The Official Good Eats of the Bay Area Thread
 

This is official. well, I hope it stays alive bcs I know all of us are more or less lardasses when it comes to food. (no offense) but I'm always on the prowl for good food, so here goes:

Location/NAME:
Address:
Dish(es):
Price Range:
hot girls in the vicinity rating: (kidding, well... if you really want to add it,, I'm fine with that)

and also crappy eats of the bay, if you have any.

k, thx

guess I'll start first.

Zachary's Pizza

5801 College Ave.
Oakland, California 94618

Pizza, anything's good there, I mean exceptionally

Roxie Food Center Number 1

1901 San Jose Ave
San Francisco, CA
94112

415-587-2345

hands down the best deli sandwiches in town!

[B]Caio Bella[/B]
9217 Highway 9
Ben Lomond CA 95005
831-336-9221

Awesome Italian food... Hard place to describe other than overwhelming.
Lots of hot chicks working there.

The drive up there is awesome, twistys through the redwoods.
After dinner go across the street to Henflings for good live music.

[b]Taqueria La Bamba [/b]
2058 Old Middlefield Way,
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 965-2755

Best damn burritos and tacos south of 92.

... La Bamba kicks ass

Los Vaqueros
1000 No. Vasco Rd.
Livermore CA 94550
$15-20
Taqueria plus steaks, seafood.
Get the shrimp appetizer - huge prawns stuffed with Gouda cheese, then wrapped in bacon, grilled, and topped with chipotle mayo.

Val's Burgers
2115 Kelly St
Hayward, CA 94541-3225
$10-15
Burgers, fries, shakes, breakfasts.

Location/NAME: Le Cheval
Address:1007 Clay Street, Oakland 510.763.8495
Dish(es): Vietnamese
Price Range: $10-$15 an item

I'm going to list two places because they are completely different. I don't know the address, sorry.

1) Oasis Burger
El Camino Rd, Palo Alto (across from the Chevy Dealership)
Burgers, Cheese Steaks, Pizza, Beer, Its a nice "Dive"
Yes, there are usually girls there
The cost ranges, its not that expensive

2) Vitos Cafe
Stevenson Ave, Newark (right off 880)
Mostly Italian food
Some of the servers are cute!
The cost can range, but again not that expensive

[QUOTE=OwlBoogie]Location/NAME: Le Cheval
Address:1007 Clay Street, Oakland 510.763.8495
Dish(es): Vietnamese
Price Range: $10-$15 an item[/QUOTE]


Hmmm....I'm gunna take your word for it and try this place next week. Hopefully it's yummy. =]

-Yen

De Ming's Asian Cuisine
105 Town And Country Dr
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 820-8887
$10-15 average

I can't stand bad chinese food (or any bad food for that matter, being a former restaurant owner!), so I only go to great Chinese restaurants.

This place makes the best Honey-walnut prawns, and their dishes are very unique.

WARNING: Service sucks here! Only the Maitress Di and the tall male server are cool, the ***** server with the glasses is a damn jail warden!

Tu Lan vietnamese restaurant
6th street @ Market, san francisco

Horrible/dangerous neighorhood, excellent service and mouthwatering cheap food


also
Saigon Sandwich
Larkin street @ Eddy street, san francisco

Similarly horrible neighborhood, excellent ban mi vietnamese sandwiches for $2 that really fill you up along with a lot of other pastries etc.

[QUOTE=OwlBoogie]Location/NAME: Le Cheval
Address:1007 Clay Street, Oakland 510.763.8495
Dish(es): Vietnamese
Price Range: $10-$15 an item[/QUOTE]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DON'T!!!!!
They suck major ass. So we as in my family decides to open a restaurant, similar to Le Chevals but way classier called CAm Ranh Bay which is now sold due to a kitchen fire, but the wannabe fake thugs of the owner's family come around my family and start f-ing with, us telling us our restaurant will ruin them and take away their customers....oh wait isn't our restaurant in Downtown SAn Mateo and yours by the Federal building in Oakland? Yeah it is! what fools. Plus their food is only ok, seriously, not biased (bcs I don't have a restaurant anymore)

is this like Vietnamese fast-food, or a sit-down, full-course restaurant?

[QUOTE=thebankman]Tu Lan vietnamese restaurant
6th street @ Market, san francisco

Horrible/dangerous neighorhood, excellent service and mouthwatering cheap food

[/QUOTE]

Hatoba & Arirang Restaurant
1099 Reganti Dr (right off Monument blvd. aka "Little Mexico")
Concord, CA 94518
(925) 609-8320

My favourite food is sashimi & japanese food. I've been to many great Japanese restaurants, and this place has the best sushi & sashimi for the value.

Mr. Kim the sushimaster is a badass.

It is owned and operated by Koreans, and they also have a full Korean menu.

So what do you recommend for a good, sit-down Vietnamese/Indochine restaurant?

[QUOTE=fizay]NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DON'T!!!!!
They suck major ass.[/QUOTE]

Charlie Hong Kong's
1141 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz
$5-10
Organic noodles and rice dishes
I recomend the Spicy Dan's dish, it soo good, wish they were closer

this should be a sticky somewhere, seriously. Mods?

Tu Lan is a sit-down or take-out restaurant. actually the insides of the place are tiny though there are two levels for dining, it gets hot inside and the food is to die for. seriously inexpensive. i had the #24 (forget what it was but it had beef in it) and i tried my friend's selections that night, everything was good.

but the saigon sandwich is take-out only.

Taqueria Los Gallos
Address:
35232 Newark Boulevard
Newark, CA 94560

Dishes:
Mexican Food

Price Range: $2.50 and up. The Super Burritos are $5 and really great there and they're of course super huge.

The girls that go there aren't too bad. On a good day, not only do you have a big plate of food in front of you, but a nice variety of women in the joint

-Jayme

Of all the mexican food I have had, (Mostly in Santa Cruz County) This place (not in Santa Cruz) has the BEST mexican food!

