The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop

The Steinbeck House and the attached Best Cellar Gift Shop is located in Salinas, California and is the birthplace and childhood home of writer John Steinbeck. The home is a restored Victorian and offers tours, lunch and the gift shop. The house was built in 1897 and became home to the Steinbeck family in 1900. The home was purchased by the Valley Guild, originally eight ladies with an interest in gourmet cooking. The restaurant opened in 1974, on what would have been Steinbeck's 72nd birthday. There are a few paid staff members at the museum, but mostly the property is run by volunteers. The house was visited by Oprah Winfrey and her bookclub in 2003. In 1995, the house was designated a literary landmark and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. In addition to period furnishings, the walls are lined with pictures and memorabilia from the Steinbeck family. The restaurant serves gourmet lunches each day and creates delicious dishes with fresh, local produce. The menu changes daily and features dishes like sandwiches, chicken salad, hot chicken, soups and salads. The Best Cellar gift shop is located in the basement of the house and offers a variety of Steinbeck books, as well as the headboard from the bed on which the author was born. The shop is open from 11 am until 3 pm.