When it’s mealtime in Vacaville, you’ll find many casual, dog-friendly options, from pizza and barbecue to Mexican, Italian and sandwich shops. Your most engaging option, however, might be the Nut Tree, a 72-acre, mixed-use development with retail space and 26 food and craft-beer options, many with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Old-timers will remember the original Nut Tree as a legendary road stop that opened as a fruit stand in 1921 on the Old Lincoln Highway (US Route 40, now Interstate 80). Later, its restaurant was hailed as a pioneer of fresh California cuisine, and in the 1980s and early ‘90s, the complex was renowned for its month-long Pumpkin Patch activities. Its latest incarnation encompasses a family-fun plaza with the original carousel, Nut Tree Railroad mini-excursion train, giant hobby horse and other kid-friendly attractions. (Dogs welcome!)
Dog-friendly food options here include Five Guys Burger and Fries and Fenton’s Creamery & Restaurant. For craft beer, visit the Nut Tree outlet of UOB (University of Beer), offering beers you can’t find anywhere else plus contemporary American food and lots of sports action on TV.
