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Publication Date: Friday, October 12, 2001

Dining Out Dining Out (October 12, 2001)

American

California Burger California Burger (October 12, 2001)

6700 Santa Rita Road, at I-580, (925) 460-5166. Updated '50s dining at its best, featuring fresh, juicy charbroiled burgers, fries, Dreyers ice cream and shakes, sandwiches, salads and healthy alternatives, including ostrich and buffalo burgers. Generous portions, fast service, and fun atmosphere for the whole family. Open every day. Fax or phone-in orders welcome!

Dean's Cafe Dean's Cafe (October 12, 2001)

620 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-4222. A downtown fixture since the '50s. Rightly famous for its omelettes (over 265 of them). Breakfast items are now served all day due to popular demand. The dinner menu is classic American fare. Homestyle cooking at its very best. Kids always welcome. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Wednesday-Saturday for dinner.

Hap's Hap's (October 12, 2001)

122 W. Neal St., Pleasanton, (925) 600-9200. Authentic New York style steakhouse. Fresh lobster and seafood. Private dining and banquet facilities. Extensive wine list and truly great martini bar. Strikingly beautiful yet comfortable decor throughout.

Pleasanton Hotel Pleasanton Hotel (October 12, 2001)

855 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-8106. This restored Victorian "hotel" combines the ambiance of the past with the exciting contemporary cooking of Chef Neil Marquis. Also offering Mystery Dinner Theater and Winemaker Dinners, live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, some Sundays. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Champagne Buffet Brunch, patio dining, banquets and weddings to 200.

Stacey's Cafe Stacey's Cafe (October 12, 2001)

310 Main St., Suite A, Pleasanton, (925) 461-3113. Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Pleasanton. California-style dishes include fish, chicken, pasta and vegetarian meals served in a casual but elegant atmosphere. Outdoor seating. Full bar and varied selection of wines. The perfect venue for a date, business lunch or casual meal with friends.

TGI Friday's TGI Friday's (October 12, 2001)

3999 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 225-1995. Everyone looks forward to Friday's. Great Happy Hour daily from 2-7 p.m. and late night from 10 p.m.-close! Extensive menu. Generous portions all served in a fun atmosphere. Can accommodate large parties. Pre-orders can be faxed to 225-1998.

Toby's Bar & Grill Toby's Bar & Grill (October 12, 2001)

30 W. Neal St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-6384. Downtown's newest arrival is a lively mix of California cuisine with a Cajun twist. The burgers are enormous, the steaks mouth-watering, and salads, chicken, baked potatoes and giant prawns contribute to a wonderful menu. Full bar and music at night. Check out our famous singing chef! Open seven days a week.

Vic's All Star Kitchen Vic's All Star Kitchen (October 12, 2001)

201 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 484-0789. Located in the heart of downtown Pleasanton on Main Street, Vic's delivers a starry mix of American food, fast service and a bustling, cheery atmosphere. Owner Vic Malatesta has teamed his love of sports with his passion for good food to create a solid dining experience with a local sports theme. Open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Evening banquets/daytime catering.

Zorn's 3015 Hopyard Road, Hopyard Village Shopping Center, Pleasanton, (925) 462-0994. Pleasanton's original family restaurant. Omelets are the specialty of the house; enjoy gourmet ones or create your own - the choices are unlimited. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and lunch. Open Wednesday-Saturday until 9:30 p.m., serving classic American dinners.
Brewpub/alehouse

The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill (October 12, 2001)

3015H Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, (925) 426-9600. Voted Best Watering Hole in Pleasanton, the Hop Yard offers 30 beers on tap and a variety of great food, everything from finger food to full blown meals. Ask about new banquet menu. All this and live entertainment every Saturday night.

Main St. Brewery Main St. Brewery (October 12, 2001)

830 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 462-8218. Enjoy freshly brewed ales and a large selection of sandwiches and salads. Four TVs with sports all day and evening. Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until midnight. Visit our web site for more info at: www.mainstbrewery.com
Chinese

Blessings Chinese Cuisine Blessings Chinese Cuisine (October 12, 2001)

1807 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 846-6745. A deliciously healthy menu. Only the freshest and finest ingredients. Vegetables are steamed and meats are double trimmed. All meals cooked to order using only vegetable oils. Rated 3.5 in Tri-Valley Herald. Family owned 17 years.

Chinese Szechuan Chinese Szechuan (October 12, 2001)

3059 Hopyard Road #G, Pleasanton, (925) 846-5251. Pleasanton's best-loved Chinese restaurant. Family owned and run since 1987. Friendly service, delicious food, great prices. Lunch specials from only $4.75. Located inside Hopyard Shopping Village on the corner of Hopyard and Valley Avenue.

