Napa’s Riverfront has become one of the hottest, prettiest, and most lively places to hang out in recent years. With a summer breeze and an artisanal cocktail in hand, you’ll find no better place to pull up a chair (or barstool) and enjoy the view. Here are a few spots for your consideration.
Alba at River Terrace Inn. Located on the northeast side of the city, the River Terrace Inn overlooks a lovely, woodsy section of the Napa River. Its Alba Restaurant features craft cocktails, “Wine Pour Wednesdays,” and a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 pm.
Angèle Restaurant and Bar. This classic French bistro is housed in an old boathouse and sits directly above the river. Its outdoor patio is the perfect locale to pretend you’re in the south of France. Try the Laurel Lane (Angèle Garden Meyer Lemon Vodka, Rosemary, Bay Laurel, Grapefruit Soda) or the Cigarettes & Coffee (Rye, Amaro Abano, Gran Classico, Tobacco Tincture, Bitters).
Basalt. This fairly new Main Street restaurant has a sleek industrial vibe and a great view of the river and the Third Street bridge. Eight artisanal brews on tap and a whole menu just for highballs. Happy hour nightly until 6:30 pm.
Compadres Rio Grille. Make your way to the expansive deck overlooking the river and order a cerveza or margarita – Compadres has won local polls for its version of this drink.
Napa General Store. Yes, it’s a store. And a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. And a wine bar. Best of all, it has a lovely patio right on the waterfront where you can linger with your drink in the shade of a market umbrella.
Oxbow Public Market. This is one of the most bustling places in the city of Napa. A market hall of restaurants, cafés, and food purveyors, it has a huge patio overlooking the “oxbow” bend of the Napa River. Grab a beer, a glass of wine, or a bite to eat, and find your place in the sun.
Riverhouse by Bespoke Collection. An eclectic gallery of objets d’art and wines by Blackbird Vineyards, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Find a comfortable linen armchair and face the large arched windows to contemplate the river beyond.
