Winter in Calistoga might not bring the snow and freezing temperatures you’d find in other parts of the country, but there’s still something about the season that makes you want to cozy up by a fire with a warm drink in hand. Cool mornings, crisp evenings, and the occasional rainy day create the perfect excuse to seek out Calistoga restaurants with fireplaces, inviting cafés, and warm bakeries.
Before you even leave your room at Wine Way Inn or Craftsman Inn, you can enjoy coffee from your in-room Keurig, but when you’re ready to explore, winter in Calistoga brings quieter streets and welcoming spots that offer warmth, flavor, and the kind of atmosphere that makes wine country feel just right. This is Napa Valley lodging at its winter best.
Calistoga Cafes and Bakeries
Start Your Morning at Calistoga Roastery
For guests staying at Wine Way Inn or Craftsman Inn, mornings begin just steps away at Calistoga Roastery. Open daily, this local favorite serves strong coffee, hearty breakfasts, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to linger over a second cup.
The menu features a range of breakfast options, including baked goods, English muffins, and breakfast sandwiches (with vegan and vegetarian options), all made fresh and served in generous portions. The coffee is roasted locally, and you can taste the difference in every cup. If you’re planning a day of wine tasting or hiking, this is the place to fuel up before heading out.
The Wi-Fi is strong, the tables are big enough to spread out, and the coffee keeps coming. If you’re working remotely, this is a good place to set up for a few hours.
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Café Sarafornia: California Comfort in Every Cup
Café Sarafornia brings a California-casual vibe to downtown Calistoga. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with breakfast and lunch options. Treat yourself to delicious favorites like the Braised Pork Tostada, Homemade Corned Beef Hash, or the yummy Brannan Benedict and pair it with a warm drink from the espresso bar.
It’s a good spot for a mid-morning brunch, especially if you’ve spent the early hours exploring the best hiking trails in Napa Valley or visiting nearby wineries.
Bella Bakery: Fresh Pastries and Small-Town Charm
When you’re craving fresh-baked pastries, breads, and sweet treats, Bella Bakery is a Calistoga staple. This family-owned bakery offers everything from croissants and Danishes to cookies and custom cakes, all made from scratch daily. The cozy space invites you to grab a coffee and a pastry, then settle in for a quiet morning before heading out to explore.
It’s a perfect stop if you’re looking for something to enjoy with your coffee back at the inn or want to pick up treats for an afternoon break between winery visits.
Calistoga Restaurants with Fireplaces and Firepits
When the sun sets and the temperature drops, these Calistoga restaurants offer the warmth of firepits, heaters, and cozy indoor fireplaces that make winter dining worthwhile.
Sam’s Social Club: Fireside Comfort Food
Sam’s Social Club at Indian Springs Resort serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a menu built around seasonal California ingredients. The garden patio stays warm with heaters, making it easy to enjoy an afternoon glass of wine or an early dinner outside.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery: Fire Pits and House Beer
Calistoga Inn’s patio might be the coziest spot in town on a winter evening. Firepits and heaters keep things comfortable while you work through their lineup of house-brewed beers. On weekends, live music adds to the laid-back, riverside atmosphere.
Beyond Calistoga: Worth the Short Drive
While Calistoga has plenty of great options, a few spots just outside town are worth mentioning if you’re willing to make a short drive.
Model Bakery (St. Helena, 15 minutes)
About 15 minutes south in St. Helena, Model Bakery at 1357 Main Street has been a Napa Valley institution since 1984. Their English muffins made Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and once you try one warm with butter, you’ll understand why. They have three Napa Valley locations now, but this is the original.
The St. Helena shop opens early at 5:30 every morning, making it a perfect stop before a morning of wine tasting. If you’re craving something sweet, try one of their seasonal pastries or a “Chocolate Rad” cookie.
Harvest Table: Wood-Fired Warmth
At Harvest Table, the oversized indoor fireplace creates a warm backdrop for their wood-fired entrees and small plates. The outdoor firepits on the patio make it comfortable to enjoy craft cocktails and craft beers even on cooler evenings. Try their seasonal rotisserie chicken or one of the wood-fired pizzas paired with a Napa Valley wine.
Bouchon Bakery (Yountville, 30 minutes)
If you’re willing to drive 30 minutes south to Yountville, Bouchon Bakery is worth the trip. Chef Thomas Keller, the three-Michelin-starred chef behind The French Laundry, created this bakery to showcase traditional French techniques.
The display cases are filled with handmade croissants, macarons, pastries, and cookies that look almost too good to eat. Everything is made in-house daily, from the viennoiserie to the sandwiches. The espresso drinks use coffee custom-blended by Equator Coffees & Teas, Keller’s longtime partner. Their hot chocolate is thick and rich, the kind that warms you from the inside out on a chilly morning.
It’s a grab-and-go setup, but the space is beautiful and the quality is exceptional. Pick up treats for a picnic or enjoy them with coffee before continuing your scenic drive through Napa Valley or a day of exploring Yountville.
Cozy Up at Wine Way Inn and Craftsman Inn
After a day exploring cafés and restaurants throughout the valley, you’ll appreciate returning to your room at Wine Way Inn or Craftsman Inn. Both properties are located in the heart of downtown Calistoga, putting you within walking distance of the town’s cafés and restaurants, with easy access to spots throughout Napa Valley. Head to your room or unwind in the common areas where you can read, play board games, or sit with a glass of wine while planning tomorrow’s itinerary.
At Wine Way Inn, our Lokoya and Silverado rooms each offer in-room fireplaces and cozy seating areas, perfect for a quiet evening in. The property also has an outdoor firepit where guests can gather under the stars, share stories, and enjoy the crisp winter air with the warmth of the fire.
Book your stay and discover why winter is one of the best times to experience Calistoga’s quieter, more relaxed side. From hot drinks at local cafés to easy access to everything the area has to offer, your winter getaway is waiting.