01
Best all-around pick
Putah Creek Cafe
Downtown Winters • Hearty Small-Town Cafe And Bakery • Best All-Day Stop
A bustling Main Street cafe locals rely on for generous breakfasts, burgers, and pies after a day on the trails.
Putah Creek Cafe is where Winters wakes up, and it is also where many hikers end up after tackling the Stebbins Cold Canyon switchbacks. The menu leans classic—think fluffy pancakes, big omelets, and well-built burgers—but ingredients feel fresh and portions are road-trip worthy. If you have time, grab a slice of house-made pie or a cinnamon roll to go for the drive back through the canyon.
02
Classic Winters icon
Buckhorn Steakhouse
Downtown Winters • Classic Western-Style Steakhouse • Destination Steak Dinner
A longtime Winters landmark known for smoky, char-grilled steaks and a lively small-town saloon feel.
Buckhorn Steakhouse is the place locals suggest when you ask where to celebrate after a big hike or a day on the lake. The menu is built around grilled meats—tri-tip, ribeye, and hefty burgers—backed by solid sides and an easy-drinking bar program. The historic brick building and busy dining room give it a festive, old-California roadhouse energy that feels worth the drive on its own.
03
Most polished option
Preserve
Near Rotary Park, Winters • Seasonal Farm-To-Table Restaurant • Best For Date Night
A refined yet relaxed spot highlighting Yolo County produce with thoughtful, seasonal plates and a strong local wine list.
Preserve leans into Winters’ farm-country setting, with a menu that changes to follow what nearby growers are harvesting. Expect creative takes on California comfort food—like slow-braised meats, bright vegetable sides, and house pickles—presented without any fussiness. The intimate dining room and well-chosen local wines make it an easy pick when you want something quieter and more special after time outdoors.
04
Best for sharing plates
Ficelle
Off Main Street, Winters • Spanish Tapas And Wine Bar • Best For Lingering Over Wine
A cozy tapas spot where small plates, sangria, and a relaxed patio encourage long, unhurried evenings.
Ficelle brings a Spanish accent to downtown Winters with a menu built around shareable bites—think crostini, skewers, and changing seasonal specials. It is designed for grazing rather than heavy courses, which makes it ideal if you are not hungry enough for a full steakhouse meal after the drive back from Stebbins. Grab a seat on the patio, order a round of sangria, and let a few plates turn into an evening.
05
Best for groups and families
Carboni's Ristorante
Hotel Winters Block, Downtown • Italian Trattoria And Pizzeria • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser
A modern Italian spot with wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and a relaxed dining room that works well for mixed groups.
Carboni's Ristorante, set just off Main Street by Hotel Winters, is the kind of place where everyone can find something—from simple margherita pizza to richer pastas and mains. The atmosphere is polished but unstuffy, so hikers in trail clothes feel as welcome as hotel guests dressed up for the evening. It is a smart choice if you are traveling with kids or a larger group and want straightforward comfort food after time at the reserve.