Dan H.'s Profile
Date
1 Previous Review:
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5/8/2011
A neighborhood bar, to be sure.
Bouncers and regulars from the other bars along Murphy have been known to walk quickly by the entrances of Paul & Harveys, having heard it called a dive and a rough place and whatnot for as long as they've known. But then they stop by...
Two friends new to the area, one bouncer from one of the Irish pubs, and one coworker have all said the same thing: "I really like this place."
Sure, it's a rough spot. It's a "working man's bar" as one regular patron put it, and sometimes seeing the same regulars so frequently can get to a guy. Or a girl. Sometimes this goes south, but that really is the exception, not the rule.
You've all heard of or seen Maria (or you will), she's worked there for just over 20 years and just returned to work after recovering from a solid car accident in January. May 7 was a pot-luck dinner to welcome her back, organized by Drew and Becky, food brought in by a bunch of regulars, TJ the DJ spinning Maria's favorite music, dancing and pool-playing, the usual amount of drinking and chit chat at the end of the lazy Saturday.
Order food from any restaurant on the street (or beyond) and bring it in, they're fine with that. The day time crowd is usually pretty laid back, as are Monica [day], Diana, and Jodi (your daytime bartenders as I write this). Maria and Monica [night] are there most nights, as are your cast of more "interesting" characters, from the anti-semitic Loud Tony to the "the girls from upstairs" to Lawnmower John to Timmy to "I Like It" Chris to Doc to Kermit to CC...
No two days are quite the same at Paul & Harvey's.
Was just in there this evening for a quick coffee with my neighbors, ended up having a nice chat with a girl working there, don't know her name (interesting tat on forearm)... I've had very nice interactions with the people who work here, I have to say they are solid. If it was walking distance I'd come here more often (I live too close to downtown Sunnyvale and its dozen or so indies on Murphy...).
Listed in: Laptop Friendly (south)
1 Previous Review:
-
2/7/2007
Just stopped in after driving by this place for a while now. I had been to Peet's a few times in SF when I worked up there, but I've been a slave to the other big chain when I don't make my own at home.
Anyway, it's nice inside, though the seating area seems slightly small-- a lot more space for waiting customers than for sitting ones, I guess. A little outside area is good for nice days. Since it was just me and it seemed like it was about to rain, I had to pass on the outdoors this time.
Simply Amazing.
First tried one of these at a friend's birthday party, his wife got a 10" and a smaller (might have been 8") Chocolate Chocolate Chip pair and I was stunned at how moist the cake was.
Then yesterday I went to a welcome-back party and the guest of honor had said "as long as they're moist" when I suggested some bundt cakes. I got a 10" chocolate chocolate chip, 10" marble, and an 8" cinnamon swirl for her specifically. They went quick, though the 8" went home with her so I can only assume it was delicious.
Great stuff, will definitely return again and again...
First tried one of these at a friend's birthday party, his wife got a 10" and a smaller (might have been 8") Chocolate Chocolate Chip pair and I was stunned at how moist the cake was.
Then yesterday I went to a welcome-back party and the guest of honor had said "as long as they're moist" when I suggested some bundt cakes. I got a 10" chocolate chocolate chip, 10" marble, and an 8" cinnamon swirl for her specifically. They went quick, though the 8" went home with her so I can only assume it was delicious.
Great stuff, will definitely return again and again...
Sure, this place has a bunch of stars, but they didn't help on Tuesday night.
My girlfriend had been to this one some time ago and since we had tried Maggiano's a while back we figured we could give this one a try to compare.
Got there a bit before the dinner rush, maybe 6pm, about 3 tables worth of customers already there, two server staff on hand, didn't seem to be too overwhelming. We were seated and got three little pieces of bread and a pesto-oil sauce to dip in, which was actually not so bad.
Ordered three items, one was a pasta shell fish dish, the others were half-plates of a shrimp-pasta-cream-sauce and a tortellini-meat-sauce. Our server didn't ask whether we wanted more bread or salad or soup or anything, she was off pretty quickly.
Food arrived some time later, after a few tables of people who had arrived after us were served. That was the tip-off, since when our three dishes arrived (a runner brought them over) only the shrimp pasta dish was sort of "hot" in the center (probably due to the cream sauce), the shell fish dish was edible, and the tortellini was actually cool. As in, not really even warm.
I set that dish aside and when the server came by to as how everything was, I figured I would only point out the one, so when I said "this one is cold," she said, "oh, yes, it was sitting out too long."
