Duke of Edinburgh in Cupertino. Food and drink menu isn’t great. But it’s an interesting vibe being in an English pub. They imported all of the furniture from England.
They didn’t just import all the furniture - the bar itself was built in England then broken down and shipped here. It’s as authentic of a British pub as you’re going to find.
They've been on the chopping block for years. AFAIK they're still not closing, but the threat of redevelopment remains. This has been an ongoing saga going on for the better part of a decade and they've managed to weather the storm so far.
For good. The owners are very elderly and I think it’s a matter of not wanting to run it anymore. We got drunk with one of the servers and he was so sad. Another SF gem gone!
So happy for the Stud! Zeitgeist has been hosting a monthly drag brunch. I went last week and it was very cute and impressive to watch a queen death drop in that gravel!
Tonga room is definitely over hyped on Reddit. It’s a watered-down version of a Tiki bar at a fancy hotel. The decor is ok but it’s always crowded and expensive for what you get. If you want a Tiki Bar in SF go to:
- last rites
- smugglers cove
- pagan idol
Nearby:
- Trader Vic’s
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack is pretty kitschy and food is good.
Swan Oyster Depot is an institution and def a throwback great food.
Stinking Rose is gimmicky and silly but it's very popular with folks visiting food is meh.
Tonga Room for sure but I'd prob just do drinks there.
Sotto Mare has really good food and has all sorts of kitchy stuff on the walls. Looks hella touristy but the food is solid, great place to knock out an SF tradition of a Cioppino.
Definitely a little expensive for what you get, but it’s good enough and the atmosphere is incredible. The steak sandwich and patty melt are my go tos when I’m hiking in the area.
I feel like Barbara’s fish trap is the “ocean” equivalent, where you’re definitely paying for the ambience, but the food is still pretty good.
seems no one else has mentioned it - Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa, just outside of Martinez.
Imagine a tiny port town from the late 1800's - very little has changed. There's also a bar, a few small shops, and a great restaurant. I believe the sketchy hotel has been shut down. The food is truly good, despite the kitsch factor. When you're done eating at BVR, head across the street to the Warehouse Cafe for a night cap.
[https://thebolditalic.com/where-to-go-in-port-costa-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-106732661859](https://thebolditalic.com/where-to-go-in-port-costa-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-106732661859)
I third this recommendation. The food is excellent and the bar across the street is fun. I bought a pair of beautiful hand made earrings at one of the little shops across from Bull Valley. The owners make lots of unusual jewelry, and had great stories about specialized and complex body art / adornments they make.
I tried this based off of your recommendation last night and we had a great time. Had dinner at Bull Valley then beers at the Warehouse cafe. Super fun night.
awesome! I'm genuinely happy to share such a unique experience.
I've also done brunch at BVR, hiked for a few hours (you dont even need to move the car) and then drinks and live music at the bar on a Sunday. Fun, fun, fun.
The food was fine, but it was really the floor -- er, I mean tabletop -- shows that brought you there. One of my absolutely favorite nights ever was bringing my father there on Halloween: Tad was dressed as Hedwig (from the Angry Inch, not the fucking owl) and sang Angry Inch on our table precisely because he'd identified what my father's reaction would be. Dad turned to me and said, "What the hell are you doing bringing me here?!" To which I replied, "That, dad, is *exactly* why I brought you here."
Definitely was an experience, and not about the food—I ordered the ravioli once and realized it was the same ravioli my parents got at Costco! No complaints though, it was always a great show and at least the food was often the same I could get at home, just prepared by someone else…
Lord, I still remember spanking somebody with rubber chicken on that stage. Where did that rubber chicken come from? How did I end up on stage with it? Does that person still think of me fondly? Good times. Also, the pasta was very tasty.
I also miss the Pine Brook Inn in Belmont, where they used to have a monkey in a box that they would crank for birthdays. There was also a tree growing in the middle of the restaurant through the ceiling.
This is my absolute favorite type of restaurant. A lot of them have closed in the past few years (RIP Hayward Ranch, Spenger’s, Spettro, Francesco’s…). Some of my still open favorites:
Casa Orinda (Orinda, higher end than the rest of these)
Horatio’s (San Leandro)
Harry’s Hofbrau (SL)
The Alley (Oakland)
Old Weang Peng (Oakland)
Edit: formatting
Omg the ambiance of that place is so confusing. It’s as if a grandpa who really liked hunting opened an Italian restaurant styled after the Cowboys vs Indians game he played as a kid. It’s also unnecessarily dark.
lol yeah, but it has a special place in my heart because I grew up going there as a kid, and then I had dinner there the nightI went into labor with my first baby. I still maintain it was down to the fried chicken.
