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So Many Dives, So Little Time -- Divemaster

Welcome to the dive ratings. These were all compiled over the last several years by a group of intrepid adventurers in search of the perfect dive. We haven't found it yet but here's a list to get you started along the same path. Listing below is by rating - alphabetically regardless of location. Dive away!

Kip's

2439 Durant Ave Berkeley

Two floors, right on Durant Avenue, a block off campus. Upstairs is the best place to escape the purple-spike hair-tattoo types on the Avenue and watch sports dammit. There is usually a full cadre of characters at the bar or in the big media room towards the back. The tables in the front are for those who actually come to eat and drink. Full menu but featuring pizza and beer. Go at night to get served by some very nice Berkeley co-eds. Downstairs (just finishing up a remodel) is more of a pizza and burger joint. Best flame-burned burgers in the area. Watch for grungies.

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Top Dog

2534 Durant Avenue Berkeley

Best grilled dogs in the bay area! You stand in line, often out the door to "bark" your order to rude surly cooks. A dozen or so different varieties including bockwurst, kielbasa, New York, German, Italian or the "house dog" - Top Dog. All grilled on the spot for your snarfing pleasure, placed into tactically pleasing buns with heaps of sauerkraut and a couple of non-gourmet mustards awaiting your selection at the very messy condiment bar. While waiting, be sure to partake of the Libertarian propaganda all over the walls or watch the B&W TV with 'Stolen from Top Dog' scrawled on the side. Stanfurd - eat this!!!
P.S. Five other locations in Berkeley and Oakland including Northside.

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Shalimar SF

532 Jones Street San Francisco

Brought here by a friend who represented this as the best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. It's in a pretty rough part of the Tenderloin so you get to meet all kinds here. Go up to the counter, grab a menu and order from there. All sorts of great classic northern indian and pakistani food and drinks. Everything we had was great - lamb, beef, chicken tandoori all complemented well by a wonderful rice dish and some of the best naan around. Very inexpensive. No beer here although they let you bring your own in if you like. One other location in the city and one in Fremont. They're opening soon in Santa Clara as well.

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Bite of Wyoming

2227 Alum Rock Avenue San Jose Downtown

The Bite of Wyoming has that classic diner feel with a bunch of extras that will have us coming back. It's located in a small strip mall in fairly tough neighborhood but once you step through the door (with the requisite burglar bars), you'll feel like you've been transported 1000 miles east. They serve breakfast all day including biscuits and gravy and hot coffee served in thick, unbreakable mugs. They feature buffalo patties and buffalo steaks ('all the taste of beef but half the calories'), real eggs (not those egg mixes you see most places) and every dish comes with a small plastic tumbler of really great green hot sauce. The decor is pure concrete blockhouse style with pictures of the plains, lots of farm implements and stuffed buffalo heads, plus a man-eating jackalope or two. Pickup trucks encouraged to park in the back. 10% discount for seniors. Extra dive points all round!

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Falafel's Drive-In

2301 Stevens Creek Blvd San Jose Downtown

Only after a LOT of reader reviews did we manage to trundle down to the Mecca (pun intended) of Middle Eastern fare for Santa Clara County. Nice sunny day, HUGE (50 person) line in front of a '50s style take out joint that has probably seen two or three incarnations. Very impressive efficiency. They carved thru the line and delivered every order (including condiments and water) within 10 minutes, all with a smile. Inside and outside covered dining. Falafels are the specialty (fried balls of chickpeas served with salad in a pita - sounds weird but totally tasty all spiced up). Otherwise, try a Koubby (ground meat in a pastry) or some Baklava for desert. We're told the shakes are awesome but can vouch for the lemonade which was good and fresh. Hamburgers, burritos, tacos, hotdogs and corndogs for the culturally unadventurous. An institution.

