Happy Hour in Napa: More than Pizza and Potato Skins

1313 Main

1313 Main, one of 30 Napa Happy Hour destinations

Do you need to find a good Happy Hour in Napa but aren’t sure where to go?  Well, we’re here to help with a list of 30 (yep, 30!) restaurants offering Happy Hour specials all within the Napa city limits (and 20 of those are in walking distance of each other downtown). Are you craving Margaritas and Nachos? Go to Frida’s. Pale Ale and Potato Skins? Downtown Joe’s. Guinness and Garlic Bread?  Il Posto. Sake and Oysters? Eiko’s. Tecate and Tacos?  Compadres.  Chardonnay and Chicken Liver?  1313 Main.  Just make sure to aim for the bar area, as Happy Hour in Napa special prices usually do not extend to the main dining rooms.

If you feel being in Napa means you should be drinking wine at Happy Hour, your easiest choice may be The Q with wines (and actually, their entire bar menu) at ½ price so you can enjoy Roederer Estate Brut, Groth Sauvignon Blanc or Truchard Pinot Noir for just $6 a glass.   Or, chip in with friends and buy a bottle of Frank Family Chardonnay, Flora Springs Merlot or Lagier Meredith Syrah for under $30.  Napa also has plenty of non-wine beverages at Happy Hour prices such as Sangria (Napa Valley Bistro), the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail (TORC), a Bombay Gin Martini (Crush), a Moscow Mule (Uva) a Turkish Beer (Tarla), or about 30 different beers on tap including a handful of house label pints at a discount during Happy Hour (Napa Palisades Saloon).

Jalapeno Guacamole at Happy Hour in Napa

Jalapeno Guacamole at the Grill at Silverado

Happy Hour in Napa food options stretch far beyond Nachos and Potato Skins (not that there’s anything wrong with those).  You’ve got Truffle Popcorn (Carpe Diem), Roasted Jalapeño Guacamole (The Grill at Silverado), Garlic Fries (Pear Southern Bistro), Maple Glaze Brussels Sprouts (Hop Creek), Queso Fundido (Napkins), Spaghetti alla Bolognese (Allegria) or Argentine Empanadas (Grace’s Table) at discounted prices if you go at the right time.  Or, you can swing over to Forge for their version of a “PB&J” – Margherita Pizza, choice of draft Beer, and a shot of Jameson’s for just $15.

Happy Hour Dips at Tarla

Hummus, Baba Ghanoush and Tzatziki at Tarla

Keep reading and we’ll tell you about Napa’s opportunities for great food and drinks at reduced prices.  Of course, Happy Hour items (and prices) are subject to change so you may want to start working your way through the list below soon.  If it helps, many of these establishments extend Happy Hour discounts to the weekends as well (Thanks for that, Ca’ Momi, Frida’s, Il Posto, Napkins, Tarla and TORC).

Happy Hour in Napa Downtown

1313 Main Restaurant & Wine Bar (1313 Main, 707-258-1313) – Wednesday through Friday, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, beverage choices include selected beers for $5 and selected glasses of wine such as Roederer Estate Brut for $6 and Copain Rosé of Pinot Noir or Zotovich Chardonnay for $8. To pair with those, you can select Warm Parker House Rolls with Honey Butter for $2.50, Speck Wrapped Fig for $2.50, Chicken Liver Mousse with a Walnut Batard for $5, or daily changing Oysters at the current Market Price.

Happy Hour Arugula Salad

Arugula Salad with Crab Cake at Allegria

Ristorante Allegria (1026 First Street, 707-254-8006) – Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 pm, and Friday between noon and 4 pm, mixed Well Drinks are $5 and beer is $3.50.  Happy Hour food specials include Calamari Fritti for $7, Homemade Meatballs for $7.50, Spaghetti alla Bolognese for $7.50, a Kobe Burger with Fries for $8.50, and an Arugula Salad with Dungeness Crab Cake for $9.50.

