Visit Lodi

Exploring Downtown Lodi: A Local Guide to Food, Wine, Shopping, and More

Downtown Lodi brings together historic character, award-winning wine, memorable dining, distinctive shops, live music, and streets made for wandering. Voted America's Favorite Small Town, it is the kind of place where you can settle in and stay awhile.

Before heading out, pick up the free Downtown Lodi Perks Pass. This digital pass includes exclusive savings at 25+ downtown businesses, including tasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques, and other local stops. There is no membership fee or catch, and no app download is required.

Downtown Eats

Dining in Downtown Lodi covers a wide range of tastes, with restaurants and cafés throughout the area. For American comfort food, The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery and Lodi Beer Company offer brews, food, and welcoming surroundings. Market Tavern serves creative cocktails alongside updated classics, while Brick House Restaurant & Lounge specializes in Italian-American fare, including its memorable Gorgonzola Pancetta fries.

For burgers, fries, and milkshakes, try Moo Moo's Burger Barn or the Lodi classic A&W Rootbeer. The Oxford Kitchen adds London street-food influence through dishes such as Tikka Masala and Fish & Chips. Papapavlo's offers Greek and Italian favorites with a Baklava sundae, and Thai Kitchen serves bold dishes including Pad Kee Mao and Yellow Curry.

Mexican favorites, margaritas, nachos, and enchiladas are available at Fuego Prime and Angelo's Mexican Restaurant. For something sweet or caffeinated, Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe prepares quickly disappearing croissants, while Trail, The Hangout, and Inspire Coffee provide plenty of coffee options.

Downtown Sips

Downtown is a relaxed place to begin exploring Lodi wine. Visitors can sample bold reds at Jeremy Wine Company, tart ciders at Scotto’s Wine & Cider, and sparkling drinks and cocktails at Rooted Lounge.

To see more of Lodi Wine Country, consider a Lodi Wine Trolley experience. The excursion includes lunch, tastings at three wineries, and Downtown Lodi pick-up and drop-off at Scotto’s Wine & Cider.

Beer enthusiasts can visit IDOL Beer Works for local craft beer, laid-back surroundings, and live music. Five Window Beer Co., Lodi Beer Company, and The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery pair local brews with appetizers and provide good settings for people-watching or meeting friends.

Cocktail options range from recognizable favorites to inventive combinations. Market Tavern, 20 North, Papapavlos Bistro & Bar, and The Oxford Kitchen all offer creative drink menus, including Espresso Martinis and a San Joaquin Old Fashioned at The Oxford Kitchen.

Downtown Shopping

Downtown Lodi’s boutiques and specialty shops offer plenty of ways to find a trip memento. Moka by Sarai carries fashionable accessories, while La Fleurette Garden Decor features selected home and garden pieces. Rooted in Lodi has distinctive plants, and The Rabbit Hole offers an afternoon of searching through records.

For gifts, French at Heart has quirky finds, Soy Into You specializes in hand-poured candles, and Velvet & Gabardine presents curated vintage clothing. Her Pretty Things offers hand-crafted goods, inclusive and fashionable women's clothing, and accessories with a Pinterest-worthy look.

Cheese Central and Olive Crush Farms are stops for food lovers seeking snackable favorites. During the summer months, the weekly Lodi Certified Farmers Market evenings add live music, fresh produce, and locally made artisan goods.

Family Fun

Downtown Lodi has activities suited to children and adults alike. At the World of Wonders Science Museum, visitors can interact with hands-on exhibits, including an Illumination Lab and Moon Walk. The Mud Mill offers pottery painting and other crafts, while Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar combines bowling with the chance to watch a game.

Young readers can choose a new favorite book at Tom's Books, and Willow Tree Children's Boutique has children’s clothing and toys.

For an afternoon treat, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers candied apples, chocolate turtles, bonbons, and more. Nieves El Morro serves house-made ice cream in a selection that may call for a return visit.

