01
Best overall pick
La Parrilla Mexican Grill
Central Middletown • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Local Favorite For Hearty Plates
A cheerful Mexican grill known for generous portions, fresh tortillas, and comforting combo plates.
La Parrilla is the kind of place where you can roll in after a long drive and walk out completely satisfied. The menu leans on well-executed classics—think sizzling fajitas, flavorful enchiladas, and crisp tacos—with plenty of options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Service is friendly and efficient, making it an easy go-to for both locals and visitors.
02
Best for breakfast
The Cowpoke Café
Downtown Middletown • Classic Small-Town Café • Best For Big Breakfasts And Comfort Food
A no-frills café serving hearty breakfasts, strong coffee, and classic diner-style plates.
The Cowpoke Café feels like a proper small-town institution, with regulars who know the staff by name and plates that hit the table hot and loaded. Expect fluffy pancakes, eggs done your way, and hash browns that actually crisp up on the edges. It’s the perfect stop before a day exploring nearby wineries, hot springs, or hiking trails.
03
Best for takeout
Buddha Thai Kitchen
Middletown Crossroads • Cozy Thai Restaurant • Best For Flavorful Weeknight Dinners
A compact Thai spot turning out curries, noodles, and stir-fries with bright, balanced flavors.
Buddha Thai Kitchen offers a welcome change of pace when you’re craving something beyond burgers and burritos. The curries are rich without being heavy, the noodle dishes have nice wok-charred flavor, and there’s usually a comfortable range of spice levels. It’s a particularly smart choice for takeout, but there’s enough charm to make eating in worth it when you have time to linger.
04
Best for beers and burgers
Mount St. Helena Brewing Company
Edge Of Middletown • Relaxed Brewpub • Best For Casual Evenings With Friends
A laid-back brewpub pairing house beers with crowd-pleasing burgers, pizzas, and bar snacks.
Mount St. Helena Brewing Company is where Middletown tends to gather for an easy night out. The tap list usually features approachable styles that pair well with a menu of burgers, pizzas, and shareable appetizers. Between the friendly staff, TVs quietly showing the game, and a mix of locals and travelers, it’s an easy spot to settle into for a second round.
05
Best for dinner out
Stonehouse Middletown
Just Off Highway 29 • Rustic American Restaurant And Bar • Best For Relaxed Date Nights And Groups
A warmly lit spot with a rustic feel, serving hearty American plates alongside regional wines and cocktails.
Stonehouse Middletown leans into a wine country–adjacent vibe, with a menu built around steaks, pastas, and seasonal comfort dishes. It’s the place locals suggest when you ask where to go for a “nice” dinner without needing a jacket-and-tie reservation. The bar program is solid too, so you can just as easily drop in for a glass of wine and a couple of appetizers at the end of the day.