Napa Valley Loses Iconic Goose & Gander, Welcomes Eight North

Beloved St. Helena spot closes, while new Calistoga restaurant Eight North opens with local focus

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:41am

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After nearly two decades, the iconic Goose & Gander restaurant in St. Helena, Napa Valley has closed its doors, leaving locals mourning the loss of the legendary burger spot and nightlife hub. Meanwhile, the former Brannans space in Calistoga has been revived as Eight North, a new wine-focused restaurant, bar and event space opened by third- and fourth-generation Napa Valley residents Betsy and Sara Lawer.

Why it matters

The closure of Goose & Gander marks the end of an era for the St. Helena dining and nightlife scene, as the space is likely to be taken over by another high-end restaurant, continuing the trend of hoity-toity establishments replacing beloved local haunts. In contrast, Eight North aims to support the Calistoga community by featuring local wines, beers, and produce, providing a new gathering place for residents.

The details

Goose & Gander, once home to the equally revered Martini House, was a Napa Valley institution known for its legendary burgers and vibrant nightlife. The closure leaves the St. Helena community without one of its most iconic spots. Meanwhile, Eight North has taken over the former Brannans space in Calistoga, with third- and fourth-generation Napa Valley residents Betsy and Sara Lawer at the helm. The new restaurant, bar and event space features a wood-fired grill, peak-season produce, and a focus on showcasing local wines, beers, and products.

  • Goose & Gander closed its doors in February 2026.
  • Eight North opened in Calistoga in March 2026.

The players

Goose & Gander

An iconic restaurant and nightlife spot in St. Helena, Napa Valley that was known for its legendary burgers and vibrant atmosphere.

Eight North

A new wine-focused restaurant, bar and event space that has opened in the former Brannans space in Calistoga, Napa Valley.

Betsy and Sara Lawer

Third- and fourth-generation Napa Valley residents who are the proprietors of Eight North.

Abby Burk

The executive chef at Eight North, who oversees the menu featuring a wood-fired grill and peak-season produce.

Christian Diaz

The beverage manager at Eight North, who is focused on showcasing local wines and beers.

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What they’re saying

“Our whole vision for the restaurant is to support the community. We want to create an economic ripple and feature as many local products as we can.”

— Christian Diaz, Beverage Manager, Eight North

What’s next

Eight North plans to continue expanding its focus on local wines, beers, and produce, aiming to be a hub for the Calistoga community.

The takeaway

The closure of the iconic Goose & Gander in St. Helena marks the end of an era for Napa Valley's dining and nightlife scene, as beloved local spots are increasingly replaced by high-end establishments. However, the opening of Eight North in Calistoga offers a glimmer of hope, with its mission to support the local community and showcase the best of what the region has to offer.