21st birthday in Napa
Mar 6th, 2008 | 05:10 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
21st birthday in Napa
I am taking my daughter who is turning 21 May 19th to Napa for 3 days and then to San Francisco. I would like suggestions for places to have dinner in Napa $20-30 range(we have a car so it could be in the area) and a good spa (for that birthday massage). We're staying at Embassy Suites (gives us mother/daughter space!) Also any must see wineries. Have looked into the Platypus wine tour so don't have to drive one day. Thanks to this forum - it is always a great help.
Mar 6th, 2008 | 05:49 PM
#2
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
"I would like suggestions for places to have dinner in Napa $20-30 range"
Does that include wine? Restaurants in the Napa area may be more expensive than the ones you are used to. We dined at Pizza Azzurro the other night and the bill came to over $60 for two for pizza and a bottle of one of their least expensive wines.
There are many good restaurants in Napa. Start with:
http://www.gayot.com/
and do a search for Napa. You will see descriptions and approximate price categories. Most of the top rated restaurants will be way above that $20 to $30 range.
Does that include wine? Restaurants in the Napa area may be more expensive than the ones you are used to. We dined at Pizza Azzurro the other night and the bill came to over $60 for two for pizza and a bottle of one of their least expensive wines.
There are many good restaurants in Napa. Start with:
http://www.gayot.com/
and do a search for Napa. You will see descriptions and approximate price categories. Most of the top rated restaurants will be way above that $20 to $30 range.
Mar 7th, 2008 | 11:59 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 0
I like the Culinary Academy restaurant at Greystone because the building is so impressive.
http://www.ciachef.edu/visitors/gs/
As for a spa, it looks like your hotel has a pretty nice one, and they might be more flexible. Plus, you can just stumble back to your room instead of driving.
Calistoga is fun to walk around, and there are those crazy mud baths!
Ca'toga is an interesting place to visit.
http://www.catoga.com/
And some people might like to check out Safari West.
http://www.safariwest.com/
Beringer Winery is quite pretty.
http://www.beringer.com/beringer/page/tours2.jsp
For hiking, I like Jack London Park, and the haunting Wolf House, and the town of Glen Ellen is sweet and there are some charming places to eat.
You can check out prices and reservations on http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?m=4
I've never been to Copia, but that might be fun. There is a restaurant based on Julia Child's kitchen.
St. Helena is a pretty town to walk and shop and have coffee, and there is a nice gourmet deli that is affordable.
The produce in Napa/Sonoma is fantastic, so look for restaurants that mention using local ingredients.
http://www.ciachef.edu/visitors/gs/
As for a spa, it looks like your hotel has a pretty nice one, and they might be more flexible. Plus, you can just stumble back to your room instead of driving.
Calistoga is fun to walk around, and there are those crazy mud baths!
Ca'toga is an interesting place to visit.
http://www.catoga.com/
And some people might like to check out Safari West.
http://www.safariwest.com/
Beringer Winery is quite pretty.
http://www.beringer.com/beringer/page/tours2.jsp
For hiking, I like Jack London Park, and the haunting Wolf House, and the town of Glen Ellen is sweet and there are some charming places to eat.
You can check out prices and reservations on http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?m=4
I've never been to Copia, but that might be fun. There is a restaurant based on Julia Child's kitchen.
St. Helena is a pretty town to walk and shop and have coffee, and there is a nice gourmet deli that is affordable.
The produce in Napa/Sonoma is fantastic, so look for restaurants that mention using local ingredients.
Mar 8th, 2008 | 08:48 AM
#5
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
When my daughter turned 21, she picked Bistro Don Giovanni. It had a fun and lively atmosphere, great bar drinks and great food. It is just off Hwy 29 on the northern end of the city of Napa. (Order carefully to stay w/in budget).
Brix in Yountville is also good with full bar, good food and service. You can stick to your price range with careful menu selection in both places. By the way, Brix serves an excellent Kobe beef hamburger ($12).
For just plain FUN (wine only, no bar), try Kelly's No Bad Days Cafe on Pearl Street in Napa. Food is delicious, the atmosphere is wacky and unpretentious. You can easily stay within your budget there and have a good time. Another restaurant with great food and good prices is also on Pearl St and is called Pearl. Annalien is wonderful upscale Vietnamese on Main Street. Friendly, small and cozy, but busy - no reservations.
My favorite FUN winery is Peju in Rutherford; excellent wine. Hess is an adventure in driving and has an art gallery. Artesa has a wonderful view (so-so wines). Your Platypus Tour Guide will have good suggestions. Have a blast!
Brix in Yountville is also good with full bar, good food and service. You can stick to your price range with careful menu selection in both places. By the way, Brix serves an excellent Kobe beef hamburger ($12).
For just plain FUN (wine only, no bar), try Kelly's No Bad Days Cafe on Pearl Street in Napa. Food is delicious, the atmosphere is wacky and unpretentious. You can easily stay within your budget there and have a good time. Another restaurant with great food and good prices is also on Pearl St and is called Pearl. Annalien is wonderful upscale Vietnamese on Main Street. Friendly, small and cozy, but busy - no reservations.
My favorite FUN winery is Peju in Rutherford; excellent wine. Hess is an adventure in driving and has an art gallery. Artesa has a wonderful view (so-so wines). Your Platypus Tour Guide will have good suggestions. Have a blast!
