I will say this, wine tasting is an excellent way to work up your appetite. And what better way than enjoying some hearty comfort food smack dap in historic downtown Calistoga? This takes me none other to "House of Better". Located directly on Lincoln Ave (Highway 29) and adjacent to Fair Way, this place has been serving delicious plates dating back to early-2021. They do have generous hours of operation being opened for business 7 days a week from 8am-8pm while being open an hour later at 9pm on Friday & Saturday nights. I came here for what would be a late lunch/early dinner during the afternoon of Saturday 4/6/2024 at around 2:50pm. My significant other and I parked just a block away at nearby Cal Mart and made the short 2-minute walk to the business. To give you an idea of what this place is all about, it is primarily an outdoor type atmosphere with Astroturf throughout, Adirondack chairs, hanging lights (after the sun goes down), a large pizza oven, a nearby swing, picnic tables, heat lamps, and an indoor shack (in case the weather is not cooperative). This place is also directly next to "Dr. Wilkinson's Resort & Mineral Spring" which is a hotel that includes an outdoor pool and other amenities including a dedicated mud bath area. As far as the menu goes, this place offers mainly that Tex-Mex cuisine combined with American, Spanish, and Mexican bites all in one. Best of all, they serve breakfast + brunch (until 2pm), small bites, all day dishes, pies, and a full bar that serves sangria, margaritas, beer, Kombucha, well drinks, and even hot + iced espresso drinks. Since I was starving, I ended up going with their "Green Chile Burger" (for $20). This burger offers Kobe beef, aged cheddar cheese, grilled onions, roasted green chiles, pickled onions, & seasoned french fries w/ketchup and chipotle aioli sauces. My lady went with their "Grains + Grills Kale Salad w/Chicken" (for $24). This warm salad had a blend of quinoa, black beans, jicama, and chipotle lime vinaigrette. To drink, I tried the "Corazon"; beet-infused agave wine margarita & oranges while she went with their "Red Sangria". Since it was a cool 58°F day, we took advantage eating inside the cozy shack area. Our drinks arrived in just a few minutes while our food followed shortly after. My burger was made to perfection as the patty was hearty and very juicy. It also had that nice spicy kick while the bun was slightly toasted. In all fairness, it was a good burger but priced a little high at $20. My lady also said her Grains + Grills was delicious but that too was priced steep at $18 and $6 more when you add the chicken. However, my agave margarita was tasty and quite filling. All in all, "House of Better" is definitely worth checking out and if you are okay spending around $40 for lunch, I say go for it. The employees & service were top notch, food was made to perfection, ambiance and atmosphere was unique and one-of-a-kind. Just the outdoor area alone is absolutely worth checking out. Therefore, when you factor everything in, I am giving House of Better an above average four-star rating.
Paola Dlc
Good dishes, great taste
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tiffany K.
We stopped at this spot while riding bikes through town. It's part of Dr. Wilkinson's resort. It's an outdoor seating arrangement where you order through the bar. They also have outdoor games - life-size chess, corn hole, etc. We just sat at the bar and had a couple drinks. I had The Corazon - a margarita made with beet infused "whine spirits" (wine tequila made from fermented agave). They use a lot of fermented spirits in place of traditionally distilled liquor. Creative and fun. The bartender was super friendly and knowledgeable. A very "hipster" vibe place.
Joe Perry
We had incredible food on our visit. We ate the taco salad and the smoked salmon salad.
Delicious! Best french fries I've ever had! Tacos, salsa and drinks were also wonderful!
Kevin D.
We'll be the first to admit that when this spot first opened it was a bit of a miss for us. We were excited to see all the renovations and work they had done on the property but the first few times we went the experience just wasn't quite there. It felt a bit like you were encroaching on a pool bar that wasn't equipped for walk ins. We stop in with some frequency and sometimes it does still feel disconnected this is a nice spot to grab a cocktail, glass or bottle of wine and just enjoy. The staff sometimes seems to struggle and could use a bit more training, but it seems they are still working out the kinks.
Sida
Came here mostly because Hotel Dr Wilkinson gives a free breakfast. The food tastes really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Yee
Tasty food of good quality in a nice casual atmosphere.
