Dining Out Dining Out (December 17, 2004)

American

Chicago's Metropolitan Deli Chicago's Metropolitan Deli (December 17, 2004)

6003 W. Las Positas Blvd. & Hopyard, Pleasanton, (925) 462-1678. A new Rockin' Restaurant that features: Italian Beef, Chi-Dogs, Gyros, and more. We have over 50 menu items that are hot, juicy, fun and flavorful. Recently remodeled to create a festive atmosphere with a new bar, beers on tap and three sport TVs. We are family friendly with a nice Kids Menu, soft serve ice cream, shakes and sundaes. Come check out the flavors of Chicago right in Pleasanton's back yard!

Jim's Country Style Restaurant Jim's Country Style Restaurant (December 17, 2004)

5400 Sunol Blvd., next to Raley's, Pleasanton, (925) 426-7019. Loved by locals and famous for its ranch-style omelets and large portions, Jim's serves up the country-style fixings from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. So if you're in the mood for chicken-fried steak, an omelet, a stack of pancakes, a deluxe sandwich or just a good old-fashioned burger, you won't be disappointed. Jim's friendly staff invites you to drop in and say, "Howdy!"

Pleasanton Hotel Pleasanton Hotel (December 17, 2004)

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.

Red Smoke Grill Red Smoke Grill (December 17, 2004)

4501 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, (925) 734-0307. The place to go for great tri-tip, rotisserie chicken and baby back ribs. The wonderful staff serves up sandwiches, salads and family dinner meals. So come by for a glass of wine and a great meal. Crossroads Shopping Center on Hopyard just one block south of Stoneridge.

Swensen's Swensen's (December 17, 2004)

1991-A Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 426-1266. Swensen's Ice Cream has called the Bay Area its home since 1948. Known for its delicious ice cream, smoothies, burgers, sandwiches, pho beef noodle soup and BBQ chicken, beef and pork over rice. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

Vic's All Star Kitchen Vic's All Star Kitchen (December 17, 2004)

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.
Brewpub/alehouse

Main St. Brewery Main St. Brewery (December 17, 2004)

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 (December 17, 2004)

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 (December 17, 2004)

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 $5.25.
Continental

Barone's Barone's (December 17, 2004)

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.
Indian

Sansar Sansar (December 17, 2004)

824 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 600-0202. Popular Livermore restaurant has opened a second location in downtown Pleasanton, presenting delicious North Indian food, seasoned to your taste: mild, medium or hot. Fresh menu daily. Parking in rear. Patio dining. Open for lunch 11 a.m-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Dinner seven days a week, 5-10 p.m.
Italian

Fontina Ristorante Fontina Ristorante (December 17, 2004)

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 champagne brunch.

Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too! Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too! (December 17, 2004)

11891 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, (925) 828-9380. Lively chatter and the aroma of garlic are the first things you notice in this warm and friendly classically "Italian" restaurant, complete with red checked tablecloths. It has an open kitchen where patrons can watch the cooks "hand toss" the dough for this pizza mecca of the Tri-Valley. It is perfect for romantic couples as well as the entire family, and the authentic Southern Italian cooking includes traditional dishes such as Veal Scaloppini and Lasagna as well as Lamb Osso Bucco and Scampi.

Pastas Trattoria Pastas Trattoria (December 17, 2004)

405 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 417-2222. Join us at Pleasanton's most loved downtown Italian Restaurant. Our elegant atmosphere complemented by our one-of-a-kind menu items will offer a little something for everyone. We feature great steaks, seafood and our famous pasta dishes. Our full-service bar offers a superb selection of spirits and fine wines, and the sounds of live music will jazz up your Friday and Saturday evenings. We have banquet facilities available with wireless Internet for large parties, up to 70 guests. The place to meet your friends!
Japanese

Lindo Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill Lindo Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill (December 17, 2004)

4233-9 Rosewood Drive, next to Longs Drug store in the Rose Pavilion off Santa Rita and I-580, Pleasanton, (925) 847-3044. Chef June Osanai has more than 20 years of experience as a sushi chef in both Japan and the Bay Area. Chef June is serving sushi, tempura, teriyaki and specialty dishes of fresh top quality ingredients for both lunch and dinner seven days a week (dinner only on Sundays).
Pizza

Gay Nineties Pizza Co. Gay Nineties Pizza Co. (December 17, 2004)

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.
Sandwiches/Deli

Togo's Togo's (December 17, 2004)

3120-D Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, (925) 846-8646; 5556-A Springdale Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 463-3090. Togo's has been voted "Pleasanton's Best Sandwich" for five consecutive years. Conveniently open seven days a week, Togo's features its popular "Endless Combo" (1/2 sandwich, 1/2 salad or small soup)... choose any two for only $5.19 plus tax. Everyday favorites include the Hot Pastrami #9 and the tasty Turkey-Avocado #24. Togo's also features specialty soups for winter. A reminder... be sure to order your holiday party trays for upcoming home and office gatherings.
Wine Bars

Winecentives Winecentives (December 17, 2004)

6040 Dougherty Road, Dublin, (925) 829-3222. Just three blocks north of Hopyard/Dougherty off Interstate 580, this people-friendly retail wine shop has expanded its selection, added a full-time wine bar and a private event room. They offer wine tasting at the wine bar in addition to wine tasting events in their event room or at your location. Call to book your next wine party.

The Wine Steward The Wine Steward (December 17, 2004)

641 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 600-WINE (600-9463). In historic Downtown Pleasanton is a full service wine shop with the largest selection and the most competitive prices in the East Bay area. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you select a single bottle or perfectly pair wines for your next dinner party. Our Wine Bar is open Thursday through Saturday with a new theme every week - check our Web site, www.thewinesteward.com, for details.

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