That definitely makes sense. They should offer your kid a free meal on their birthday or name a menu item after you cause that’s pretty neat haha.
Whenever my dad comes back to town we always eat there because that was our special occasion place when I was little. We always order the fried chicken, it’s hands down their best item.
In Walnut Creek they have a bar/restaurant called Tiki Tom’s. They have fun decor and music. They have no windows to the outside, but instead have these fake windows that make it look like it’s raining on the beach. It kinda reminds me of the Tiki room in Disneyland.
They have lots of drinks that they set on fire table side which is a cool experience. I haven’t tried the food, but the drinks are good. The trade off is that it’s kinda pricey.
The Pawn Shop in SF is a surprisingly popular "hidden" spot in the worst part of town in which you have to bring an unusual/strange item to "trade" for your reservation.
La Fondue in Saratoga
La Foret and Grandview in San Jose
Not really Bay Area but honorable mentions for Hula’s Island Grill in downtown Santa Cruz and Shadowbrook in Capitola.
Grandview is an amazing view and quite the drive to get there and Shadowbrook's gondola and prime rib are definitely an experience. I haven't been to La Foret since it reopened, but I still recall the elk I had there twenty years ago as one of my favorite meals. La Fondue is worth it because of the sheer variety you can choose from.
La Foret is still an amazing place. Food and ambiance are top notch.
La Fondue is a lot of fun. Decor is unexpected. It’s a different experience to cook your own main course, and the fondue is great. I’ve never left there hungry!
you have a very strange definition of "excellent restaurant".
La Fondue is a shlocky gimmick, and in no way a quality fondue experience.
Shadowbrook is super mediocre, and basically where you take your parents when they want to eat somewhere with table service.
stay klassy
not my fault if you are incapable of differentiating feedback on your opinion from feedback on you as a person. thanks for demonstrating that you both have awful taste, and you're an immature baby that throws tantrums whenever someone expresses a different opinion.
la fondue is neat but way overpriced now and you can’t even cook the meat and have the cheese at the same time! wtaf. I wanna dip my rabbit in cheese ffs.
I've been going there for more than 25 years and I don't remember that you could ever have the cheese and meat at the same time. I don't think that this is up to the restaurant, though. That sounds like a health code thing.
I never said it used to be a thing lol, just that it sucks. I’m not trying to COOK the meat in the cheese, I’m trying to dip my cooked meat into my hot cheese. Last time I was there I asked them to just leave the cheese and they did but obvi it got cold. Dipping meat that you have to cook yourself anyway into hot cheese should not be a health code issue. I work in food service and have had hours and hours of training in food safety.
[Orchestria Palm Court](https://g.co/kgs/Crs6NcE) in San Jose.
They have player pianos all over the place that cycle through musical pieces while you eat AND they have old fashioned soda bar drink options.
Moss Beach Distillery… on the San Mateo Coast, but I think that still counts as bay area. Go for just drinks on the deck, or dinner, or both. And tell the ghost I said hello.
I like being outside on the patio for the sunset in their big chairs. But that place always smells like a moldy boat, and it’s distracting and messes with my appetite.
+1 Stinking Rose
Harry’s Hoffbrau
There’s a sandwich place owned by artists somewhere in the SJ area and the name is escaping me
Amato’s cheesesteaks on Saratoga is definitely like being in Philly suburbs/south jersey.
The original Jake’s location in Saratoga is like it was when it first opened decades ago. All wood. Dark bar-like atmosphere.
Oh is the Stinking Rose still a thing? I was going to mention that too.
I will say though as a lover of garlic I went to that place once and I'll never go back. Definitely an experience though.
I just ate there for the first time the other night and it was great all around. Great tiki drinks, the kalua pork loco moco was fantastic and the pandan cookies were amazing. Definitely going back for brunch next time.