Panda Mandarin Cuisine Panda Mandarin Cuisine (October 12, 2001)

30 W. Angela, Pleasanton, (925) 484-4880. A downtown favorite for more than 16 years. Family owned and operated. Every dish freshly made and perfectly seasoned. Lemon chicken a specialty. Twenty daily lunch specials. Take-out menu. Open for lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday; dinner 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Saturday.

Tri-Valley Chinese Seafood Restaurant Tri-Valley Chinese Seafood Restaurant (October 12, 2001)

5588 B Springdale Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 734-0222. Recently opened, this Szechuan and Cantonese restaurant is meeting with an enthusiastic response judging by the lunchtime crowd. The service is friendly and efficient. Fresh seafood always a specialty. Lunch specials from only $5.95. See ad in this dining directory for a special offer.
Coffee Houses

Coffee Beans & Bistro Coffee Beans & Bistro (October 12, 2001)

401 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 461-0110. The first coffee house on Main Street and still a downtown institution. Full breakfast served on the weekends. New York style deli serving lunch daily, including a classic Rueben sandwich. Outdoor seating is one of the best people-watching locations in town!

Coffee Roast Express Coffee Roast Express (October 12, 2001)

780 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 426-8869. Breakfast, lunch seven days a week. The Valley's first coffee roaster for the freshest coffee in the Tri-Valley. Also featuring high-speed DSL cyber cafe - customers use free! Open 5 a.m. Monday -Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Continental

Barone's Barone's (October 12, 2001)

475 St. John St., Pleasanton, (925) 426-0987. Pleasanton's most romantic continental cuisine restaurant. Innovative pasta, seafood and meat entrees. Outdoor dining. Open for dinner seven nights, lunch Monday-Friday. Live music Friday and Saturday evenings. Full bar. Banquet facilities, rehearsal dinners, special events.
English Tea Rooms

Angels Crossing, English Victorian Tea Room and Boutique Angels Crossing, English Victorian Tea Room and Boutique (October 12, 2001)

7071 Village Parkway, Dublin, (925) 829-2247. An Intimate and elegant setting for special gatherings. Perfect for parties, showers, birthdays or private teas. Delectable desserts, exquisite tea sandwiches, fruited scones served with Devonshire cream and lemon curd. Ask about special theme parties, everything from Fairies to the Mad Hatter. Boutique offers an impressive collection of gifts and collectibles as well.

B.J. Gardner English Tea Room and British Groceries B.J. Gardner English Tea Room and British Groceries (October 12, 2001)

531 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 484-5456. An authentic English tea time experience in the heart of Pleasanton. Enjoy scones, preserves, clotted cream (truly decadent for the uninitiated), tea sandwiches (small and savory), pastries and biscuits (cookies) and of course delicious English tea. A huge selection of British groceries and gifts as well. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. British groceries open Tuesday-Sunday.
French

La Maison Bistro Restaurant La Maison Bistro Restaurant (October 12, 2001)

3774 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley (510) 733-2780. One does not often use the words "great value" and "French cuisine" in the same sentence but in the case of La Maison it is entirely appropriate. Wide range of dishes to suit all palates. The chef takes pride in preparing superb cuisine complimented with light, flavorful sauces. Reservations suggested. Well worth the short drive from Pleasanton.
Indian

India Gate India Gate (October 12, 2001)

824 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 600-0202. Downtown's newest Indian restaurant and already gaining a reputation for its excellent food. Owners previously ran a 5-star Indian restaurant in Vancouver. Selection of both vegetarian and meat dishes from mild to spicy. Corporate catering, party planning available. Enjoy special luncheon buffets and a la carte dinner. Open seven days a week.

Madras Madras (October 12, 2001)

5681 Gibraltar Drive, Pleasanton, (925) 225-9090. New second location of this very popular San Ramon restaurant. Rated in the top 10 Indian restaurants in the East Bay. North and South Indian cuisine featuring the best from both regions, and a restaurant for serious devotees of Indian food. A dozen meatless dishes offered. Exquisite curries. Our other location is at 2271 San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Raj Mahal Raj Mahal (October 12, 2001)

6830 Village Parkway, Dublin, (925) 829-7944. New to the area. Not new to Indian cooking! Come taste our chef's 20 years of experience. Freshly baked, HOT naan bread straight from our clay oven to your table. Authentic Indian cuisine at its very best. See our ad in this newspaper for special discounts.

