Addendum: When is this place ever open??? Your website says open Friday and Saturday 11-2. We got here on a Saturday at 11:30 on 3/30 (so it's officially spring) and you're not open. Good thing they are able to accommodate us at the bar at Ad Hoc. Please update your website!!! As for the food, I won't be able to rate because I didn't have the fried chicken yet.
Paola C.
Came in for brunch. Service was prompt and the ambiance was inviting and comfortable. I loved the seating and natural lighting throughout. The food was ok. The best part of the menu was the fried chicken and salad. I realize that I may just not enjoy the buttery or truffle richness as much as others. In retrospect, I would have preferred to keep the salad available throughout the meal to cut through the richness of the meal. The hot sauce was just sauce. There's an opportunity to improve the condiments with brighter flavors, especially for a spring menu.citrus? Herbs? Tomato? Just about anything. The monkey bread was dry. I was bummed. Alas.
Heather L.
Maybe my expectation for their fried chicken was too high. The batter was crispy and the meat was juicy but it was too greasy. It reminded me of Popeyes chicken but double the price. Nothing special. I had a dinner reservation at Ad Hoc on the same day but I ended up canceling it because I was so disappointed by their fried chicken. And this Addendum was closed in the middle of their open hour so I went to the restaurant to ask why it was closed and they let me order the chicken from the kitchen.
Kat Y.
I have been to Ad hoc restaurant before and it was great, never tried the addendum and I read so many good reviews about their fried chicken. So I was really looking forward to give a try. Arrived the place on a weekend and found that the place is not currently open. But we could order at the restaurant as take out (without the usual add-on and for an extra charge). We went ahead and ordered a small bucket. The order didn't take too long and as we were waiting, we saw a few other people came by and check out the fried chickens just like us (popular fried chicken spot indeed) Our small bucket came with 7 mix pieces. They were crispy and crunchy but I didn't get the " wow " feeling. They do seem to be less greasy than other fried chickens I had, but good or bad, that is really subjective. To me, I think a little grease actually enhance the flavor and hits the spot. The chicken meat was pretty tender and not dry but overall little lack of flavor.
Dan C.
Basically a Garden of Eden... but better, because this garden has Fried Chicken instead of fruit. Tucked behind "ad hoc," is a gravel path that leads into "addendum" -- admittedly thought it was going to be more hype than anything given the attributions, location, and the ubiquitous category it specialized in... but it turned out to be the most impressively delicious fried chicken ever. Frankly I didn't know fried chicken could be so good -- it wasn't greasy, the inside which was juicy and extremely balanced and seasoned through-and-through, the outside was perfectly crunchy with a good consistency, and the finishing touches of salt and rosemary. The side items faded into the background, including the understandably pricey added-on caviar item that didn't really add to the experience headlined by the fried chicken... although the champagne (that comes with the caviar) did work well with fried chicken. Deceivingly casual, besides the location, the entire no frills service format involving ordering out of one shack, picking up at another (bigger) shack, and self seating at basic picnic tables... great for any kind of party whether single travelers to families.
Victoria P.
Amazing experience! Our bartender Byron provided impeccable service with awesome recommendations for lunch and libations! The chicken definitely lived up to its reputation but the steak with chimichurri and key lime parfait were surprisingly equally delicious!
Christina N.
Honestly, I'd probably splurge a little more and go sit at the bar at ad box and get the fried chicken there. Somehow the fried chicken here was dry and bland. Mind you, it's a far cry from the one I had at ad hoc previously. It was surprising and such a disappointment :(
Cynthia Curley
All was well except the bees ? are menacing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Curley
Overpriced fried chicken, yellow jackets are everywhere!Don't bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Jonathan adams
It's a bougie KFC. Mac salad was honestly great but the chicken had an interesting flavor. Napa Valley Tourist are absolutely their prime demographic. Worth at least trying once but likely won't return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Great Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, The Famous Fried Chicken, Large BJC Bucket, Macaroni Salad, Bucket of Chicken
If you like bread soaked in harsh mustard with bold raw onions & sour pickles on a Bouchon bun then order the pulled pork sandwich. Then sit on an unstable bench and try to expose the bits of meat with your cheap plastic fork.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Nina T.
During our Napa Valley trip last month, we couldn't resist checking out Thomas Keller's affordable joint just behind Ad Hoc. We got there around 1 pm, and the line was pretty long. If you can, try ordering ahead since that lets you skip the wait and head straight to the pickup counter. We of course got the buttermilk fried chicken. It was very crispy, juicy, and seasoned well. And for dessert, we enjoyed their chocolate chip cookie. Parking's a bit of a puzzle with their small lot, but we lucked out and found a spot right away. The place is outdoors and there were a lot of bees. So, maybe consider getting your food to go. All in all, we enjoyed our meal and would definitely recommend it to anyone nearby!
Carrie Z.
Excellent fried chicken in a small garden behind Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc. The location is a bit hectic with a small parking lot and packed seating. I think a lot of folks stop by here on their weekend trips to Napa, so don't expect anything quiet. But, the fried chicken is totally worth the trouble. Juicy, well-seasoned, excellent crust. I can't imagine changing anything about the chicken to make it better. With the included sides that were also good, a corn muffin and macaroni salad, we had a perfectly small lunch on our way through Napa Valley ourselves. Totally worth the stop!!!