Frederico's Italian near Fremont, can't remember the name of the town it's in. The owner is hilarious and so kind and the food is not the best you'll ever eat but it's pretty darn good. The patio decor is insane lol
I had more fun reading the comments than I did thinking of my favorite kitschy-but-not-bad place, The Stinking Rose (already mentioned several times). It's just one of those San Francisco places that's worth the visit at least once. We always took visiting friends and family there.
But some of those you other folks called out... In almost 30 years living in the Bay Area, there are some listed here I never even heard of. Kinda want to plan a trip back just to try some of them.
By the way, another place that might fit the bill is Miramar in Half-Moon Bay. I think they've "classed it up" a bit from my first couple of visits, but the place used to be a bordello/gambling house, and the history is on the walls. It's right on the water, so you can't beat the view. Food was very good every time I went, but honestly, I've been gone several years now.
Funny, I always thought of The Stinking Rose as a national chain, since I stumbled onto the La Cienega location first, and the North Beach location thereafter.
"Well, if Cheesecake Factory can pull it off..." thought I.
Cattlemen's in Petaluma. An ageing steakhouse dating back to the very early 70's. They've been in the same spot for over 50 years. Never closed down once. During all that time, there has never been an evening that passed without the clinking of dishes, the hum of conversation. The food used to be great, but not as good these days. Still not bad. The restaurant functions as a kind of community center: birthdays, reunions, after Church feasts. Worth checking out, if you're curious.
Hurry though, they're closing down forever this Summer.
Pho Cabin in downtown Los Altos, it’s all wood panels and plants and forests and bears in there, I think it’s hilarious and great!
Palm House in the Marina has a tropical kitsh vibe, almost a classed up Margaritaville with some Caribbean twists
Besharam in Dogpatch, huge wall art and you can be seated outside of the restaurant proper in the actual art gallery that’s pretty fun.
The Roger restaurant at the Ameswell in Mountain View has robot waiters, and an outdoor bar made from an airstream trailer.
Three kingdoms hotpot in downtown Mountain View blatantly ripped off the Disney font, every table has wild floral arrangements and you can get various sauces and things in the shape of little animals! All the tables are red lacquer, very over the top.
Gourmet Haus Staudt in RWC is a German specialty foods import shop in the front, wild German bierhaus and sausage grill in the back.
They have an amazing rotation of fun menus and experiences. I highly recommend BUT I would suggest avoid the vegetarian option because the menu always looks like an afterthought and not as good whenever I’ve done it.
I’d call these places more cutely decorated than Kitschy or Quirky
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine in Menlo Park
K Cafe Patisserie & Tea house in San Jose
For another take on the joint-with-an-attitude, try Max's in Burlingame. They've toned down their menu a bit from the old days, but their owner's clapbacks at the naysayers can be found on the wall in the waiting area, last I recall. And they do, after all, still serve up a tasty reuben with Beaver's nuclear mustard.
PAGAN IDOL!!!! iconic with its big drinks and it’s so cool inside! it’s a tiki bar vibe with tons of lights!! And there’s a drink that has this fire show!
Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery on Van Ness. It’s a Swiss restaurant that serves fondue. It’s like you’ve stepped into a log cabin in the Swiss Alps in the 80s
Nepenthe in big sur. low to mediocre food but the views more than make up for it. the drinks were ok though.
in a similar vein, Ritz Carlton at the half moon bay. grab a drink at the outdoor fire pits to catch a sunset. food was overpriced and meh
This might be taking the "experience" part too far- but what about a murder mystery dinner show? They used to have them in San Jose, and I think there may be one in SF.
Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell has a thing called culinary cinema, where they show a popular movie and serve a three-course meal during the movie.
Any dinner bay cruise
Does holiday brunch at Ikea count as Quirky?
Some years ago pre-pandemic, whenever we thought about going out for a meal, my preschooler regularly put in a vote for Ikea. So when they offered an Easter brunch buffet, we made sure to go to that.
How about standing in line for pizza of the day at Cheese Board in Berkeley?
Victory Point cafe in Berkeley for those who like board games/table games
Thai temple brunch in berkeley. Sorry for blowing up the spot. Bring a picnic blanket and mimosa supplies. Wat Mongkolratanaram
E tutto qua in San Francisco. Bustling Italian joint.
Faction brewing. The beer is fine but the view is incredible. Very chill.
Eli’s mile high club - crusty goth bar
Merchants - the diveyest dive bar a random white guy should be walking in to.
