Ad HocExcellent Food, Excellent ServiceMy better half and I have been eager to try a Thomas Keller restaurant for a very long time, and we finally were able to do so at Ad Hoc during our Napa Valley getaway. I found that Ad Hoc's style of providing everyone with the same meal each day liberating rather than limiting, allowing the cooks to master their few dishes rather than worrying about consistency across several different foods. Further, since the cooks are making the same meal for everyone, the downtime between food was noticeably shorter than at other high end restaurants I have enjoyed. Each course was paired with a recommended wine or beer that complimented the meal very well. Finally, the service was stellar--our server, Josh, was very helpful in every way!5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThomas Keller - always a joyWe finally made it to Ad Hoc for brunch, and were delighted when we found they were serving their famous fried chicken that we had heard so much about. Everything we had was outstanding - simple, family style, but done exquisitely. Worth every penny!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing all aroundTheir menu changes daily but we had watermelon and watercress salad, pork roast, a great cheese plate and ginger panna cotta. Service was also excellent. The only thing that wasn't perfect was the lemonade bourbon cocktail - it was a bit on the sweet side.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMad hocwonderful time, food perfect, steve gave us special service...thanks5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Food but Too LoudTwo of us enjoyed an early dinner, but we had to ask *three times* before they would lower the sound level. (My dining partner was a musician, as it happens.) When I asked why it was so loud, I was told that "Thomas likes it that way." I don't think that is sufficient reason to drown out conversation. The high sound level is the only reason I gave a four star rather than five star review. So, if you like really loud music, go for it!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were surprised with limited menuThe food is outstanding but beware they only serve one menu item each night. The night we went it was Fried Chicken. The fried chicken was fantastic (I demolished it), so if you don't mind having a 3000 calorie meal in one sitting (each), this place is definitely for you.
To be fair, they worked to make my wife happy and substituted some side items that were a little more healthy.
Per my wife, we will not be back to Ad Hoc. There are too many other outstanding restaurants in Yountville to enjoy.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for brunch on Mother'sWe went for brunch on Mother's Day. We had an excellent meal, served family style. The service was friendly and attentive. We will certainly return, when given the opportunity.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe poultry was outstandingI thought everything was fabulous. None of us cared for the cheese selection and we all love various cheeses. The server forgot my glass of champagne, I asked him about it and it came during the middle of my entree. I thought that was odd, but its all good. I placed an order to-go for my husband and when he opened it he didn't have two of the courses, I understand not having the dessert (it was ice cream) but he didn't have the fennel gratin either; however, we were still charged the full price of the meal. I will certainly return but most likely on a different day and not mother's day.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMothers Day BrunchAd Hoc is a new favorite of mine. The food- a mixed green salad with toasted corn and guacamole mousse, eggs benedict crabcakes with red pepper hollandaise, diced potatoes and vegetables, almond blueberry pancakes with lemon butter, and strawberry panna cotta with shortcake cookies- was absolutely delicious and even better than it sounded.
Portions were appropriately sized and paced to leave a hungry person full by the end. Atmosphere was nice outside with pleasant music playing at a nice volume, and service was attentive. Prices were reasonable considering the quality and atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAd Hoc DinnerGreat food, and really fun set up. Really enjoyed the flow of the meal, and one of the best cooked meals I have ever had.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious and pretty affordableDelicious and pretty affordable way to end a day of wine tasting. Highly recommend.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMA beautiful day in the valleyFood was very good and the drinks and wine list was amazing. Our server was extremely good. The table next to us had a million questions and he was able to answer every thing they could come up with. Very impressive! Everyone should add it to there list of must do's in Napa valley.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMMy cousin and I were reallyMy cousin and I were really excited to eat at Ad Hoc during our visit in Napa. We loved our salad course which consisted of arugula, golden beets, pingpong radishes, prosciutto, olives and these wonderfully addicting chewy croutons. Our main was the lamb which was good but slightly disappointing. The lamb was cooked perfectly but there was a lot of fat and gristle. We added the supplemental squid ink pasta which was our favorite dish of the evening. Dessert was ok because both of us found the flour-less chocolate cake a bit too sweet for our liking. Overall it was a decent meal. The ambiance of the restaurant was excellent and lovely. I would love to go back and try a different menu.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMQuaint but trendy, fun, greatQuaint but trendy, fun, great food, excellent service.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Brunch EVERDelightful light salad course paired beautifully with the superlative mimosas to suggest a light, but satisfying fare was ahead. Then came the surprise - what one might have believed would be a "lighter" version of bacon & scrambled eggs in ad Hoc's hen eggs and pork belly turned out to be a rib sticking explosion of hearty fare that was only compounded by the "Graceland" pancakes (3, 5" pancakes with bacon in them topped with bananas & "fresh" homemade peanut butter - uh, thank you, thank you vury much). This was topped off by their version of a "Twinkie" (Financier as it was called) with a raspberry jam addendum. Sign up for their menu emails & see how their unique menu changes every day. Reserve WELL in advance.