Bouchon Bakery

What it's like

Bouchon Bakery is the casual, grab-and-go side of Thomas Keller's Yountville empire. It sits at 6528 Washington Street, steps from Bouchon Bistro and a short walk from the other restaurants on Yountville's main drag. Expect a case of pastries, breads and sweets, plus a menu of sandwiches and other light things for a quick sit-down or takeaway.

It opens at 7:00 a.m. every day, which makes it one of the early options in a town where many restaurants start later.

Who it's best for

Anyone who wants a good breakfast without a reservation, picnickers assembling a lunch before heading out to wineries, and travelers who want a taste of the Keller kitchen at a casual price. It also suits families, since there is no formal dining room to behave in.

What to order & how to book

There is no reservation system here; you order at the counter, or ahead through the Order Online option on the Thomas Keller site. Pastries and bread are the point: pick up something for breakfast, then another thing to carry for the afternoon. Ask the staff what is freshly out, as the case changes through the day.

Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekends are the busiest, and lines can build in the morning, so a weekday visit moves quicker. The phone number is 707.944.2253. Check the Thomas Keller site for current menus and specials.

How it fits into a day

Use it as a first stop before a morning of tastings, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up on a stroll through Yountville. It pairs naturally with a walk through town and the nearby Napa Valley Vine Trail. If you are heading to tastings afterward, a pastry and coffee is a sensible base before wine.