Now... if you are a server and you aren't surprised that your table has received cold food that you apparently know has been sitting out, you deserve less than the tip we left that night.
They did probably microwave the plate to heat it up, it wasn't bad but the meal was a disappointment overall, the service was lackluster, and there was no attempt to make amends... no coffee, no comp, no apology from the manager, no real acknowledgement.
Maggiano's was many orders of magnitude better (though I haven't been back there), if you're looking for Italian in Santana Row.
My girlfriend had been to this one some time ago and since we had tried Maggiano's a while back we figured we could give this one a try to compare.
Got there a bit before the dinner rush, maybe 6pm, about 3 tables worth of customers already there, two server staff on hand, didn't seem to be too overwhelming. We were seated and got three little pieces of bread and a pesto-oil sauce to dip in, which was actually not so bad.
Ordered three items, one was a pasta shell fish dish, the others were half-plates of a shrimp-pasta-cream-sauce and a tortellini-meat-sauce. Our server didn't ask whether we wanted more bread or salad or soup or anything, she was off pretty quickly.
Food arrived some time later, after a few tables of people who had arrived after us were served. That was the tip-off, since when our three dishes arrived (a runner brought them over) only the shrimp pasta dish was sort of "hot" in the center (probably due to the cream sauce), the shell fish dish was edible, and the tortellini was actually cool. As in, not really even warm.
I set that dish aside and when the server came by to as how everything was, I figured I would only point out the one, so when I said "this one is cold," she said, "oh, yes, it was sitting out too long."
Now... if you are a server and you aren't surprised that your table has received cold food that you apparently know has been sitting out, you deserve less than the tip we left that night.
They did probably microwave the plate to heat it up, it wasn't bad but the meal was a disappointment overall, the service was lackluster, and there was no attempt to make amends... no coffee, no comp, no apology from the manager, no real acknowledgement.
Maggiano's was many orders of magnitude better (though I haven't been back there), if you're looking for Italian in Santana Row.
165-D S Murphy Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 732-6387
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 732-6387
Brandon's
Categories:
Beer, Wine & Spirits,
Pubs
As I type this, 2 of the other 3 reviews are from 2 years ago, so let's bring it up to date a bit.
First of all, Susan, the owner of this establishment, is a very very very nice person and while she is pleasant to talk to, don't think she's not if you're already having your own private conversation off in the corner. She's friendly with other business owners on the street so you can often catch her across the street at Fibbar Magees or Via Sol, among other places.
I myself am not a big wine fan, more into the beer. In fact, that's why I'm not giving that 5th star, because I'm a total beer snob! But aside from that, it is a wine-oriented establishment with a few different kinds of beers and some eats so that's the only fault there. You're having some wine...
The wine selection to me seems fine. Remember, I'm a beer drinker, so when I have tasted some wines, Susan has made some thoughtful suggestions that have been spot on. Why, just today at the Farmer's Market, we grabbed a crepe and wandered over to Susan's place where she let us grab a table to eat our find. That lead to two glasses of a nice white wine that she suggested and it went with the food splendidly. We finished off with some pretzels and people-watching and a little conversation with Susan here and there between the passers by.
Bottom line, Brandon Wines is a cute little shop with a nice, friendly owner and if you're in Sunnyvale you won't do badly to stop in and take a taste. Oh, by the way, Susan is more than happy to have you bring something from one of the other restaurants on the street (or wherever), sit yourself down and try some wine with whatever you have. She also has corkage arrangements with many of the places on the street. Go check it out, tell her Dan sent you...
First of all, Susan, the owner of this establishment, is a very very very nice person and while she is pleasant to talk to, don't think she's not if you're already having your own private conversation off in the corner. She's friendly with other business owners on the street so you can often catch her across the street at Fibbar Magees or Via Sol, among other places.
I myself am not a big wine fan, more into the beer. In fact, that's why I'm not giving that 5th star, because I'm a total beer snob! But aside from that, it is a wine-oriented establishment with a few different kinds of beers and some eats so that's the only fault there. You're having some wine...
The wine selection to me seems fine. Remember, I'm a beer drinker, so when I have tasted some wines, Susan has made some thoughtful suggestions that have been spot on. Why, just today at the Farmer's Market, we grabbed a crepe and wandered over to Susan's place where she let us grab a table to eat our find. That lead to two glasses of a nice white wine that she suggested and it went with the food splendidly. We finished off with some pretzels and people-watching and a little conversation with Susan here and there between the passers by.