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat night out!my husband and I spent a great weekend in napa for our birthdays. ad hoc was an excellent place to celebrate. the food was greatand the service was fantastic. definitely worth the drive from san jose.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat restaurantthe food was delicious, the service was impecable and the ambience outstanding. too bad it is all the way in Napa. the place is a bit pricey but totally worth it!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMMore than just fried chickenAd Hoc has, perhaps, the best fried chicken anywhere. For the first time, we were here for steak night. It was fabulous! I can not say enough about the service and the food - everything was spot on!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMHail to the fried chickenWe were lucky to dine on a Monday and walk into fried chicken night. It was the 4 course meal with wine parings and it was fabulous, highly recommend it!!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMHad the very famous buttermilkHad the very famous buttermilk fried chicken, 10 out of 10 again.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time at Ad Hoc. GreatFirst time at Ad Hoc. Great waiter had been there a long time and was very efficient. The music was great. Unpretentious, and great value. The staff was happy and fun.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBest family style dinner I'veBest family style dinner I've ever had! The food was absolutely amazing.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAlthough the food was veryAlthough the food was very good I thought the portion size was on the small
side. It also seemed a big inconsistent as we looked at other tables around us.
I was full after but my husband was not.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThis dinner was a unique NapaValleyThis dinner was a unique NapaValley experience. Everything about the evening was exceptional.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMBest. Meal. Ever.Despite having little to no choice in the meal we consumed (menu is set, but you can add items to the meal), this meal was perfection. From the ridiculously fresh ingredients, to the unique combinations of those ingredients, to the preparation and presentation of the courses, Ad Hoc was a huge treat. We added the wine pairing, which included wines from some very small and specialized vineyards and the result was something I still dream about. Kudos to the chef.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMI have recently become a ThomasI have recently become a Thomas Keller fan and was excited to try Ad Hoc. It was a fixed menu and you don't know what it will be until you show up! Well, it was amazing. Pork shank aas the main dish and it was fall off the bone and beyong flavourful. All courses were fantastic.
The staff were all friendly and even with the ever changing menu, they new there stuff. It was a great experience.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe thing about Ad Hoc isThe thing about Ad Hoc is that the menu changes everyday and there is no need to order food, you get what is being served. What is being served is unbelievably good! Simply put, Ad Hoc is a fabulous food adventure. We would go back in a heartbeat. Be very hungry because they will have to roll you out to your car afterward.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMHad Brunch there and it wasHad Brunch there and it was everything I hoped it would be. Delicious food, simple presentations and just enough that we were full but not stuffed.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food speaks for itself,The food speaks for itself, but the service was some of the best we have ever received! It's a must visit when in the area!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat well-chosen menu andGreat well-chosen menu and we received lots of information from our friendly waiter. The additional meal option, which we bought so we could taste everything, didn't seem to really fit with the menu, but was delicious. The portions were perfect.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA must goto comfort food optionIf you can get a reservation and are in the area, this is definitely worth your time. The menu changes daily. A great choice if you go with a group since the prix fixe menu is served up family style. Overall price to value this is one of the better choices in the area for cost range ($50-$75 per person range).4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service and recommendations.Great service and recommendations. Wonderful for date night4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMLove it!Ad Hoc was great!! After a long day of tasting wines it was fun to just go to a restaurant and not have to decide what to eat cause it's predetermined. The cookies and cream dessert was mouth watering!! Hope they serve it again so others have the opportunity to try it. Would definitely recommend!!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a Great Time! Would recommendHad a Great Time! Would recommend to friends and family4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was fabulous! WaiterFood was fabulous! Waiter was very attentive and informative. Really liked the set-up and decor. Way too noisy.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Hanger Steak Dinner!We were so lucky to get Hanger Steak night on trip to Napa!! Everything about the meal was amazing - from the salad to the Hanger Steak entree to the huuuuge cheese plate to the ridiculously tasty and indulgent bread pudding. The service was attentive and friendly. We chatted with the manager a bit as we ate and when we told him how much we loved the bread pudding he offered to bring out more, but we were stuffed! If you can't afford the French Laundry, Ad Hoc is the place to go! They even comped our first drink when they were running behind on reservations.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were there in fried chickenWe were there in fried chicken night. Everything was delicious. Would definitely go back if ever back in Napa4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAd Hoc - poor man's French LaundryAd Hoc is Tom Keller's temporary French Laundry restaurant that became permanent. Setting is in town of Yountville and easy to locate.
