Perched above the Napa River, The Lincoln is downtown Napa’s newest restaurant from local hospitality veterans Michael LeBlanc (Ace & Vine in Napa) and Adam Snyder (Hazies, Redford, The Brixton, Taverna Aventine, and The Ambassador in San Francisco). Opened this summer, the elevated American gastropub is a poised fusion of contemporary and cozy, evoked immediately by the centerpiece, a bolted steel bar adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling fireplace.
“Our goal was to design a dining space that embodies the ideal setting for an enjoyable Friday night with friends,” said LeBlanc. “We aimed for a relaxed atmosphere while ensuring that our culinary offerings and service reflect the sophisticated flavors and exceptional standards that we appreciate as consumers in Napa.”
Photo by Kristen Loken
Napa native Haley Shackford, owner, and founder of House a Home Interior Design Studio, brought LeBlanc and Snyder’s vision to life, incorporating thoughtful details like textured walls, brass fixtures, and dark wood beams that contrast elegantly with the natural light that pours in from the oversized sliding glass doors. These doors open up to the sprawling alfresco patio that hovers above the Napa River, featuring fire pits and a selection of outdoor games like oversized Jenga, Connect Four, corn hole, and ping pong.
“The Lincoln is more than just a restaurant, it’s a community gathering place,” emphasized Snyder. “The comfortable vibe, large patio, and space for larger groups make it a place for locals and visitors alike to gather.”
The menu further reflects the camaraderie of the venue, with shareable plates like bourbon deviled eggs, honey Sriracha salmon lollipops, and tatchos (a play on nachos with tater tots smothered in beer cheese, pico de gallo, bacon and crema). The Lincoln will launch brunch service in the Fall, with morning comfort fuel like fried chicken and waffles with Sriracha honey drizzle, warmed donut holes, a smash burger with fried egg, and of course, Bloody Marys.
The Lincoln connects to its Napa locale with a beverage program that prioritizes local beer, wine, and spirits. Along with wines from the area, including Sonoma, Paso Robles, the Central Valley, and of course, Napa proper, about 75 percent of the featured draft beers are from producers around the Bay Area. There will also be a rotating menu of gin, vodka, barrel-aged cocktails, and zero-proof choices. Some specialty cocktails that will remain consistent include Pear of Thorns with Hiatus blanco tequila, prickly pear puree, lime juice, and Arbol chili syrup, as well as The Garrison, a combination of Garrison bourbon with soda and chili-flanked candied bacon.
“I’ve worked with restaurants around the Bay Area to create energetic, engaging spaces where people want to stay and linger. That’s the same kind of energy I’m excited to bring to Napa,” said Snyder on the opening of The Lincoln.
