Special Occasion Restaurants

With a great atmosphere and local favorite Happy Hour, Wine Jar in Japan Town offers the neighborhood a wine bar experience like no other. The intimate décor invites guests to enjoy any glass or bottle from their extensive wine list while catching up with an old friend, enjoying the company of that special someone, or just unwinding after a day at work. Food is limited to a cheese plate, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy take out from local restaurants at the Wine Jar, a few suggestions are even listed on the menu. For a good time in an inviting …

Dive-y, casual, and technically but not exclusively a gay bar, Trax is the only gay bar on Haight. The signature drink is the “Bitchin’ Bloody Mary” which has a spicy cocktail mix garnished with pickled green beans, pickled asparagus, pickled mini onion, and celery. Cheap drinks and a festive atmosphere is what keeps people coming back to Trax, and legend has it, this bar is haunted! The famously friendly bartenders will be sure drinks are always full, and the music selection is second to none. For strong drinks at a great price and an all around good time, check out …

Specializing in pies, cakes, puddings, cookies, and cupcakes, SusieCakes in Marina/Cow Hollow makes baked goods with the philosophy of, “If you can’t spell it, we don’t bake with it.” Utilizing European-style butter, Scharffen Berger Cocoa, Ghiradelli Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, and Tahitian Bean for their tasty treats, no artificial preservatives, high-fructose corn syrups, or trans-fats make their way into any SusieCakes product. All products are baked entirely from scratch using only the freshest and finest natural ingredients. SusieCakes also will custom bake cakes for any occasion, be it a wedding, a birthday party, or just a cake social. For some of …

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and to be exact, the epicenter of San Jose, is Paolo’s, an Italian restaurant with roots planted firmly in “The Boot”. Open now for over 50 years in the River Park area, Paolo’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday in a unique park-like environment. If you’re looking for pastas or pizzas, either contemporary or traditional, you can find them on the menu. Some of the items are originals from the first few years of opening, like the Ossobuco di Vitello (Braised veal shank, saffron faro, and gremolata) and Empress Salad which consists …

Hardwood grilled steaks, chops, and seafood have been the name of the game at Birk’s Restaurant since 1989. Lunch runs Monday through Friday from 11:15am to 2:30pm with a full menu. Starters include Buttermilk Onion Rings, Grilled Artichoke, and New England Clam Chowder. Salads like the Little Gem and Organic Baby Spinach complement main courses well, and Entrée Salads are available for a light lunch. The Barramundi Nicoise sandwich, Pulled Roast Chicken sandwich, and the Black and Blue Filet sandwich are available for patrons looking for something heartier. The Lunch Reserve List can satiate a craving for mid-day steak, chops, …

With influences stemming from Italy and Spain, The Basin serves up both types of food with American flair. In downtown Saratoga, just southwest of San Jose, The Basin has a wide selection of small plates such as the Paella Pequena, Lamb Sliders, house made Burrata and Truffle Fries. Seafood and Salads are available with fresh Shucked Oysters, House Cured Wild Salmon and the Fancy Green Salad on the lighter side. If you are hankering for a large entrée, the Pork N’ Clams with a Snake River Farms tenderloin and littleneck clams should hit the spot, as will the Thick Cut …

House Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated business located on our 73-acre family compound above Saratoga, California. Our House Family Estate Wines are made from grapes grown in our Old Oak Vineyard located on the property. We also make wine with grapes sourced from hand picked California vineyards with complimentary terroir, farmed in the same high-touch style we employ on our own estate. Our Vineyard Point Tasting Room with panoramic views of Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains is open weekends from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm and, beginning May 5, most Fridays from 3:00 pm – 7:00 …

Delicious and affordable California coastal cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from neighboring organic farms is the hallmark of our kitchen. Just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz.

In Japan, Omakase (お任せ) “entrust the chef” is a popular style of dining, where the guests entrust the chef with the meal selection. As this is a great honor, the chef in turn vows to use the freshest ingredients, masterful techniques and bursts of innovation, to create a truly memorable dining experience. Oma San Francisco Station is proud to present this simple, yet elegant way of dining to all of our guests.

Vim Dining & Desserts is a restaurant located in Santa Cruz, California, at 2238 Mission St. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They also serve a selection of craft beers and wines. The interior of Vim Dining & Desserts is modern and sleek, with a mix of booth and table seating available. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept, allowing diners to see their food being prepared. In addition to their food and drink offerings, Vim Dining & Desserts also hosts various events throughout the year, including wine tastings and live music performances.

At Avanti Restaurant, we have been committed to the local food culture since 2019. We serve you organic vegetables, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised meats and poultry, organic milk, butter and eggs, locally roasted coffee, and house-made desserts. We have a full bar featuring seasonal cocktails and a variety of spirits.

A modern eatery with a globally inspired, progressive menu of original dishes meant to be shared. From small plates to medium and large plates, we offer a fresh and ever changing seasonal menu designed to tantalize your senses with a fusion of flavors, complemented by wine, to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

With a mission to serve the best hand-crafted beer in the South Bay, FireHouse Grill & Brewery is the hottest place in Sunnyvale to go for lunch, happy hour and dinner! With an amazing brewery, exhibition kitchen, wood-fired oven, luxurious patio and welcoming atmosphere, FireHouse Grill & Brewery is the perfect place to hang out with friends or to make new ones. Complete with plasma TV’s, free internet access and a wide variety of delicious beer, you won’t want to go anywhere else to watch your favorite sporting events, including exclusive UFC fights. FireHouse Grill & Brewery is also the …