Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

House of Better in Calistoga

4.1 (71) 1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States

Categories

Southwestern restaurant (US)

Location on the map

Calistoga, Napa County, California, US

Phone: +1 707-942-6257
Site: https://houseofbetter.com/

Opening hours

Monday:8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday:8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday:8 AM–8 PM
Thursday:8 AM–8 PM
Friday:8 AM–9 PM
Saturday:8 AM–9 PM
Sunday:8 AM–8 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.1

71 Reviews for House of Better 2024:

Review №1

2023-07-09 07:12:53

We really enjoyed our visit to House of Better. Our server was amazing and very attentive and we thought the food was tasty and decently priced.We ordered the 3 Guac Tasting Flight, Queso Blanco, Roasted Green Chile Mushroom Flatbread, Calabacitas Flatbread, Taco Salad, and the Enchiladas. We also ordered a few cocktails and lemonades. Everything was tasty and the portions were reasonable. We even had leftovers after. We spent around $215 after tip and tax.We loved the casual ambiance and definitely recommend this place!

Review №2

2023-01-03 01:05:31

Chose to eat here for brunch as it was convenient to be able to eat a morning meal walking directly downstairs from the hotel. But if I had a choice again, I would not choose this restaurant.Ordered the LITTLE GEMS + SMOKED SALMON (Avocado, fennel, caper berries, persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, umeboshi furikake, fresh herbs, seed crisps, green chile buttermilk dressing), RED CHILE CHICKEN POSOLE (Hominy, cilantro + onion, radish, corn tortilla), GREEN CHILE STEW (Pork, chicken or veggie Served w/ crema + tortillas), Kombucha on tap, and a slice of GREEN CHILE APPLE PIE (House specialty with walnut streusel, cheddar crust, whipped cream, red chile honey drizzle).Most of the savory dishes fell flat for me with 1 dimensional flavor. Didnt deliver any wow or exciting bold Mexican flavors that work as a symphony as I was expecting. Many restaurants within walking distance nearby that are a better choice delivering more flavor and value.The only exception is the house made green Chile apple pie which was rated as the best in town and is quite delicious. Thats well worth saving your stomach for.

Review №3

2023-09-17 01:14:58

Delicious food and great service. Admittedly we picked House of Better because of the outdoor area and it looked fun and lively. However, we were blown away by the quality of the food. It’s New Mexican influenced and having grown up in New Mexico, this was a fantastic surprise. everything is fresh and delicious. We can’t wait to return as this is a new staple for us. ❤️

Review №4

2023-04-08 15:38:10

Disappointing. The queso was more like split pea soup. Not a single string of gooey cheesiness and was so watery it would have taken a whole bag of chips to finish. My flat enchiladas and the beans and rice were not only cold but cheese not melted and the fried egg was missing. For such an adorable looking place New Mexico would be sad to eat here.

Review №5

2023-04-21 03:46:17

This restaurant is outdoors on the site of a motel. You order at a little counter, then eat outside at tables in the sun. The setting is pretty, but they were doing loud yard work while we were there which was frustrating.When we visited for breakfast, everything was good. The granola had thick, fresh greek yogurt and wasn’t too sweet. The bacon was crispy and salty, and the apple pie was very boring but still tasty. We expected a little more spice and flavor for something with chile in the title and cheddar in the crust, but it tasted just like typical apple pie.All in all, a solid breakfast option in Calistoga! And less expensive than some of the other spots nearby.

Review №6

2023-11-07 06:31:18

Decent tex mex food with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is top notch as is the service.

Review №7

2022-06-18 20:02:21

Great outdoor areas to sit and relax. Hammocks, swings and a giant chess set for some fun and relaxation, plus great food and drinks + dog friendly! Highly recommend for a nice daytime break.

Review №8

2023-08-24 18:36:32

We had no intention of eating here today. We were stuck in construction traffic and looked to the right and saw a sign that said breakfast, that’s all it took. The menu is southwest inspired, specifically New Mexico which is great because we lived in Santa Fe for a decade.Let’s get to the food!We both had docs breakfast, eggs, bacon and potatoes with tortillas. A basic breakfast but then you add some red or green chili, we went for both which is called Christmas, the chili was amazing. The eggs were cooked perfectly, the potatoes were also cooked and seasoned perfectly and the bacon was tasty.Definitely will be back to try some other tasty southwest inspired treats!

Review №9

2022-02-13 05:39:01

The host was very friendly and seated us quickly. He gave us options where we wanted to sit including outside at the fire pit. The food came quickly. We tried the stuffed chili and it was delicious. The flatbread is also very good. We then took a drink outside and sat by the fire pit under the lights. It’s a very chill vibe and I highly recommend the place.