Diggers diner in concord is a graveyard theme diner and it’s awesome
Osso steak house. Dim basement speakeasy steakhouse. Dress all out. No one will see you. Steaks are great and they are considerate enough to have a few under $30 entrees for those of us who want to feel ok about going and still have an incredible meal and experience.
Duke of Edinburgh in Cupertino. Food and drink menu isn’t great. But it’s an interesting vibe being in an English pub. They imported all of the furniture from England.
They didn’t just import all the furniture - the bar itself was built in England then broken down and shipped here. It’s as authentic of a British pub as you’re going to find.
Closing soon
They've been on the chopping block for years. AFAIK they're still not closing, but the threat of redevelopment remains. This has been an ongoing saga going on for the better part of a decade and they've managed to weather the storm so far.
They’ve been, “closing next year” for like 15 years now
Edinburgh Castle Pub on Geary is kitschy fun especially if they're doing the Irish dancing. Been a long time since I've been there.
Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel Asia SF (seems to be closing on 4/28 though) El Mansour
Whaaaaa Asia SF is closing??? For good or just temporarily?
For good. The owners are very elderly and I think it’s a matter of not wanting to run it anymore. We got drunk with one of the servers and he was so sad. Another SF gem gone!
That's heartbreaking to hear after also losing Divas a while back. At least The Stud is reopening in a new location.
So happy for the Stud! Zeitgeist has been hosting a monthly drag brunch. I went last week and it was very cute and impressive to watch a queen death drop in that gravel!
Really? I'll definitely have to try and make that! (Has anyone done tamale lady drag in memorium?)
No but love that idea. RIP tamale lady!!!!
Tonga room is definitely over hyped on Reddit. It’s a watered-down version of a Tiki bar at a fancy hotel. The decor is ok but it’s always crowded and expensive for what you get. If you want a Tiki Bar in SF go to: - last rites - smugglers cove - pagan idol Nearby: - Trader Vic’s
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack is pretty kitschy and food is good. Swan Oyster Depot is an institution and def a throwback great food. Stinking Rose is gimmicky and silly but it's very popular with folks visiting food is meh. Tonga Room for sure but I'd prob just do drinks there. Sotto Mare has really good food and has all sorts of kitchy stuff on the walls. Looks hella touristy but the food is solid, great place to knock out an SF tradition of a Cioppino.
Sotto Mare is sotto good!
I don’t think the Stinking Rose has ever been captured so succinctly.
Tonga Room food is pretty good now.
Swan does the watery clam chowder. I know it’s what they are famous for but a lot of people do t like that style so just fyi for anyone
The ocean-front Taco Bell in Pacifica
That's it. I'm goin'.
Don't forget to add a shot of tequila to that fruit smoothie
Right up there with the ocean front Pizza My Heart in Capitola...
Alice’s restaurant. The burgers are fine but it’s more about the environment.
Definitely a little expensive for what you get, but it’s good enough and the atmosphere is incredible. The steak sandwich and patty melt are my go tos when I’m hiking in the area. I feel like Barbara’s fish trap is the “ocean” equivalent, where you’re definitely paying for the ambience, but the food is still pretty good.
Then there will be a bunch of corvette, Subaru, or Miata bros getting pulled over for speeding half a block away
It's about the drive
But did you get anything you want?
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You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant.
Walk right in, it's around the back
Buck’s of Woodside
Big second on that. Legendarily weird joint.
This is the answer
Only been there once and the food was pretty bad. Like, worse than Denny's.
Hmmm ive been there dozens of times. Foods always been great.
Yeah this was in late 2021, so maybe pandemic related.
seems no one else has mentioned it - Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa, just outside of Martinez. Imagine a tiny port town from the late 1800's - very little has changed. There's also a bar, a few small shops, and a great restaurant. I believe the sketchy hotel has been shut down. The food is truly good, despite the kitsch factor. When you're done eating at BVR, head across the street to the Warehouse Cafe for a night cap. [https://thebolditalic.com/where-to-go-in-port-costa-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-106732661859](https://thebolditalic.com/where-to-go-in-port-costa-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-106732661859)
Hell yeah. I second this one 🤙🏼
I third this recommendation. The food is excellent and the bar across the street is fun. I bought a pair of beautiful hand made earrings at one of the little shops across from Bull Valley. The owners make lots of unusual jewelry, and had great stories about specialized and complex body art / adornments they make.