Art and History

A free Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Lodi offers a look at the city’s Wild West beginnings with a local docent. Wearing suffragette garb, the docent leads visitors through Lodi’s past.

A self-guided Wall Dog Walking Tour showcases Lodi history through elaborate murals around downtown. Continue to the Lodi Community Art Center and Nava & Co. to see paintings and jewelry created by local artists. Double Dip Gallery makes a fitting final stop, combining ice cream with changing art exhibits.

Getting to and Staying in Downtown Lodi

Downtown Lodi can be reached from Sacramento and the Bay Area by way of I-5, Highway 99, and Highway 12, making it suitable for either a day trip or a weekend visit. Travel options by car, train, or plane are available through the destination’s travel information.

Parking is easier than in a large city, with free 2-hour street parking, multiple multi-hour lots, and free all-day parking at the Lodi Station Parking Structure.

For an overnight stay, choose from cozy bed and breakfast properties and short-term rentals in the historic downtown district. These accommodations keep visitors within walking distance of the area’s attractions.

Downtown Lodi is a year-round destination filled with boutiques, restaurants, creative drinks, events, arts, and culture. The Downtown Visitor Center is also available for visitor guides, Lodi merchandise, and additional local recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Downtown Lodi Perks Pass?

The Downtown Lodi Perks Pass is a free digital pass offering exclusive deals from 25+ businesses in downtown Lodi. It can be used for wine tasting, dining, boutique shopping, and more. The pass is claimed at no cost, stays on your phone, and does not require an app download.

What is there to do in Downtown Lodi?

Downtown Lodi places many experiences within comfortable walking distance, including wine and cider tasting rooms, craft breweries, farm-to-fork restaurants, boutiques, a hands-on science museum, ceramic studios, an art gallery with ice cream, free historical walking tours, and a self-guided mural walk.

During the summer months, visitors can also attend the weekly Certified Farmers Market. Live music and community events take place regularly throughout the year.

What are the best restaurants in Downtown Lodi?

Downtown Lodi’s dining choices are varied. The Oxford Kitchen is known for British-inspired street food; Papapavlo's serves Mediterranean food and craft cocktails; Market Tavern offers elevated American fare; West Oak Nosh features German-inspired dishes; El Pazcifico serves Mexican seafood; and Tequileros Cantina specializes in street tacos.

Ruby's Bakery & Café and Brew House are local choices for breakfast and coffee.

Where can I go wine tasting in Downtown Lodi?

Downtown and its nearby area include several tasting rooms that can be visited on foot. Options include Jeremy Wine Company, Scotto's Wine & Cider, Estate Crush, and McKenzie Wines.

The Lodi Wine Trolley provides a guided option, departing downtown from Scotto's and including lunch plus tastings at three wineries.

Is Downtown Lodi walkable?

Yes. Downtown Lodi is very walkable, with many restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and attractions located within several blocks along School Street and Pine Street.

Free two-hour street parking is available throughout downtown. Free all-day parking is also available at the Lodi Station Parking Structure at Sacramento & Pine Streets.

Is Downtown Lodi good for families?

Yes. The World of Wonders Science Museum on Sacramento Street is a leading family attraction, with over 70 hands-on exhibits. The Mud Mill provides pottery painting for all ages, and Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar offers entertainment for children and adults. Nieves El Morro candy store is especially popular with younger visitors.

When is the Lodi Farmers Market?

The Lodi Certified Farmers Market takes place on Thursday evenings during the summer months, from May thru August, in Downtown Lodi. The market includes fresh local produce, artisan vendors, and live music.

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a storyteller focused on building genuine connections with her community. She enjoys traveling around the world, meeting people at cozy restaurants, and finding a Lodi wine on a menu. After exchanging city life for wine country, she spends time in Lodi visiting the farmers market, looking for antiques, and trying new wineries with her fiancé, son, and pug — naturally with a glass of Zin nearby.

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Visit the Downtown Lodi Guide: Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore | Visit Lodi page →