Review №10

2022-12-18 23:11:59

Im from New Mexico and grew up eating and roasting green chile. Just found out Trevor Logan and his amazing authentic New Mexican cuisine is here! Drove up from the East Bay to enjoy a bowl of stew and the apple chile pie!The stew is everything I remember from his days at GCK in San Francisco. The pie from Chile Pies Baking Co. Was perfect slightly sweet with form apples, nuts, spices and the cheddar crust yum.I appreciated the outdoor tables so I could enjoy some sun and Rocky Good Boy could join me (apologies for his slip in manners and the rude bark.) There are also tables in an enclosed patio with heaters if you need something warmer.This is worth the drive and Ill be back this week for my birthday with my daughter. Thank you Chef Trevor for your love of New Mexican cuisine!

Review №11

2023-10-04 04:27:45

Overall had a bad experience here. We were staying at Dr. Wilkinson and decided to try the restaurant. The woman who took our order fluctuated between super dismissive and neutral. We first ordered drinks with plans to order dinner later. We made sure to ask what time the kitchen closes so we didn’t miss the window. She noted 8pm. When we came back at 7:45pm to order dinner, she noted the kitchen was already closed without any explanation. Luckily other places were open around the area, but this was a big inconvenience as we were all in swim suits taking advantage of their poolside option.We ordered fries with our drinks and they tasted overall fine. The service was seriously disappointing and would not recommend.

Review №12

2022-07-25 04:46:57

This place was delish we really enjoyed the homemade pie slices we tried however they close early for lunch so we couldn’t try other things besides The last two pieces of quiche! The pie slices were not heated which is only reason I can’t give 5 star. Would come back to try from the bar and more food.

Review №13

2023-11-04 15:42:34

This is a very interesting place. I believe its a health wellness type place that happens to have food and drinks. We went on a Friday and they had a DJ playing music when we arrived around 5 or 6ish. We ordered a queso dip which came out and seemed to have broke meaning the cheese separated or was overcooked. We ate a little bit of it but it was not the best. I then ordered a burger which I ordered to be cooked to medium and it appeared to come out as rare and was very red inside, More red than I like in a burger because theres more bacteria in ground beef than in a beef cut of a filet mignon (for example) and should be cooked pretty significantly to get rid of any bacteria. The pizza that my husband ordered was decent enough to eat. The place had a weird type of vibe to it and was not very welcoming. I would not ever go to this place again as it seemed to have some type of cultish vibe. Of course this is just my opinion so try it if you want but I wont be going back. I do have some pictures that I have added and a few videos if you care to look at them.

Review №14

2022-05-15 17:36:21

The space is well manicured. Loads of outdoor seating options both covered and uncovered.I enjoyed my dish the base was quinoa, black beans with roasted zucchini, poblano peppers, pickled onions, kale with slices of avocado. I chose chicken however the dish would have been just fine without. The Arnold Palmer was good...* adding a tofu scramble would be my only suggestion for this exceptional location.

Review №15

2023-07-21 00:14:36

Guacamole flight was such a fun idea and so delicious. Their tacos were also excellent. We thought the meal was a bit overpriced for the area, but definitely worth having for a great lunch.

Review №16

2022-11-26 07:38:51

Good delicious simple menu. Outdoor sitting with a fire pit and also a small indoor sitting when it gets to cold outside.

Review №17

2021-11-21 22:42:44

Super cute, hip, little outdoor and indoor eatery. Has a few different games to play like giant Janga, giant chest board, and swings.Food was delicious, spicy, and fresh.

Review №18

2021-11-06 12:35:47

We visited here on our last night in Calistoga. We were one of the last parties of the night, but felt warmly welcomed. We started with the wellness tonics, so fresh and they tingled the taste buds! We tried the guac flight....so delicious and fun to share! My favorite was the Japanese quac ...such a unique flavor combination! For my main meal, I had the Green chile stew and my daughter had the new Mexican flat enchiladas. Such excellent food, both warming and satisfying. Our service was excellent! We met Trevor and he was so welcoming and gracious. He suggested that we try one of the pies for dessert (it didnt take much convincing!) We had a key lime pie which was a perfect way to end the meal!I hope we can go back some day!

Review №19

2023-04-24 15:04:47

Just stopped by to give their pies a try. They were yummy! We had a slice of the mixed berries, and I believe it was called a chocolate Mexican pecan pie. The atmosphere was very relaxed and fun!

Review №20

2023-03-10 15:58:01

My girlfriend and I stopped by on our way through town. The staff was friendly, the burger was really good. Outdoor covered seating area with heaters was nice to have, as a 5 min rain storm hit while eating. They had water bowls for my dog which was a plus! Good vibes!

Review №21

2023-09-05 02:01:39

Really enjoyed the green chili apple pie. Otherwise the food is fine but feels really pricey for the counter service and hotel court yard vibe.