Name: Adelita's Taqueria
Address: 1896 Curtner Ave. San Jose, CA 95124
Dish(es): Mexican
Price Range: $5 - $10

Best damn burrito I have EVER had!

there's a mexican place in Fremont across the Jack In the Box next to Safeway, (I think that's Fremont Blvd?) But that place has awesome super burritos.

name: Plaza Gourmet
address: edgewater blvd. in foster city, ca--right next to albertsons in edgewater plaza
dish(es): a variety of philly cheese steak sandwiches + other deli stuff
price: $7-10

if you live in the area, im sure you know of this place. their philly cheese steak sandwiches are soooooo good you've gotta try them for yourself

Name: La Pinata
Address: 2699 Merced St, San Leandro, CA 94577
Dish(es): Mexican
Price Range: $10 - $15

Best darn super burritos I've ever tasted.

AND, I also have to add a second vote to Le Cheval in Oakland. I've never experienced any bad service with them. Their take-out orders are of very nice and generous proportions. I like their cube steak combination. I don't remember what it's called exactly, but it's some good eats.

[QUOTE=supertek75]Taqueria Los Gallos
Address:
35232 Newark Boulevard
Newark, CA 94560

Dishes:
Mexican Food

Price Range: $2.50 and up. The Super Burritos are $5 and really great there and they're of course super huge.

The girls that go there aren't too bad. On a good day, not only do you have a big plate of food in front of you, but a nice variety of women in the joint

-Jayme[/QUOTE]


That place is awesome! Go there all the time. There is another one with identical food in Fremont.

Name: Egg Roll King
Address: 6873 Mission St - (650) 992-0771
Dish(es): Chinese
Price Range: $1.00 - $10.00

Damn good chinese food, for really cheap prices!

Located across from the VW dealership on Mission in Daly City.
Corner of Mission and Westgate.

Bob's Hoagy Steaks
Fremont, corner of Fremont Blvd. and Peralta Blvd.
Hayward, corner of Industrial Blvd. and Mission Blvd.
$5-$10 meals
Great Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches
They also have some good BBQ dishes
and a plethora of Hot Sauses you can buy by the bottle

[QUOTE=Littleboyblue]I'm going to list two places because they are completely different. I don't know the address, sorry.

1) Oasis Burger
El Camino Rd, Palo Alto (across from the Chevy Dealership)
Burgers, Cheese Steaks, Pizza, Beer, Its a nice "Dive"
Yes, there are usually girls there
The cost ranges, its not that expensive

[/quote]

actually it's menlo park :)
Oasis Beer Garden (aka Oasis Burger)
241 El Camino Real Menlo Park CA 94025 (650) 326-8896

along those lines there's also:
dutch goose
that has similar food
and on alameda de la pugas in menlo park
3567 Alameda
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 854-3245

and, for other foods:

1. Trattatoria Buon Gusto
Italian
651 Oak Grove Ave # 661, Menlo Park, CA, (650) 328-2778
Price Range: Moderate
Venue: Small family run restaurant. One of my favorites.

2. Shiok!
Singaporean
1137 Chestnut St, Menlo Park, CA, (650) 838-9448
Price Range: Moderate
Venue: Another small family run restaurant. Supposedly better than Straight's cafe according to other Singaporeans ;).

3. Krung Thai
Thai
640 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA, (408) 260-8224
Price Range: Moderate
Venue: Casual

4. Three Seasons
Vietnamese/Thai
518 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA, (650) 838-0353
Price Range: A little more expensive
Venue: Casual to Business Casual

5. Koi Palace
Cantonese Cuisine
365 Gellert Blvd, Daly City, CA, (650) 992-9000
Price Range: Considered a bit expensive. Depends what you order :p
Venue: Typical Nicer Chinese Restuarant

6. Joy Luck Place
Cantonese Cuisine
10911 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, CA, (408) 255-6988
Price Range: A bit less than Koi
Venue: Casual

7. Palace BBQ Buffet
Korean
1092 E El Camino Real # 1, Sunnyvale, CA, (408) 554-9292
Price Range: Apprx. $25/person
Venue: All you can eat Korean BBQ.

8. Korea House
Korean
2340 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, (408) 249-0808
Price Range: Moderate
Venue: Casual

9. Ryowa
Japanese Ramen
859 Villa St, Mountain View, CA, (650) 965-8829
Price Range: Cheap
Venue: Very Casual

10. Top Cafe
Western Style HK Food
1075 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose, CA, (408) 996-7797
Price Range: Cheap
Venue: Very Casual - open till 3 am. Great after late nite HWY 9 drives...

forgot to add:

Amato's Restaurant
Philly Cheese Steaks
1162 Saratoga Ave. San Jose CA, (408) 246-4007

and

Acorn
Meditteranean Food
1906 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA, (650) 322-6201
Price Range: Pricey
Venue: Business Casual

YES! The thread is a success. As a fellow lardass, I thank you other lardasses. Lard on brothers.

[QUOTE=fizay]YES! The thread is a success. As a fellow lardass, I thank you other lardasses. Lard on brothers.[/QUOTE]

[i]and sistas[/i] ;)

[QUOTE=dahveed]


This place makes the best Honey-walnut prawns, and their dishes are very unique.
[/QUOTE]


BEST DISH EVAR!

Name: Taqueria Guadalajara
Type: Mexican
Location: 14327 E. 14th St, San Leandro
Prices: $3-$10
Notes: Super burritos for $4.25. I've been eating here for years!

Name: Lee's Buffett
Type: Chinese, Korean, Japanese buffett
Location: 271 El Camino Real, San Bruno
Prices: $10-12? (sorry, not sure, cuz I ate there for free for a friend's birthday)
Notes: My initial impression is that this place is good if you're super hungry and you can't decide between 3 different Asian styles of food, it's a pretty good place to get some eats. My friends love this place. However, since it was a party upstairs of the restaurant I was attending, I didn't really get to chow down.

Name: Emeryville Farmer's Market Food Court
Type: Practically everything under the sun! (Italian, Asian, Mexican, American, etc)
Location: 5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville
Prices: Varies
Notes: I haven't been there for years. However, whenever I was there, even as hungry as I was. I had a HARD time deciding what to eat. So even if you're not hungry, you will get hungry walking around the gigantic food court.

