Lincoln Avenue Calistoga Main Street
Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga offers a charming historic main street experience with unique dining, boutique shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Lincoln Avenue Calistoga Main Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga offers a charming historic main street experience with unique dining, boutique shops, and a lively atmosphere.
"Calistoga Depot is a fun, unique, and welcoming place with excellent vegan options and a lively atmosphere."
🎯 Explore the Train Cars
Don't miss the unique dining rooms inside restored train cars at Calistoga Depot for a memorable meal.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Dining
Many spots, like Calistoga Depot, welcome dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calistoga Depot
Lincoln Avenue
A unique dining destination with themed train car restaurants, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
The Embrace Bed & Breakfast
1139 Lincoln Ave
A historic and beautifully restored Victorian home offering a charming stay on Main Street.
Historic Main Street Charm
Lincoln Avenue
Stroll along Lincoln Avenue to discover boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and local eateries.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of Lincoln Avenue
Explore Unique Dining Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Train Cars
Don't miss the unique dining rooms inside restored train cars at Calistoga Depot for a memorable meal.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Dining
Many spots, like Calistoga Depot, welcome dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check for live bands and DJs, especially on weekend evenings at Calistoga Depot.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee and pastry from the deli at Calistoga Depot for a quick bite.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Train Cars
Don't miss the unique dining rooms inside restored train cars at Calistoga Depot for a memorable meal.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Dining
Many spots, like Calistoga Depot, welcome dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check for live bands and DJs, especially on weekend evenings at Calistoga Depot.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee and pastry from the deli at Calistoga Depot for a quick bite.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Shop
Wander Lincoln Avenue to discover charming boutiques and local artisan shops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique atmosphere and diverse offerings on Lincoln Avenue, particularly at Calistoga Depot with its train car dining and lively entertainment. The extensive vegan options and dog-friendly policies are frequently highlighted as major positives. While prices can be on the higher side, the overall experience, historical charm, and quality of food make it a highly recommended destination.
"We just spent a weekend in Calistoga and ended up eating at Calistoga Depot three times—dinner, lunch, and Sunday brunch. As vegans, we were pleasantly surprised by how extensive their plant-based offerings were. The vegan menu was rich, varied, and thoughtfully put together.
The venue itself is large and full of character, with multiple sections: a front deli and pastry shop, indoor and outdoor seating areas, indoor and outdoor bars, a second-floor space with decor and a pool table, an indoor dance floor, outdoor dance space, and—most uniquely—four dining rooms inside beautifully restored old-fashioned train cars. Upon arrival, the host, who was incredibly kind and welcoming, gave us a tour of the train dining rooms, which really added to the experience.
For dinner, we had the fried cauliflower bites, which were absolutely delicious, along with vegan pizzas that we thoroughly enjoyed. That Friday night featured a live band performing classic hits, followed by a DJ indoors playing great music, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.
The next day, we returned for lunch, grabbed salads and other items from the front deli, and sat outside in the fresh air. On Sunday, we came back for vegan breakfast burritos, which were fantastic—flavorful, filling, and well made.
Prices are definitely on the higher side, but considering the quality of the food and the fact that they cater so well to vegans, it felt well worth it. What also stood out was the historical timeline of Samuel Brannan’s life (a key figure from the Gold Rush era) displayed in front of the building—an unexpected and educational bonus.
All in all, Calistoga Depot is a fun, unique, and welcoming place with excellent vegan options. It absolutely deserves 5 stars, and I highly recommend it"
Max N.
"Super dog friendly! We had a nice lunch of pizza and cauliflower bites in the main hall. It was hot outside and we all appreciated the AC inside (especially the pup).
The wood fired pizzas we got were tasty and well cooked.
The cauliflower bites with BBQ sauce were excellent mix of cooked cauliflower and crispy outside with sauce. A great share plate.
The setup is a little confusing as there are many different seating areas inside and out. Some tables have QR codes for ordering but ours did not. Someone came by with paper menus and all proceeded well from there."
