La Cheve Bakery and Brews

(I might be a little excited…)

I drive by the Old Adobe House almost every day and have always been intrigued by the charming saloon style architecture, surrounded on all sides by not very charming car parts shops, car dealerships and a busy intersection.  I am still curious as to the history of the building, which claims to be the oldest existing structure in Napa, built in the 1840’s.  I will leave it to the Historical Society of Napa to delve into its past, as I am sure it is fascinating, and hopefully features real life gold diggers and cowboys.  After the Nepalese restaurant closed a few years ago (never tried it and then they were shut down for code violations), it lay vacant and untouched for a year or more. Eventually some serious renovation activity began,and continued for over two years (turns out that this was lovingly undertaken by Justin Altamura). To me it looked very ready for a new tenant! I got excited...what would it be? What should go in there?  Still nothing for many months. Finally a few whispers last Fall about a female owned Mexican bakery and brewery.  Huh? What the heck is a Mexican bakery that serves beer?  I was a little disappointed. I didn’t get it.  Well, I have to admit how wrong I was to be sceptical. La Cheve Bakery and Brews opened a few months ago, mid-pandemic- and is now officially my favorite brunch spot. I anticipate many future visits!

La Cheve’s Relaxing Vibe and Decor

First let me talk about the vibe. It actually felt like we were on a little vacation, touring a new town for the weekend. Between the Labor Day brunch crowds, the abnormal heat wave, and the Old Mexico decor, it didn’t feel like we were in Napa at all.  Maybe we were visiting Santa Fe or a cute Texan border town!  The double-tiered terrace provides ample outdoor space for the solid wooden tables and bar height tables, and as of today they were even allowed to have a few tables inside.  You place your order at the counter (there was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly), get your number, and find a table. The line formed outside on the parking lot side of the building.  While waiting in line, we were surprised to see a few other Old West style buildings, also newly renovated, surrounding the parking lot, which upon investigation turns out are the bakery/brewery operations, and also a brand new tattoo parlor that just opened!  (Tattoo parlor is called Memento Mori Tattoo.  Could be a fun weekend activity - grab a few beers and then head over to get some new ink!) 

The building and decor of La Cheve Bakery and Brews couldn't be more adorable and you definitely can tell that it’s a female owned joint.  It is cozy, and inviting, and it is dripping with authentic history.  A place you can have a couple of beers and not feel like a bar fight is imminent. This is a family restaurant and you get the feeling that kids are more than welcome - they even have the kids menu front and center, with the adult specialties around it. It’s not just for kids, though...their motto on the back of the servers t-shirts (in Spanish) is loosely translated as “A place you can take Grandma to get a beer”. Service was quick and friendly and I wouldn’t be surprised if each of the young servers isn’t somehow related to the owner. They were all working together like a loving family unit.

La Cheve’s Mexican Comfort Food

Now to the food.  From the first bite to the last, it was excellent.   This was likely the best chilaquiles and huevos rancheros we have had outside of Mexico.  Light and fluffy tortilla chips with a tangy spicy red and green sauce - the eggs are prepared to order (we like them overeasy).  For pastries, we tried the Boozy Morning Bun, a flaky cinnamon bun with whipped cream, and the Boozy Shortbread. They were both incredible.  If I had to pick one over the other, I would choose the shortbread. I am a shortbread snob - it has to be a certain texture for me to approve- and this had it. The whipped cream was lightly flavored with what I think was rum, but it wasn’t overpowering at all. We also ordered the corn meal pancakes served with berries and maple syrup. They had a buttery, lightly crispy crust on the outside, but were moist and fluffy on the inside.  A little more granular than a normal pancake, but I like that texture.  We definitely need to come back to try the breakfast burrito and the weekend special, Mexican benedict, which is only served on weekends. The only dish we ordered which wasn’t a huge hit, was the French Toast, but maybe I just don’t like French Toast. The husbands couldn’t resist the Mexican Pilsner on the beer menu, but we girls “behaved” for once, and stuck with the fresh squeezed sweet orange juice - didn’t even make them a mimosa, which we could have easily done.  They also have horchatas and a hibiscus juice and a full wine list. Still in the tourist mode, I even bought their cute La Cheve coffee mug.

More Research Necessary…

So yes, I now have a new favorite spot and I can’t wait to go back! Any friends up for a little trip to Old Mexico with me?  Looks like they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so to beat the crowds, I would go on a Monday or Thursday.  Oh but I really want to try that weekend special Mexican eggs benedict! I also feel it is my duty as Napanista to review lunch and dinner one of these days, to test out the beer menu.  Who wants to do some research with me? I promise it won’t include a tattoo parlor visit -  unless you twist my arm.