Melanie P.
I have come a couple of times for happy hour and it hasn't disappointed. They have $3 tacos with chicken or carnitas and their beer and wine is 25% off. Can't really beat that. They also had wings on happy hour this go around. I was extra hungry so I also ordered some of their chips and queso to go with my tacos. I was surprised when it came out green, but it was actually really good! It comes with sausage if that's your preference. The service is excellent even though you order at the counter and they bring your food out to you. Staff came over to turn on the heater and make sure I was all taken care of. Very friendly. All outdoor seating, but they have a fully covered section with heaters. I'm sure I'll be back next time I have to stay late after work!
Stayed at the motel Dr Wilkinsons recently and this is the restaurant on site. I ordered the breakfast burrito with avocado and carne adovada with a beer for a late brunch right before hitting the road. Burrito was delicious along with the beer but they forgot the avocado :/ I think next time just add avocado will be the move. The Christmas chile was good, I should have ordered extra on it.They had big chicken from hen house! Managed to get some after checking in.Quick to get a beer and go back to the pool and everyone is friendly. I love this spot and I’ll be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Green Chile
Nina Schmidt
When I ordering grains+green kale salad I asked the girl about the spiciness of the dish, I was told that the dish should not be spicy. For me, the salad was spicy, and I didn't see any black beans.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
ji h
I visited this restaurant for celebrating my birthday! THANKS TO STAFF FOR DESSERT PIE♡ I was so happy with it even though I couldn't
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Dale Wakefield
Good food, fun quirky place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Deary L.
This is now a part of Dr. Wilkinson's spa. It's got a very modern vibe to it. You order at the cut at the bar and they bring it to you! I have the egg sandwich which was the light full. Egg was poached perfectly! The muffin soft enough to cut with a knife. My guest ordered the breakfast burrito, which was enough for two people. In fact, took half of it home. We both had mango mimosas, delicious. We were only there for one night, so I did not take advantage of the pool/mineral spa. Dusty at the front desk could not be more congenial. I definitely recommend. Lee was our server very personable. Definitely recommend.
I will say this, wine tasting is an excellent way to work up your appetite. And what better way than enjoying some hearty comfort food smack dap in historic downtown Calistoga? This takes me none other to "House of Better". Located directly on Lincoln Ave (Highway 29) and adjacent to Fair Way, this place has been serving delicious plates dating back to early-2021. They do have generous hours of operation being opened for business 7 days a week from 8am-8pm while being open an hour later at 9pm on Friday & Saturday nights. I came here for what would be a late lunch/early dinner during the afternoon of Saturday 4/6/2024 at around 2:50pm. My significant other and I parked just a block away at nearby Cal Mart and made the short 2-minute walk to the business. To give you an idea of what this place is all about, it is primarily an outdoor type atmosphere with Astroturf throughout, Adirondack chairs, hanging lights (after the sun goes down), a large pizza oven, a nearby swing, picnic tables, heat lamps, and an indoor shack (in case the weather is not cooperative). This place is also directly next to "Dr. Wilkinson's Resort & Mineral Spring" which is a hotel that includes an outdoor pool and other amenities including a dedicated mud bath area. As far as the menu goes, this place offers mainly that Tex-Mex cuisine combined with American, Spanish, and Mexican bites all in one. Best of all, they serve breakfast + brunch (until 2pm), small bites, all day dishes, pies, and a full bar that serves sangria, margaritas, beer, Kombucha, well drinks, and even hot + iced espresso drinks. Since I was starving, I ended up going with their "Green Chile Burger" (for $20). This burger offers Kobe beef, aged cheddar cheese, grilled onions, roasted green chiles, pickled onions, & seasoned french fries w/ketchup and chipotle aioli sauces. My lady went with their "Grains + Grills Kale Salad w/Chicken" (for $24). This warm salad had a blend of quinoa, black beans, jicama, and chipotle lime vinaigrette. To drink, I tried the "Corazon"; beet-infused agave wine margarita & oranges while she went with their "Red Sangria". Since it was a cool 58°F day, we took advantage eating inside the cozy shack area. Our drinks arrived in just a few minutes while our food followed shortly after. My burger was made to perfection as the patty was hearty and very juicy. It also had that nice spicy kick while the bun was slightly toasted. In all fairness, it was a good burger but priced a little high at $20. My lady also said her Grains + Grills was delicious but that too was priced steep at $18 and $6 more when you add the chicken. However, my agave margarita was tasty and quite filling. All in all, "House of Better" is definitely worth checking out and if you are okay spending around $40 for lunch, I say go for it. The employees & service were top notch, food was made to perfection, ambiance and atmosphere was unique and one-of-a-kind. Just the outdoor area alone is absolutely worth checking out. Therefore, when you factor everything in, I am giving House of Better an above average four-star rating.
