Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Sunnyvale, CA

PALO ALTO. For those wanting seafood, this has been the place to go in Palo Alto since 1976. Undecided as to the method...

PALO ALTO. For those wanting seafood, this has been the place to go in Palo Alto since 1976. Undecided as to the method of cooking? They offer mesquite grilled, Japanese pankoed, baked, steamed, Cajun-ed or raw. A Palo Alto landmark, this place is serious about their seafood. They own two boats, part of a Puget Sound oyster farm, and they even maintain their own fishery. Everything from the clam chowder to the sauces is made fresh on the premises. In case you have room for dessert, try the chocolate seduction.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

PALO ALTO. Burgers have been flipped at Kirk's for over 50 years. The menu is spare ­ hamburgers, hot dogs, and...

PALO ALTO. Burgers have been flipped at Kirk's for over 50 years. The menu is spare ­ hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries ­ and the toppings, which include all the standard favorites plus some more unusual items like pineapple rings and jalapenos, are arranged on a central table, do-it-yourself style. Kirk's attracts a diverse clientele, from families to business people to tourists, and is regularly voted best burger in town.

Hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

PALO ALTO. Locals continually vote Hobee's as the best breakfast and brunch place around. Try a "scramble" which...

PALO ALTO. Locals continually vote Hobee's as the best breakfast and brunch place around. Try a "scramble" which is a mixed up omelet with cream cheese and a variety of ingredients like spinach and smoked salmon. Generously portioned sides of potatoes and toast along with fresh coffee make for an excellent morning of paper reading and eating. Businessmen, couples, and families all come here for the blueberry coffeecake, pancakes and folksy atmosphere. Be prepared for a crowd, especially on weekends.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm; Sat-Sun 8am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

PALO ALTO. This place has multiple personalities, each one as charming as the next. The bright lounge gives way to the...

PALO ALTO. This place has multiple personalities, each one as charming as the next. The bright lounge gives way to the darker saloon with burgundy velvet couches, which then opens onto a patio/atrium with alfresco dining, and there are several dining rooms off of that area. This is where California meets Creole and Carribbean, and they live to eat happily ever after. Jerk chicken served with watermelon, luscious jambalaya, and grilled snapper taco are among the favorites. The customers are as bright and festive as the place itself, and it would be difficult not to have fun here. Reservations are accepted for lunch but not for dinner.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

PALO ALTO. Located in a historic building designed by architect Julia Morgan, this all-American restaurant has a...

PALO ALTO. Located in a historic building designed by architect Julia Morgan, this all-American restaurant has a reputation for serving the best burgers, T-bones, ribs, chicken, and onion rings in town. There is no hint of light California cuisine here, but there are plenty of doggy bags leaving the premises. The portions are generous and the atmosphere is super casual. Good for families of carnivores or those just hopping off the CalTrain, which is next door. The patio is a fun place to enjoy a hunk of their famous mud pie.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun 5pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

PALO ALTO. The Stanford Barn, home to California Café, was built as a winery. Now customers are surrounded by brick...

PALO ALTO. The Stanford Barn, home to California Café, was built as a winery. Now customers are surrounded by brick walls, open beams and high ceilings as they dine on seasonal specialties, and drink from an exceptional wine list. A popular lunch stop for shoppers in Palo Alto, the restaurant is equally busy for Sunday brunch. Live music is offered Thursday-Saturday nights, and reservations are suggested.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club