$25-50

First opened in the 1880s when Upper Lake, California was a stagecoach stop, the now historic saloon became a popular watering hole until being torn down during prohibition. Rebuilt to match a 1870s-era back bar recycled from a pub in Pennsylvania, the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant’s expansive black walnut bar and dining tables were built on-site by local craftsmen from a 100+year-old tree harvested from the property. Old-growth redwood wainscoting found hidden behind layers of paint and wallpaper during the hotel’s renovation, was rescued and reused in the saloon. The authentic look and feel of the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant’s …

At Palomino, guests can feel like they’re visiting the happiest place on earth. With a menu boasting “The Everyday Happy Hour,” Palomino’s suggests pairing their all day $5 drink specials with a special brand of upscale bar snacks such as Prosciutto Flatbread, Dungeness Crab and Artichoke Dip, and Potatoes Gorgonzola. Who can resist? Palomino serves up California style cuisine with a touch of something special. With selections for both lunch and dinner, patrons can drool over their signature entrée’s, steaks, pastas, and pizzas—more notably their Wild Mushroom, Cured Ham, and Goat Cheese Flatbread, a customer favorite. Located on San Francisco’s …

For a hearty meal and a laid-back atmosphere in Sunnyvale, Il Postale offers diners the chance to unwind and enjoy their time. The petite restaurant plays host to intimate dining alongside an expansive menu featuring Italian-American dishes. Favorites like Fettuccine Alfredo and Baked Rigatoni make an appearance but it is the more elaborate dishes that separate Il Postale from the rest. The varied pasta menu accommodates any taste. For carnivores, the Baked Penne with Wild Boar and Italian sausages in home-style marinara sauce excites the appetite. Those craving a more veggie-centric dish can lavish in the artichoke, mushroom, red pepper, …

When visiting Santa Clara, the Hilton on the corner of Great American Parkway and Tasman offers a comfortable place to stay and a great restaurant to dine at. California and Mediterranean inspired food adorns the menu at the Hilton’s La Fontana. For early risers, the menu has an array of egg dishes with unique choices like the Angel Hair Frittata. Fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps are served at lunch for those in the mood for a light meal. Dinner favorites at La Fontana include Cheese Sacchetti, four cheese stuffed pasta pouches, and Pasta di Mare Pomodoro, seafood tossed in linguini. …

Downtown San Jose’s foremost setting for hip and haute feasting, activities of leisure, and special affairs, Fahrenheit offers patrons a place to eat, drink, see, and be seen. The menu specializes in items made with organic and sustainable ingredients. A farm to table ethos utilizes the best produce, poultry, fish, and meat available. Inspiration is drawn for the ever-evolving menu from the local farmers, ranchers, and anglers who provide the ingredients for Fahrenheit’s signature fare. A full bar has a wide array of signature cocktails, from the Key Lime Martini to the Limon Fresca and Ace’s Gimlet, there is something …

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

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, …

Exclusively located at the Fairmount Hotel in San Francisco, The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is sure to let you get your tiki on island style. All platters from their extensive menu are served “family style” so they can be enjoyed by all in attendance. Specialty concoctions served in coconut glasses combined with their tropical décor and Pacific Rim cuisine amount to a unique experience as you are whisked away on a short tropical vacation right in the middle of San Francisco. Come join in the concept of ohana as you become a part of The Tonga Room and Hurricane …

Chowder Hut Fresh Grill at Fisherman’s Warf is a nice place to sit, enjoy an outdoor meal, and watch as the hordes of tourists pass. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a glass case displaying a variety of the more popular menu items. Chowder Hut Fresh Grill is one of many sea-side fast food options at the Warf, so don't expect anything too fancy, but the restaurant is clean, the service friendly, and the view is nice. The menu offers typical Fisherman’s Warf fare, from fish and chips and chowder (both clam and crab) served in a bread bowl, to …

