Those from outside Napa Valley may not be familiar with American Canyon, but it is part of Napa County, and for those who live and work here, it’s an important place — it’s where we go for cheap eats, ethnic cuisine of every kind, and to take care of many of our basic needs in the way of shopping, getting things fixed, and the like.
American Canyon is a community of the wine country’s worker bees, and as such, it is replete with great schools and has less of a tourist vibe. It also has some hidden gem dining options — with no pretense.
For those who’ve not made it down to the southernmost part of the county, know that there are many wonderful things not to be missed, and for Bay Area visitors en route to wine country by car, American Canyon is a great spot to grab a bite, shop and do a bit of foraging.
Start the day with breakfast or lunch at the South Kelly Grill, open daily, a favorite of locals and down-home with great breakfast basics — the fresh crab omelets are to die for, as are the pancakes and waffles, though when ordering, know that the pancakes are the size of a frisbee. Also yummy are all their variations on eggs Benedict.
Other tasty breakfast fare can be found at Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Café, which offers a worldly spin on mouthwatering pastries, desserts and sandwiches, and has some of the best viennoiserie in Napa County. The Eagle Grill at the Eagle Vines Golf Club offers a more relaxed dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a panorama of the golf course and vineyards.
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market
After breakfast, head to the Napa-Vallejo Flea Market. This community-centric open-air market is loaded with great bargains, new and used items, household items, clothing, cowboy boots, jewelry, and antiques — pretty much something for everyone. There is also produce, prepared foods, and a line-up of food trucks. It’s fun, a bit campy, and there is always a “must-find” among the 100+ booths.
For those wanting exercise, the Newell Open Space, the Wetlands Edge Park, and Glass Beach are worthwhile destinations for walking and hiking. The Newell loop trails are 10.3 and 5.3 miles long, while the Wetlands Edge Park trail is just 2.8 miles long, with beautiful views of water and wetland grasses, reeds, and sedges and a diversity of waterfowl. Bring a picnic and a pair of binoculars to enjoy the bucolic scenery. Not to miss is nearby Glass Beach, where currents have washed up piles of sand-washed broken glass. On a sunny day, the colors and textures on this beach are exquisite.
Locals often make a special trip to the Mid-City Nursery to find plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. This massive facility has a vast selection of indoor and outdoor plants for flower borders, native gardens, potted herbs, and vegetable patches—beautiful, healthy plants and highly knowledgeable staff.
Eagle Vines Golf Club
For the golfer, the Chardonnay and Eagle Vines Golf Clubs are public courses with premier greens and scenery galore. After an invigorating 18 holes, consider relaxing at the nearby RD Winery, with its chic tasting room and comfortable outdoor patio. This Vietnamese-owned winery specializes in unique varietals and Asian-inspired food pairings.
Private Tasting Room at RDWinery // Photo by Bob McClenahan Photography
Grab lunch or dinner at one of the spots Napa County locals haunt on their days off. Some of the best Vietnamese food in the North Bay can be had at Pho Huong Viet, with its wide range of pho, rice and vermicelli plates with assorted meats, and an array of traditional appetizers.
Bonito Poke is known for its Hawaiian-themed menu and consistently garners favorable reviews. Order the generously served fried shrimp, poke nachos, loco moco, BBQ beef, poke bowls with all the usual toppings, refreshing lemonade, fruit juices, and Thai iced tea.
There is no shortage of fine Mexican eateries in American Canyon. Dos Botellas is a local favorite for its flavorful food and lively ambiance. In addition to all their traditional Mexican fare is an assortment of margaritas, beers, and horchata.
Off-the-charts delicious, and well worth the drive to American Canyon from anywhere, is the award-winning LASO, a beloved spot for food enthusiasts. Nepalese owner/chef Ming incorporates fresh, locally sourced ingredients into traditional Himalayan/Nepalese recipes passed down through his family. Favorite dishes include the Momo (steamed chicken, beef, or vegetable dumplings) and Thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup.)
Whether it’s a stop on a journey in or out of wine country or a local side trip, American Canyon has many hidden attractions that are well worth the trip.
