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$$, =], @@@, +
2340 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 408.249.0808
I went for the first time a few weeks ago, and my co-worker and I showed up around 11:00 am. The place was empty as hell and right before we came in, I was beginning to doubt this place. I was wrong! Have you ever been to a buffet and there was too much damn food and none of it was excellent? If you're looking for a place like that, you've come to the wrong place. The actually buffet is probably only 15 feet long but everything that was served was really good. By the time we left at 12 noon, the place was packed and the line wrapped around the whole restaurant. At $7.99 for a lunch buffet, I guess the crowds are on to something!
Kobe Japanese Dining
$$, =), @@@@
2086 El Camino Real (in Mervyn's Plaza), Santa Clara 408.984.KOBE
When I found out about this place, I ate lunch there four days in a row. I couldn't get enough of their sushi boat, especially their philadelphia roll. The sushi chef kept looking at us like, "Damn, back again?" What do I have to do to get my name on one of those boats?
BJ's Restaurant & Brewery
$$, =P, @@@@
www.bjsbrewhouse.com
Various locations in California, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Colorado & Hawaii
This place is really good and the happy hour kicks ass! During happy hour, I got a personal pizza for like $3 and it was good. If you visit the Oxnard location, it's one of the brewery locations.
Willow Street
$$, =), @@@
www.willowstreet.com
Various locations in the South Bay
This place is not really down home cooking, but it's good. I think I would describe the cuisine as maybe Californian Italian. Where else can you get Thai Chicken pizza and Fettuccine Chicken Tequila? Nonetheless, it is very good there. I remember someone ordered a steak sandwhich expecting a big, beefy, "manly" sandwich. I was shocked and appalled that it was served on pita flat bread! I guess I'm just bagging on the restaurant, although I do still think it is quite good. =D
Maggiano's Little Italy
$$$$, =D, =P, @@@@, +
www.magginos.com
3055 Olin Avenue, Santana Row, San Jose, CA 408.423.8973
I'm not Italian at all, but that night I went, I certainly felt like it and wish that I were! I have nothing to say execpt that you must go to this place. Words cannot describe how great it is. It is the perfect place to large groups and I just love the atmosphere. However, reservations are a must!
Harry's Haf Brau
$$, =), @@@
www.harryshofbrau.com
Four locations in the Bay Area.
Harry kills me.
House of Soul Food
$$, =), @@
www.houseofsoulfood.com
2015 Lafayette Street, Santa Clara 408.227.SOUL
I'm still on that quest for yummy soul food. I had the smoked pork ribs which were pretty good. Since my brother spoils us with rockin' bbq, it's hard to say this was the "best." The fried okra was ok, as of the fried catfish. I was disapointed that my fries were soggy (BIG no-no). I hate to say it but I like Popeye's red beans and rice a little better. I heard the fried chicken was yummy and the sliced beef sandwich was ok.
Super Buffet
$$, =), @@@
3830 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose 408.985.2968
On our way to Harry's Hof Brau, we cut through the parking lot and saw banners everywhere announcing its grand opening. As a way to make up for the Japanese buffet in Palo Alto closing, we were looking for a "replacement." It has a good lunch buffet for around $8. For the wide selection, I'd expect to pay at least $12. However, as my supervisor says, this place is in its "honeymoon" phase. Hopefully the quality will not wear out.