Somehow it's come to be that dates always revolve around Santana Row for one reason or another. You guys in San Jose know what I'm talking about. The convenience of having restaurants and bars in an area of picturesque scale makes for a tough contender. Although for those who want something a bit different...Let's head downtown!
Spring has just settled in and yet we're lucky to have sunny weekends that go into the 70's! With that in mind...picnic anyone?
One-stop shop:
Zanotto's. This family market isn't as large as the chains, but boy does it pack a punch! I usually drop in for a sandwich (on Dutch Crunch, of course) but they have a pretty awesome selection as far as picnic foods go. Coldcuts, cheeses, wines, and TWO delis. How much better can it get right? Well...
much better. Haha. Zanotto's also carries freshly baked goods from
Greenlee's (which is a San Jose institution in its own right),
Treat ice cream, and even chocolate from the Brooklyn
Mast Brothers! All that's missing is a picnic blanket!
Dia De Pesca If there's always a crowd, then you know they must be doing something right. There's no question why this place is always packed for lunch and dinner. Their seafood is extremely fresh to the taste. No fishy business whatsoever. Known for their fish tacos, I actually love the ceviche. I've craved it. I've dreamed of it. My mouth is watering right now thinking about it.
The indoor dining area is quite charming, but if the outdoors is more of your thing, there's plenty of seating outside for when the weather is just right. Just order and they'll bring your food to you. No fuss, just fresh food to really make your summer days.
Located in the old Burbank area, this place looks as if it belongs anywhere but here. In the evenings when the sun is setting, the food truck looks as if it just rolled into the desert and set up shop. Strung lights make for a festive feel. The restaurant, on the other hand, seems like it belongs more on the South Cali coast.
San Pedro Square Market, the much anticipated new social hub has finally celebrated with a formal grand opening. With a vast outdoor space strung with lights and strewn with games of sandbag toss, this is a great place to bring a date when the weather is not to miss. There are plenty of new restaurants, bars, and the in-between.
Pizza Bocca Lupo left an impression on me even when its surroundings were still under construction. Aside from serving delicious wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza, the owners are extremely friendly and attentive. The first time I came here, my friends and I had decided to take seats outside even though the fall breeze was a bit chilly towards the end of the nights. The owners came around to see if we were enjoying our pizzas and even went as far as offered personal heat lamps for our table. It was nice to see how much care and dedication the owners put into ensuring that guests were enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Naglee Park Garage Converted from an old garage as its name indicates, Naglee Park manages to serve up a mean burger in a very quaint and cozy atmosphere. The owners have strung the place with relics of its past. Once I first stepped in, I felt transported to another place, another time.
Beer is served in Bell jars, a detail that only a family-owned institution would even consider. On warm evening, you can eat on the patio out back. Strung white lights make for the intimacy of sharing a meal between friends or lovers. Naglee Park is small and does get quite packed though, so I'd recommend dining with only small parties.
Naglee Park is known for their Angus burgers, mac n' cheese, brussel sprouts (Yes, you read correctly), and French toast on the weekends. They make their own ketchup in-house and potato wedges are cut right in front of your eyes. Don't come too late, as the burgers sell out well before closing time.
Even though it is a sit-down restaurant, you have to order first before grabbing a seat. The owners will shoo you out if you do it the other way around.
singlebarrel The best unkept secret in all of San Jose. The speakeasy theme doesn't manifest past the bar, but that's not the star of this show anyway! Dare I say that singlebarrel whisks up THE BEST cocktails in San Jose? Why, yes. Aside from the usuals, the bartenders here will ask for your individual preferences and shake up a cocktail for you, accordingly. They also have microbrewed fruit beers if you're into that. Whenever I visit singlebarrel, I'm sure to get the bramble which is pictured above. The sweetness hinders the strong taste of the alcohol, which tends to leave me a bittt happier than when I first stepped in.
So why bring dates to singlebarrel? Oh sooo many reasons: the drinks, the atmosphere...Did I mention they have a choice of games? Just take your picking. I've had the best nights here and more to come!
Via. kitcat photography