Basalt Happy Hour

Tommy’s Margarita at Basalt

Basalt (790 Main Street, 707-927-5265) – Monday through Friday, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, and on weekends from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Basalt offers a selected draft beer for $4, a selected white wine for $7, a selected red wine for $8 and a tasty Black Lava Salt-rimmed “Tommy’s Margarita” for $8.  Small bites include Cocoa Spiced Almonds for $1, Fried Okra with Roasted Tomato Aioli for $3.50, a Little Gems Salad with Charred Avocado and Nectarine for $5, and Chicken Wings with Adobo Glaze and Cilantro Yogurt for $4.50.  We heartily recommend the Pumpkin Seed Spread with Grilled Flatbread for $12 from the regular menu as well.

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ (975 First Street, 707-226-3976) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Happy Hour drink specials include 2-for-1 selected wines by the glass (such as Streamside Riesling, Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir and Bounty Hunter Cabernet Sauvignon) or 2-for-1 draft beers (recently including Weihenstephaner, Napa Smith and Guinness).  The Smokin’ BBQ food options include $6 for a Rib & ’Slaw Appetizer or a generous $11 Sampler Plate.

Artichokes

Heading towards a Carciofi & Porcini Pizza

Ca’ Momi Osteria (1141 First Street, 707-224-6664) – Daily, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, the house wines and home-brewed beers are $5 each. Also for just $5 each, discounted “Cicchetti” include Lemon and Rosemary Seasoned Olives, Lager Battered Squash Blossoms, Crispy Sunchoke Chips and Arancini alla Pizzaioli.  The regular menu here includes several Pizza Napoletana such as their Carciofi & Porcini (with Grilled Artichoke Hearts, Porcini Mushrooms and Smoked Buffalo Mozzarella).

Carpe Diem Wine Bar (1001 Second Street, 707-224-0800) – Daily, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, enjoy most draft beers for $4 and selected glasses of the wines of the week (one red, one white, one sparkling) for $6.  Happy Hour noshing options include their famous Truffle Popcorn or Harissa Fries for $3.50, a House Salad for $5, Chef’s Tacos for $3 each or a Wild Mushroom Flatbread for $9.

Downtown Joe's

Backstage at Downtown Joe’s

Downtown Joe’s (902 Main Street, 707-258-2337) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, well drinks are $6 each and house-brewed ales are $4 per pint, including Golden Ribbon Pale Ale, Raspberry Blonde Ale, Old Magnolia Stout and Rebob Porter. For $5.55 each, “Hoppy Hour” appetizers include a Warm Artichoke Spinach Dip, Buffalo Wings, Onion Rings, Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Sliders, or Loaded Potato Skins (with Cheese, Bacon and Sour Cream).

Eiko’s (1385 Napa Town Center, 707-501-4444) – Monday through Friday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the “Social Hour” beverage choices include Coors Light for $3, Craft and Imported Draft Beers for $5, Well Drinks for $6 and a 10 oz carafe of Hot Sake for $8.  Food choices for $5 include Edamame, Tempura Green Beans or an 8 piece plate of California Roll.  For $9, options include Fried Calamari, Crispy Chili Shrimp, ½ dozen Miyagi Oysters, or a 4 piece serving of Hamachi Jalapeño Sashimi.

Grace’s Table (1400 Second Street, 707-226-6200) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the extensive menu of food items at a reduced price include Chili D’Espellette Fries for $4, Fresh Fish Tacos for $5, Bay Shrimp & Corn Fritters for $6, Empanada for $7, and Hanger Steak Bruschetta for $8.  Grace’s tap beer selection (including Trumer Pilsner, North Coast Brother Thelonious Belgian Ale and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA) are just $4 per glass during Happy Hour and selected glasses of wine are $5.