Service is excellent and food is notably good. We were there for "fried chicken" night and it was really good. The batter is light and flaky. The chicken tender and moist. There are no choices on the menu however there is a vegetarian choice. The wine pairing was enough to share unless you are a heavy drinker.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was delicious andEverything was delicious and service was attentive but not overbearing.
Does the staff like the shirts they wear? The shirts look rather stiff and uncomfortable. The shirts reminded me of polyester shirts if the '60's that gasoline station attendants wore. Again I don't know what their feelings are about the required attire.
Ad Hoc was our favorite meal during our entire Napa stay!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love Ad Hoc. I tell everyoneWe love Ad Hoc. I tell everyone that I think it offers the best "deal" - high quality food for a reasonable prix fixe price.
This experience was a family celebration, and we all enjoyed the experience. Service was very good - just the right amount of attention.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is casual family-styleThis is casual family-style dining done right. You feel casual from the moment you walk in, with even the wait staff being dressed down. This doesn't mean they don't take their jobs seriously though, as they all were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and most importantly, very attentive without being obtrusive. The wine selection was stellar, but don't forget about their beer as their selection was smaller but wonderful. The meal will always change, but it was perfectly cooked and well presented. Don't let the family-style serving fool you though, this is perfectly and artfully prepared.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was delish, wine pairingsFood was delish, wine pairings were delightful, and atmosphere was lively yet intimate. Reservations are a must!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Brunch Ever!Ad Hoc brunch does not disappoint! This is the second time I've gone for brunch and each time I've wanted to lick my plate clean. The food is amazing, the bloody marys are spicy and to die for!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMVery enjoyable food. MenuVery enjoyable food. Menu is almost always a surprise until the day of your reservation. A real plus is being able to take your time to eat at your own pace; never feeling like you have to rush. Mostly excellent service; some waiters are either more knowledgable or more comfortable talking and sharing their knowledge, which we enjoy. Highly. recommend.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was outstanding.The food was outstanding. If we lived closer, this would be one we would return to frequently.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAd-Hoc = AmazingWent to Ad Hoc to celebrate a 30 birthday. It was an amazing experience and a wonderful atmosphere. We enjoyed the family style plating, the wine pairings and ate every last morsel of food. I own the cookbook and read all the yelp reviews and was not disappointed. This place is everything you heard it would be and more.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMphenomenal!The entire experience was excellent. The ingenuity behind the menu is impressive. We will be back!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHaving been cooking out ofHaving been cooking out of the Ad Hoc cookbook for a few years, I was extremely excited to experience the restaurant first hand. It absolutely did not disappoint. Ad Hoc is a great marriage of casual, stress free dining and obvious sophistication and attention to detail. Thomas Keller's influence clearly shows with delicious, unique, and perfectly balanced food without breaking the bank or feeling stuffy or overtly formal. If you want a fantastic meal in wine country, I would highly recommend Ad Hoc. Service was excellent and the courses were paced perfectly without actually feeling like procedural prix fixe. Will definitely try to go again.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMom's in the kitchenSimply outstanding! Steaks were simply great as were the sides. Salad was great also perfect and I am not a salad eater. Dessert was a strawberry rhubarb crisp that literally brought tears to my eyes - I swear my Mom had been in the kitchen when they were baking dessert. Service was perfect. Wine list not huge, but well thought out. This fixed price menu restaurant gets my highest praise and I will recommend it highly to anyone.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMContinues to be a winner!Ad Hoc continues to provide an exceptional dining experience. The quantities and qualities of the dishes continue to excel.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AM