Good dishes, great taste
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We stopped at this spot while riding bikes through town. It's part of Dr. Wilkinson's resort. It's an outdoor seating arrangement where you order through the bar. They also have outdoor games - life-size chess, corn hole, etc. We just sat at the bar and had a couple drinks. I had The Corazon - a margarita made with beet infused "whine spirits" (wine tequila made from fermented agave). They use a lot of fermented spirits in place of traditionally distilled liquor. Creative and fun. The bartender was super friendly and knowledgeable. A very "hipster" vibe place.
We had incredible food on our visit. We ate the taco salad and the smoked salmon salad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Smoked Salmon Salad
Great tacos, friendly and helpful staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious! Best french fries I've ever had! Tacos, salsa and drinks were also wonderful!
We'll be the first to admit that when this spot first opened it was a bit of a miss for us. We were excited to see all the renovations and work they had done on the property but the first few times we went the experience just wasn't quite there. It felt a bit like you were encroaching on a pool bar that wasn't equipped for walk ins. We stop in with some frequency and sometimes it does still feel disconnected this is a nice spot to grab a cocktail, glass or bottle of wine and just enjoy. The staff sometimes seems to struggle and could use a bit more training, but it seems they are still working out the kinks.
Came here mostly because Hotel Dr Wilkinson gives a free breakfast. The food tastes really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tasty food of good quality in a nice casual atmosphere.
I have come a couple of times for happy hour and it hasn't disappointed. They have $3 tacos with chicken or carnitas and their beer and wine is 25% off. Can't really beat that. They also had wings on happy hour this go around. I was extra hungry so I also ordered some of their chips and queso to go with my tacos. I was surprised when it came out green, but it was actually really good! It comes with sausage if that's your preference. The service is excellent even though you order at the counter and they bring your food out to you. Staff came over to turn on the heater and make sure I was all taken care of. Very friendly. All outdoor seating, but they have a fully covered section with heaters. I'm sure I'll be back next time I have to stay late after work!
Restaurantji Recommends
Stayed at the motel Dr Wilkinsons recently and this is the restaurant on site. I ordered the breakfast burrito with avocado and carne adovada with a beer for a late brunch right before hitting the road. Burrito was delicious along with the beer but they forgot the avocado :/ I think next time just add avocado will be the move. The Christmas chile was good, I should have ordered extra on it.They had big chicken from hen house! Managed to get some after checking in.Quick to get a beer and go back to the pool and everyone is friendly. I love this spot and I’ll be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Green Chile
When I ordering grains+green kale salad I asked the girl about the spiciness of the dish, I was told that the dish should not be spicy. For me, the salad was spicy, and I didn't see any black beans.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
I visited this restaurant for celebrating my birthday! THANKS TO STAFF FOR DESSERT PIE♡ I was so happy with it even though I couldn't
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Good food, fun quirky place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
This is now a part of Dr. Wilkinson's spa. It's got a very modern vibe to it. You order at the cut at the bar and they bring it to you! I have the egg sandwich which was the light full. Egg was poached perfectly! The muffin soft enough to cut with a knife. My guest ordered the breakfast burrito, which was enough for two people. In fact, took half of it home. We both had mango mimosas, delicious. We were only there for one night, so I did not take advantage of the pool/mineral spa. Dusty at the front desk could not be more congenial. I definitely recommend. Lee was our server very personable. Definitely recommend.