Get Down on Napa's Most Deliciously Decadent Hidden Comfort Food

Anyone visiting this mecca of wine we call home probably knows about the abundance of tasty fine dining options. Most tourists score reservations at prestigious restaurants where things like "mostarda" and pig's head terrine make regular appearances on the menu. That's perfectly fine and delicious. But after a long day of wine tasting, sometimes you just want to curl up with something more low key, hearty, and filling. We're letting you in on our prized hidden gems, so here are go-to Napa comfort food spots...because we like you THAT much.

Southside

Southside has a small but killer breakfast and lunch menu featuring locally sourced, farm-to-table style dishes. Pretty much everything is great - especially the pork belly hash special. And if you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, you might be able to score a bucket of their incredible fried chicken. But that's not why we included them on our official Napa comfort food list. No, what you're looking for when you enter is a tray of perfectly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, salted caramel donuts that are totally worth the premium. http://www.southsidenapa.com/   

Fume Bistro

As a local, finding a good brunch spot can be tough. Most Sundays, they're all completely blown out with tourists. I hesitate to even include Fume on this list. In fact, you should probably just head somewhere else and wait 1.5 hours for a table like everyone else. The entire menu is filled with delicious options, but you're going to look for two things specifically. One is the extensive selection Bloody Mary's - habenero, whisky, citrus, and bourbon to name a few. Second is the biscuits and gravy, which includes two massive cheddar biscuits, drenched in creamy sausage gravy, with a side of home fries and caramelized onions with two eggs (over medium please). http://www.fumebistro.com/

Clemente's

For a tasty and authentic Italian meal, we're grabbing some of Clemente's iconic malfatti, a pillowy soft sort of gnocchi-meets-ravioli concoction served in a rich meat sauce. Homestyle to the max, bust-your-gut good. This pick might be a little bit controversial to some locals. That's because there's another joint in town at another liquor store (that shall remain nameless) with nearly identical offerings. Napa locals have strong allegiance to one or the other, but never both. https://www.clementesauthenticitalian.com/ 

Squeeze Inn Hamburgers

We can't talk Napa comfort food without talking burgers. In-n-Out is great, but it's all about the Squeeze Inn if you're in town. Just look at that ridiculously mouthwatering creation, a ring of perfectly griddled, artery-clogging cheese orbiting a pillowy soft bun hiding a juicy beef patty, overflowing with toppings. If you're going to consume one of these greasy masterpieces, I think you should go all in and opt for some jalapenos and bacon to really set it off. Don't miss the hand-cut fries either! https://squeeze-inn-hamburgers.res-menu.net/

Sure, you can and should go to the Michelin-starred places when you come to town. They're amazing. But if your bank account is feeling the strain from buying too many cases of wine or you're just in the mood for something a little more casual, these Napa comfort food restaurants are a must.