Sugandh Sugandh (October 12, 2001)

4515 Rosewood Drive, Suite 700, Pleasanton, (925) 469-4515. Owners have run the successful Sangam's in San Jose for five years- 2565 N. First St. (408) 435-7300. Their Pleasanton restaurant features a huge lunch buffet (29 entrees alone!) including salad bar and desserts. All for only $6.99, making them a great value. Dishes vary from mild to spicy. A la carte dinner menu. Look for a special offer in their current ad in this paper.
Italian

Banchero's Banchero's (October 12, 2001)

20102 Mission Blvd., Hayward, (510) 276-7355. Family owned and operated since 1948, Bancheros has become an East Bay institution. Family-style dining the way it is supposed to be. Reservations taken for parties of five or more. Well worth the drive from Pleasanton. Full cocktail bar, take-out menu. Open from 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; from 3 p.m. Saturday; and from 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Fontina Ristorante Fontina Ristorante (October 12, 2001)

349 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 462-9299. This popular downtown restaurant gets rave reviews from both locals and visitors. Offering a changing, seasonal menu and daily specials, including homemade soups, pastas, seafood, chicken and veal served in a comfortably elegant atmosphere. Indoor or outdoor seating. Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Garlic di Pasta Garlic di Pasta (October 12, 2001)

3037-G Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, (925) 485-4500. Rated "A" by Contra Costa Times restaurant critic. Voted the best Italian restaurant in the year 2000 by the readers of Tri-Valley Herald. Located off the beaten path of downtown Pleasanton in the Hopyard Village Shopping center.

Rigatoni's Restaurant Rigatoni's Restaurant (October 12, 2001)

7350 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, (925) 875-1500; and 20680 Rustic Drive, Castro Valley, (510) 537-6400. "Family Italian Dining" at an incredible value in a casual, quick-serve atmosphere. Serving generous portions of traditional pan-tossed pastas, fresh salads and chicken entrees from $5.99 to $8.99. Kids portions for $3.49. Sauces are made fresh daily and each entree is prepared to order in the exhibition kitchen. Rigatoni's welcomes you to a delicious change of pace.
Japanese

Lindo Lindo (October 12, 2001)

4233-9 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, (925) 847-3044. Recently celebrated its grand opening in the Rose Pavilion, next to Longs. You'll find something different at Lindo. Original dishes and creative variations on traditional Japanese favorites. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Plenty of parking. A welcome addition to Pleasanton's many fine restaurants.

Meiko Sushi Meiko Sushi (October 12, 2001)

4301-B Valley Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 462-2050. Absolutely beautiful interior. Authentic sushi and exquisite Japanese cuisine prepared fresh daily. Varied menu with changing daily chef's specials. Conveniently located in Valley Plaza (at Santa Rita Road) with easy parking.

Sato 3015-K Hopyard Road, Hopyard Village Shopping Center, Pleasanton, (925) 462-3131. Serving a large selection of sushi with a variety of fresh seafood. Also serving tempera and teriyaki dishes. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday.

Shun's Japanese Bistro Shun's Japanese Bistro (October 12, 2001)

3120 G Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 484-4827. Home of the best Japanese cooking on the planet, featuring an oakwood grill and fresh ingredients with creative marinades and sauces. Familiar favorites like Tempura, Teriyaki Chicken or Steak, Sushi and Sashimi take Japanese tradition to a modern level. Colorful and well-designed dishes hand prepared to perfection.
Japanese/Korean

Royal Teriyaki House Royal Teriyaki House (October 12, 2001)

2025 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 846-4547. Contemporary Japanese and Korean cuisine. Food that is generated from traditional Japanese dishes, but with the addition of Korean spices and flavors for a unique dining experience. Dishes vary from mild to spicy. Try the house specialty, light and crispy Tempura. Lunch and dinner, Monday-Saturday.
Mexican

Alberto's Cantina Alberto's Cantina (October 12, 2001)

435 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 462-2316. Authentic Mexican food in the heart of Pleasanton. Family owned and operated since 1991. Dine outside overlooking Pleasanton's historic Main Street and enjoy the best margarita in town. Full bar. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Blue Agave Club Blue Agave Club (October 12, 2001)

625 Main St., Pleasanton (925) 417-1224. Serves "alta cocina" or high Mexican cuisine and features over 200 tequilas. Mole Poblano, Filet Mignon al Chilpotle, Camarones al Ajillo, and Sopa de Tortilla are sample menu items. Owner and executive chef, Alexandro Garcia, a native of Mexico, brings his family's authentic recipes to the Blue Agave Club. Casual lunches and fine dinners are served daily in a truly beautiful outdoor garden setting.

El Portal El Portal (October 12, 2001)

828 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 462-8183. Homemade, handcrafted Mexican cuisine in the heart of historic downtown Pleasanton. Quality, freshness, style of preparation and presentation always assured. Located in the old Cheese Factory building. Serving Pleasanton since 1981.

