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Last year, we did a popular blog, Places to Eat and Drink in the Sun

I just discovered another to add to the list! Not sure why no one has ever mentioned this absolutely terrific spot in Los Gatos to eat, drink and write. Actually, all writers are in good company at Jack Rose,

which sits half way between Monterey and San Francisco, and known to be a spot where John Steinbeck, who lived a mere half mile from the location, might stop and catch a drink before returning home to compose on his Hermes Baby typewriter.

In the early days, it was the home of the popular Mexican restaurant La Hacienda, and also a gathering place for amateur rodeo competitions.

With a back yard, front deck, play yard, a couple bars, live music on the weekends, a location off the beaten track, plenty of patio furniture with cushy seats, and even alluring art in the bathroom, this is a great summer hangout for young and old.

Here’s to your next best-seller!


Jack Rose Libation House
18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Here’s our list from last year. Please add to it and confirm times on the website.

The Pool Bar & Grill at Rosewood Sand Hill
2825 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park
M – F: 11 AM – 6 – 7PM (depending on when the sun sets)
No dress code

Quadrus Café
2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
M – F: 10:30 AM – 2 PM

Cool Cafe @Cantor
328 Lomita Dr, Ste 200, Stanford
W – Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM, Thurs: 11 AM – 8 PM

Alice’s Restaurant
17288 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside
8 AM – 9 PM
Front patio sun all day / back bar sun during happy hour

The Patio
12 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
11 AM – 2 AM

Alpine Inn / Rossotti’s
3915 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
M – F: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Sat: 11: 30 AM – 9 PM, Sun: 11:30 AM – 6 PM

Trellis Rooftop
1077 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
M – F: 11 AM–2:30 PM & 5–10 PM
Sat: 5–10 PM, Sun: 5–9 PM

Fish Market
1855 S Norfolk St, San Mateo
11 AM – 10 PM
Patio dining in the summer

Johnson’s Salt Box
1696 Laurel St., San Carlos
Tues–F: 11:30 AM – 2 PM & 5:30 – 9 PM
Sat–Sun: 10 AM -2 PM

A journey is a person it itself: no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.

– John Steinbeck

I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for years.

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