When I hear the name Thomas Keller, I usually picture precision, white tablecloths, and the kind of dining where every detail is choreographed. So stepping into his latest project in Yountville caught me completely off guard. Instead of hushed elegance, I found a joyful, casual pop-up where wagyu burgers take center stage.
Called Burgers & Half Bottles, it feels grounded in community and refreshingly approachable, without losing Keller’s trademark attention to detail. From the retro VW “Brew Bus” pouring local beer to the simple chalkboard menu, this pop-up blends nostalgia, comfort, and craft in a way that feels distinctly California.
A Surprise Turn from Fine Dining to Burgers
You never expect a Michelin-starred legend to fire up a grill in a pop?up. Yet Thomas Keller, known for kitchens where precision rules, isn’t afraid to change lanes. In Yountville, he has done it again, offering wagyu burgers at Burgers & Half Bottles, a place where formality steps aside for flavor.
This isn’t Keller’s first pop?up rodeo. He originally tested the burger concept in 2020, but this latest version feels even more relaxed and tuned in to its neighborhood. You don’t see white tablecloths or hushed tones here; instead, straightforward hospitality takes the lead…