BEST BITES DINING OUT
October/November 2017 93
AMERICAN
All Spice, 1602 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. 650/627-4303.
Michelin-starred restaurant serving evocative New American
cuisine featuring Indian and other worldly influences. $$
Arcadia, 100 W. San Carlos St. (San Jose Marriott), San Jose.
408/278-4555. Created by Michael Mina, this stylish steakhouse
puts innovative twists on classic American cuisine. Also
an extensive wine list. $$$
The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/867-1906.This
casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga serves up a
seasonal American menu tinged with Spanish and Italian influences.
Low lighting and inlaid wood tables give the restaurant
an elegant look, but the atmosphere is come-as-you-are.
Dishes are creatively prepared, using an abundance of fresh,
wild and organic ingredients from local sources. Small plates
and daily specials are featured, along with standout entrees, such
as wild mushroom rigatoni, thick-cut short ribs and hearty flavorful
Spanish rice. Specialty martinis are popular at the bar,
which also offers an extensive wine list. Enjoy a relaxing meal
on the outdoor patio or a successful business dinner in the fully
equipped private dining room. $$
Big Basin Burger Bar, 14413 Big Basin Way, Saratoga.
408/647-2136. Enjoy hand-packed, 100 percent grass-fed beef,
bison and turkey burgers plus innovative and ultra-premium
craft beers. $
Bird Dog, 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/656-8180. Inventive
small plates featuring crudo and boutique meats are a specialty
at this energetic, sleek spot. $$–$$$
Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980-6400. One
of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents
itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly
contemporary twist. $$
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. $$$
Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851-8010. Nestled
against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional
interior is as charming as its food is hearty and delicious. Breakfast
is legendary. $
Café Stritch, 374 S. First St., San Jose. 408/280-6161. Trendy
small plates featuring artisan pizza, chicken and ribs in a colorful,
artsy atmosphere. $
Capers Eat & Drink, 1710 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell.
408/374-5777. A comfortable neighborhood destination where
you can savor exotic drinks and an expertly prepared meal. $–$$
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. $$
Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos,
408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch
beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a
casual setting. $$–$$$
The Counter, Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/
423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations throughout
the Bay Area. Build your own burger with more than
300,000 combinations to choose from. $
Crepevine, Mountain View, 650/969-6878; Palo Alto, 650/
323-3900; San Jose, 408/ 297-1100. This popular spot specializes
in breakfast and lunch comfort food served up in a familyfriendly
atmosphere. $$
Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264-
2011. Serving up succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced
seafood in a lively, spirited atmosphere. $$$
Eureka!, 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, 669/266-
6752. Burgers take center stage at this gourmet gastropub. Bone
marrow, bison and Fresno fig are just a few of Eureka’s innovative
interpretations. $$
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. $$$
Gott’s Roadside, Town & Country Village, Palo Alto,
650/326-1000. Enjoy mouth-watering comfort food made
from the freshest local ingredients in a warm, family-run
kitchen. $
The Grill on the Alley, (The Fairmont), 172 S. Market Street,
San Jose. 408/294-2244. This is a classic American steakhouse,
complete with martini hour. $$$
U l t i m a t e R e s t a ur a n t R e s o ur c e