Jeff Meyer
"Decoration is top notch! I went for lunch, but this place has more like a cocktail, dinner vibe. Service was great too! My coffee tasted a little funny to me, and the worker at the coffee section of the restaurant changed it for me, no questions asked!"
Annie Salazar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lincoln Avenue is the main street in Calistoga, California. If driving, it's easily accessible via Highway 29. Parking is generally available along the street and in nearby lots. For those coming from further afield, the nearest major airports are Sonoma County Airport (STS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both requiring a drive to Calistoga.
Public transportation options directly to Lincoln Avenue are limited. While there are some local bus routes in the Napa Valley, most visitors find driving or ride-sharing services to be the most convenient way to reach Calistoga and explore its main street.
Lincoln Avenue is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and restaurants on foot. For venturing further, consider biking or using a ride-sharing service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lincoln Avenue itself is a public street and does not require tickets for general access. You can freely stroll, window shop, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Entry to most shops and restaurants on Lincoln Avenue is free. You'll only pay for any food, drinks, or purchases you make. Some wine tasting rooms may have tasting fees.
Hours vary by establishment. Most shops and restaurants are open daily, with extended hours on weekends. It's always a good idea to check the specific hours of any place you plan to visit in advance.
Yes, The Embrace Bed & Breakfast is a historic property located on Lincoln Avenue. You can inquire about booking directly through their website or real estate listings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Calistoga Depot is a standout for its unique train car dining and diverse menu, including excellent vegan options. Roberts Tropical Table is also noted for its Wednesday events.
Many other charming eateries and cafes line the avenue.
Absolutely! Calistoga Depot is highly praised for its extensive and thoughtful vegan menu, including pizzas, appetizers, and breakfast burritos.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, from casual deli fare and artisan pizzas to more upscale dining. Calistoga Depot offers a mix, including wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie.
Yes, Calistoga Depot is noted as being very dog-friendly, especially in their main hall and outdoor seating areas.
Prices can vary. While some spots like the deli at Calistoga Depot offer more casual options, dining in the themed train cars or at other restaurants can be on the higher side, but often considered worth it for the experience and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the buildings, especially The Embrace Bed & Breakfast, is very picturesque. Don't forget the charming storefronts and street scenes.
Yes, the historical timeline of Samuel Brannan displayed at Calistoga Depot provides an educational and photographic element. The restored train cars themselves are also a nod to the area's past.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for capturing the street's charm. Midday can be bright, but the interiors of places like Calistoga Depot offer great indoor photo ops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the pace is more relaxed. While some restaurants might have a more adult-oriented vibe in the evenings, the daytime offers a pleasant experience for all ages. Remember to check for any specific family events or activities happening along the avenue during your visit.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
When exploring the shops along Lincoln Avenue, it's always a good idea to check individual store policies regarding pets. Many smaller boutiques might allow well-behaved dogs, especially if they are on a leash. Enjoying the outdoor ambiance of the town with your dog can be a delightful experience.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts (Beyond Tasting Rooms)
+1Beyond direct wine consumption, the town's atmosphere and historic architecture, like The Embrace Bed & Breakfast, provide a beautiful backdrop that complements the wine country experience.
Consider exploring the shops for wine-related gifts or artisanal food products that pair well with local wines. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Calistoga Depot
The atmosphere is further enhanced by live music on weekend evenings, creating a lively and fun environment.
Historic Stays on Lincoln Avenue
+2 It functions as the 'Queen of Main Street,' offering a gracious and welcoming stay with its expansive covered front porch. +1This historic inn features five well-appointed suites and is situated in the heart of downtown Calistoga, putting guests within easy walking distance of the avenue's shops, restaurants, and wine tasting salons.
+2 The property itself is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, providing a picturesque setting for a relaxing getaway. Exploring Lincoln Avenue's Boutiques and Eateries
The street retains a charming, small-town feel, making it a pleasant destination for window shopping and soaking in the local atmosphere. Beyond shopping, the avenue is a culinary hub. From casual coffee shops and delis to more formal dining experiences, there's something to satisfy every palate.
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