Drew M.'s Profile

Well, I would not call myself a coffee connoisseur, far from it. I am a big customer of coffee shops, but usually as a place to get some work done between other commitments--I'll admit I can't often tell one cup from another.

I happened into this place one morning during the week. The coffee was outstanding. For a guy who does not usually notice anything about an espresso, that sentence is quite a compliment.

It's a small place, but has a nice outdoor area. Free and fast wireless (which is a MUST for any coffee shop, in my opinion). The only downside for me was that the place was not very comfortable or inviting. I know people go for the coffee, but I'd have really appreciated some comfortable seating and a little decor.

What a very pleasant surprise this place was!

I had read the great reviews here on Yelp, but I was still skeptical. This will sound weird, but the price had me even more scared. How could such an affordable hotel be anything other than a fleabag? Add the fact that "close to Union Square" is often synonymous with "right in the Tenderloin, watch your step while getting past the drug addicts to reach the front door," and I figured this was a recipe for disappointment.

OK, my expectations were low, but still this place was a great find. The rate was less than $120, and I even found a rate from an online aggregator of under $90. Amazing value. I even decided to spring for the "deluxe room" and it was still under $100. The room was small. Actually, the whole hotel is small, but everything was NEW and CLEAN. Nice new carpet. Nice new linens. Nice new bathroom. Nice new flatscreen TV. Very nice. And new.

Only a few nits: There is only free wireless internet access in the (tiny) lobby--not too useful. There was free (wired) internet in my room, but the jack was not by the desk--it was behind the bed's headboard (!!) requiring some real contortion to be able to connect. All the plugs in the room were used, so I had to sacrifice a lamp to power my laptop--not terribly well set up for the mobile professional that I am. The complimentary light breakfast (as tiny as the rest of the hotel!) was in a tiny room, but was neat and clean--muffins, croissants, coffee--nothing special, but it was enough to hold me until I went out to a real breakfast.

I can't give it 5 stars. It was nice, people, but it ain't the Four Seasons. Still, I would certainly stay there again on business. In fact, I am sure I will. And I would definitely recommend it for what it is: a GREAT value, close to Union Square, a friendly and engaging staff, and a nice clean boutique hotel.

This place has one serious badass martini selection. The decor is like a high-end art deco diner, and the olive light fixtures are cool. It's a great place to hang with some friends and share some great food.

Try the thai chicken lettuce cups, the crispy tofu, and lots of other tasty shareables. And did I mention martinis?

It would have been even more fun if my friend Xtian had not been wearing that really huge sweater--it made all four of us look fat.

Don't go to Super Taqueria for the atmosphere--go for the food.

The decor is a little cheesy--orange formica booths crammed in to a tiny storefront--but the place is clean and the food is good. It can sometimes get a bit crowded in there, but I have never had to wait very long.

Get the burritos. Period. The burritos are big, and they are delicious. I got the flautas once, and I have to steer you away from them--not good. But the burritos! YUM!

Tried this place for lunch the other day. It was really great. The place has a real personality. There were not a lot of customers during this early lunch hour on a weekday, but there were a bunch of men in there speaking Italian. It was a very friendly atmosphere. The waiter seems a little grouchy, but honestly that was part of the charm of the place.

The raviolis were fresh and delicious. The dessert and coffee exceeded expectations!

I definitely recommend it, and will be going again!

One of my favorite restaurants. The Butter Chicken is an absolute must. Be sure to get it.

I've been here with large and small parties. Both are fun, but I would advise you to go with a big group, so you can order lots of dishes to share. You'll want a little of everything!

The only reason this is not a 5-star review is the desserts. They are just not great. So, skip dessert and have that extra helping of Butter Chicken instead!

You won't find a nicer dentist with a friendlier staff. Period.

Dr. Carol (as everyone calls her) is always happy and is a pleasure to visit. Her whole staff is super-friendly and helpful, and they have a great family atmosphere. If you have an appt in the holiday season, you even get to take an ornament from their tree!

On top of all this, they recently moved into new digs, and this has got to be  the most beautiful office in the whole dental industry.

GO! Best dentist ever.

If this theater had some competition in Gilroy, they'd probably be put out of business.

They only take cash--how is that possible in this day and age? The whole place is in poor condition and seems to be in dire need of a major scrub-down. The concessions are slow, disorganized, and expensive. There are always lots of people working, but they always seem confused, unsupervised, disorganized, and disinterested. The theaters have uncomfortable seats, old screens and projection, and the sound is not great.

I am ashamed to say that I go there anyway, solely because it is the only choice in Gilroy. Here's to hoping a new theater opens soon.

A very roomy and comfortable coffee place. I have dropped in there a number of times when I have a little time to kill. The free WIFI is great, and one of the reasons I stop in.

There are always several locals in there chatting, and it seems like a very friendly and welcoming spot.

The coffee is good too!

There are lots of little hole-in-the-wall authentic Mexican food joints in Gilroy, but this one is my current favorite.

The decor is a little, um... quaint, but the food is great, and the service is very friendly and accommodating. It's a great place to go on a weekend afternoon, as they have some outside seating on the shady side of the street.

I personally like the Flautas the best, but the enchiladas are always tempting too. Go with a big appetite, because the portions are generous.

Downtown Gilroy is going through a big revitalization, and this place is worth a visit! Look for the giant parrot painted on the building. Why a parrot? Good question.