Hog Island Oyster CoHog Island Oyster Co. (610 First Street at Oxbow Public Market, 707-251-8113) – On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, you’ll find a selected oyster offering for ½ off, a selected wine for $6, but you’ll also find all of their beers at special prices.  Beyond oysters, choices on Hog Island’s regular menu include Radicchio Caesar, Shrimp Cake, Clam Chowder, Oyster Po’ Boy, and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Kitchen Door (610 First Street at Oxbow Public Market, 707-226-1560) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, selected wines are $7 per glass and selected beers are $2 off (and Happy Hour extends all day Wednesday).  Regular menu items include Salmon Rillettes for $8.95, Cream of Mushroom Soup for $8.75, Caesar Salad for $9.50, Mushroom Fried Rice Bowl for $14.95 and several pizzas made in a Wood-Burning Oven for $17.50 each.

Napa Palisades Saloon (1000 Main Street, Suite 100, 707-296-1552) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you can enjoy a premium Well Drink for $6, a Negroni for $5 or any Napa Palisades Beer Company pint for $4 (such as Little Loco Session IPA, Gold Rush Red Ale, A-Line Express IPA, and White Horse Double Wit). Nibble choices include Avocado Toast for $2, two Buffalo Wings for $3, or a “Dealer’s Choice” Taco for $3.

Napa Valley Bistro

Napa Valley Bistro

Napa Valley Bistro (975 Clinton Street, 707-666-2383) – Tuesday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, beverages include selected glasses of wine, a Champagne Cocktail and a House Sangria for $5.  Domestic bottled beers and Napa Smith Amber Ale (on draft) are $3.  For $5 each, Happy Hour food choices include Garlic Fries, Crispy Calamari, Spicy Buffalo Wings, Beer Battered Fish Tacos and BBQ Pork Sliders.  Beyond that, regularly priced Small Plates include Achiote Marinated Chicken Empanadas for $13 and a Black Mission Fig, Pear and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Flatbread for $13.

Napkins (1001 Second Street, 707-927-5333) – Daily, between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Draft Beers are $3, Well Cocktails are $5, House Margaritas are $6, and selected wines by the glass are $5.  Happy Hour food items include Guacamole for $5, Queso Fundido for $6 (with Chorizo for an additional $2), a Wedge Salad for $9, Steamed Mussels and Clams for $12 and Lamb Sliders for $10. Also, FYI, there are no corkage fees on Thursdays in case you want to bring your own wine.

Norman Rose Tavern (1401 First Street, 707-258-1516) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Norman Rose offers “Suds n Grub” specials.  This includes $4 draft beers, $6 wine specials by the glass, and Hot Wings for $6 per pound.  For something heartier, you can check out their Facebook page which has frequent posts about their evolving dining room specials (recently including New England Clam Chowder, Chicken Nachos, Chorizo Sliders and a Braised Beef Sandwich).

Tarla Mediterranean Grill (1480 First Street, 707-255-5599) – Daily, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, well drinks are $7, selected wines by the glass are $6, draft beers are $3, bottled beers are $4, or you can try a Turkish Beer for $5. There is an extensive list of mezes here including Greek Salad for $7, Kale Salad for $7, Dolmas for $6, and Turkish Meatballs for $8.   Or, you can order a Greek Dip Trio of Hummus, Baba Ghanoush and Tzatziki served with Warm Pita for $7. We also highly recommend their Charcoal Grilled Chicken Kebab on Pita for $11.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs, one of TORC’s Happy Hour choices

