A Review of Mustard's Grill and Lakeside Grill in Yountville, CA

Mustard's Grill is located at 7399 St. Helena Hwy in Yountville, California. There is something for everyone on the menu here, and there has been for 30 years, according to locals. Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn opened Mustards in 1983, and it has been a favorite hangout ever since for locals as well as millions of visitors.

The lively atmosphere and the delicious aromas coming from wood-burning ovens, smokers, and grills are a heady combination. Mustards is famous for Pawlcyn's unique "wood-infused" culinary style, and nobody does it better. The double-cut Mongolian pork chop is probably the most popular item on the menu, with the baby back ribs a close second. Fresh fish, duck, lamb, and rabbit are all treated with culinary skill and pair beautifully with the wide assortment of tempting appetizers, soups and salads. Much of the fresh produce comes from the restaurant's own garden at the side of the building.

The wine list is carefully chosen and extensive. Desserts are delicious and make perfect endings to a great meal. Be sure to call for a reservation, since this is still a very popular spot for both lunch and dinner. Every time I have gone to Mustard's personally I have never left unsatisfied.

Lakeside Grill is nearby at 7901 Solano Avenue. Located in the clubhouse of the Vintner's Golf Course in Yountville, the Grill is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner plus breakfast on the weekends.

The Grill and Pro Shop co-habit a large room with a pleasant southwestern flair, featuring rustic natural wood tables and chairs, a stone fireplace and exposed wood beams. The best seats in the house are outside on the terrace overlooking the golf course and Vintner's Lake, though "lake" is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. Beautifully landscaped with native California plants and grasses, this man-made pond is a magnet for a variety of songbirds and life.

The food is not fancy: egg dishes, fluffy buttermilk pancakes (outstanding), and French toast for breakfast; sandwiches, salads and burgers for lunch or early dinner. When they're busy, service can be terribly slow, so it's not a good choice if you're in a hurry.

On weekends, call ahead to confirm they're open, since the place is often rented out for private events. Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday, features $2 beers and $3 cocktails, which is a plus for any spirits lover like myself.