The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery

First and last time eating here. The first time I had ever tried to eat here was on a Sunday in June of this year at around 10:30 am, with 3 people in our party, but we were ignored when we tried to get a table. Once we did get someones attention, they told us we would be seated in 15 minutes. 45 minutes later, many people being sat down that arrived after us and still no table, we went to Smack Pie pizza since it was already almost lunch time and we don't have to go searching for service there.

This time around, we had a reservation and came in for the Sunday brunch. I was very disappointed. The french toast was not edible, I couldn't even cut through it with a knife because the bread was so hard and dry. The waffles were super dry as well and not even syrup would fix it. The eggs benedict was very bland and barely even warm. The omelet bar was average, nothing I couldn't easily make at home and the gentleman making the omelets seemed like we were completely inconveniencing him. I then tried to give the food one last shot by trying the bread pudding for dessert... and it tasted burnt on the bottom. The whole time my party of 7 was there, not once were our waters refilled, nor did anyone ask how we were doing. The only time we saw anyone at our table is when they came to take our plates, and even then they didn't interact with us besides asking if we were done with the plate. We even had to ask for our check when we were obviously done with our meal. We had been sitting there with no plates for at least 10 minutes waiting. I really don't know why people like this place so much, it's just not good.

The Dancing Fox was such a delicious lunch option for my guest and I. The sliders were surprisingly clean and larger than expected. The pizza was my favorite dish. The marinara sauce was perfect.
To drink, my guest ordered the pear cider, and I had the sparking raspberry wine. Both were sweet and pleasant.

The food was scrumptious, but I was a bit disappointed with the service. I feel that if the customer service would have been a little more attentive, it would have been over the top for us. With that said, the food and drinks were top tier so I will be coming back for more.

Another spot I've been wanting to try for a minute. Arrived at @dancingfoxwinery for some lunch at around 1:30. No wait only a few patrons inside and out.

We started off with some deliciously fresh bruschetta. I ordered a Scrimshaw brew from the North Coast Brewery in Fort Bragg to wash it down. Cold, light , and refreshing! I had 2 thank you. They make their own bread here I heard. Good solid menu! I chose the mushroom Swiss burger and it was made to order with a great amount of cheese, red onions and mushrooms. Schmack! I added some pickles that were on the side. One of the best versions I've ever had! The burger was fresh and tasty and the house made bun was perfect. We shared the bread pudding which was a very good choice also.

I'd definitely come again and might check their brunch on any given Sunday! I heard good things and now you have too. Shekkitout!

I rarely visit the Lodi area and when I do, it is usually to enjoy a day out enjoying some of the award-winning vineyards for some wine tasting. So to make sure I didn't get too saturated on wine alone, I took matters in my own hands by indulging in some hearty comfort food for lunch. This takes me none other to "The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery". This place is definitely an all-in-one business combining a lunch/dinner restaurant, a brewery, and a dedicated wine tasting area, all under one roof.

Located at the corner of W. Lodi Ave and Church St. in the heart of downtown Lodi, the Dancing Fox has been in operation ever since 2009. And what makes this location unique is that brick building at 203 S. School St. was built turning the turn of the 20th century. I absolutely love historic buildings like this and the strong attention to detail is very apparent everywhere you look. Just about everything inside of this place screams vintage as if you've taken a step back to the 1930's.

I also wanted to add that the entire layout and aesthetics of this place is very well executed. You will notice a very generous amount of indoor seating for small and larger parties. The bar has that rustic speakeasy look with hundreds of their wines being showcased. There is also a beer station that serves up delicious craft beers; both local and out-of-state. There is also a very charming outdoor patio; perfect for the more comfortable Central Valley afternoons and evenings. But the real winner here is a hallway that takes you to the dedicated wine tasting area which is separate from the actual restaurant with no distractions.

This is where I specifically did tastings of their reds ($15 for 5 tastings but complimentary if you purchase a bottle). I tried their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Old Vine Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. After giving it some thought, I finally settled with the Old Vine Zinfandel (priced at $39 + tax) which had a really amazing smooth bold texture to it. And luckily, after my final tasting, our table was ready.

Since this gave me plenty of time to look at their food menu. I started off by ordering an appetizer of their "Bruschetta" (for $13). This was five individual baguettes complete with garlic, tomato, basil, feta cheese, and glazed balsamic reduction. My main dish was their "Tri Tip Green Chili Melt" (for $17). This consisted of smoked tri-tip complete with green chilies, cheddar cheese, and spicy aioli complete with toasted jalapeño sourdough bread. I opted for a side salad with Italian dressing and settled with iced water (as I knew I'd be drinking more wine later).

Our Bruschetta arrived first and I've got to say, this was absolutely amazing (5/5). The presentation was on point while they gave us a very large amount; enough to split between our entire party. As for my sandwich, this also hit the spot. And to those of you asking if this is a "hot/spicy" taste, it actually wasn't as spicy as I thought. They didn't skimp on the tri-tip while the aioli mayo with melted cheese really pulled everything together perfectly. This sandwich was so filling, I was only able to finish half of it. But just as the Bruschetta was delicious, so was my sandwich (5/5).

I have to say, "The Dancing Fox" far exceeded my expectations. The gentleman that poured our wine (while we were waiting for our table was knowledgeable & friendly) while our server took care of us from start to finish. Best of all, the prices here don't break the bank. With the elaborate and over-the-top interior, excellent service, and perfect ambiance, I am giving The Dancing Fox a perfect five-star rating. A must try if you're in the Lodi area.

While I have been here for the Sunday brunch quite a few times this was my first experience coming in for dinner. I will say I was pleasantly surprised, we started off with the buffalo wings to share and the crunch was unbelievable. The ranch that came on the side was really well done and clearly homemade. Then we got the pizza which had chorizo as well as some other Mexican inspired toppings, I was worried this would be heavy however it was absolutely delightful. All the flavors were perfectly balanced, and not overly spicy at all. We completed dinner with The Fox's Delight dessert, I will admit it was a little challenging to eat with the hard peanut brittle topping and the frozen ice cream but if you're willing to work out it a little it was a decadent amazing little treat it was extremely full of flavor. I also can't forget to mention the flavored champagne which paired very nicely with dessert. I myself got a raspberry champagne. It was amazing.
The atmosphere itself was very romantic and perfect for couples and the service was friendly and efficient. Would definitely recommend for couples!

The ambience is wonderful and the food is delicious. Service was on point . Bathroom was clean. We visited in December and yet I'm still dreaming about how amazing there cherry mulled wine was. We will be back around the holidays again for sure for that amazing wine.

We had lunch here today (4/21/24). My wife had the Veggie Wrap, I had the house made on a rye bun. Both were excellent. I'm not a veggie sandwich fan but I tasted my wife's wrap an Wow was it good. The brat was very meaty and tasty; ordinarily I would have said the bun was too much but it was so good I didn't mind. We'll be back.

The service was fantastic and the food was OUTSTANDING!!! We sat outside and it was perfect for people and a cool breeze!

I came here with my Dad- delicious food! I got a wrap and enjoyed it greatly! It was my first time and Lodi and we'd heard great things about this restaurant so we decided to try!

Service was amazing. Friendly and attentive staff. Ambiance could be a hair better inside. Looks a little dated in there. But that's just my opinion. Would definitely recommend and come back!

Great food with friends and good service! We got there just before opening, so we were sat immediately. They get crowded, so plan for that. I had a Rueben that was unique and very tasty. The salad that came with was also really good. The ambiance is great and we will return!

The ambience is nice at The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery; the service was great, and the food was okay.