Gourmet Burritos Gourmet Burritos (October 12, 2001)

6645 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 318, Pleasanton, (925) 600-8226. An extensive line of fresh and healthy gourmet burritos, as well as delicious tacos, quesadillas and salads. Only the finest cuts of meat are used. All sauces are made daily in-house. Chicken and meat all cooked to perfection over open flame with no oil. Eat inside or out. Faxed orders welcome: (925) 600-0543.
Pizza

Gay Nineties Pizza Co. Gay Nineties Pizza Co. (October 12, 2001)

288 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-2520. Family oriented with an extensive menu. Renowned pizza, Italian dishes, salads and sandwiches. Patio dining. Antique games for the kids. Groups, take out, call-ahead lunch orders. Wine, beer, open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Papa Murphy's Papa Murphy's (October 12, 2001)

1991 E. Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 417-7511. Papa Murphy's is Pleasanton's premium take-and-bake pizza parlor. An endless variety of toppings combine to create stuffed pizzas, gourmet pizzas and gigantic calzones. All at unbeatable prices. Conveniently located in Mission Plaza on Santa Rita. Call and ask them for the daily specials. Phone ahead and they'll have it ready. Credit cards gladly accepted.

Pizza Chicago Pizza Chicago (October 12, 2001)

3120 H Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 485-9500. At last! Chicago pizza in Pleasanton. Thick, richly flavored pizza made of fresh, first-rate ingredients. Delicious pizzas may take up to 25 minutes to cook but are worth the wait. Fresh salads, sandwiches and pastas. Full service restaurant. Take out and delivery. Corporate delivery orders welcome.
Sports Bars & Nightclubs

Masse's Sports Cafe & Nightclub Masse's Sports Cafe & Nightclub (October 12, 2001)

6180 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton, (925) 463-8181. Voted Best Place to Meet Singles, Masses offers a full array of entertainment from pool to live music and dancing. Enjoy the newly remodeled Masses with its new Martini Bar and don't miss its Monday night Football Parties. All this and great food, too!

Sunshine Saloon Sunshine Saloon (October 12, 2001)

Sports Bar & Charcoal Grill 1807 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 846-6108. Grilled Dungeness crab sandwiches, charcoal-grilled burgers, steaks, seafood, appetizers and house-made Caesar salads. Also, Taco Thursdays, wide-screen TVs, pool, shuffleboard, pingpong and darts. Breakfast Saturday and Sunday, lunch and dinner daily. 21 or older only.
Steakhouse

Bosco's Bones and Brew Bosco's Bones and Brew (October 12, 2001)

11930 Main St., Sunol, (925) 862-0821. Situated in historic Sunol and named after Sunol's famous mayor dog, this celebrated restaurant and saloon features an array of Angus prime rib, dry aged NY steak, BBQ ribs, seafood, pasta and chicken. Enjoy an elegant yet casual dining experience out of the 1800s. Live music every Friday and Saturday. Banquet facilities available.

Hungry Hunter Hungry Hunter (October 12, 2001)

5104 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, (925) 463-1244. Serving Pleasanton for 25 years. Dine at their newly remodeled restaurant and enjoy fresh daily, hand-cut steaks, top quality prime rib, their own signature tableside salad bar and weekend seafood specials. Early dining specials the first hour of serving. See ad for hours.
Thai

Jitr Thai Jitr Thai (October 12, 2001)

4000 Pimlico Drive, #106, Pleasanton, (925) 463-8944. Voted "Best Thai Restaurant in the East Bay" by three regional publications, this is the twin of the successful Alamo location. Known for its Lamb Kebabs, but menu is diverse, including seafood, poultry and wonderful coconut Thai curries. Catering, party trays and corporate lunches.

Lux Thai Lux Thai (October 12, 2001)

4301 D Valley Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 462-3550. An authentic Thai experience in Pleasanton since 1989. Thai food can be either mild or spicy, or somewhere in between. At Lux Thai, the regional food of Thailand is prepared with a variety of herbs, contains no MSG, and is served family-style in a traditional atmosphere. Your family hosts will prepare any dish to suit individual preferences.

Pleasanton House Thai Cuisine Pleasanton House Thai Cuisine (October 12, 2001)

929-C Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-1091. Authentic and affordable Thai cuisine in downtown Pleasanton with, and this shouldn't be underestimated, plenty of free parking. Wide selection of entrees, including curry and Pad Thai dishes, ranging from mild to spicy. Open every day for lunch and dinner. The best Somtum outside of Ubon Ratchathani!