Name: Gypsys Trattoria Italiano
Type: Italian
Location: 2519 Durant Ave, Berkeley
Prices: $4-10
Notes: Top quality Italian food without the "top quality Italian" price. Without waiters, this cuts down on their prices. My friends and I always hit up this place when we're fiendin' for some Italian and we don't have much cash on us. For me, I just order something that's $6-$7 and a glass of water. The calzones are friggin' huge. The portions are pretty generous IMO. Then right across the way from that place, King Pin Donuts. If you love custard, treat yourself to a custard donut after your meal at that same food court. Dessert of the Gods!

Name: BJ's Brewhouse
Type: American/Chicago-style pizza/sports bar
Prices: $4 (happy hour) to $15
Location: 10690 N De Anza Blvd., Cupertino
Notes: One word. PIZZOOOKIIIEEEEEE! IMO, one of the best desserts ever. It's basically a giant thin soft baked-cookie with a scoop of ice cream on top. I've had their peanut butter pizzookie and the chocolate-chip. Their personal pizzas are pretty tasty. Try the buffalo chicken one. I normally hit up this place during happy hour. Their personal deep dish pizzas are half off during that time!

Name: Englander Sports Pub & Bar
Type: American/sports bar/English pub
Location: 101 Parrott St, San Leandro
Prices: $6-$18
Notes: Welp, this is my local sports pub hangout spot. There's a good number of foods that are beer-battered or cooked in beer. The quesadillas are pretty awesome. I had the "Englander Pub Burger", which is a heartattack in a bun. Imagine your standard burger topped with grilled onions, cheddar, and linguica. Good eats. My friends and I hang out here if we're hungry at night and wanna catch a Warriors game on the tube.

On a side note. I second Los Gallos. I went there once and had a soft taco and their nachos. The cheese is perfect on their nachos and you can eat with friends cheap. Just load up on their free chips and salsa. The toppings on the nachos are more than enough to flavor a couple extra bowls of chips. I love those Vietnamese sandwiches. The only place in the east bay that I can buy them at are at Oakland Chinatown. I wished they had someplace that's closer to San Leandro when I wanna do a quick drive and pick up a couple of those when I'm hungry. Anyone know of a place in Hayward, Castro Valley, or San Leandro?

[QUOTE=Lowend][B]Caio Bella[/B]
9217 Highway 9
Ben Lomond CA 95005
831-336-9221

Awesome Italian food... Hard place to describe other than overwhelming.
Lots of hot chicks working there.

The drive up there is awesome, twistys through the redwoods.
After dinner go across the street to Henflings for good live music.[/QUOTE]


dude that place took a nose dive in a quick way. freaking guy snorted all the money away.
I hear that the girls are running it now and it's on it's way back to where it was before.

But yeah..used to be one of my favorite places. Great food. Good fun.

Name: [url=http://www.houseofsoulfood.com/]House of Soul Food[/url]
Addr: 2015 Lafayette St, Santa Clara CA 95050
Phone : 408-227-SOUL
Type : Soul Food/Southern (US) cooking. Catfish, BBQ, Chicken, Southern Veggies, etc
Cost : moderate/cheap
Notes : lifesaver for a relocated Southern Boy like myself :D

Name: Midori
Addr: 1066 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale
Phone : (408) 985-1000
Type : Japanese/Sushi
Cost : moderate (for Sushi)
Notes : Excellent stuff, VERY fresh fish, the owner is a nut (but in a good way :D)

Name : Su's Mongolian Barbeque
Addr : 1111 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Phone : (408) 985-2958
Type : See Restaurant Name ;)
Cost : cheap
Notes : Good all-u-can-eat place for Mongolian BBQ, very reasonably priced

i second impala on su's and midori :p

[QUOTE=Impala SS AutoX]Name: [url=http://www.houseofsoulfood.com/]House of Soul Food[/url]

Name : Su's Mongolian Barbeque
Addr : 1111 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Phone : (408) 985-2958
Type : See Restaurant Name ;)
Cost : cheap
Notes : Good all-u-can-eat place for Mongolian BBQ, very reasonably priced[/QUOTE]

Haha.. This is a fav of my friends and I. Codename: "The Dirty Stick" for obvious reasons... ;)

My favs:

Name : St. Johns Bar and Grill
Addr : 510 Lawrence Expressway, Sunnyvale
Phone : (408) 738-8515
Type : Bar food - awesome burgers and cheeseteaks, daily specials that are awesome (Tri-Tip Tuesday, etc)
Cost : moderate
Notes : Outside dining, great beers, popular car club meet place

Name : Rock Bottom Brewery
Addr : 1875 S Bascom Ave (Pruneyard), Campbell
Phone : (408) 377-0707
Type : Bar food, great entrees, great beer (used to be greater, oh well)
Cost : moderate
Notes : Try the Racoon Red, bring a driver

There are so so so many more. I really like Chipotle, "Tacos Jalapa" on El Camino in Sunnyvale, "Burrito Factory" on Hollenbeck, etc..

-Jacob

Since it looks like Burritos are popular, here's my contribution:

These places have the best burritos in the bay area (still not as good as the burritos in San Diego, though).

Tacos El Grullense E & E (The E & E is important!)
2401 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA
(650) 369-9013

Tacqueria Cancun
2288 Mission St (Mission and 19th St)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-9560

Additionally, I'd HIGHLY recommend San Tung in the Sunset. Great chinese food, good prices, always packed, and the BEST chicken wings I've ever had (get the Dry Friend Chicken Wings).

San Tung
1031 Irving St
San Francisco, CA
(415) 242-0828

Those are my favorite places to eat.

John

[QUOTE=ScoobyEnthused]Name: La Pinata
Address: 2699 Merced St, San Leandro, CA 94577
Dish(es): Mexican
Price Range: $10 - $15

Best darn super burritos I've ever tasted.

