Napa General Store Restaurant

Potential visitors to Napa Valley tend to think first of vine-covered hills dotted with wineries, wineries and more wineries. They’re all here, of course. But it would be a shame to bypass the city of Napa itself. A renaissance over the past two decades has transformed what once was the utilitarian center of wine country into a visitor destination packed with pizzazz. Downtown Napa is walkable, dog-friendly and filled with surprises for two- and four-legged visitors alike. more »

The dog-friendly attitudes that prevail at Napa Valley wineries extend to many of the region’s famous restaurants, as well, meaning that as long as the weather is fair, you can dine at an outdoor table with Bodie at your side. Let’s start with the dog-friendly, Michelin-recognized places first. more »

The dog-friendly attitudes that prevail at Napa Valley wineries extend to many of the region’s famous restaurants, as well, meaning that as long as the weather is fair, you can dine at an outdoor table with Patch at your side.

Let’s start with the dog-friendly, Michelin-recognized places first. Earning “Bib Gourmand” (“eateries that offer excellent food at reasonable prices”) designations in 2015 are newcomers Grace’s Table (global cuisine) in downtown Napa and The Farmer and The Fox, a British-style gastropub in St. Helena. Retaining their ratings are Bistro Jeanty (French) and Redd Wood (Italian-inspired) in Yountville; and Oenotri (southern Italian) and C Casa (at the Oxbow Public Market; order at the outdoor window if you have a dog in tow) in downtown Napa. One-star restaurants that also boast dog-friendly patios include Bouchon (French) in Yountville and Solbar (farm-to-fork) in Calistoga. more »

The only aspect of a wintertime visit to Napa Valley that can be problematic is mealtime. While many restaurants, both casual and upscale, welcome dogs on their open-air patios, cool weather and reduced clientele mean few of those patios are open in winter. Your best bet on a sunny day is to call ahead and ask (or beg) to be served at an outdoor table, preferably one with a heater. more »

Once sleepy downtown Napa is napping no more. A foodie revolution has taken place in recent years, with a “who’s who” of celebrity chefs taking up residence. Along the redeveloped Napa riverfront alone are a string of high-end establishments with sun-splashed patios where customers accompanied by canine companions are welcome to pull up a chair. At Napa General Store, a popular breakfast and lunch spot in the historic Napa Mill complex, you and Spot can enjoy your meal at an umbrella table right on Napa River Trail. Just a block or so down is Fish Story, a swimmingly popular seafood establishment with dog-friendly patio seating as well as a covered porch with river views. more »