BEST BITES DINING OUT
June/July 2019 95
AMERICAN
All Spice, 1602 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. 650/627- 4303.
Michelin-starred restaurant serves New American cuisine with
Indian and other worldly influences. $$
The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/ 867-1906.
This casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga serves
up a wide selection of seasonal American fare tinged with Spanish
and Italian influences. $$
Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980-6400. One
of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents
itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly
contemporary twist. $$
Bourbon Steak & Pub (Levi’s Stadium), 4900 Marie P.
DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara. 408/217-2490. Modern American
steakhouse featuring Chef Michael Mina’s creative interpretations
on classic dishes. $$$
Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851-8010. Nestled
against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional
interior is as charming as its food is hearty and delicious. Breakfast
is legendary. $
Café Stritch, 374 S. First St., San Jose. 408/280-6161. Trendy
small plates featuring artisan pizza, chicken and ribs in a colorful,
artsy atmosphere. $
The Catamount, 50 University Ave., Los Gatos, 408/442-
5533. Inspired by breezy estates of the South, this restaurant
features an inviting atmosphere alongside modern American
cuisine and a refined cocktail program. $$
Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos,
408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch
beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a
casual setting. $$–$$$
The Counter Custom Burgers, Mountain View, 650/948-
2333; Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/423-
9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; Cupertino, 408/477-2917;
Fremont, 510/796-8800. The Counter Custom Burgers is a
much-needed update to the burger joint, featuring fresh, antibiotic
and hormone-free humanely handled beef, along with
other all-natural options like chicken, bison, vegan and mahi
mahi. It doesn’t stop there; an array of cheeses, toppings, sauces
and an assortment of buns (including gluten-free), customizable
salads and bowls—make for a build-your-own checklist menu
that can produce more than a million combinations. The Counter
also offers business lunch catering, full bar, happy hour and
outdoor seating. $
Crepevine, Mountain View, 650/969-6878; Palo Alto, 650/
323-3900; San Jose, 408/ 297-1100. This popular spot specializes
in breakfast and lunch comfort food served up in a friendly
atmosphere. $$
District, 65 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. 669/292- 5252. The wellrounded
menu features shareable plates, pizza, house-made charcuterie,
and wines and whiskeys from around the world. $–$$
Eureka!, 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, 669/266-
6752. Burgers take center stage at this gourmet gastropub. Bone
marrow, bison and Fresno fig are just a few of Eureka’s innovative
interpretations. $$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 180 El Camino
Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-8457. A meat lovers paradise that
serves up prime cuts in a modern setting. $$$
Flights, Los Gatos 408/354-3434, Campbell 408/364-1564,
Burlingame 650/513-6059. Upscale comfort food served
tapas-style in “tasty trios” along with flights of wine, beer, and
cocktails. $$–$$$
The Grill on the Alley, (The Fairmont), 172 S. Market Street,
San Jose. 408/294-2244. This is a classic American steakhouse,
complete with martini hour. $$$
The Halford, 1494 Halford Ave., Santa Clara, 408/243-1290.
This anglophile gastro pub dishes out savory favorites like
Wagyu flatiron steak and maple-glazed duck leg confit. $
Ladera Grill, 17305 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. 408/201-
9200. This eclectic epicurean eatery consistently garners accolades
including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. $$$
Lalla Grill, 55 River Oaks Pl., San Jose. 408/618-8072. The mirrored
15-foot-long wall of spirits and colorful mod architectural
theme set the tone for vibrant dishes including ahi ceviche. $$
The Loft Bar & Bistro, 90 S. Second St., San Jose. 408/291-
0677. Contemporary and casual restaurant in a historic downtown
building. $
Los Altos Grill, 233 Third St., Los Altos. 650/948-3524. This
popular dinner spot features tasty dishes, including rotisserie
U l t i m a t e R e s t a ur a n t R e s o ur c e