or Downtown Joe’s to get your late-night boogie on.
If you’re more interested in getting to know the locals at popular watering holes, be sure to check out Napa Palisades, Henry’s, or Billco’s Billiards and Darts.
Headquartered Up-Valley (Yountville, St. Helena, or Calistoga)?
Make the outdoor bar at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch your first stop. Think deviled eggs, pulled pork sliders and cheddar biscuits with honey butter to give you sustenance for the night ahead. Add a glass of wine or bubbles and your night is off to a tremendous start. Plus, the last Wednesday of every month, they host their ‘Champagne Campaign’ with bubbles, bites and live music.
Offering refreshing and Instagram-worthy craft cocktails, Goose and Gander in St. Helena is a classic gathering place for a night out. With a pub-style dining room, basement bar, and patio, there’s no shortage of space to get your drink on. If you need a change of pace from the wine scene, be sure to join them every Whiskey Wednesday for a flight of whiskey from rotating distilleries.
More in the mood for a dive bar? Pancha’s in Yountville or Ana’s Cantina in St. Helena are exactly what you’re looking for.
Happy hopping!