Review №22

2022-05-11 03:02:41

Liked this place and the service was good. There was a group using most of their indoor dining area. They were supposed to leave soon but of course didnt. We sat outside at the little bar on a chilly, breezy, day. The staff set up a small heater for us on the bar which was very nice! I had the Kale salad and my wife had beef enchiladas. The salad was very tasty, the dressing was very good and unique. The enchiladas were too cheesy for me but the wife liked them. We also had pie, both pieces very good. Portions are not huge here, if your a big guy you might leave hungry. A bit pricy for lunch but good food in the end.

Review №23

2021-11-09 05:55:28

We ordered the vegetarian tacos, salad and the chips and guacamole flight. The food was delicious and the service was fast.

Review №24

2023-09-29 05:18:37

I really like the place, the food is delicious and very delicious drinks of all kinds with or without alcohol.

Review №25

2022-11-26 03:22:34

A lovely little restaurant in the heart of Calistoga. The food is delicious and affordable for the area. Mostly outdoor dining with sun and big shady umbrellas during the day and lots of toasty heat lamps in the evenings. The staff are fantastic; warm, down to earth, friendly, and accommodating. Feels like you are joining friends for a classic backyard, Nor Cal meal. This place is the best.

Review №26

2023-05-02 18:59:58

We booked an event with HOB and Debbie was our events coordinator. I truly wish I could have met Debbie in person on the date of the event, everything was planned long distance.I cannot honestly say enough of how dedicated she is to her work. Debbie is warm, kind, accomodating and thorough. The first time we spoke on the phone it felt like I was talking to a friend! The food was delicious. Truly the best guac I have ever tasted. The event space was also beautiful and I was pleasently suprised with the set up. Debbie really did do a wanderful job and went above and beyond for us.Thank you!Sending hugs from miami

Review №27

2023-06-12 23:55:07

Nice and quiet place with variety of Mexican food. But better not to visit at time of closing, the staff starts to prepare for closing while you still waiting your order.

Review №28

2022-12-07 01:35:27

Way over priced. I ordered their avocado toast with an egg and it was almost 20 bucks! I didnt have another option at the time so I just sucked it up. The only reason I ate the toast was because it was too expensive to throw away. The toast was dripping in butter or oil? Whatever they used to toast it they drenched the toast with it. The oil was dripping down my hands and the egg was no better. Its a butter and oil order with a side of avocado and egg. The atmosphere was chill however.

Review №29

2023-02-21 16:47:51

Ordered a slice of mixed berry pie on Monday afternoon. Asked the lady at counter if it could be warmed up and she looked at me with disapproval. They were not even that busy. Pie came cold of course and it tasted really funny and gave me a migraine headache. Wont be going back, needless to say.

Review №30

2022-12-16 18:10:53

Stopped by for a coffee and pie. Pie tasted ordinary at the best - but it wasn’t at its best, it was actually very poor. Coffee was ordinary. Price tag was high and then the guys added a tip twice higher than what I had put in the slip. Bad food and dishonesty = not going back.

Review №31

2022-11-20 02:55:39

Sub par food. It is a cool atmosphere but for what you end up paying while ordering at a counter with then no service once you sit down is obsurd. Burrito I ordered waited 30 min and it was the coldest burrito I have ever ordered at an establishment. Not a fan go somewhere else in Calistoga

Review №32

2022-03-05 22:20:07

Very good concept, very hip. Might have been busy, but overall execution was pitiful. 30+ min for unseasoned food, flavorless soup, and bland tacos. I believe the quality of ingredients is up to snuff but theres just something missing. Atmosphere is really good but you cant have mediocre food AND most of an hour of waiting.

Review №33

2023-02-20 03:52:39

The outdoor seating is nice, but portions for the food are very small and taste not good. I got a breakfast with eggs bacon and something else, but it was a complete mess.

Review №34

2021-05-18 04:50:16

First lunch at this new restaurant didn’t disappoint. Fantastic fish tacos & slow simmered pork adovada paired with handmade blue corn tortillas, beans, fresh veggie strips, and flavorful salsa was all completely delicious. Hip, fun setting and fast service. We will be back!

Review №35

2023-06-19 02:32:46

I grew up in NM and was so delighted by the authentic flavorful food!! I can’t wait to come back to try more!

Review №36

2022-01-01 04:17:53

Delicious food with a super cozy outdoor patio where we could enjoy dinner with the dogs. The Green + Grains and the Green Chile Apple Pie were unbelievably tasty. Trevor and his team were generous and warmly welcoming in every way. A must stop in Calistoga!

Review №37

2023-09-15 11:21:58

Good place. Had an excellent brunch. Really enjoyed.

