Dining Out Dining Out (March 15, 2002)

American

Dean's Cafe Dean's Cafe (March 15, 2002)

620 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-4222. A downtown fixture since the '50s. Rightly famous for its omelettes (over 265 of them). Homestyle cooking at its very best. Breakfast items are now served all day due to popular demand. Kids always welcome. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Pleasanton Hotel Pleasanton Hotel (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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.

Toby's Bar & Grill Toby's Bar & Grill (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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.
Bakeries

TortaBella TortaBella (March 15, 2002)

349 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 426-1616. Award-winning cheesecakes, freshly baked pastries, espresso and savory buns round out the superb offerings from this creative alternative to the national chain syndrome. Corporate catering brings morning sweets and gourmet lunch boxes to your office.
Brewpub/alehouse

Main St. Brewery Main St. Brewery (March 15, 2002)

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 Friday and Saturday until midnight. Visit our web site for more info at: www.mainstbrewery.com

The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill (March 15, 2002)

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.
Chinese

Chinese Szechuan Chinese Szechuan (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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!
Continental

Barone's Barone's (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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.
Indian

India Gate India Gate (March 15, 2002)

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.
Italian

Banchero's Banchero's (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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.

Fernando's Mexican Restaurant Fernando's Mexican Restaurant (March 15, 2002)

348 St. Mary St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-5740. Opening soon in Downtown Pleasanton. Discover fresh and natural home-style Mexican food, famous Margaritas, excellent service and a festive atmosphere at the newest location of this popular family-owned restaurant. Open seven days a week. Happy hour Monday-Friday. Call for opening date.
Pizza

Gay Nineties Pizza Co. Gay Nineties Pizza Co. (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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 (March 15, 2002)

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!
Steakhouse

Bosco's Bones and Brew Bosco's Bones and Brew (March 15, 2002)

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.

McNamara's Steak and Chop House McNamara's Steak and Chop House (March 15, 2002)

7400 San Ramon Road, Dublin, (925) 833-0995. The Tri-Valley's newest elegant restaurant (formerly the Dublin Fishery), just opened in Dublin. McNamara's serves aged mid-western corn-fed Angus beef and only the freshest fish and seafood. It also has an extensive and reasonably priced wine list. Enjoy piano dining on Friday and Saturday evenings. Large comfortable bar with a cozy fireplace. Private banquet rooms and catering are available. Open weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 5. Reservations accepted.