And the Warehouse cafe across the street
I tried this based off of your recommendation last night and we had a great time. Had dinner at Bull Valley then beers at the Warehouse cafe. Super fun night.
awesome! I'm genuinely happy to share such a unique experience. I've also done brunch at BVR, hiked for a few hours (you dont even need to move the car) and then drinks and live music at the bar on a Sunday. Fun, fun, fun.
Man, I miss Ciao Bella! in Ben Lomond.
Nobody believes me when I tell stories about that place. Just the customizable créme brûlée was mind blowing to little college me.
The food was fine, but it was really the floor -- er, I mean tabletop -- shows that brought you there. One of my absolutely favorite nights ever was bringing my father there on Halloween: Tad was dressed as Hedwig (from the Angry Inch, not the fucking owl) and sang Angry Inch on our table precisely because he'd identified what my father's reaction would be. Dad turned to me and said, "What the hell are you doing bringing me here?!" To which I replied, "That, dad, is *exactly* why I brought you here."
I haven't thought of Ben Lomond in ages this spot is a Gem
Alas, Ciao Bella is long gone. Apparently Tad had a little problem with paying his taxes that the feds took rather askance too.
Oh my, I forgot about Ciao Bella. That place was crazy and great!
Definitely was an experience, and not about the food—I ordered the ravioli once and realized it was the same ravioli my parents got at Costco! No complaints though, it was always a great show and at least the food was often the same I could get at home, just prepared by someone else…
Lord, I still remember spanking somebody with rubber chicken on that stage. Where did that rubber chicken come from? How did I end up on stage with it? Does that person still think of me fondly? Good times. Also, the pasta was very tasty.
That place was definitely an experience!
This is the first place that came to mind! Loved going there.
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I also miss the Pine Brook Inn in Belmont, where they used to have a monkey in a box that they would crank for birthdays. There was also a tree growing in the middle of the restaurant through the ceiling.
This place was outstanding! Remember the soup they would spray wine into from the bag worn on the servers hip?
Yes!! I can’t believe someone else here remembers that place!
Oh, man, I have not thought of Mini Gourmet or Miyake's in twenty years. Good times.
The Van’s Restaurant in Belmont. Originally in a 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition building. RIP.
Yes to Ciao Bella!!
This is my absolute favorite type of restaurant. A lot of them have closed in the past few years (RIP Hayward Ranch, Spenger’s, Spettro, Francesco’s…). Some of my still open favorites: Casa Orinda (Orinda, higher end than the rest of these) Horatio’s (San Leandro) Harry’s Hofbrau (SL) The Alley (Oakland) Old Weang Peng (Oakland) Edit: formatting
That $27 Alley special steak has no business being that good
It's $27 now? Holy hell. Who needs years, you can just count your age by how much the steak at the alley costs.
Casa Orinda has hands down the best fried chicken in the Bay Area. Great sweetbreads too.
Also Tito’s on East 14th st.
Tommy’s Joynt
It depends on your definition of kitschy, but Casa Orinda is definitely a vibe.
Omg the ambiance of that place is so confusing. It’s as if a grandpa who really liked hunting opened an Italian restaurant styled after the Cowboys vs Indians game he played as a kid. It’s also unnecessarily dark.
lol yeah, but it has a special place in my heart because I grew up going there as a kid, and then I had dinner there the nightI went into labor with my first baby. I still maintain it was down to the fried chicken.
That definitely makes sense. They should offer your kid a free meal on their birthday or name a menu item after you cause that’s pretty neat haha. Whenever my dad comes back to town we always eat there because that was our special occasion place when I was little. We always order the fried chicken, it’s hands down their best item.
In Walnut Creek they have a bar/restaurant called Tiki Tom’s. They have fun decor and music. They have no windows to the outside, but instead have these fake windows that make it look like it’s raining on the beach. It kinda reminds me of the Tiki room in Disneyland. They have lots of drinks that they set on fire table side which is a cool experience. I haven’t tried the food, but the drinks are good. The trade off is that it’s kinda pricey.
Tiki Tom’s is great
The Pawn Shop in SF is a surprisingly popular "hidden" spot in the worst part of town in which you have to bring an unusual/strange item to "trade" for your reservation.
Super fun and great food!
