Napa is home to some of the best burgers in Napa County. From wine bar burgers with gourmet toppings to a lamb burger bursting with flavor, plant-based creations made from scratch, or no-frills cheeseburgers made to perfection, here are a few must-try spots when you’re craving a burger in Napa, CA.
Napa’s Burger Scene at a Glance
Classic Cheeseburgers
- Norman Rose Tavern – Simple cheeseburger done right
- Gott’s Roadside – Local favorite with fried egg and bacon
Smash Burgers
- The Garden – “Oklahoma-style” with wagyu patty
- Butter’s Burgers – Stacked double royale with cheese
Gourmet Burgers
- Compline – Wine-country burger with local-made cheese
- Angèle – French-style burger by the river
- The Bounty Hunter – BBQ-inspired burger with cheddar
Creative & Specialty Burgers
- Gott’s Roadside – Kimchi burger with a twist
- Palisades Saloon – Lamb burger with feta and spice
Plant-Based & Vegetarian Burgers
- Dutch Door – House-made vegan plant burger
- Compline – Mushroom and oat vegetarian cheeseburger
Happy Hour Burgers
- Celadon – Burger with cheese in cozy setting
- Kitchen Door – 1/4lb cheeseburger and beer special
Let’s take a closer look at all these amazing burgers.
Classic Cheeseburgers in Napa
When you just want a perfectly seared patty with melted cheese, Napa’s classics won’t disappoint. Local neighborhood spots like Norman Rose Tavern and Gott’s Roadside serve up some of the best cheeseburgers in Napa.
Norman Rose Tavern
Known as Napa’s neighborhood pub, Norman Rose takes comfort food seriously. Their Lamb Cheeseburger is a staple, and you can customize it to your liking. Add a side of truffle or “Disco” fries to complete the experience.
Gott’s Roadside
Just steps from Oxbow Public Market, Gott’s Roadside is a local favorite for casual dining made fresh to order. Their menu features classics like the California Burger with fried egg and bacon, and fun twists like the Kimchi Burger. Don’t forget to grab a hand-spun shake or frosé before you go.
Smash Burgers in Napa
For those who crave that crispy-edged, juicy-centered perfection, Napa’s smash burger offerings deliver. The Garden by Tannery Bend Beerworks and Butter’s Burgers, inside Armistice Brewing Company are top spots to try.
The Garden by Tannery Bend Beerworks
This laid-back Napa beer garden serves an irresistible Oklahoma-style smash burger, featuring American wagyu beef pressed thin for crispy edges and a juicy center. It’s layered with melted American cheese, grilled onions, “shrettuce,” pickles, and house smash sauce on a soft Martin’s potato bun — the perfect pairing with a cold pint.
Butter’s Burgers
Tucked inside Armistice Brewing taproom, Butter’s Burgers turns out classic California smash burgers with a crave-worthy sear. Their signature “The Royale” comes with two fresh beef patties, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, grilled onions on a brioche bun. Simple and juicy. They also offer a Chili Cheeseburger.
Gourmet Burgers in Napa
Craving something a little more refined? Napa’s wine-country twist on the hamburger includes options like The Compline Burger, Angèle’s French-inspired burger, and The Bounty Hunter’s BBQ-style masterpiece.
Compline
Compline is known for inventive California cuisine and an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. Their Compline Burger features grass-fed local beef, housemade aioli, balsamic onions, Schoch Family Farmstead cheese and a Model Bakery bun. Pair it with their signature duck fat fries and a glass of wine from their incredible list.
Bounty Hunter
For a BBQ-style burger, The Bounty Hunter never disappoints. The Bounty Burger features a thick Snake River Farms patty topped with aged white cheddar, bread and butter pickles, red onion and the restaurant’s signature Saloon Sauce. With more than 40 American whiskeys and an 18-page wine list, you’ll find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Angèle
For a refined twist on a classic, head to Angèle. This French country restaurant offers an elevated yet simple hamburger on its lunch menu, best enjoyed along the river with a glass of wine and something sweet to finish.
Looking for even more luxe burgers? Try Bank Café and Bar, known for its elevated take on American classics, or Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, where you can pair sweeping city views with a juicy burger and hand-crafted cocktail.
Creative & Specialty Burgers in Napa
Adventurous eaters will love Napa’s creative takes. From the Kimchi Burger at Gott’s Roadside to the Lamb Burger at Palisades Saloon, these inventive twists show off the city’s culinary imagination.
Palisades Saloon
This relaxed pub is the perfect place to catch a game or unwind with a local brew. The menu features a mix of classics and creative twists, including the crowd-favorite Lamb Burger with feta cheese, roasted peppers, arugula and sambal mayo. Pair it with one of their rotating craft beers for the perfect Napa night.
Plant-Based & Vegetarian Burgers in Napa
Plant-based foodies are covered too. The Dutch Door’s scratch-made Plant Burger and Compline’s Vegetarian Burger prove you don’t need meat for serious flavor.
Dutch Door
Dutch Door focuses on scratch-made, sustainable fare, and their house-made plant burger proves that meatless can still mean delicious. It’s made with locally sourced ingredients and can be fully vegan with their plant-based cheese and aioli.
Happy Hour Burgers in Napa
Napa has amazing happy hours. In addition to some great deals on wine and beer, local spots like Celadon and Kitchen Door pair the experience with some equally great deals on burgers.
Celadon
At Celadon, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the bar, with a special cheeseburger on the menu for just $10. Fries (and truffle fries) are also on the menu at discounted small-plate pricing, along with great deals on beer ($4), wine ($7) and cocktails ($8).
Kitchen Door
Kitchen Door’s happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Along with a sizable menu of other bites, plus $2 off draft beers, ciders, and wines on tap, they serve up a Burger & Beer special for $13.50 that comes with a 1/4lb burger with tomato, lettuce, red onion, Cheddar cheese and their secret sauce plus a Narragansett American Lager.
Ready to Enjoy the Best Burger in Napa?
Napa has no shortage of incredible burgers, from gourmet to casual and everything in between. Wherever your day takes you, there’s a spot waiting to serve up one of the best burgers you’ve ever had.
Plan your getaway today and explore all the flavors waiting for you in the City of Napa.