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Henry's Hi-Life

N River St and West Saint John St San Jose Downtown

Henry's is part of the oldest neighborhood in San Jose. This area has been flooded out several times this century (look for the high water mark about 6 feet up) and was threatened to be shut down by the Army Corps of Engineers. Public outcry resulted in right-over-might and the Guadalupe Park plans were redrawn to save Henry's from extinction. So until the next big rain, head on over an enjoy great smoke cooked steaks, links, chicken and the like. Door is on the corner, walk through the bar into the back rooms - dark and smoky like a good BBQ place should be. Helpful service with just enough surliness to force the rookies to become indoctrinated quickly.

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Nick's Pizza

E Santa Clara Street and N 10th Street San Jose Downtown

Nick has a sign out front that proclaims "Best Pizza in Town". We can't argue, particularly if you like thin crust with lots of cheese. A classic Italian dive with checkered tablecloths, empty bottles of chianti holding plastic flowers, circa 1985 posters on the walls advertising the coming of the transit mall, great variety of homemade Italian dishes and Nick. Nick has lived in most parts of the world but has spent the last 10 or more running this great place. The garlic bread is outstanding. Good selection of beers, including microbrews (the first place we tried Oregon Nut Brown Ale). Prices are very reasonable. We know of at least one VP at a major Silicon Valley Corporation who had his department's Xmas party there. There are rumors that he plans to return.

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Sonia's Kitchen

S 8th Street and E Williams Street San Jose Downtown

Sonya's is a barely converted gas station with a small inside ordering counter and picnic tables out front. You pull up and park where the gas pumps used to be, go in the side door into a REALLY small room and order up. If you want beer, you need to walk across the street to the liquor store who will put it properly into a #2 bag (60% recycled paper) and haul it back to the half dozen outside picnic tables to wash down the world's best Cheesesteaks. The cooks are "Elpie" and "Raymond". Elpie does a much better job so ask for her. The Medium Combo with provolone cheese is our personal favorite. They also claim to have burgers - we ask why? These chesesteaks are soooo good, they were able to chase away an Amato's Cheesesteak chain that set up shop across the street. Sonia's is only open 'til 5 so get there early for the take home dinner specials. In the interest of fairness in the media, here's a conflicting review: A reader writes, "I tried Sonia's based on your review. I couldn't disagree more with you regarding the quality of her sandwiches. This was perhaps the worst cheesesteak that I have ever had (and I've had many both here and in Philly and Jersy). The meat quality was very low with lots of gristle and fat. This is not what a cheesesteak should be. After two bites I tossed the whole thing in the trash, thoroughly grossed out". OK.

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B.C.C.E.

Old Oakland Road at Charles Street San Jose North

Formerly Bethesda Community Church Enterprises. You can't help noticing if you've passed this place. A converted gas station with a trailer out front and a couple of 55 gallon drum BBQ ""pits"" off to one side. Starting at 10AM, I'm sure the fire dept gets a couple of calls a day cuz there is SMOKE, SMOKE, and more SMOKE. The drill is as follows: First, no beer so you have stop off at one of the local markets for a carry-out. Go fetch at the nearby Kwik Stop or the market at 13th and Hedding (they have homemade burritos and Menudo is playing on weekends). Next, you go inside the office, passing the very fashionable women's clothing that they have displayed on a consignment plan and get a ticket for the food of your choice. Then you go back outside, pass the BBQ pits and hand the ticket to a man in the trailer who eventually gets around to handing you a nice styrofoam carton with a $6 lunch special featuring 1 hot link, 1 piece of Chicken and 1 Rib, baked beans and white bread in a baggie (otherwise it's not real BBQ). Don't forget an order of peach cobbler. Sit down at one of the half dozen plastic Home Depot tables and PIG OUT. The only restaurant we know with a pager: Phone: 408/280-4224.

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Chez Sovan

923 Oakland Road San Jose North

If you've never had Cambodian food before check this place out. TOTALLY delicious!!! A true dive in every sense of the word. Weird location, funky decor (lots of Cambodian deities line the walls) and best of all, really good food. Been there many, many times and never a bad dish. Only open 11-2. Guy in charge is Brian. His family is cooking in the back. Start of with the soup (shrimp and/or chicken), fried catfish with tomato sauce, shish kabobs, shrimp salad are all favorites. Everything prepared to order, fresh and delicious. Highly recommended! P.S. There is another Chez Sovan on S. Bascom in Campbell, expanded menu (including an awesome desert) but - too nice to be a dive.

