Bar Hopping with Silicon Valley Techies in Palo Alto, California
Ah, Thursday night — the only truly social night of the week. It’s the night when babysitters are booked, friends convene, and drinks are imbibed. There are no family obligations to fulfill, no amateurish weekend crowds to elbow through — and the possibilities are endless. The night starts after work and ends whenever you want. In any city. All over the world.
This week, we’re presenting the perfect Thursday night in Palo Alto, Calif.:
The skyline of Palo Alto. (Photo: Rhyman007/iStock)
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the idyllic college town of Palo Alto is home to Stanford University — and some of the priciest real estate in the country. Not exactly the flashiest place — think Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his hoodies. The mild climate and car-clogged streets means getting around town on bikes is a common sight. But then again, so are Teslas.
(Photo: Pamela N. Martin/Moment Mobile/Getty Images)
Local hot spots are a mix of students who need a break from studying or dreaming up the next tech start-up, along with venture capitalists, tech entrepreneurs, and now, you.
Related: Judging Silicon Valley’s Airport: The San Jose Review
Palo Alto is about an hour south of San Francisco by train. For trip planners and schedules, download the CalTrain app on your smartphone. Then leave the driving to them.
5 p.m.
Stanford’s Rodin sculpture garden. (Photo: Wally Gobetz/Flickr)
A night out wouldn’t be complete without at least a quick tour of the Stanford University grounds. Make a beeline to the Cantor Arts Center’s Rodin sculpture garden. You will not believe this exists on a college campus. The sculpture garden is open at all hours and specially lit for nighttime viewing.
6 p.m.
Coupa Cafe, where you can pay with bitcoin. (Photo: Coupa Cafe/Facebook)
In a place where all-nighters are the norm, caffeine is the go-to beverage. Fuel up at Coupa Cafe. The local hub is popular with students, and reportedly, venture capitalists as well. Offerings include the Tiger Spice Chai Latte, cold brew coffee, and spicy Mayan hot chocolate. In a nod to the tech world, the coffee shop accepts bitcoin as payment.
7 p.m.
Drinks and bites at the Four Seasons. (Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto/Facebook)
Start the night off right with a drink or two at the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel in East Palo Alto, a popular watering hole that is perfect for people watching and deal making. The extensive wine lists features 300 bottles from from around the globe, as well as local pours. To sample an array, try 2, 4, or 6 oz. glasses. Pair with bar bites like warm mixed olives or deviled eggs. Or go for hand-crafted cocktails with a farm-to-bar flair.
8 p.m.
Al-fresco dining at Lure + Till. (Photo: Lure + Till/Facebook)
You’ll need reservations at Lure and Till, but the popular destination will surely make it worth your while. The chef, Patrick Kelly, hails from San Francisco’s top-rated Gitane and serves up “innovative Northern Californian” cuisine (if that’s a thing). The restaurant, complete with an open-air deck, is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Epiphany Hotel in the heart of downtown. Skip dessert and linger here post-meal for the divine cocktail menu from mixologist Carlos Yturria. Concoctions like the rum punch and the Bajan Coconut fit the bill.
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The Bajan Coconut cocktail with Mt. Gay Black Barrel Rum, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, coconut, and lime. (Photo: Lure + Till/Facebook)
In search of something a bit more casual? Some of the best of San Francisco dining options have opened outposts in Palo Alto: Pizzeria Delfina offers innovative pies like the zesty Napoletano with anchovy and hot peppers. Or grab a margaritaa fresca with blood orange while munching on the rotating choice of taco offerings and made-to-order guacamole at Tacolicious.
10 p.m.
Lounging at the Wine Room. (Photo: The Wine Room)
Perhaps it’s time for a little lounge time. The Wine Room in the center of Palo Alto is just the thing. The place offers a quiet back room with couches, a fireplace, a decent wine list, and nibbles like a cheese or charcuterie plate.
11 p.m.
Partying at the Patio. (Photo: The Patio at Rudy’s/Facebook)
Ready to get your groove on? Head to the Patio for a DJ-hosted dance-extravaganza. You can boogie out by the patio or get down on the dance floor. The bar that also hosts Karaoke nights and Trivia Night and a weekend beer garden calls Thursdays “classed up.” Also classy: On Thursdays, there’s no cover charge.
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1 a.m.
Cream’s delights. (Photo: Cream of Palo Alto/Facebook)
Now that you’ve danced off dinner, how about dessert? The wildly popular ice cream shop Cream offers dreamy cold stuff in flavors like chocaholic or toasted almond served between fresh-baked cookies like red velvet and snickerdoodle. Prepare to stand in line: the place attracts ice cream-loving hoards. Bonus — it’s open till 2 a.m.
2 a.m.
A treatment room at the Four Seasons spa. (Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto/Facebook)
Yep, you’re back where you started: Treat yourself to a night at the Four Seasons. The luxe accommodations include a Bed and Breakfast deal that includes in-room dining (much appreciated after a night of over-indulgence). Amenities range from massages and facials at the spa to workouts at the fitness center. Or you don’t need to move at all — just head to the rooftop pool. Stick around the next day for a Cal-Ital meal at the hotel restaurant, Quattro. With a posh place like this, you may not be in such a rush to leave.
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