Established in 1993 by owners Joe Ruffino, Joe Peatman and Nancye Peatman, Downtown Joe's has a city of Napa tradition dating back eighty years. Joe Ruffino's Grandmother: Grace Ruffino opened Ruffino's Restaurant in 1944. The family restaurant flourished through three generations until 2004. Prior to opening Ruffino's, Grace was cooking up Italian fare at The Depot Hotel for the Tamborelli family whom opened the Depot in 1927. The Depot survived until 2006. The location of The Depot, Ruffino's, and Downtown Joe's are all within two blocks from each other in Downtown Napa.
The Peatmans bought out the Ruffinos in 2004. Maintaining the Old Napa Italian tradition of operating a friendly, down to earth business where all staff are valued and respected and all guests are welcome whether indigenous or migratory to the Napa Valley. Unpretentious, friendly and fun, Downtown Joe's holds true to its roots, caring for every guest as a valued human spirit and not as a credit card. Surrounded by an influx of new fantastic wine business restaurants, Joe's Brewery and restaurant is one of the last connections to Old Napa, a wonderful place and home to wonderful people before Grape was King.
A Brewery in the Wine Country?
Yes, that's right! The brewery at Downtown Joe's was built in 1988 by Chuck Ankeny: the great grandson of Adolf Hamms of Milwaukee. Chuck and brewmaster Brian Hunt aimed to re-establish the great beer brewing tradition of the City of Napa.
An American Grill.
Casual/Dressy
Downtown Joe's American Grill and Brewhouse is the hot spot in Napa! We have Sports on the TV all of the time. We'll watch anything from NFL, Baseball and Basketball to Sailing and Skiing. Want to watch sports? Come on in and we'll set up one of our 12+ TV's to your favorite event.
We also have Live Music 5 nights a week. We have everything from Jazz to Rock to Open Mic. Check out our calendar for information on who is playing when.