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A recent addition to the Buckhorn Steakhouse is the DeVilbiss Bar and Lounge. Currently, the lounge is open Thursday through Sunday, with live music on Thursday nights. (Courtesy)
A recent addition to the Buckhorn Steakhouse is the DeVilbiss Bar and Lounge. Currently, the lounge is open Thursday through Sunday, with live music on Thursday nights. (Courtesy)
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Buckhorn Steakhouse

A Winters staple since 1980, the Buckhorn Steakhouse is known for its signature char-roasted tri-tip, Mentink-style prime rib, Certified Angus Beef, and much-loved fresh sourdough bread and whipped butter. Located in the heart of Winters, this local icon offers a variety of meat-free dishes that feature local, fresh, seasonal produce and seasonal specialty drinks affectionately called “Bucktails.”

Be sure to also check out The DeVilbiss Room. The bar and lounge offers guests a warm, sophisticated and inviting atmosphere where guests can gather with friends to enjoy cocktails and bar bites. The DeVilbiss Room is open Thursday to Sunday.

Location: 2 Main St.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 – 8:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4 – 9:30 p.m., Sunday 3 – 8:30 p.m.

Carboni’s Ristorante

Located inside the four-star boutique Hotel Winters in the heart of downtown, Carboni’s Ristorante offers guests an Italian-forward menu complete with homemade pizza and pasta. For breakfast, check out their eggs benedict or fluffy French toast while sipping on a bottomless mimosa. Enjoy craft beers, artisanal cocktails, or a glass of vino while you dine on their spicy pepperoni pizza, chicken parmesan or a plate of rigatoni with pork fennel sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and garlic cream. End your night with gelato, tiramisu or olive oil citrus cake.

Location: 316 Railroad Ave.

Hours: Breakfast – Friday to Sunday 7:30 – 11 a.m., Dinner – Sunday to Thursday 4:30 – 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4:30 – 10 p.m.

Chuy’s Taqueria

Family-owned and operated, Chuy’s Taqueria has been serving the Winters community a large variety of fresh and delicious Mexican dishes since 2003. Named the best Mexican food in Yolo County in 2023, the taqueria offers all the favorites like flautas, tortas, burritos, chicken or steak fajitas and several different seafood options. Chuy’s Taqueria also offers a delicious breakfast menu with options like chilaquiles, chorizo with eggs, a breakfast burrito and menudo on the weekends.

Location: 208 Railroad Ave.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Chuy's Taqueria is located at 208 Railroad Ave. in Winters. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)
Chuy’s Taqueria is located at 208 Railroad Ave. in Winters. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

Ficelle

Head on over to Ficelle for a taste of Spain as they serve up a medley of different tapas (or small plates). While tapas originated in Spain, the popular restaurant incorporates food not only from their Spanish heritage but also from the Mexican and California cuisines prevalent in Winters. While the tapas may be slightly untraditional, Ficelle is dedicated to creating a friendly atmosphere that’s all about authentic Spanish lifestyle: coming together with family and friends for tasty food, drink, laughter and lively conversation. The menu changes weekly, but some of the tapas you may see on your visit include wild mushroom ravioli, teriyaki beef skewers, crostini and tingas de pollo.

Location: 5 C E Main St.

Hours: Thursday 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5:30 – 10 p.m.

Green River Brewing and Taproom

Located on the bank of Putah Creek, Green River Brewing and Taproom is not only known for its delicious food and beer but also for its unique and fun-filled atmosphere. Equipped with a pay-by-the-ounce beer wall and situated on an expansive four-acre property, the family-owned restaurant also boasts a stage for live music, fire pits and areas to play volleyball and cornhole. The menu is filled with hearty options like a southern chicken sandwich, quesabirria tacos, pizza and a Reuben sandwich in addition to their plethora of beer and local wine options.

Location: 4513 Putah Creek Rd.

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Green River Brewing and Taproom is located right on the bank of Putah Creek at 4513 Putah Creek Rd. in Winters. (Robyn Dobson / Daily Democrat)
Green River Brewing and Taproom is located right on the bank of Putah Creek at 4513 Putah Creek Rd. in Winters. (Robyn Dobson / Daily Democrat)

Kountry Kitchen

Kountry Kitchen is a casual restaurant serving Mexican and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring pancakes, omelets, huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, Kountry Kitchen is the perfect spot for a quick and easy meal with the whole family. The menu also offers burgers, chicken fajitas, flautas, enchiladas and hot and cold sandwiches.

Location: 11 Grant Ave.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday and Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Ocean Restaurant

A local favorite for authentic and delicious Chinese food, Ocean Restaurant features an extensive menu filled with traditional favorites like orange chicken, chow mein, pork fried rice, moo shoo chicken, Mongolian beef, potstickers and wonton soup. The family-owned restaurant also offers lesser-known dishes such as cherry chicken, Hunan shrimp and beef with oyster sauce.

Location: 104 E Main St.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 12 – 8 p.m.

Park Winters Farmstand

Head on over to Park Winters for an elevated dining experience at their Farmstand in their open-air Flower Farm Pavilion while taking in the gorgeous views of the picturesque countryside. The Farmstand Bar offers classically crafted cocktails, creative mocktails, coffee from a local roaster and a carefully curated list of local beer and wine to perfectly complement the seasonally inspired small bites menu. The Farm Bites menu currently includes items like a Capay Cubano, farm salad, raspberry mousse and fig thumbprint cookies. On Mother’s Day the Farmstand will have a special brunch menu offering delicious bites like smoked salmon benedict, chicken and waffles, a seasonal salad and chocolate pot de creme or Italian peach cookies for dessert.

Location: 27850 County Rd. 26

Hours: Saturday and Sunday reservations 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m. (Walk-ins welcome)

Preserve

Nestled in the heart of Winters, Preserve draws inspiration from the land, the community and the seasons that shape their menus. Their menu showcases colorful, flavorful dishes like the braised short rib with gochujang BBQ sauce, chili, lettuce and shiso; cioppino; fish and chips served with a tangy tartar sauce and fries; or Finnish pancakes with whipped honey butter and maple syrup. During brunch, pair your meal with a mimosa, Italian speedball or bloody mary.

Location: 200 Railroad Ave.

Hours: Dinner – Monday to Saturday 5 – 8:30 p.m., Lunch – Wednesday to Saturday 12 – 4 p.m., Brunch – Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Preserve is located at 200 Railroad Ave. in Winters. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
Preserve is located at 200 Railroad Ave. in Winters. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)

Putah Creek Cafe

Another Winters staple, this family-owned restaurant offers only the best comfort food, ensuring customers a positive dining experience in a friendly and casual atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Putah Creek Cafe boasts a menu filled with delicious dishes like their farmer’s market sandwich stuffed with char roasted tri-tip and caramelized onions, prosciutto and arugula pizza, biscuits and gravy and Greek chicken salad. Guests over 21 can sip on one of their refreshing cocktails like the peach bourbon tea, aperol spritz or hibiscus margarita. End your meal with a slice of carrot or chocolate peanut butter cake.

Location: 1 Main St.

Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Putah Creek Cafe is located at 1 E. Main St. in Winters. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
Putah Creek Cafe is located at 1 E. Main St. in Winters. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)