Bottom line, Brandon Wines is a cute little shop with a nice, friendly owner and if you're in Sunnyvale you won't do badly to stop in and take a taste. Oh, by the way, Susan is more than happy to have you bring something from one of the other restaurants on the street (or wherever), sit yourself down and try some wine with whatever you have. She also has corkage arrangements with many of the places on the street. Go check it out, tell her Dan sent you...
511 Borregas Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
(408) 735-8280
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
(408) 735-8280
Seto Japanese Cuisine
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars
I was working the election polls at the elementary school across the street and decided to take my lunch break at Seto, having heard good things about the place for so many years.
I ordered some tempura and katsu don. Why not sushi? Well, it was just me, it was a quick lunch, and the sushi looked slightly expensive so I figured I would check it out first with something a bit more economical.
Hmmm.
Miso soup was not so good. Eating just a piece of tofu, there was a dishwater-like flavor left behind. I'm not saying they use dishwater to make their miso soup, but for some reason the flavor was just off.
The katsu don was passable but not great. The pork was dry and the egg lacked excellent flavor.
The tempura was pretty good. I'm a sucker for tempura, though.
Finally, the service. Eh, not great. The place was pretty slow at about 1pm so maybe it was just a lack of momentum, and I was a solo eater so maybe I wasn't quite so interesting, but they didn't have to make it quite so obvious.
End of the day, I doubt I would go back. Not necessarily horrible, and perhaps their sushi is better and maybe going with one or two more people would have made for a better overall experience, but I'll shop around a bit more.
I ordered some tempura and katsu don. Why not sushi? Well, it was just me, it was a quick lunch, and the sushi looked slightly expensive so I figured I would check it out first with something a bit more economical.
Hmmm.
Miso soup was not so good. Eating just a piece of tofu, there was a dishwater-like flavor left behind. I'm not saying they use dishwater to make their miso soup, but for some reason the flavor was just off.
The katsu don was passable but not great. The pork was dry and the egg lacked excellent flavor.
The tempura was pretty good. I'm a sucker for tempura, though.
Finally, the service. Eh, not great. The place was pretty slow at about 1pm so maybe it was just a lack of momentum, and I was a solo eater so maybe I wasn't quite so interesting, but they didn't have to make it quite so obvious.
End of the day, I doubt I would go back. Not necessarily horrible, and perhaps their sushi is better and maybe going with one or two more people would have made for a better overall experience, but I'll shop around a bit more.
20488 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 725-0618
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 725-0618
Tartini Frozen Yogurt Bar - CLOSED
Category:
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Just stopped by the place today and I have to agree with pretty much everybody else who has written to date. Great flavors and interesting toppings (maybe too much cereal, but they have some decent ones aside from the real fruits you can toss on there).
Slight disclaimer, my girlfriend met the owners of the place before they opened and they got to talking about yogurt in great detail. She was already looking forward to checking out the place before two months before they opened. It appears that their attention to detail, personality, and good taste are paying off in spades.
Definitely stop by and check it out. Love the decor, also. Just electric enough to brighten your day, but not overpowering.
Slight disclaimer, my girlfriend met the owners of the place before they opened and they got to talking about yogurt in great detail. She was already looking forward to checking out the place before two months before they opened. It appears that their attention to detail, personality, and good taste are paying off in spades.
Definitely stop by and check it out. Love the decor, also. Just electric enough to brighten your day, but not overpowering.
I have to admit, I stopped by the Peacock strictly because I know one of the bartenders and I told her I would.
That said, I would say the Peacock is a nice little hangout for the regulars. I am a regular myself at a few other places, and I can see quite plainly wy the regulars like it. It's comfortable, simple, pretty unassuming, and from what I understand there are some business practices that make it sort of "fun" to hang out there and drink.
Since I know the bartender working while I was there I won't comment beyond saying she is very cool and the other regulars there seemed to enjoy her work quite a bit. I will also point out that when I ordered my Rusty Nail I got a slew of commentary from the crew manning my side of the bar... that happens all the time.
It's not really a dive bar so much as a "neighborhood bar"-- during the day, anyway-- so if you need to sit down for a quick drink with a client or a pal or whatever you'll be fine here.
That said, I would say the Peacock is a nice little hangout for the regulars. I am a regular myself at a few other places, and I can see quite plainly wy the regulars like it. It's comfortable, simple, pretty unassuming, and from what I understand there are some business practices that make it sort of "fun" to hang out there and drink.
