Do bargain bites exist in Palo Alto? Well, depends on your definition of 'bargain'
May 20 '01
The Bottom Line Cheap is a relative term, especially in downtown Palo Alto. But here are a few recommendations for meals that won't hurt your wallet.
Nope, Palo Alto is definitely not a mecca of value dining. But I do have a few favorites where, for the cost of a single indulgence at Fifth Floor, you can dine every night for a week. And that, in Palo Alto at least, is a cheap eat.
This is by no means a comprehensive list; these are just some personal favorites, primarily in my own hood of downtown Palo Alto:
Andale
209 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-323-2939
While Andale has the usual tacos, burritos, and such, my favorite item here is the chicken salad ($6.95), made with succulent mesquite-grilled chicken, avocado, goat cheese, and a surprisingly addictive vinaigrette. In the time it takes for Beau to read two stories in the local paper, I can devour this salad and lick the plate clean. (He hates it when I do that.)
Other entrees include a one-quarter roasted chicken ($6.25) served with potatoes, and chile relleno ($6.95) a pasilla pepper stuffed with cheese and topped with salsa ranchera.
Caffe Verona
236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-9942
Ive been hanging out at Caffe Verona for easily more than five years now its the perfect place to read the paper or catch up on office work. (Yes, this is one of the few places where you wont look weird working on your laptop computer.)
Mainly a coffee place, I also love their salami and provolone panini ($5.95), a French roll filled with salami, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and just a hint of vinaigrette, broiled until crispy. My favorite pasta dish is the penne spinaci ($7.95 lunch, $8.95 dinner), made with an enticing spinach and ricotta cheese mixture which I have yet to replicate successfully at home.
Cooks Seafood
751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-325-0604
Cooks serves up quite simply the best fish and chips weve ever eaten. Skip the chowder and seafood Louie salads and go straight to ordering the fish and chips a one-piece order goes for $4.95, two pieces for $7.75.
Youll delight in thick snowy cuts of fresh halibut, so lightly battered that you can actually taste the fish, and the only thick-cut fries I will eat, fluffy and nearly greaseless. Served with lots of old-fashioned tartar sauce and lemon wedges, Im in heaven!
Cooks also offers chowder, Louie salads, and other fried seafood oysters, scallops, clams, and prawns.
Gyros Gyros
498 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-327-0107
My mid-afternoon lunch this past weekend consisted of a delectable lamb and beef gyros ($5.75) from Gyros Gyros, a casual eatery around the corner from Il Fornaio. Stuffed with a generous portion of sliced meat, tomato, onion, green pepper, and dressing, this is perfect pick-up-and-go food. Other items include hummus ($4.50), dolma ($3.95), spanakopita ($3.95), and baklava ($2.50). With its abundance of window and outdoor seating, Gyros Gyros offers prime people-watching possibilities.
New York Pizza
325 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-6800
This is currently my Beaus favorite cheap eat.
A medium-sized (14) cheese pizza with one topping will run you about $13, which easily serves two people for less than $7 each. With its thin crust, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese, I prefer it over Pizza-A-Go-Go. Choose between more than two dozen toppings, including linguica, pepperoni, spinach, eggplant, artichoke, and feta cheese. They also offer a slab of tasty lasagna with garlic bread and soda for $6.25.
Pasta ?
326 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-4585
There seems to be always a line of people waiting outside this tiny Italian trattoria, and no wonder the average entre is priced at $8-10. Beaus favorite dish is the penne Norcina ($7.95), made with crumbled sausage, peas, and a luscious cream sauce. Ive also enjoyed the spicy penne Arabbiata ($7.25) and the simple linguine with creamy pesto ($7.50). Deliciously chewy ciabatta bread is served with cruets of fruity olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salads and sandwiches are also offered.
Taxis
403 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-322-8294
When only a burger will do, I head over to Taxis. Their cheeseburger ($4.49) with all the fixings crisp iceberg lettuce, hefty slices of tomato and onion, and slathered with mayonnaise and mustard, is juicy and flavorful, with that perfect grilled taste. Taxis also offers turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, and baked potatoes with a variety of hearty toppings. And dont forget to order fries ($1.29) or batter-dipped onion rings ($1.79) on the side. A favorite with kids!
Una Mas
244 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-323-8226
I always order the same thing whenever I go to Una Mas: a chico steak burrito ($4.25 chico, $5.45 regular) with avocado and no salsa (I have an intense dislike for cilantro). I love the tender flame-grilled chunks of beef, wrapped with rice, pinto beans, and slices of creamy avocado, slathered with fire-roasted salsa (sans cilantro) I serve myself at their bountiful salsa bar. You can also enjoy salads, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, and margaritas here.
This Epinions restaurant topic officially poses the question: Where should I go for a cheap meal in the San Francisco Bay Area?
But heres the real dilemma: Can a foie gras-crazed glutton find happiness eating a meal devoid of wine, appetizers, and dessert?
The answer is a resounding yes. And I dont even have to leave home to get it.
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Epinions.com ID:
tanster
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Palo Alto, CA
Reviews written: 111
Trusted by: 331 members
About Me:
Happily reviewing cool gadgets and SF Bay Area restaurants since 1999. Pass the gravy, please.
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