Visitors to Napa Valley are often surprised to find that most businesses close relatively early. After a day filled with wine tasting, guests typically enjoy a leisurely dinner, only to realize that most local restaurants close soon after dinner service ends. This leaves them with a shortage of options for late-night entertainment.
However, Napa Valley was not always this tame. The area’s history is deeply rooted in the Gold Rush, a time of risk-taking pioneers who flocked to the area in search of fortune. This era brought a casino lifestyle to many Western towns, often in the form of gambling halls within saloons that also served as restaurants and hotels. As Prohibition halted liquor sales and gaming became more regulated, many of these businesses closed.
Now, Napa residents and visitors have an exciting new dining and entertainment option in downtown Napa. Under one roof, The Lincoln and Ace & Vine provide something for everyone: a family-friendly gastropub with outdoor activity areas overlooking the Napa River, a card room offering 24/7 gaming entertainment, and a late-night atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day of wine tasting.
Adam Synder, Restaurateur, The Lincoln and Mike LeBlanc
THE LINCOLN
Perched above the scenic Napa River, The Lincoln in downtown Napa is the brainchild of local hospitality veterans Michael LeBlanc, owner of Ace & Vine, and Adam Snyder, of Hazies, Redford, The Brixton, Taverna Aventine, and The Ambassador in San Francisco. This elevated American gastropub offers a full range of inspired cocktails and fresh twists on classic fare.
With its late-night hours, cozy firepits, and comfortable atmosphere, The Lincoln provides a unique dining experience that caters to any party size and palate. The menu is a delightful mix of shareable plates, comfort food items, sandwiches, healthy options, and a kid’s menu. The offerings reflect the convivial spirit of the venue, with plates such as Bourbon Deviled Eggs, Honey Sriracha Salmon Lollipops, and Tatchos—a delicious twist on nachos, where tater tots are smothered in beer cheese, pico de gallo, bacon, and crema. The Late-Night Menu offers items like Crispy Chicken Sandwiches and Short Rib Tacos until 2:00am. Weekend Brunch offerings run the gamut from Fried Chicken and Jalapeno Waffles to Avocado Toast, Warmed Donut Holes, a mouthwatering Smash Burger topped with a fried egg, and, of course, indulgent Bloody Marys.
The Lincoln is not just a late-night spot; it’s a place for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can indulge in childhood favorites like Chicken Tenders, Fusilli Pasta, and Quesadillas, while adults can savor the diverse menu and enjoy the late-night entertainment.
The American gastropub blends contemporary sophistication with a warm, cozy ambiance, making guests feel at home. The restaurant features a stunning steel bar and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace that radiates warmth and comfort. Designed by Haley Shackford, a Napa native and founder of House a Home Interior Design Studio, The Lincoln incorporates textured walls, elegant brass fixtures, and dark wood beams that beautifully contrast with the natural light pouring in through the oversized sliding glass doors.
The outdoor area is a massive draw for enjoying the gorgeous weather almost year-round. The establishment’s location on the Napa River offers more than indoor and outdoor dining. A sprawling alfresco patio gives breathtaking river views, and guests can lounge by the fire pits or try their hand at various outdoor games.
Leblanc is more than the co-owner of The Lincoln and owner of Napa’s only casino, Ace & Vine. LeBlanc also has a background that includes involvement in the philanthropy-based winery ONEHOPE. “I became the first investor in ONEHOPE Wine 17 years ago because I loved the idea of enjoying great wine while giving back to society,” LeBlanc shared. He’s still an investor today. ONEHOPE’s exclusive winery, located off Highway 29 in Napa Valley, offers more than just highly rated 90+ point wines from premier AVAs throughout Napa. It is one of the largest direct-to-consumer wineries in the world. It has donated over $10 million to local and global causes, typically focusing on education, food, water, and health.
They do it through a group of 2,000 members (20/20 Collective) collaborating each year to identify 20 impactful projects to fund. Another way to become involved is as an entrepreneur, essentially a host of local events who raises money for charities of their choice through sales of ONEHOPE wine. It’s a way for wine enthusiasts to make an income in an industry they enjoy while giving back to society through charities meaningful to them.
LeBlanc became involved in ONEHOPE organically. “I went to high school with one of [the founders], and he and his buddy, our CEO, Jake, later worked at Gallo. Both lived in Orange County, and I was in the casino business, and they left Gallo to start this company. They pitched me the idea of a wine company that gives back, and I think we were kind of the first cause-driven wine company to do it. So, I think we’re original in that space, and they sold me on the idea.”
ACE & VINE
When he decided to expand his portfolio of Napa Valley projects beyond ONEHOPE, he turned to late-night entertainment through gaming. “I like to pick projects in places that I love to travel to and where I like to be, and Napa is one of those places, having some roots with ONEHOPE. Originally, I’d spent some time here and grew up in the East Bay, about an hour away from Napa. I was already in the casino industry, and I love Napa. I found a license [here] and chose this project.”
It may seem incongruous to have such a commitment to philanthropy and simultaneously be the owner of a cardroom and casino, but LeBlanc came to both projects through those close to him. He became part of the philanthropy-driven ONEHOPE through friends and came to casinos through his mother.
“I’ve always had it in my blood. My mom (Patricia LeBlanc) worked in a casino, and she was entrepreneurial, and we kind of partnered up when I got out of college.”
LeBlanc and Patricia joined forces and co-owned Certified Players Inc. for almost 20 years (it is now solely owned by LeBlanc under the name 2kings Gaming). LeBlanc is the Third-Party Proposition Provider for several clubs in California. In 2013, Mike and Mark English started and ran LE Gaming, Inc., which they still own today; in 2018, LeBlanc expanded to the Casino ownership side. LeBlanc currently owns two third-party provider companies and three casino licenses.
He finds the casino business to be a good fit for his personality. “It’s the non-monotony of it; it’s always something different. It’s 24 hours a day. There is stuff happening constantly. And I’m a high-energy guy, so I need something always to be going on. I love the nonstop action.”
It also brings nightlife to Napa, which was one of LeBlanc’s goals when establishing the business. Ace & Vine is the only casino/card room in Napa, and it features card-specific games, including California Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘em, 3-Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker, and Baccarat. The business is open 24/7 and offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from Ace & Vine for Napa residents.
The duo business is fast becoming the premier entertainment destination in Napa Valley. It offers LeBlanc’s signature nonstop-style action at gaming tables in the casino and entertains thousands of players from the local community and tourists alike.
Beyond his interest in the casino business, his success in gaming, and his thirst for non-monotony, LeBlanc’s primary hope and the main motivation for opening the duo business is to give Napa Valley a bit of nightlife. “There’s not much else to do in Napa Valley besides eating and drinking, so we thought it would be a new kind of use—a new form of entertainment. When I first started, this venture was based on, ‘Hey, there’s nothing to do after 9:00pm.’ Here, you can come to get dinner at 11:00pm, have a few drinks, and then play blackjack. We want our slogan to be something like, ‘We’re what’s next.”’