Addendum: When is this place ever open??? Your website says open Friday and Saturday 11-2. We got here on a Saturday at 11:30 on 3/30 (so it's officially spring) and you're not open. Good thing they are able to accommodate us at the bar at Ad Hoc. Please update your website!!! As for the food, I won't be able to rate because I didn't have the fried chicken yet.
Came in for brunch. Service was prompt and the ambiance was inviting and comfortable. I loved the seating and natural lighting throughout. The food was ok. The best part of the menu was the fried chicken and salad. I realize that I may just not enjoy the buttery or truffle richness as much as others. In retrospect, I would have preferred to keep the salad available throughout the meal to cut through the richness of the meal. The hot sauce was just sauce. There's an opportunity to improve the condiments with brighter flavors, especially for a spring menu.citrus? Herbs? Tomato? Just about anything. The monkey bread was dry. I was bummed. Alas.
Maybe my expectation for their fried chicken was too high. The batter was crispy and the meat was juicy but it was too greasy. It reminded me of Popeyes chicken but double the price. Nothing special. I had a dinner reservation at Ad Hoc on the same day but I ended up canceling it because I was so disappointed by their fried chicken. And this Addendum was closed in the middle of their open hour so I went to the restaurant to ask why it was closed and they let me order the chicken from the kitchen.
I have been to Ad hoc restaurant before and it was great, never tried the addendum and I read so many good reviews about their fried chicken. So I was really looking forward to give a try. Arrived the place on a weekend and found that the place is not currently open. But we could order at the restaurant as take out (without the usual add-on and for an extra charge). We went ahead and ordered a small bucket. The order didn't take too long and as we were waiting, we saw a few other people came by and check out the fried chickens just like us (popular fried chicken spot indeed) Our small bucket came with 7 mix pieces. They were crispy and crunchy but I didn't get the " wow " feeling. They do seem to be less greasy than other fried chickens I had, but good or bad, that is really subjective. To me, I think a little grease actually enhance the flavor and hits the spot. The chicken meat was pretty tender and not dry but overall little lack of flavor.
Basically a Garden of Eden... but better, because this garden has Fried Chicken instead of fruit. Tucked behind "ad hoc," is a gravel path that leads into "addendum" -- admittedly thought it was going to be more hype than anything given the attributions, location, and the ubiquitous category it specialized in... but it turned out to be the most impressively delicious fried chicken ever. Frankly I didn't know fried chicken could be so good -- it wasn't greasy, the inside which was juicy and extremely balanced and seasoned through-and-through, the outside was perfectly crunchy with a good consistency, and the finishing touches of salt and rosemary. The side items faded into the background, including the understandably pricey added-on caviar item that didn't really add to the experience headlined by the fried chicken... although the champagne (that comes with the caviar) did work well with fried chicken. Deceivingly casual, besides the location, the entire no frills service format involving ordering out of one shack, picking up at another (bigger) shack, and self seating at basic picnic tables... great for any kind of party whether single travelers to families.
Amazing experience! Our bartender Byron provided impeccable service with awesome recommendations for lunch and libations! The chicken definitely lived up to its reputation but the steak with chimichurri and key lime parfait were surprisingly equally delicious!
Honestly, I'd probably splurge a little more and go sit at the bar at ad box and get the fried chicken there. Somehow the fried chicken here was dry and bland. Mind you, it's a far cry from the one I had at ad hoc previously. It was surprising and such a disappointment :(
All was well except the bees ? are menacing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overpriced fried chicken, yellow jackets are everywhere!Don't bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
It's a bougie KFC. Mac salad was honestly great but the chicken had an interesting flavor. Napa Valley Tourist are absolutely their prime demographic. Worth at least trying once but likely won't return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Great Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, The Famous Fried Chicken, Large BJC Bucket, Macaroni Salad, Bucket of Chicken
Restaurantji Recommends
If you like bread soaked in harsh mustard with bold raw onions & sour pickles on a Bouchon bun then order the pulled pork sandwich. Then sit on an unstable bench and try to expose the bits of meat with your cheap plastic fork.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
During our Napa Valley trip last month, we couldn't resist checking out Thomas Keller's affordable joint just behind Ad Hoc. We got there around 1 pm, and the line was pretty long. If you can, try ordering ahead since that lets you skip the wait and head straight to the pickup counter. We of course got the buttermilk fried chicken. It was very crispy, juicy, and seasoned well. And for dessert, we enjoyed their chocolate chip cookie. Parking's a bit of a puzzle with their small lot, but we lucked out and found a spot right away. The place is outdoors and there were a lot of bees. So, maybe consider getting your food to go. All in all, we enjoyed our meal and would definitely recommend it to anyone nearby!
Excellent fried chicken in a small garden behind Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc. The location is a bit hectic with a small parking lot and packed seating. I think a lot of folks stop by here on their weekend trips to Napa, so don't expect anything quiet. But, the fried chicken is totally worth the trouble. Juicy, well-seasoned, excellent crust. I can't imagine changing anything about the chicken to make it better. With the included sides that were also good, a corn muffin and macaroni salad, we had a perfectly small lunch on our way through Napa Valley ourselves. Totally worth the stop!!!
Fried chicken is
Food: 1
Fried chicken, Lemonade!