Review №38

2022-04-02 20:06:31

Overpriced for the quality of the food, especially compared to all the other great restaurants in Calistoga. Chairs are kind of uncomfortable, and a lot of money to have to order at a counter. Overall its okay, but there are many better choices in walking distance.

Review №39

2021-08-13 04:13:48

Excellent food and staffing. The flavors are exceptional, we had the flat enchiladas and booster bowl, yumma. Also the three dips. Joined 5 friends. Great place for gathering. Love this place

Review №40

2021-07-23 03:26:56

Im not sure if we were there on a bad day, but Id say the food was lacking in overall quality. The drinks were OK and the service was good, but there were flies everywhere and the carne adovada looked like something youd get at a cafeteria. It was very disappointing after reading all the good reviews and seeing all the pictures where everything looks so yummy! I hope it was just an off day, but thought Id leave my opinion.

Review №41

2023-07-06 14:37:50

Went there for some sun/relaxation! Great place, great staff, great service. Looking forward to next time.

Review №42

2023-06-28 16:52:29

Disappointing food and overpriced. Ordered a simple omelet and the eggs were undercooked and wet. 😞

Review №43

2021-08-14 00:16:13

We’ve eaten there several times now. Each time a delight. Great staff, great food. Lots of vegetarian options. Try the dips with veggies, flat enchilada, and booster bowl.

Review №44

2023-09-03 23:32:11

DONT COME HERE…..the food is dryer then the sahara desert and expensive.

Review №45

2023-02-20 03:46:29

The beer was ok. The tacos were below average with burned fish and the portion was small.

Review №46

2023-08-22 17:11:35

Great with our kids! Really friendly and helpful staff

Review №47

2022-10-27 23:09:04

Not everyday you find a place like this. Me, knowing Mexican food I have to say I’m impressed… Amazing food, great drinks!

Review №48

2023-02-22 19:25:53

The atmosphere was good, but the food not so much. The prices are high given the quality and size of the food

Review №49

2023-02-24 04:06:31

Loved this place!! Get the 3 dips with chips and crudites, the pie was delicious too🥰will be back!!

Review №50

2021-09-13 20:24:03

This place was great. The food was excellent and they have a nice selection for different tastes. I wish there was a place like this near where I live, because I would go regularly. I highly recommend stopping in.

Review №51

2021-05-18 01:41:19

Stopped by to try this out and will definitely be back! Excellent service, delicious food, and great outdoor ambiance. A great addition to the downtown Calistoga food scene.

Review №52

2021-07-25 22:40:18

The personal Attention is very poor. .the staff looks like theyre doing you a favor for being there, also they want to charge you an extra 10 usd for a guac ..Definitely

Review №53

2022-10-29 04:10:17

The food was good, we felt a little bit like we were in a sim while we were there

Review №54

2023-05-06 18:53:58

Great Mexican breakfast

Review №55

2023-02-16 16:07:13

We had there home made pies so good the specialty drinks so good

Review №56

2022-05-25 20:57:51

I love green chili cheese burgers and these delicious. And the fish tacos are excellent.

Review №57

2022-02-27 03:56:51

Food was delicious from mains to the green chile apple pie and customer service was fantastic!

Review №58

2023-04-12 23:28:41

Breakfast was wonderful, food great, wait staff great,

Review №59

2022-10-31 04:16:10

A quiet homey restaurant with good hispanic food and nice coffee service.

Review №60

2022-03-17 19:17:57

Nice environment. Very comfortable to sit around. Food is sub par tho.

Review №61

2021-07-24 23:20:06

Delicious crowd pleasers with New Mexican style green chili spins.

Review №62

2021-08-22 00:11:55

Good was excellent. Too small of a staff to handle all the customers so service was a little slow.

Review №63

2023-03-30 18:21:33

Great food, great service.

Review №64

2022-02-05 17:34:36

Most amazing place!!! Love love love!! Highly recommend!!

Review №65

2023-11-19 17:10:00

Excellent food

Review №66

2022-04-23 12:59:03

Excellent drink, food and pie!

Review №67

2022-08-07 00:53:57

Average food at ridiculous prices

Review №68

2023-12-12 16:50:01

Everythings Better with Butter. Lots of comfort food at the house of butter. We had the Chicken Waffles, they were great! (I would have left 5 Stars, but the side of gravy was rather bland). The service was prompt and personable. The restrooms are clean.

Review №69

2023-12-11 01:30:35

It is a cozy cafe with drinks and snacks. Relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and my chai latte was yummy.

Review №70

2022-03-05 00:06:26

The food was pretty good, but the apple pie had fantastic green chili, which I didnt like a bit. Eating here is quite atmospheric, I recommend everyone to come and relax.

Review №71

2023-05-31 14:03:52

Nice bar with delicious drinks and friendly service.