There are limitless ways to spend a day in Napa Valley, from wine and wellness to gastronomy and shopping. Late night Napa, however, is notorious for its early curfew, typically closing up shop before big cities across the country would even begin to shift over to their after-dinner scene.
Despite the sleepy reputation, though, night owls visiting Napa might be surprised to find more extended hours than they initially anticipated. Scratch the surface to find plenty of options for the nocturnal wanderers, from swanky hotel lounges to sports-centric dives, live music shows, to karaoke joints. Here’s where to spend a late night around Napa Valley.
Cadet Wine & Beer Bar
This beloved industry bar celebrated its 10th anniversary in July, further establishing itself in the winemaking community as the spot to be any day of the week. They might be renowned for their happy hour-aligned specials, like their Power Hours every evening between 5 to 6pm (except Wednesday when they have a winemaker takeover) that feature half off all wines by the glass and draft beers, but Cadet is also one of the few spots in Napa that’s open after 10pm.
Stop by and settle in under the signature ruby glow of the neon signage with a Champagne flight — don’t miss the Champagne room photo opp — and stay bubbly until they close at midnight (between Sunday and Thursday) or until 1am on Friday and Saturday. // www.cadetbar.com
Chispa
In a sea of wine, Chispa branches out with cocktails to offer Napa Valley visitors a reprieve from tannins and body — impressing instead with homemade tonics and tequila. Aubrey Bailey and Taylor Domin know the wine scene well, owning Cadet wine bar less than a block up the street, but they were ready to offer some variety and landed on an agave-dedicated bar. With culinary backgrounds, cocktail builds often reflect kitchen ingredients, from kumquats and sage to tamarind, tomato juice and oysters; bar-goers can sip these cocktails until 10:30pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday. // www.chispabar.com
The Saint
On Fridays and Saturdays, The Saint extends its weekday hours as a fine dining restaurant to stay open until 11pm (and preparing for even later for the foreseeable future, so keep an eye on their official hours) to host live music from a variety of local artists. The sets begin at 7:30pm and don’t require reservations, yet customers do need to be over 21-years-old. The elegant and edgy ambiance evokes the atmosphere of a speakeasy and when the musicians are on break, their signature melodica EDM floats in to fill the silence and keep the vibe buzzing. // www.thesaintnapavalley.com
Mercantile Social at Andaz Hotel
Every night is a happening night at Mercantile Social at the Andaz Hotel in downtown Napa, which stays open until midnight daily. Monday nights are local’s nights with 20% off all food and beverages all day. Tuesdays see a weekly LGBTQ+ mixer over drink specials on Mercantile Terrace (this does end at 10pm but attendees can continue connecting at Mercantile Social after the official event concludes). On Wednesdays, all wines by the glass are 20% off; Trivia is on Thursdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays between 7pm to 11pm.
The live music is a part of the hotel’s Andaz Artists Series that spotlights local talent. Though it’s not late at night, Mercantile runs daily mixology classes; guests can always start their night with an educational and entertaining group activity before handing back the bartender reins to the professionals as they sling their craft concoctions into the evening. // www.hyatt.com/andaz/apcrn-andaz-napa/dining
Billco’s Billiards and Darts
Who doesn’t love the feel of a pool hall? Complete with 10 full-size pool tables, seven steel tip dartboards, seven big screen TVs, a juke box, and a rotating late-night food truck, Billco’s is a Napa outlier in the best way. The venue is open from noon until 2am every day with a few specials throughout the week: Monday is industry night with discounted beer prices for service workers, Tuesday is ladies night, which means free flowers for the ladies and discounted beers. Thursday is pint night, when one beer is chosen to be on special for $4 a pint all night. The first and third Thursdays of the month are karaoke nights from 8pm to midnight. // @billcosnapa
The Lincoln
This American gastropub stays open until 2am every night except Monday (when it’s closed). The kitchen stays open until then, too, making The Lincoln one of the few late-night dining venues in Napa. Stop by on Tuesday nights for karaoke with festivities lasting until 11:30pm. // www.thelincolnnapa.com
The Fink
Known as “Napa’s neighborhood bar for the world traveler,” The Fink is ready to welcome imbibers into their community watering hole for craft cocktails over activities like bingo until 11pm from Tuesday to Thursday and 12am on Friday and Saturday (they are closed Mondays). No matter the night, be sure to seek out The Fink’s owner, Judd Finkelstein, monikered as “Mr. Hospitality Napa Valley” for a quick cheers. // www.thefinknapa.com
Ace & Vine Casino
This 24/7 casino was a longtime coming for owner Mike Leblanc, who began working on approval for the entertainment venue in 2016. Located next to The Lincoln, night owls can prepare for a whole night of fun, starting with dinner and a show before continuing the party at Ace & Vine’s 24/7 card room. // www.aceandvine.com
Other After Dark Hotspots
Wilfred’s Lounge: A tiki bar with transportative, island-inspired cocktails. Open until 11pm Wednesday through Saturday. // www.wilfredslounge.com
The Mule Bar: A late-night lounge alter ego to its next-door neighbor, Jax Diner. Open until midnight from Wednesday to Sunday. // www.themulelounge.com
Napa Palisades Saloon: The self-labeled “beer guys in Napa,” the name says it all. Sip some suds until midnight on Friday and Saturday; 11pm Sunday through Thursday. // www.napapalisades.com
JaM Cellars: For the die-hard oenophiles who want to taste all day, this wine and music venue is open until midnight Thursday through Sunday. // www.jamcellars.com