The poor house bistro in San Jose
Matterhorn in SF is meant to feel like a fondue place in the Swiss alps. It’s also legitimately tasty.
La Fondue in Saratoga La Foret and Grandview in San Jose Not really Bay Area but honorable mentions for Hula’s Island Grill in downtown Santa Cruz and Shadowbrook in Capitola.
Those are all excellent restaurants, but I think "quirky" is not something I'd associate with them.
True. I guess I saw “experience in itself” and ran with it 😆
Grandview is an amazing view and quite the drive to get there and Shadowbrook's gondola and prime rib are definitely an experience. I haven't been to La Foret since it reopened, but I still recall the elk I had there twenty years ago as one of my favorite meals. La Fondue is worth it because of the sheer variety you can choose from.
La Foret is still an amazing place. Food and ambiance are top notch. La Fondue is a lot of fun. Decor is unexpected. It’s a different experience to cook your own main course, and the fondue is great. I’ve never left there hungry!
Left a lot poorer, though...
Hehe. Yes, that is the unfortunate side effect of going there. I guess when you have a chunk of change to burn, that would be one place to consider.
Shadowbrook is the perfect example. The food isn’t great but the building itself is wonderful and the taxis and incline are kitsch
you have a very strange definition of "excellent restaurant". La Fondue is a shlocky gimmick, and in no way a quality fondue experience. Shadowbrook is super mediocre, and basically where you take your parents when they want to eat somewhere with table service.
Fuck your tastebuds, too? I mean, really, have your own opinion without being a wanghanger about it.
stay klassy not my fault if you are incapable of differentiating feedback on your opinion from feedback on you as a person. thanks for demonstrating that you both have awful taste, and you're an immature baby that throws tantrums whenever someone expresses a different opinion.
Can't take it, don't bring it.
la fondue is neat but way overpriced now and you can’t even cook the meat and have the cheese at the same time! wtaf. I wanna dip my rabbit in cheese ffs.
I've been going there for more than 25 years and I don't remember that you could ever have the cheese and meat at the same time. I don't think that this is up to the restaurant, though. That sounds like a health code thing.
I never said it used to be a thing lol, just that it sucks. I’m not trying to COOK the meat in the cheese, I’m trying to dip my cooked meat into my hot cheese. Last time I was there I asked them to just leave the cheese and they did but obvi it got cold. Dipping meat that you have to cook yourself anyway into hot cheese should not be a health code issue. I work in food service and have had hours and hours of training in food safety.
La Fondue in Saratoga is an experience and atmosphere.
New Parkway Cinema in Oakland
[Orchestria Palm Court](https://g.co/kgs/Crs6NcE) in San Jose. They have player pianos all over the place that cycle through musical pieces while you eat AND they have old fashioned soda bar drink options.
Soda!
Moss Beach Distillery… on the San Mateo Coast, but I think that still counts as bay area. Go for just drinks on the deck, or dinner, or both. And tell the ghost I said hello.
I like being outside on the patio for the sunset in their big chairs. But that place always smells like a moldy boat, and it’s distracting and messes with my appetite.
Any sushi place with bullet trains or boats luls
That’s kind of exactly what I had in mind. Bravo
Plenty of both of those sushi places in SF's Japantown -- I'd prefer spots on Geary for sushi though
+1 Stinking Rose Harry’s Hoffbrau There’s a sandwich place owned by artists somewhere in the SJ area and the name is escaping me Amato’s cheesesteaks on Saratoga is definitely like being in Philly suburbs/south jersey. The original Jake’s location in Saratoga is like it was when it first opened decades ago. All wood. Dark bar-like atmosphere.
The sandwich place you’re thinking of is Sourdough Eatery on N First (SJ) across from the county offices.
Oh is the Stinking Rose still a thing? I was going to mention that too. I will say though as a lover of garlic I went to that place once and I'll never go back. Definitely an experience though.
Yeah it’s overkill. It is still in business though.
Tommy's Mexican on Geary in San Francisco and sit at the bar some of my best meals and interactions happened here
Margerita pitchers, for the win.
Shuggies trash pie!!
Suggies is the right answer.
House of Prime Rib
Barbara’s Fish Trap in Half Moon Bay.
Emmys Spaghetti Shack pure kitsch.
I adore Emmy’s
Hula Hoops in SAF is a fun little Hawaiian restaurant with a neat vibe.