AND, I also have to add a second vote to Le Cheval in Oakland. I've never experienced any bad service with them. Their take-out orders are of very nice and generous proportions. I like their cube steak combination. I don't remember what it's called exactly, but it's some good eats.[/QUOTE]


you da man...those places rip. The one in hayward rips. Other great locations are in alameda across from the lost weekend...love that place. And in old newark.



now for my recommendations...haaa.

Santa Cruz area.

1. Blue Spoon.
off state park. Looks like a oil american pit..used to be. My buddy redid the menu...now it's more mediteranean. Haven't been in a while but last time I went it was just amazing. had a portabella raviolli with some lobster sauce or something..can't remember...freakin awesome. Good wines. Pretty quiet. Nice place for a date. Not too outrageously priced.

2. Crow's Nest
2218 East Cliff Dr.
great seafood...and i rarely eat seafood.

3. La Fondue
14510 Big Basin Way Saratoga CA
french....great...expensive as all hell.

4. Wine Cellar
University Ave. Los Gatos
Italian. Great food. Nice place. Great date. NOT cheap...at all.

5. Star Bene
21245 E. Cliff santa cruz.
Italian. One of my new favorites. Small. Good wines. good service. Great food. Incredible Desert.....this is one of those must save room for desert places. Probably run you about $80-115 if you eat a full course and drink wine.

6. The Basin
14572 Big Basin Way Saratoga CA
American food. Small. haven't had it yet myself...but i plan to. From what I hear it's one of the best places around right now.

7. Blacks Beach Cafe
15th and East Cliff
American..with a med twist. Good food. Great lunches. great view. not first on my list but it's worth the visit. one of the not so dress up date places.

there's more..just ask.

San Francisco

1. Garibaldi's
presidio ave.
Freaking awesome food. I've been to the one in berkeley too. We spent $2400 there... like 16 of us. work deal. great freakin steak.

2. Elite Cafe
Filmore
Cajun....good. Nuff said.

Date spots...in sf area.

you look up the info...i'm done..haaaa. but these places rip...and many of them from personal experience.....work.

Il Cantuccio. Italian. small. not outrageous
bubble Lounge...liquor. posh/yuppie
enrico's.....kicks massive ass in many ways.
Julie's supper club....awesome. good for drinks and snacks. Good for food and good for big parties.
Mecca. Great lunch spot
Irish Bank. Great for beers...first quick date type of deal before dinner. very crowded.
foreign cinema. Really nice. in the mission. shows foreign films on the walls. good food. Great bar/liquor selection. Oysters are bomb...and i don't like oysters. kinda expensive. was $500 for 4 of us. but we went all out. haaa.

man that's it for me....just look em up online for directions.
I've got some in fremont, monterey, bah..whatever.

Naked Fish
24703 Amador St
Hayward, CA
(510) 887-4569

Damn good sushi and pretty low prices. Their Elvis Rock and Roll and Sunny California Rolls (sushi that's been deep fried in tempura batter) are friggin awesome.

Forgot about the citaaay...

My favs in SF:

Name : El Farolito
Addr : 24th & Mission
Type : Taqueria - my fav..
Cost : cheap, taqueria prices
Notes : No mas sesos.

Name : Arinells
Addr : 509 Valencia
Type : Best pizza in the city (IMHO)
Cost : cheap!
Notes : Mmm.. Grab a pie, fight off the bums all the way to Shotwell.

Name : Ramblas Tapas
Addr : 557 Valencia (the mission)
Type : Spanish fare, Tapas
Cost : moderate to high
Notes : everything is great! Portions are somewhat authentic, but way larger. Great beers.

Name : Naan & Curry
Addr : 642 Irving St (there's one on Jackson too)
Type : Indian, awesome.. BYOB.
Cost : cheap!
Notes : Mmm.. Best chicken tikka. Bring tums.

Name : Crepevine
Addr : Irving St (couldn't find it in Yahoo)
Type : breakfast, awesome..
Cost : moderate
Notes : scrambles are amazing, try the safari cooler.. Awesome coffee!

Name : Raintree
Addr : 654 Irving St
Type : Irish..
Cost : moderate
Notes : Great breakfast, watch the potato dude go!

One of my favourite places ever - in Redwood City:

Name : Hawaiian Drive In
Addr : El Camino Real, Redwood City, across from the high school (yahoo sucks)
Type : Hawaiian, Chinese - get yo kahlua pig or saimin! L&L Style..
Cost : cheap!
Notes : Mmm.. BBQ Chicken plate, no ka oi. Sort of a dive, but I love it. Food is kickarse.


There's lots more, I mean - I love snacks, but - I gotta get to work.

-Jacob

Hmm...I was curious about Hawaiian Drive Inn. One just opened up on the other side of the Circuit City in Hayward. I've already had L&L's by the Food Max off Tennyson and Hesperian. I love spam musubi.

[QUOTE=Takumi]Hmm...I was curious about Hawaiian Drive Inn. One just opened up on the other side of the Circuit City in Hayward. I've already had L&L's by the Food Max off Tennyson and Hesperian. I love spam musubi.[/QUOTE]


I just went to the hayward location last weekend... it was damn good! Quality and size of their portions was on par w/ L&L, but they got them beat by their service. I swear it takes L&L at least 15 minutes to get your order up vs. about 4-5 min at Hawaiian drive inn

[QUOTE=babysmurf]actually it's menlo park :)
Oasis Beer Garden (aka Oasis Burger)
241 El Camino Real Menlo Park CA 94025 (650) 326-8896

along those lines there's also:
dutch goose
that has similar food
and on alameda de la pugas in menlo park
3567 Alameda
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 854-3245

...[/QUOTE]
There are two oasis burgers, and they are both on the el camino and both are by chevy dealerships. The one in Palo Alto is better.
How can you not mention Applewood Pizza with their bomb pizza and langos. That stuff is the greatest ever.
1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA
Telephone: (650) 324-3486 - Fax (650) 325-7021
Across the street from keplers.

is there one of those hawaiian drive ins in milpitas area? My room mate just took me to this place called island something or other..freaking grub. he's got hawaiian family so he'd be stoked if I could show him a new place locally.

[QUOTE=OneManArmy]is there one of those hawaiian drive ins in milpitas area? My room mate just took me to this place called island something or other..freaking grub. he's got hawaiian family so he'd be stoked if I could show him a new place locally.[/QUOTE]

nope... closest hawaiian drive inn would be hayward. L&L hawaiian BBQ will open soon in union city. For milpitas try either

Bento Xpress (next to hollywood video)
23 N Milpitas Blvd
Milpitas, CA
Never ate there but I know they have plate lunch style menus (katsu, kalbi, etc + 2 scoop rice + salad) and saimen

Aloha Family Restaurant
148 N Milpitas Blvd
Milpitas, CA
Ate there twice... not so good. Not really a "plate lunch" place. It's sit down and they have things like deep fried mahi mahi and mac salad on the menu. I think they have a hawaiian buffet on the weekend.

bento Xpress is more japanese than hawaiian. I know they share a lot of similar stuff but it's pure japanese. I've been there many many times.

bummer....have to look around I guess. new mission. My last mission was vietnamese/pho places.

Name : Van San Kan
Addr : 2134 Oxford St, Berkeley
Type : Japanese
Cost : Medium
Notes : my favorite japanese restaurant in the bay so far, it is very underrated

Name : ***i Sushi
Addr : 4119 El Camino, Palo Alto
Type : Japanese
Cost : med/ high
Notes : i like their ochachike especially, but my folks think they overcharge way too much for that dish

Name : Ryowa Ramen
Addr : 2068 University Ave, Berkeley
Type : Ramen
Cost : cheap
Notes : pretty much same deal as the mountain view store, but the Berkeley one got a cute waitress :)

Name : Barney's Gourmet Hambergers
Addr :1591 Solano Ave.
Type : Gourmet burgers
Cost : cheap/med
Notes : out of the ones around berkeley, i think the solano one is better, dunno why.

[QUOTE=ftnssn]There are two oasis burgers, and they are both on the el camino and both are by chevy dealerships. The one in Palo Alto is better.
How can you not mention Applewood Pizza with their bomb pizza and langos. That stuff is the greatest ever.
1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA
Telephone: (650) 324-3486 - Fax (650) 325-7021
Across the street from keplers.[/QUOTE]

:drooling:

Applewood is the bomb. They have the best crust


Here is my favorite:
The Dutch Goose
Located on the Alameda in Menlo Park
Anything on the special board rocks, or hit up their specialty... big greasy burgers with special sauce
They also have Anchor Steam on tap :banana:

EDIT: oops... I see somebody beat me to the Goose post. Oh well, I second it!

[QUOTE=doodoobrown]Naked Fish
24703 Amador St
Hayward, CA
(510) 887-4569

Damn good sushi and pretty low prices. Their Elvis Rock and Roll and Sunny California Rolls (sushi that's been deep fried in tempura batter) are friggin awesome.[/QUOTE]

I second Naked Fish, Krung Thai, and Palace BBQ (all of which have been mentioned atleast once in this thread).

I also recommend:

Wente Vineyards Restaurant
5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore
Ph. (925) 456-2450
Type: American with Italian and French Influence
Cost: Medium

Ray's Sushi
888 W A St, Hayward
Ph. (510) 887-0701
Type: Japanese
Cost: Medium

Brother-In-Law's BBQ
Ghetto, San Francisco (corner of Divisidero and Crow)
Ph. (415) 931-7427
Type: Slow Roasted BBQ
Cost: Cheap/Medium
**You don't want to eat here. Pick it up and bring it home :)

two bomb places for pho, and being a hardcore vietnamese person (when it comes to food, and fortunately, only food) one is
Saigon Express/ Berkeley
2045 Shattuck Ave. Bomb shizzle, try their claypot catfish too, that's pretty grubbin

and Saigon II in the corner of East Pacific Mall in El Cerrito. Bomb too

Anyone know any gooooooood Vietnamese restaurants around the Bay area? Especially if they have other yummy goodies other than just the usual Pho? A nice looking vietnamese restaurant with bomb ass food. Usually a nice looking Vietnamese restaurant equals mediocre or crappy food. I want to take my parents out to a nice and yummy Vietnamese restaurant. Thanks! =]

-Yen

name:Tommys Wok
Location: Carmel, CA on Mission St & Ocean Ave
phone#: 831-624-8518
food type: chinese (as you can guess)

very reasonably priced, and a quick description of it.... this is exactly what I said the first time I ate there...

"its like edible shakespeare, the food is poetic..."

Miranda

name: dennys
location: everywhere
OPEN 24 HOURS!

real good food! u should try it!

[QUOTE=TripleBlkWRX]Bob's Hoagy Steaks
Fremont, corner of Fremont Blvd. and Peralta Blvd.
Hayward, corner of Industrial Blvd. and Mission Blvd.
$5-$10 meals
Great Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches
They also have some good BBQ dishes
and a plethora of Hot Sauses you can buy by the bottle[/QUOTE]

i must second this place. My friend's parent's friends own this restaurant and although it may not look good. This place has awesome philly cheese steaks, tempura onion rings, and tempura calamari. Their BBQ is ok, but if you're in fremont then this place is great.

[QUOTE=FUNKED1]Los Vaqueros
1000 No. Vasco Rd.
Livermore CA 94550
$15-20
Taqueria plus steaks, seafood.
Get the shrimp appetizer - huge prawns stuffed with Gouda cheese, then wrapped in bacon, grilled, and topped with chipotle mayo. [/QUOTE]

I just went there today, and it was better than average, but not great. It's also kinda weird how it's connected to a shell gas station.

Los Caporales Taqueria
Address: 2130 1st St, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: (925) 449-4454
Mexican from $1.50-$10

This is a great place. It's a hole-in-the-wall mexican place, but it's awesome. Usually hole-in-the-wall places have excellent food, though maybe not a great dining area. I had the wet jumbo super burrito and that was awesome. This is probably the best mexican food I have had in the east bay.

[QUOTE=OneManArmy]is there one of those hawaiian drive ins in milpitas area? My room mate just took me to this place called island something or other..freaking grub. he's got hawaiian family so he'd be stoked if I could show him a new place locally.[/QUOTE]

L&L is a pretty good hawaiian restaurant. Though the closest one to you is hayward. Not sure if you're willing to go out that far, but I must say, don't get their spam musubi(sp?) even I can make a better one than theirs.

Name: Sushi House
Address: 2226 South Shore Center #B, Alameda CA 94501
Phone: 510-865-0999
Cost: Pretty cheap for Sushi
Food: Their special rolls are the ****. Screw the bentos....order the special rolls.
Note: Be prepared to wait at least 30-45 min during dinner time. The place is ALWAYS packed. Well worth the drive.
[url]http://www.e-sushihouse.com/sushi.html#special_rolls[/url]

Name: Cheese Steak Shop
Address: 5524 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95138
Phone: (408) 972-0271
Cost: Moderate
Food: Various Philly Cheesesteaks
Note: There are several locations. One in Pleasanton, Castro Valley, etc. The cheesesteaks are the best. ;)

Name: Celias
Address: 3190 Campus Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: (650) 349-0165
Cost: Moderate
Food: Mexican
Note: Aros Con Pollo is awesome here. :)

Name: Sneha
Address: 1214 Apollo Way # 404b, Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone: (408) 736-2720
Cost: 6-9 for all you can eat buffet
Food: Indian buffet

Name: Half Penny Fish & Grill
Address: 1350 S Park Victoria Dr # 43, Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (408) 262-1114
Cost: Moderate
Food: Fish & chips, teriyaki, etc.

[QUOTE=TripleBlkWRX]Bob's Hoagy Steaks
Fremont, corner of Fremont Blvd. and Peralta Blvd.
Hayward, corner of Industrial Blvd. and Mission Blvd.
$5-$10 meals
Great Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches
They also have some good BBQ dishes
and a plethora of Hot Sauses you can buy by the bottle[/QUOTE]


Also try their Hoagy Steak sandwhich. Similar to a philly chease steak sandwhich, but better! it's good.

-Yen

[QUOTE=doodoobrown]Naked Fish
24703 Amador St
Hayward, CA
(510) 887-4569

Damn good sushi and pretty low prices. Their Elvis Rock and Roll and Sunny California Rolls (sushi that's been deep fried in tempura batter) are friggin awesome.[/QUOTE]

I've been to Naked Fish A LOT! I agree that they're pretty darn cheap for sushi, but I think they have a smaller selection. But if you like that place, try my new favorite out... And it's not even a hop-skip away from Naked Fish.

Name: Tomodachi
Address: 24123 Hesperian Blvd - Hayward, CA 94545
Price: cheap --> moderate
[url]http://www.tomodachisushibistro.com/[/url]
Really fresh fish and great ambience. At dinner-time, sushi chefs at the sushi bar get just as "fun" with the sake as the customers do.

Kinder's on Taylor Blvd in Pleasant Hill

Los Panchos on Contra Costa in Martinez

[QUOTE=princesschels22]Kinder's on Taylor Blvd in Pleasant Hill
[/QUOTE]

there is also a kinders on arnold industrial way in concord

Kinder's Meats
[url]http://www.kindersmeats.com/[/url]
1820 Arnold Industrial Way
Concord, CA
94520
(925) 825-2333

2227 Morello Ave.
Pleasant Hill, CA
94523
(925) 798-2333

Name: El Balazo
Address: 4515 Rosewood Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (925) 734-8226
Cost: Moderate
Food: Mexican
Note: Super burrito mojado owns...

[QUOTE=View Askew]Name: El Balazo
Address: 4515 Rosewood Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (925) 734-8226
Cost: Moderate
Food: Mexican
Note: Super burrito mojado owns...[/QUOTE]

there is one of those in san ramon as well. in the marketplace (intersection of alcosta & bollinger)

[QUOTE=ScoobyEnthused]I've been to Naked Fish A LOT! I agree that they're pretty darn cheap for sushi, but I think they have a smaller selection. But if you like that place, try my new favorite out... And it's not even a hop-skip away from Naked Fish.

Name: Tomodachi
Address: 24123 Hesperian Blvd - Hayward, CA 94545
Price: cheap --> moderate
[url]http://www.tomodachisushibistro.com/[/url]
Really fresh fish and great ambience. At dinner-time, sushi chefs at the sushi bar get just as "fun" with the sake as the customers do.[/QUOTE]

i was wondering about that place. seemed like they took a year to get that place renovated. i'll have to try it out with tommy this weekend.

Here's a few for those in the South Bay. I prefer places that offer great food and atmosphere for a reasonable price. Dinner and drinks for two will run less than $30:

1) Aqui - "Cal-Mex"
1145 Lincoln Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125

This is in downtown Willow Glen for those of you familiar with the South Bay. Great bar for dining inside, great patio with heaters for eating outside and killer margaritas. I highly recommend the Thai chicken and teriyaki steak burritos.

2) Sonoma Chicken Coop
31 North Market Street
San Jose, California, 95113

[img]http://www.sonomachickencoop.com/images/entrance_back.jpg[/img]

Fairly new restaurant in San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose. Gourmet menu and awesome patio right in the heart of downtown. Their BBQ chicken pizza is dang good and they have gourmet salads for the ladies. Sierra Nevada on tap and live music on Friday.

3) Gordon Biersch
33 East San Fernando Street
San Jose, CA 95113

[img]http://www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants/_images/img-san_jose-a.jpg[/img]

Right in downtown San Jose. Hands down the best patio and live music on weekends. This will run more like $40-$50 for dinner and drinks for two but is worth it.

Jimbo

[QUOTE=Jimbo]
3) Gordon Biersch
33 East San Fernando Street
San Jose, CA 95113

Jimbo[/QUOTE]

Gordon Biersch SF is a better designed store :D

[QUOTE=View Askew]Name: El Balazo
Address: 4515 Rosewood Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (925) 734-8226
Cost: Moderate
Food: Mexican
Note: Super burrito mojado owns...[/QUOTE]

El Balazo is everywhere. It's a chain kinda like Baja Fresh. My personal opinion is that this place has semi-authentic mexican food, but the service i've recieved there has been horrible.

[QUOTE=STi-owns-evo]El Balazo is everywhere. It's a chain kinda like Baja Fresh. My personal opinion is that this place has semi-authentic mexican food, but the service i've recieved there has been horrible.[/QUOTE]

I didn't know. I've only been 2 the one in Pleasanton. All good there...can't comment on other locations as I haven't been there.

[QUOTE=View Askew]I didn't know. I've only been 2 the one in Pleasanton. All good there...can't comment on other locations as I haven't been there.[/QUOTE]

I've been to the one in danville next to costco and it's pretty damn good. I highly recommend getting their chicken mole.

Another good mexican place

Los Cunados Mexican Food (next to banana leaf)
196 Ranch Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-0844

Damn good tacos with about 10 different meat choices. Their shrimp tacos are the best!

[QUOTE=doodoobrown]I've been to the one in danville next to costco and it's pretty damn good. I highly recommend getting their chicken mole.

Another good mexican place

Los Cunados Mexican Food (next to banana leaf)
196 Ranch Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-0844

Damn good tacos with about 10 different meat choices. They're shrimp tacos are the best![/QUOTE]

Cool. I'll check it out. I always see that place, but have never gone. I'll try it when I'm in the area. :)

The 2 el balazo's I've been to in San Ramon weren't that great.

I 2nd Sushi House in alameda, they are finally gonna make a larger place by the bowling alley.

Also Bob's hoagy steaks

Race St Fish Market
race st, san jose
price = cheap
great fish/chips and clam chowder rocks there

[QUOTE=STi-owns-evo]El Balazo is everywhere. It's a chain kinda like Baja Fresh. My personal opinion is that this place has semi-authentic mexican food, but the service i've recieved there has been horrible.[/QUOTE]

It depends on the store. The one off Crow Canyon (by Max's) is great.

Khanh's Garden
across from Santana Row
really great food, really great prices. Been around for like twenty years.

Not many hot chicks but a remarkable restaurant. I am well travelled and it is my favorite restaurant in the world, bar none. Not Nobu or Tribeca in NYC, not anything in japan not anything in europe nothing in china blah blah blah Khanh's is the best.

Did i mention I went to school with the owners son?

Try the barbecue chicken over rice, their chicken/beef noodle soup, or their fried noodles with chicken.

I order fried noodles with chicken plain with nothing on them........ so good so easy so simple... blahhhhhhhh

1)Korea House
El Camino Real, Santa Clara
$5-$15 plates...lunch buffet isn't too bad either
*Owner has an interesting hair style..

2)Krung Thai
2 restaurants on Winchester Blvd, San Jose,
Thai Food
*This place got expensive when they got good restaurant reviews in the paper....price range used to be cheaper.

3)Bob's Hoagy Steaks
Fremont, corner of Fremont Blvd. and Peralta Blvd.
Hayward, corner of Industrial Blvd. and Mission Blvd.
$5-$10 meals
Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches kick a$$ and the fish and chips aren't too bad either.
*The owner voice sounds like Mrs.Swan from Mad TV...I Used to go there on thursday nights
and she used to watch Smackdown..

4) Vitos Cafe
Stevenson Ave, Newark next to the Pack n Save...or is it Food for Less now? dkdc
Italian food
Some of the servers are cute!
The cost can range, but again not that expensive
*I reccomend the meatball sub w/mozzarella

5)La Pearla...(I think thats the name cause its a taco truck)
Mexican Food
It used to be on Fremont Blvd near Washington accross the street from Jackin the box but now its near Thorton and Fremont Blvd...next to a used car lot.
$1 tacos to about $5 super burritos.
*the super burrito is huge! can't go wrong for $5

6)Saiko Sushi
Capitol and Hostetter, San Jose
*It's sushi so it ain't cheap...I sometimes judge a good sushi restaurant by the size of the sake (fresh salmon). If the sake covers the rice then the restaurant is a contender. This place covers the rice and then some. Nice ambiance...pretty waitresses and the owner is pretty cool too.

Here are just a few from the top of my head(and the previous posts)...I still got a few more places to reccomend...I got a big tummy...I like eating and I'm good at it too...haha

My friend sent his Thai clients to Krung Thai after they asked him to direct them to a good Thai place (guess they missed the flavors from back home). He sent them to Krung Thai. The next day they came to him and thanked him for sending them there. According to them it tasted just like back home. They ate there every night for a week until they left.

[QUOTE=WOTWRX]
4) Vitos Cafe
Stevenson Ave, Newark next to the Pack n Save...or is it Food for Less now? dkdc
Italian food
Some of the servers are cute!
The cost can range, but again not that expensive
*I reccomend the meatball sub w/mozzarella

[/QUOTE]

I posted that up already! But isn't it so good!

[QUOTE=WOTWRX]1)Korea House
El Camino Real, Santa Clara
$5-$15 plates...lunch buffet isn't too bad either
*Owner has an interesting hair style..

2)Krung Thai
2 restaurants on Winchester Blvd, San Jose,
Thai Food
*This place got expensive when they got good restaurant reviews in the paper....price range used to be cheaper.
[/QUOTE]

Ahahahah that lady @ korea house is trip. Korea house sux though. :p

I'll also recommend Krung Thai. There's also another location in mountain view.
Address: 590 Showers Dr, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: (650) 559-0366

bump

Every time I look at this thread I get so freakin hungry. :)

Sweet, thanks for reviving my thread

[QUOTE=Takumi]I've already had L&L's by the Food Max off Tennyson and Hesperian. I love spam musubi.[/QUOTE]

[url]http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com[/url]
chicken katsu is off the hook!!!

[QUOTE=white04wrx][url]http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com[/url]
chicken katsu is off the hook!!![/QUOTE]

Hes right, the Chicken Katsu it AWESOME !

^^^^^
L&L is good... but hawaiian drive in is teh bettAr!

