Our Story

Established in 1993 by owners Joe Ruffino, Joe Peatman and Nancye Peatman, Downtown Joe's has a city of Napa tradition dating back eighty years. Joe Ruffino's Grandmother: Grace Ruffino opened Ruffino's Restaurant in 1944. The family restaurant flourished through three generations until 2004. Prior to opening Ruffino's, Grace was cooking up Italian fare at The Depot Hotel for the Tamborelli family whom opened the Depot in 1927. The Depot survived until 2006. The location of The Depot, Ruffino's, and Downtown Joe's are all within two blocks from each other in Downtown Napa.

The Peatmans bought out the Ruffinos in 2004. Maintaining the Old Napa Italian tradition of operating a friendly, down to earth business where all staff are valued and respected and all guests are welcome whether indigenous or migratory to the Napa Valley. Unpretentious, friendly and fun, Downtown Joe's holds true to its roots, caring for every guest as a valued human spirit and not as a credit card. Surrounded by an influx of new fantastic wine business restaurants, Joe's Brewery and restaurant is one of the last connections to Old Napa, a wonderful place and home to wonderful people before Grape was King.

Our Menu

An American Grill.... our menu features traditional American dishes, combined with the freshness of California, cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. Bernabe Leon and Gaspar Montoya have been a part of the creative kitchen team at Downtown Joe's since its inception in 1994. For the past ten years they have continuously adjusted menu and recipes to meet the changing tastes of our region. Today's menu features many low carb selections.

 Our Philosophy

Unpretentious, friendly and fun. Your neighborhood pub is always open. We welcome all species (including K-9) migratory and indigenous to the Napa Valley. Our mission is your satisfaction.