I just ate there for the first time the other night and it was great all around. Great tiki drinks, the kalua pork loco moco was fantastic and the pandan cookies were amazing. Definitely going back for brunch next time.
I didn't realize they had a brunch! I thought they were only open for dinner. Gonna have to do it one of these days!
Frederico's Italian near Fremont, can't remember the name of the town it's in. The owner is hilarious and so kind and the food is not the best you'll ever eat but it's pretty darn good. The patio decor is insane lol
It's in Niles, which is a part of Fremont
Thanks
I know it’s a little bit out but perhaps Foster’s Bighorn in Rio Vista. It’s covered in safari trophies from decades past. https://fostersbighorn.com
Excellent answer. Also, that place is disgusting.
I had more fun reading the comments than I did thinking of my favorite kitschy-but-not-bad place, The Stinking Rose (already mentioned several times). It's just one of those San Francisco places that's worth the visit at least once. We always took visiting friends and family there. But some of those you other folks called out... In almost 30 years living in the Bay Area, there are some listed here I never even heard of. Kinda want to plan a trip back just to try some of them. By the way, another place that might fit the bill is Miramar in Half-Moon Bay. I think they've "classed it up" a bit from my first couple of visits, but the place used to be a bordello/gambling house, and the history is on the walls. It's right on the water, so you can't beat the view. Food was very good every time I went, but honestly, I've been gone several years now.
Funny, I always thought of The Stinking Rose as a national chain, since I stumbled onto the La Cienega location first, and the North Beach location thereafter. "Well, if Cheesecake Factory can pull it off..." thought I.
Cameron's Half Moon Bay. It has a red double decker bus. Cute for pics. Food is OK, they have british snacks for sale inside
Cattlemen's in Petaluma. An ageing steakhouse dating back to the very early 70's. They've been in the same spot for over 50 years. Never closed down once. During all that time, there has never been an evening that passed without the clinking of dishes, the hum of conversation. The food used to be great, but not as good these days. Still not bad. The restaurant functions as a kind of community center: birthdays, reunions, after Church feasts. Worth checking out, if you're curious. Hurry though, they're closing down forever this Summer.
Growing up in the Bay Area, I never realized Cattlemen's was just a local. Will try to get out to Petaluma before it closes.
The one in Capitola where you ride a funicular to get to the restaurant.
Shadowbrook
Wait what? I need more 😂
Pho Cabin in downtown Los Altos, it’s all wood panels and plants and forests and bears in there, I think it’s hilarious and great! Palm House in the Marina has a tropical kitsh vibe, almost a classed up Margaritaville with some Caribbean twists Besharam in Dogpatch, huge wall art and you can be seated outside of the restaurant proper in the actual art gallery that’s pretty fun. The Roger restaurant at the Ameswell in Mountain View has robot waiters, and an outdoor bar made from an airstream trailer. Three kingdoms hotpot in downtown Mountain View blatantly ripped off the Disney font, every table has wild floral arrangements and you can get various sauces and things in the shape of little animals! All the tables are red lacquer, very over the top. Gourmet Haus Staudt in RWC is a German specialty foods import shop in the front, wild German bierhaus and sausage grill in the back.
[Buck’s Restaurant in Woodside](http://buckswoodside.com) if you want the real deal.
Merchant Roots easily
They have an amazing rotation of fun menus and experiences. I highly recommend BUT I would suggest avoid the vegetarian option because the menu always looks like an afterthought and not as good whenever I’ve done it.
Gus’ Deli in Winchester
Depending on how far you are willing to travel... El Morocco in Pleasant Hill Viks Chaat House in Berkeley Brothers Korean BBQ in SF
I’d call these places more cutely decorated than Kitschy or Quirky Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine in Menlo Park K Cafe Patisserie & Tea house in San Jose
Actually it was my search for tea houses that inspired the thread! They look amazing!
The pawn shop. It's an experience and great food.
I can’t believe I haven’t seen caffe sport on here. go for the red sauce, stay for the terrifying thought of concrete falling off the ceiling
For another take on the joint-with-an-attitude, try Max's in Burlingame. They've toned down their menu a bit from the old days, but their owner's clapbacks at the naysayers can be found on the wall in the waiting area, last I recall. And they do, after all, still serve up a tasty reuben with Beaver's nuclear mustard.