TORC (1140 Main Street, 707-252-3292) – Daily, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm (except on Tuesdays when TORC is closed), drink specials include their house Pale Ale for $3, Guinness Stout for $4 and selected cocktails for $6 such as a Sidecar or an Old Fashioned.  Happy Hour bites for $5 include Deviled Eggs with Pickled Onions and Bacon, a Bengali Sweet Potato Pakora with Yogurt-Truffle Dip, and a wonderful Quesadilla with Schmitz Ranch Short Rib, Habanero and Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Velo Pizzeria (807 Main Street, 707-492-3975) – Wednesdays and Thursdays, all day is Happy “Hour” with selected $4 Draft Beers and $6 Wines by the Glass.  Or on Tuesdays, all bottles of wine are 40% off. The regular menu here has a Green Salad for $7.50 and an Arugula and Watermelon salad for $10.  Pizza choices for $19 include either a Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza or Wine Makers Pizza (a White Pizza with Grapes, Mozzarella and Gorgonzola).  For $25.50, the Meat Supreme Pizza comes with Pepperoni, Salami and Sausage. Bring your friends on Mondays because after purchasing one pizza, the second pizza is only $5.

Happy Hour in Napa Away From Downtown

Forge Pizza

Heirloom Tomato Pizza at Forge

Even if you aren’t downtown, there are still Happy Hour in Napa options sprinkled around the city. Going to a movie at the Century Theatres?  Time it right and you can go to Forge across the parking lot either before or after the movie.  Shopping at Trader Joe’sThe Q and Frida’s are nearby.  Dropping off a package at the UPS Store on Solano Avenue?  You’re practically at Fume’ Bistro, Galpão Gaucho or Il Posto. The next time you head to Browns Valley you can stop by Hop Creek and try to remember how Zinsvalley used to look.  If you have to go shopping at the Walmart on Lincoln, reward yourself afterwards with a margarita at Compadres just a few blocks away. Or grab some friends for a Happy Hour bowling competition at one of the six luxury bowling lanes at Crush (at the Meritage).  Here are 10 more Happy Hour destinations, all still in Napa:

Compares Rio Grille

Compadres Rio Grille

Compadres Rio Grille (505 Lincoln Avenue, 707-253-1111) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Compadres is the home of the Progressive Margarita: $3 per glass and $15 per pitcher from 3-4, $4 per glass and $20 per pitcher from 4-5, and $5 per glass and $25 per pitcher from 5-6.  Daily specials during the week include Monday Margarita Madness ($5 for “Back Bar” and “Top Shelf” margaritas all day), Tuesday Taco Fiesta (Hard Shell Tacos with Seasoned Ground Beef or Roasted Chicken Ranchero fillings for $2 alongside 24 oz Tecate or Modelo Especial beers for $4 each from 3-6), Rib Day Wednesdays (Pork Spareribs until they run out), and Aloha Fridays ($4 Mai Tais and complimentary Maui Style Potato Chip Nachos from 3-6).

Bowling Lanes at Crush

Bowling Lanes at Crush

Crush Ultra Lounge (at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, 707-251-3066) – Monday through Thursday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, drink specials include Trumer draft or a bottle of Corona for $4, featured glasses of wine for $8, or a classic Martini made with either Bombay Gin or Menage Vodka for $9. The “Crush Hour” includes Rosemary Jalapeno Wings for $8, Chopped Salad for $9, Kobe Beef Sliders for $9, or a Pepperoni & Sausage Flatbread for $10.  On Wednesday from 4:00 pm until closing it’s Locals Night so bring your ID and take advantage of $7 bowling with either a food or cocktail purchase.

Forge Handcrafted Pizza (155 Gasser Drive, Suite B, 707-927-3394) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, selected glasses of wine and draught beers are just $5.  All pizzas are $5 off regular price during Happy Hour, which means you can get a Pepperoni or Mushroom Pizza for $11, a Three Cheese Pizza for $12, or an impressive Heirloom Tomato Pizza with Basil, Onion and Balsamic Glaze for $13.   Or, you can get a Margherita Pizza, Draught Beer, and shot of Jameson’s for $15.

