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Brannan's Grill Reviews List

Brannan's Grill

In 1998, Brannan's Grill opened its handcrafted doors to Calistoga, the most pedestrian friendly town in the Napa Valley. Owners Mark Young and Ron Goldin look forward to providing their guests with outstanding customer service and the flavors of farm to table on the New American menu in one of the most beautiful dining environments in the wine country.
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73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(73 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • special occasion(36)
  • romantic(34)
  • neighborhood gem(31)
  • fit for foodies(27)
  • notable wine list(27)
  • good for groups(21)
Brannan's Grill Reviews List
Review 1 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic Evening!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had an amazing evening. We were shown to a wonderful small u shaped booth in the corner, perfect for our anniversary dinner.
We were treated to a nice glass of champagne by our waiter. We decided to split the smoked salmon salad as a starter. The. Lettuce was crisp and fresh, the toppings of red onion, capers and a very nice dressing complimented each other very well. We decided to also split the Caesar salad. This had a great dressing, crisp lettuce and two anchovies on top. Both salads were presented in a way that could accomate splitting. The wine list had a lot of wine offerings by the glass. Our main courses were delightful, steak with mushrooms and roasted garlic and roasted chicken with spring vegetables. Too full to finish!
"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Brannans still a great place to din

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Brannans was a very pleasant dining experience; great food and service at reasonable prices. The service was perfect. We really enjoyed seeing the historic bar and dining in a restaurant with atmosphere! Most of all, the noise level allowed for comfortable conversation at our table-a rare fin!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

wonderful little restaurant

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The ambiance was very nice with the romantic lighting and the live music. Food was excellent and the service was very good."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yummy but Too Highly Saturated

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is the second time I've had dinner here; the 1st was a romantic dinner w my husband; this week I was with my daughter and two grandchildren, 1 & 4 y.o. Both were excellent evenings, the food was great, everyone ate their faces in, and I'll definitely come back. The fish and vegetables were fresh and beautiful, as was the lamb. The kids loved the mac and cheese, bread, all things carbohydrate. Yummy stout cake, cinnamon ice cream. Now, I have to say a word about a feature that made everything both delicious and unhealthily high cholesterol ... most of the dishes were swimming in butter. Which I love. But I would suggest the chef give a bit of consideration to the healthwise aspects of the food preparation, reduce the saturated fats."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 5 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was very good. The special

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was very good. The special was a little over-priced but still tasty."
Dined on 04/21/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Decided to forego the entres

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Decided to forego the entres and focused on small plates and salads.
Overall very pleased... especially, tuna poke, salads excellent...
scallops...perhaps a little over cooked and seasoned.
Flounder a little disappointing
Very attentive waiter...wine selection good but pinot could have been a little cooler"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 7 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delighted Diner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything we ate was absolutely delicious! The beet salad was so flavorful and different. Will definitely return for the food, dessert & service!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Tasteless Lunch

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The resturant itself was lovely. Hovewer the food was bland. Perhaps they forgot the seasoning? The only edible thing was the fries, but $50 for fries is a bit pricey."
Dined on 04/01/2013
 2013
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Review 9 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We go here every time we are

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We go here every time we are in Calistoga and it is always great. Nice staff and good food."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good beer selection

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wanted to dine local to our hotel in Calistoga. Brannen's was a good find. Had the lamb shank with polenta. Husband did get to enjoy a good beer - nice change of pace from all of the wine. Husband had the linguini and clams which was really good too."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Poor Service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was quite good. The waiter was dismissive, impersonal, and initially rude. He was not interested in fielding any questions regarding the menu or drinks available at the bar. We had reviewed online bar and food menus in advance. He attempted to treat us like idiots when we asked questions. This waiter should move on to a different line of work."
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The service was outstanding.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The service was outstanding. The live music was a delightful touch to the evening. Thank you."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 13 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

As previous reviews have

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As previous reviews have said it is a hit and miss place to dine. We should have gone across the street to All Seasons where the food is just as good, if not better and the wait staff is very helpful and personable."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 14 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I enjoyed Brannan's Grill

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I enjoyed Brannan's Grill because the food was seasoned exceptionally well. You must try the lava torte! It was so delicious!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Just great . We had such a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Just great . We had such a nice romantic table. We will go back"
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very good rack of lamb. But

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very good rack of lamb. But the chicken was very dry"
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 17 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A VERY special occasion

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We let the restaurant know ahead of time that it was our anniversary, and during the course of the meal, we were treated to champagne from the host and several small plates made especially for us, presented by the chef himself. This restaurant goes out of its way to make a special occasion truly special. The food was delicious. Don't miss this place if you're in Calistoga...it was perfect."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everybody in the restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everybody in the restaurant was great!! Great service and hospitality from the management, waiter, & the person who took us to our table!! Food was great!! Would recommend people to dine there."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2009
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Review 19 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The (appetizer) seared scallops

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The (appetizer) seared scallops over spinach with pine nuts and golden raisins was perfect. The brownie sandwich for dessert was decadent, and the main courses were excellent. The heirloom potatoes were a bit plain, but the mashed potatoes were great. The service was excellent; however one of us did not like being referred to as "dear" or "the lady" by the waiter. Otherwise, it was a lovely evening; the restaurant was not full (off-season) and the noise level was fine. The little booths felt private and cozy."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Nice restaurant , entrees

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice restaurant , entrees were excellent but the calamari was really greasy.
Being in wine country where people know wine, I was shocked at the wine list ( 3x retail) - guess that explains why there was not a single bottle open as I walked around the restaurant.
"
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2006
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Review 21 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was wonderful. It was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was wonderful. It was very lively. The only flaw was that the waiter took to long to get things to use and to answer questions. Even though took a long time to get things answered and such, the waiter was attentive. Highly recommend and will definitely be returning."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The noise from the band was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The noise from the band was overwhelming. Could not hear anything and we were across the room from the two piece band. We are both 39 so it's not an age thing. Food was ok and waiter was too. Nothing special....sorry!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2013
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Review 23 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Gem on Lincoln in Calistoga

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We've been here several times over several years, and food and service are consistently very good at Brannan's Grill. The specials are always excellent. The service is friendly but professional NO CORKAGE FEE for those who have been out wine tasting!
I highly recommend stopping in.
"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a fantastic dinner here

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a fantastic dinner here while visiting Calistoga. Food was superb. Great steaks, great mac and cheese, great truffle parm fries. Would definitely eat here again. One of the best meals in a long time."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Went on a recommendation from

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Went on a recommendation from a friend of mine who lives locally. We are over from the UK on vacation so took his advice, wish we hadn't. I chose the lamb shank & my partner had the Calamari, my lamb was overcooked, vegetable & polenta, no seasoning/flavour!
The calamari was in bits & pieces, over fried and so crispy.service was pretty good.
"
Dined on 02/03/2013
 2013
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Review 26 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Just fantastic all the way

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Just fantastic all the way around!!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We went here as part of a

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We went here as part of a girls weekend for a birthday. The food was fabulous! The sweet water oysters were probably the best I've had. I also had filet mignon which was just delicious! Our server was Jason and he was excellent and very knowledgable with wine pairings and gave us some terrific recommendations. This was definitely a memorable dining experience."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Brannan's Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent dining experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent dining experience. Very good food served in warm and inviting surroundings. We had a table next to the window and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. Highlights were the beet salad, grilled salmon, and chocolate lava cake for dessert."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Brannan's Grill
Based on the average of (45) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
3 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic