Editor Elizabeth prompted Blog Staff to write tantalizing posts about food and drink. Blogger Hannah was excited to apply her signature list format to write about some of her favorite restaurants back home in the Bay Area.
By Hannah Hall
I miss the Bay so much, and I am known for spouting about that all the time. One recurring theme in my Bay Area convos is actually the food. So when I heard that Elizabeth chose Food and Drink for the theme, I was like “This is my time.” I’m just going to tell you about my connection to some South Bay food places and why I recommend you try them. And beware, if there are some “childish” recommendations, it is because I went to these places in my childhood;…nevertheless, the food is still thebomb.com.
1) The Cats, Los Gatos
The Cats is a really unique place in Los Gatos because it’s at the bottom of an estate right on Highway 17. It’s a multi-story BBQ restaurant with live music. The building itself reminds me of a tavern, and I am pretty sure it’s because it actually was. My favorite item from this restaurant is tater tots.
2) Florentine Trattoria, Saratoga
This is a Saratoga classic. It’s a super homey Italian restaurant right downtown. Fun fact, the restaurant across the street called the Plumed Horse has Michelin Stars. The reason I am recommending this restaurant (instead of the Michelin-Starred one) is because of the beloved complimentary appetizer–bread with cheese spread. It’s adored by locals, and if you ever get the chance to go, you will feel the same admiration.
3) Purple Onion Cafe, Los Gatos
My mom used to take me for an afternoon of yoga, and then we’d head over to the Purple Onion right next door for a quick bite. This place is a quaint cafe with a casual vibe. There are nice large chalkboard menus, raw wood decorations, and broad glass displays that are always filled with fresh pastries. Personally, I like the grab-and-go options, though there is the option to dine in. I always go for the Thai Chicken Salad, which is a cold ramen salad with vegetables and chicken–so refreshing.
4) Blue Rock BBQ, Cambrian Park, San Jose
This place reminds me of a Chipotle, but for BBQ. And I don’t mean that in a generic chain way; I mean it in the way you slide down the counter and watch your masterpiece being created. The image of the vibrant blue plates and the homemade BBQ scent is ingrained in my memory forever. If I’m being honest, this is probably the only place I would recommend every single thing on the menu. But, if I had to choose one, it would be the mac and cheese. It is just so thick and creamy.
5) La Victoria Taqueria, Cambrian Park, San Jose
I love this place so much I have written an entire blog post about it. I will leave this to one sentence that explains it all: hard shell tacos + orange sauce = HEAVEN!
6) Mountain Mikes, Saratoga
This is my all-time favorite pizza delivery chain. It isn’t necessarily specific to the Bay, but I would say the majority of the establishments are in the general area. A lot of their pizzas are named after different mountains like “Veggiemore” or “McKinley,” and the largest pizza size is simply called “Mountain.” My favorite item from here is the pepperoni pizza. I know it sounds basic, but the pepperonis are just the perfect size and crisp. You can’t pass that up.
7) Willow Street Pizza, Willow Glen, San Jose
Now, this is my all time favorite sit-down pizza restaurant. With crayons for coloring and glasses clinking, Willow Street Pizza’s ambience is super family oriented and inviting. This place has the best wood-fired pizza and the most crispy charred crust. I would recommend any of their pizzas. In the case you don’t like charred crust, I recommend the creamy pesto pasta.
8) Nonno’s, Los Gatos
Surprise, it’s another pizza parlor. The story behind my love for this place stems from me practically being its neighbor. But, it wasn’t just the convenient location that kept me and my family coming back. First of all, there’s the pizza, duh; it’s thick, and it’s to die for. Second of all, there’s saran-wrapped baked goods on the counter and Marianne’s ice cream in the freezer right behind you (important because you always gotta satisfy that sweet tooth). And thirdly, there’s the special feature of a bocce ball court in the back! I miss it. Although I never got good at the game, I encourage you to go to Nonno’s and try it for yourself.
9) The Happy Hound, Los Gatos
This place is super nostalgic to me because my grandpa used to take my brother and me here whenever we had a moment to reminisce. It’s an actual shack, don’t get me wrong, but it is the most spectacular shack you can imagine. It’s, as they say, a place to get “old fashioned hot dogs and burgers.” So if you’re into that, make your way over. I recommend an order of onion rings on the side.
10) Main Street Burgers, Willow Glen, San Jose
Honestly, I just love a good burger. Main Street is that classic burger joint that the locals go to when they are craving that signature taste. I mean there’s not much to say when it comes to a burger joint because everybody gets the gist, but the one thing I will tell you, “Order the milkshake.”
Honorable Mentions for Bay Area eating:
–The Burger Pit, San Jose
–Pizza My Heart, Los Gatos
–The Cup and Saucer, San Jose
–Buca di Beppo, San Jose
–Mojo Burger, San Jose
Food & Drink Editor: Elizabeth Shay
Hannah, you have a future as a food critic/reviewer! This was so well done, I wanted to jump in my car and head up the coast. The descriptions and the photos you chose immersed me in the dining experience.
Many tourists that go to Italy say that they “traveled across Italy on their stomach.” I now feel that way about the central coast of California. When 2020’s pandemic restrictions are over I shall travel up the coast on my stomach with your article in hand. Yum.