Nachos

Nachos (with Beef) at Frida’s

Frida’s Mexican Grill (1533 Trancas Street, 707-252-3575) – Daily, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, this is one of our favorite places for Happy Hour, starting with free chips and salsa to go with $3.25 Beers, $4 House Margaritas, and $5 Well Drinks.  The extensive menu includes Two Tacos for $3 ($4 for Carne Asada), Three Chicken Tinga or Ceviche Tostaditas for $4, or Shredded Beef and Potato Enchiladas ($4 for 1, $7 for 2).  The $4 Nachos here come with your choice of Ground Beef, Shredded Beef or Shredded Chicken.   Or, if you prefer, you can order a Caesar Salad for $4 (and you can add Grilled Chicken to the salad for another $2).

Fumé Bistro & Bar (4050 Byway East, 707-257-1999) – Monday through Friday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, drink specials are $3.50 for beers and well cocktails. Tuesday through Friday, food specials in the bar include Pizza Margherita or Onion Rings for $5. On Monday, beginning at 4, Fume’s popular “5 Buck Chuck” Burger goes for $5.55 all night long, with additional charges for added items such as cheese, bacon, mushrooms and/or avocado.

Galpão Gaucho (1990 Trower Avenue, 707-255-5121) – Monday through Friday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the drink menu offers a Caipirinha, Brazil’s traditional cocktail with muddled lime, sugar and Cachaca, for $7.  Other beverages include a glass of Torrontes for $7 or Malbec for $8.  During Happy Hour, take 20% off of these regular bar menu prices: Bacon-wrapped Chicken for $14.50, Picanha for $16.50 and Lamb Chops for $26.50.

Ribs at Silverado

Ribs at The Grill at Silverado

The Grill at Silverado (1600 Atlas Peak Road, 707-257-0200) – Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, selected glasses of wine or draft beers (including Lagunitas IPA, Napa Smith Pilsner and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale) are just $5 each.  Or, for the same price, you can enjoy selected cocktails such as a Mimosa or a Greyhound.  Happy Hour here has a variety of “Lite Bites” for $7 each such as Baby Back Ribs with a delicious, hoisin-accented sauce.  Other $7 dishes include Truffle Fries, Fish Tacos and Roasted Jalapeño Guacamole.

Hop Creek Pub (3253 Browns Valley Road, 707-257-7708) – Monday through Friday, between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm, well drinks are $4.50, house wines are $6 per glass and beers are all discounted $1. Reduced appetizer prices for Happy Hour include Maple Glaze Brussels Sprouts for $5.50, Garlic Pub Fries for $5.50, Buffalo Chicken Wings for $8, and Ahi Poke for $10.  Or, you can order a Nacho Platter for $6.50 and maybe add Pulled Pork or Chicken for an additional $4.

Arancini at Il Posto

Arancini at Il Posto

Il Posto Trattoria (4211 Solano Avenue, 707-251-8600) – Daily, between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, one of the Happy Hour specials is a Pizza Margherita and Beer for $12 with additional toppings of Mushrooms, Sausage, Salami, Pepperoni and/or Bacon costing $1 each.  Or, you can order house wines by the glass for $5 each, Guinness for $4, or other Beers for $3 each.  Other small dishes include Garlic Bread for $5, Arancini for $5, or Bacon Macaroni and Cheese for $6.

The “Q” Restaurant and Bar (3900 Bel Aire Plaza, 707-224-6900) – Monday through Friday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you’ll find all (as in ALL) cocktails, beer and wine at 50% off. Bottled Beer options include Steelhead Extra Pale Ale, Anderson Valley Boont Amber and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA.  Specialty Cocktails include Summer Mint Julep, Vintage Mai Tai and a Barrel-Aged Negroni. There aren’t any specific food specials for Happy Hour, but you can order off of the regular menu or Daily Specials such as Cucumber Carpaccio, Grilled Corn on the Cob (with a Calabrian Chili Crema) and a Fried Cod Sandwich.

Whether you’re decompressing after work, looking for a break from the kids, or just trying to save some money, these are some of the best locations for Happy Hour in Napa.  We’re still researching upvalley Happy Hour options and hope to write another article with recommendations for there soon.

 


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