This is part of my 72 Hours in San Francisco food and travel guide. Read the full series for every stop on the trip.
Let me tell you something about Napa that nobody told me before this trip.
It is an hour and a half from San Francisco.
An hour and a half. In New York, an hour and a half means you are still in New York. But drive an hour and a half out of San Francisco and you go from modern tech metropolis to wine country farm life so fast it feels like a glitch. Tech bros to farmers. Concrete to vineyards. I was not prepared and I am extremely satisfied that it happened.
Richard and Peaches had been here before. They all go all the time. They recommended it without hesitation.
The Place
Mustard Grill has been on St. Helena Highway in Napa since 1983. Their two taglines are “Deluxe truck stop classics for 42 years” and “Sorry, everything is delicious.”
That is all the information you need before walking through the door.
Late 80s early 90s bones, fully embraced. Clean, comfortable, unpretentious. The kind of room where everybody knows everybody and nobody is performing for anybody.
The Food — A Quick Note on Ordering
Everything comes in large portions and is designed to share. We were three people, which meant we could actually cover the menu properly without making irresponsible decisions.
Do not over-order. The portions make this easy to get wrong.
The Ahi Tuna Wonton Crisps
We started with the ahi tuna on wonton crisps, split three ways.
Seared tuna, fresh vegetables, super clean flavors with real pop to them. The Asian fusion angle reminded me of the best parts of 90s California cuisine. Would order again immediately.
The Onion Rings
I am normally not an onion ring person. I want that on the record.
But these are not what you think they are. Ultra finely shaved onions, impossibly crispy, and light enough that you forget you are eating fried food until you have finished half the plate.
The Lamb Burger Special
Around $25 and worth every penny.
Pickled onions, white sauce, fresh vegetables, just the right amount of everything. Solid, balanced, and different enough from my usual burger rotation to feel genuinely interesting. The bread was exceptional.
The Grilled Hanger Steak: The Best Thing on the Table
Hanger steak, onion jam, french fries, watercress.
Cooked over an open fire and it showed. Perfect sear, perfect temperature, rich flavor. The onion jam was the right level of sweet to complement the meat.
This was the standout of the entire meal.
Final Verdict
Mustard Grill earns both of its taglines completely.
Where does it rank in the San Francisco trip? Third. House of Prime Rib at number two and Sotto Mare at number one no matter what.
If you are in Napa, go. If you are not planning to be in Napa, plan to be in Napa.
As always, what do I know? I am just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time.
Looking for more NYC restaurant reviews? Check out my Best Steakhouses in NYC, Best Burgers in NYC, and Best Restaurants in NYC lists.