Since I know the bartender working while I was there I won't comment beyond saying she is very cool and the other regulars there seemed to enjoy her work quite a bit. I will also point out that when I ordered my Rusty Nail I got a slew of commentary from the crew manning my side of the bar... that happens all the time.
It's not really a dive bar so much as a "neighborhood bar"-- during the day, anyway-- so if you need to sit down for a quick drink with a client or a pal or whatever you'll be fine here.
Fibbars is a fun spot just about any time.
We used to wander over from an evening of beer and munching at Stoddard's and finish out the evening over a pint of Guinness or two, I would call myself a Fibbars veteran if we can include the 90s.
I recently started going there again and it's every bit as good. The bands are hit-and-miss, but that's how life works. The Friday band a week ago [EDIT: It was The Switch, according to the band calendar on Fibbars website] was really really good, other times the bands are more loud than good. The dance floor definitely picks up as the alcohol flows-- last night, in fact, I saw a newly-married bride in white busting a move.
The people working there all seem quite nice. I haven't met everybody, but those I've actually had a chat with are really interesting-- in fact, one person there in particular is "astonishingly interesting," to quote myself.
I like a pub that's a little quiet to hang out with friends, and while hanging out on Friday is fun, it's a nice spot to go through the week to relax and hang out with friends you bring with you or new ones you meet there.
We used to wander over from an evening of beer and munching at Stoddard's and finish out the evening over a pint of Guinness or two, I would call myself a Fibbars veteran if we can include the 90s.
I recently started going there again and it's every bit as good. The bands are hit-and-miss, but that's how life works. The Friday band a week ago [EDIT: It was The Switch, according to the band calendar on Fibbars website] was really really good, other times the bands are more loud than good. The dance floor definitely picks up as the alcohol flows-- last night, in fact, I saw a newly-married bride in white busting a move.
The people working there all seem quite nice. I haven't met everybody, but those I've actually had a chat with are really interesting-- in fact, one person there in particular is "astonishingly interesting," to quote myself.
I like a pub that's a little quiet to hang out with friends, and while hanging out on Friday is fun, it's a nice spot to go through the week to relax and hang out with friends you bring with you or new ones you meet there.
190 S Frances St
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 732-7550
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 732-7550
Rokko Japanese Restaurant - CLOSED
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars
I liked this place about 8 years ago when I first tried it, and I still like it.
I'm no sushi expert. Not even close. But I find very little to complain about after a few visits to Rokko recently. Mostly on Tuesday nights, though I had been there for lunch a few months ago with another friend and we stopped in there on a more-crowded Wednesday, but Tuesdays do seem to be a bit on the quiet side. This works well if you have a conversation to get to, though it is also not an empty library or anything like that.
The servers are very nice and pretty outgoing. Only once so far was there some confusion and weirdness about our order, when a few things for different people ended up on one big plate that left us slightly confused, but we figured it out.
I like the Tempura roll, which is probably a sure indicator that I'm a novice. Spicy tuna and salmon rolls are also good. I need broaden my horizons there and see what else they have going on.
Bottom line, it's a nice little place, but I am not using the sushi microscope as some might.
I'm no sushi expert. Not even close. But I find very little to complain about after a few visits to Rokko recently. Mostly on Tuesday nights, though I had been there for lunch a few months ago with another friend and we stopped in there on a more-crowded Wednesday, but Tuesdays do seem to be a bit on the quiet side. This works well if you have a conversation to get to, though it is also not an empty library or anything like that.
The servers are very nice and pretty outgoing. Only once so far was there some confusion and weirdness about our order, when a few things for different people ended up on one big plate that left us slightly confused, but we figured it out.
I like the Tempura roll, which is probably a sure indicator that I'm a novice. Spicy tuna and salmon rolls are also good. I need broaden my horizons there and see what else they have going on.
Bottom line, it's a nice little place, but I am not using the sushi microscope as some might.
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Review votes:
31 Useful, 15 Funny, and 24 Cool
Location
Sunnyvale, CA
Yelping SinceFebruary 2007
Find Me Ina confused state
My HometownSunnyvale, CA
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm sleeping
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI tell it like it is
The Last Great Book I ReadVwls r wst f tm
My First ConcertU2 1988
My Favorite MovieSeven
My Last Meal On EarthDeep friend sausage and onion calzone
End of the day, the people who work here are all very cool, pot lucks are fun and pretty much delicious, drinks are always good (as far as I remember), and there is always some combination of interesting people and circumstance, either inside or nearby.