[url]http://www.hawaiiandriveinn.com/[/url]

it's down the street on hesperian closer to southland

I LOVE food :p

Tarboosh
837 Jefferson St., Redwood City
650.474.BOOS
mediterranean grub.
You MUST have the Lamb Shawarma plate with some extra hummus. If you go on a weekend make sure to have a smoke on a hooka. Also the Kenafeh there is THE BEST I've ever had, and I've tried it all over the middle east. Finish the meal with some turkish coffee and you'll be bouncing off of the wall for hours(DO NOT drink the last sip)
$10-$30 per person

Faultline Brewing Co.
1235 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale
Modern(everything under the sun, no specific genre)
Light and fresh menu with some very well thought specials. The Seared ahi is my fav, but you can't go wrong with the Ale Braised pot roast.
$20-$40 per person avg.

Scopazzi's
13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek
Classic Italian.
Very warm atmosphere, great central fireplace on cold winter nights. My favorite is the prime rib, but the pepper crusted round is great, and there's always the filet and lobster to fall back on.
$20-$60 per person. (barring wine, my worst bill was $800 for 4 people :p)

There's always the boulder creek brewing Co is you're up that way and want a good beer and great burger or ribs. Adelitas used to rock, but it's under new ownership now so I have no idea what's going on in there. There's also teh white cockade about 5 miles north on 9 from boulder creek(about half way between skyline and downtown boulder creek) that has some great meat pie, bangers, and they serve guiness the way it was meant to be... room temp.. Jsut stay away from the black velvets(guiness and pear cider) if you don't like hangovers.

Original Joes
301 South First Street, San Jose
Classic Italian
I usually get the 16oz filet, but last time I was there the special was an interesting pasta pesto with pine nuts, man was that good, very unique. They aren't quite as good as they used to be but still a great meal for the price.
$15-$30 a person.

That's it for now I'll add more later.

Oh and a for a cheap, good, quick lunch hit up super taqueria(any of them) I always go for a pair of carne asada super tacos and DAAAYYYUUMMN are they good. Super tasty meat, real juicy beans, and just a great taste.

Ever since this thread was posted, I went on a hunt for sites devoted to reviewing various restaurants and eateries around the Bay Area. I'm not talking about some person paid by a website or newspaper to review places. These are just regular people who love food and support our favorite local restaurants like you and I. Here are the links I've found.

[url]http://www.marga.org/food/rest/index.html[/url]

[url]http://www.jatbar.com/[/url] (this site updates fairly often)

There was another one I found that concentrated a lot on the Fremont area, but I forgot to bookmark it.

Edit: Nevermind, found it. [url]http://www.adampaul.com/food.shtml[/url]

[url=http://rodericksbbq.com]Roderick's BBQ & Seafood in Pleasanton[/url]
Great meat, awesome sides, great service. Hush Puppies = t3h w1n

Ramen House Ryowa
859 Villa St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 965-8829
Cost: Moderate
The seating sux and the wait is kind of long depending on when you go, but it has good Japanese ramen.

OK bump plus question

Can you guys hook me up with GOOD steakhouse? I'm talking best slab of meat ever. I hear The Prime Rib house on Van ness is good

Ruth's Chris, Harris', Both on VanNess. Izzy's in the Marina for good steaks.

I vote for La Villa Deli in downtown Willow Glen. The Raviolis and meatball sandwiches are the best around. It is located on the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Brace Ave.

Hazel's Diner on W. 10th in downtown Antioch and Los Panchos on Pacheco/Contra Costa Blvd. in Pacheco.

-Chris

[QUOTE=illusion]
Original Joes
301 South First Street, San Jose
Classic Italian
I usually get the 16oz filet, but last time I was there the special was an interesting pasta pesto with pine nuts, man was that good, very unique. They aren't quite as good as they used to be but still a great meal for the price.
$15-$30 a person.
[/QUOTE]

never tried the Original Joes in San Jose, but I DO NOT recommend the OJ's in the city. worst food I EVER had. the table next to me had a cockroach in there salad, and my pasta tasted like it came out of a can.

as for the steak house recommendation request, I second Ruth's Chris Steak house.

[QUOTE=fizay]OK bump plus question

Can you guys hook me up with GOOD steakhouse? I'm talking best slab of meat ever. I hear The Prime Rib house on Van ness is good[/QUOTE]

HoPR is teh Suck. Overrated. Yeah you get lotsa meat, but overrated.

I heard Tommy's Joynt in the Fillmore's pretty damn good Hof Brau cafeteria-style food. I wonder if there's a pretty good place like that in the east bay, I'd like to know!

[QUOTE=fizay]OK bump plus question

Can you guys hook me up with GOOD steakhouse? I'm talking best slab of meat ever. I hear The Prime Rib house on Van ness is good[/QUOTE]

The House of Prime Rib is definitely a winner in my book. Great atmosphere, EXCELLENT prime rib. I love the creamed spinach there. An assortment of horse raddish condiments. I don't remember the exact name of it, but the "king" portion (the biggest portion) runs $35. Really good salad too. And they scrape your crumbs from the complimentary bread off the table with one of those... scraper things. haha

I vote for La Villa Deli in downtown Willow Glen. The Raviolis and meatball sandwiches are the best around. It is located on the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Brace Ave.[/QUOTE]

I 2nd La Villa, that place has some great food!

As for good steak houses.... Try Houston's by the wharf in sf. Ruth Chris *sp?* i've heard good things about too.

[QUOTE=fizay]OK bump plus question

Can you guys hook me up with GOOD steakhouse? I'm talking best slab of meat ever. I hear The Prime Rib house on Van ness is good[/QUOTE]


Morton's

400 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
tel: 415-986-5830

Ruth Chris' is also really good

i have heard great things about house of prime rib as well

Sushi Monster ( formerly Teriyaki House )
Ralston Ave in Belmont ( across from Walgreens )
$15-$20

great japanese food at low prices ( compared to tokyo Star, for same quality )
great selection of sake, and a great staff there too. if you go, try the chicken breast/prawn/mushroom teriyaki!

here's the website for ruth's chris. it'll give you an idea of the menu ;) [url]http://www.ruthschris.com/home.asp[/url]

sexy



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