Offering a unique taste of western Indian cuisine in Cow Hollow, Viva Goa is for diners in search of an exotic meal. Goa is a former Portugese outpost in India, and the influence of colonial rule on this part of the subcontinent gives Goan dishes a unique twist on standard Indian offerings. All week, Viva Goa offers lunch goers a wonderfully diverse buffet. Take out, pick-up, and delivery are options as well to those in the neighborhood that prefer to enjoy their meal at home. Goan specialties such as Xacuti curries (available with choice of prawn, chicken, or vegetables), Vindaloo, …

Marina’s Reed & Greenough has a unique take on the local watering hole. Adhering to a strict dress code in which no one wearing a tee shirt, ball cap or flip-flops is allowed entrance to the tavern, the establishment clearly expects more from their guests than the average neighborhood bar. The refinement expected of patrons becomes clear as soon as one sets foot inside the threshold of the lounge. The décor features rich leather, dark mahogany, and a copper bar, all of which call back to men’s clubs of the early 20th Century. A gaming area features two full size …

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 …

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 …

Nestled in the Little Italy district of San Jose, Paesano Ristorante Italiano is a local gem that offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is owned and managed by Giuseppe “Pino” Spatola, a native of Sicily, who strives to incorporate the traditional dishes into the menu that he fondly knows from home. The lunch menu offers a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, Paninis, pastas, and main dishes. Locals admire the Gamberi and Calamari Fri Diavola, comprised of sautéed prawns and calamari with garlic, olive oil, and vodka in a spicy marinara sauce. For dinner, various veal and lamb dishes …

Beretta in the Mission District offers hungry patrons inventive cocktails, thin crust pizzas, and contemporary Italian comfort food, which is delicious in its own right. The dinner menu is filled with exquisite Italian fare. Satiate your appetite with dishes such as Eggplant Caponatina, Risotto with prosciutto, leaks, and goat cheese, and Dungeness Crab Arancini with calabrese aioli. Guests can also share one, or two of Beretta's mouth-watering pizzas topped with only the freshest ingredients, like squash, rosemary, prosciutto, basil, goat cheese, and more. Every day, Beretta has a single main dish that rotates, such as Rock Cod with Roasted Tomatoes …

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.

At Globe in the Financial District, they offer exquisite new American cuisine to hungry patrons from lunch until the wee hours of the night. The menu features delicious fare that will make any diner’s stomach growl for a taste, such as Pan Roasted Halibut complemented with artichokes, zucchini and cannellini beans and the Grilled Bone-in 28oz. New York Steak for two with grilled onions and potato gratin. Guests can satiate their appetites with Globe’s house made pizzas as well, like Gamboni Mushrooms with White Truffle Oil and Lamb Sausage and Kalamata Olives. Calming and soothing, Globe’s atmosphere will create a …

With all of the delicious Mexican food restaurants in the Mission, it can be daunting trying to choose where to dine. However, if generous portions, powerful margaritas, tasty dishes, and a friendly staff are what you crave, look no further than Puerto Alegre. One of San Francisco's most popular and acclaimed Mexican eateries, Puerto Alegre offers a menu chock-full of delicious food; from the entrees, to the appetizers, right down to the complimentary chips and salsa. Diners will find a selection of popular dishes including enchiladas, chimichangas, nachos, and much, much more. While the restaurant is more than suitable for …

Pauline's Pizza on Valencia is challenging the idea that pizza is a quick, greasy meal meant to be eaten on the run. This mission begins at Pauline's two organic gardens; one in Berkley and the other at Star Canyon Ranch in the Sierra Foothills. There, farmers grow a bevy of all natural vegetables and herbs that burst with flavor when put on a pizza, as well as organic livestock. Each season on these farms yields delicious new ingredients that make their way on to Pauline's menu and ensures that customers never get bored of their selection. Next, Pauline's makes slow …

The dishes and ingredients at Mona Lisa may be simple, but their superior quality is what sets this excellent eatery apart from the many other Italian restaurants in North Beach. Located near the corner of Columbus and Grant, Mona Lisa has gained quite a reputation for making delicious pastas, pizzas, and meat dishes using quality ingredients. Using simple, fresh ingredients allows Mona Lisa to create a large and varied menu full of traditional Italian dishes that are bursting with flavor. With so many meals to choose from, fans of Italian food will be hard pressed to find something on the …