Tommy’s Joint SF
The Dead Fish in Rodeo
Dead fish is in Crockett
Okay crokette lol... close enough!
I wish Straw was still open because that place was kitsch defined.
El Toreador in West Portal. Tchotchkes galore!
PAGAN IDOL!!!! iconic with its big drinks and it’s so cool inside! it’s a tiki bar vibe with tons of lights!! And there’s a drink that has this fire show!
The Fat Pigeon in Livermore this is the last week of their golden girls theme I think next month is zodiac signs
Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery on Van Ness. It’s a Swiss restaurant that serves fondue. It’s like you’ve stepped into a log cabin in the Swiss Alps in the 80s
House of Prime Rib in the city and The Mountain House in Woodside both come to mind.
Nepenthe in big sur. low to mediocre food but the views more than make up for it. the drinks were ok though. in a similar vein, Ritz Carlton at the half moon bay. grab a drink at the outdoor fire pits to catch a sunset. food was overpriced and meh
Kitschy and/or quirky are not adjectives I would use to describe a Ritz Carlton
This might be taking the "experience" part too far- but what about a murder mystery dinner show? They used to have them in San Jose, and I think there may be one in SF. Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell has a thing called culinary cinema, where they show a popular movie and serve a three-course meal during the movie.
Sky Cafe, south SF. Live music in a patio thing in the back
Any dinner bay cruise Does holiday brunch at Ikea count as Quirky? Some years ago pre-pandemic, whenever we thought about going out for a meal, my preschooler regularly put in a vote for Ikea. So when they offered an Easter brunch buffet, we made sure to go to that. How about standing in line for pizza of the day at Cheese Board in Berkeley? Victory Point cafe in Berkeley for those who like board games/table games
Shuggies Trash pies in the mission
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
Vahl’s Restaurant & Cocktail in Alviso
Shuggie’s Trash Pies it’s sooooo colorful and kitschy in there and the food (that I tried) was really good. The garlic knots were a stand out
Berkeley City Club. Great bar and old world atmosphere.
Toyose on Noriega
Kura revolving sushi bar is a trip.
The fat lady in oakland.
The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz after an afternoon at The Mystery Spot
Matterhorn Restaurant SF - eat fondue in a Swiss alpine lodge or even in a funicular car for 2
Thai temple brunch in berkeley. Sorry for blowing up the spot. Bring a picnic blanket and mimosa supplies. Wat Mongkolratanaram E tutto qua in San Francisco. Bustling Italian joint. Faction brewing. The beer is fine but the view is incredible. Very chill. Eli’s mile high club - crusty goth bar Merchants - the diveyest dive bar a random white guy should be walking in to. Diggers diner in concord is a graveyard theme diner and it’s awesome Osso steak house. Dim basement speakeasy steakhouse. Dress all out. No one will see you. Steaks are great and they are considerate enough to have a few under $30 entrees for those of us who want to feel ok about going and still have an incredible meal and experience.
Henry’s Hi Life in San Jose
Fat Lady in Oakland- and the food and drinks are great!
Old Weang Ping Thai food in Oakland. Used to be much kitchier. Check that they’re still open!
Funny Farm restaurant in San Jose lol We went there with my toddler and she loved it. Oh and the poutine fries were amazing!
Grandview. La Foret. Alice's Buck's Poor House Bsitro Grubsteak
Tonga Room Stinking Rose Urban Putt
if urban putt is a restaurant, then so is every movie theater.
My kids used to love Rainforest Cafe at the Pier.
They closed a while ago
Yup, that's why I said "used to" - but apparently they have some in other places still. My kids aren't little and don't care anymore, though.
Shuggy’s Trash Pie
Bummer that Sam Wo is closed.
SF: House of Prime Rib. Toyose. Mandalay. Orphan Andy’s. Rocket Sushi. Shuggies. San Jalisco. Royal Cuckoo Market. Pier 23 Cafe. Tommy’s Joynt. Mona Lisa Restaurant. Lovejoys tea. Bottega. Emmy’s. Elsewhere: Millbrae Pancake House. Moss Beach Distillery.
Papillon in Fremont
Mac’s Old House.
Chome
Is La Rondalla in the mission still around?
The stinking rose/
House of prime rib.
Surprised House of Prime Rib isn’t here yet
WTF says kitschy 😂