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Neto Sausage Company

3499 The Alameda Santa Clara

A sausage company, turned portugese deli, turned BBQ mecca. Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, Neto's (pronounced NET-O, not NEAT-O) pulls a gas grill outside, some picnic tables and awnings into a small parking lot and throws a neighborhood feast. Go to the grill, tell the cook what you want - or just point. Linguica, Italian sausage, steaks and chicken were cooking the day we were there but the menu varies. During lent, they have fish. When it's ready, the cook hands you your meat in a foil tray. You go inside hand over the tray and tell the random counter person what you want on it (everyone says 'everything') and pick some chips (comes with it) and they mark it all down on your brown paper lunch bag. Then, you pick a drink from the case in the back, wait around until it's done and they'll call your name, pay for it and find a place to sit and dine. Lots of people standing around trying to figure out the system but it seems to work once you're used to it. Bikers, next to students, next to construction guys but thankfully no one in ties. Really, really good!!! They day we were there, there was a radio station promo across the street with free food. No one was the least bit interested.

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Brennan's

4th Street and University Avenue Berkeley

Best memories of Brennan's are in it's pre-2008 location as it's now moved into the old Berkeley railway depot that used to house China Station. Brennan's has always been the best working man's dive in the East Bay. In the middle of the large, loud, linoleum lined room is a full double sided bar that serves up the best Irish Coffees this side of the Buena Vista. Off on one end is the cafeteria-style hofbrau that features excellent corned beef and cabbage, roast beef and potatoes, turkey necks and the like, all served up as full dinners or as sandwiches. Grab a tray, line up with the milieu of West Berkeley and order up. Be fast or be barked at. Forget the desserts, the meal is good enough on it's own. Check out the artwork - cows from the Cow Palace. Blue and Gold dress always in fashion, leave the Cardinal red at home.

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Top Dog - Northside

2503 Hearst Avenue Berkeley

This Top Dog fits in well with the mellower Northside of the Berkeley Campus. Tucked in the front corner of a weathered wooden gathering of ethnic restaurants, it features the same awesome food as its Southside cousin with fewer of the distractions. Better suited for one of the more organic menu items such as the Bird Dog, Lemon Chicken, Smoked Chicken Apple or the Wienie (veggie), the latter featuring wheat gluten, soy protein and tofu. Still has a few of the libertarian posters and other charms that make Top Dog unique. Definitely part of the Berkeley experience.

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House of Falafel

19590 Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino

Located in one of the many non-descript strip malls in the area, the House of Falafel did not disapoint. A good buzz permeates the shop as you step towards the counter and order. While there is a menu on the wall, it's best to ask and they have pictures of featured items available for view. All kinds of great middle eastern dishes featuring falafels and shawerma. Appetizers, deserts, etc. It's a small spot, almost like a coffee shop. Very sociable, very good. Locations in Pleasanton and Sunnyvale as well (can't be this good). Check out their website for the latest info.

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Oaks Corner

4097 San Pablo Avenue Emeryville

Across the street from the largest card club in the East Bay, the Oaks Corner Coffee shop and hofbrau is open 24/7 to service the tired (and often poor) gambling populace of Emeryville. It's set up as hofbrau-style cafeteria and that's a big part of the charm. Order up anything from a full breakfast (omlettes, bacon & eggs, etc) to the mainstays of the day which are burgers, melts, and a carvery with pastrami, tri-tip, turkey and more. As for the clientele, have you ever wondered where the guys to constantly obsess on sports and constitute the sports talk show call in crowd -- they're all here and loudly opining on the subjects of the day. Furthermore, this adjoins the largest gaming parlor in the pre-tribal-takeover era of the East Bay. Good food, good drinks, good entertainment.

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Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace

Niles Blvd and F Street Fremont

Would be four stars except this is a 'chain' of four locations scattered in Southern Alameda County. An old (authentic) western saloon setting featuring fairly standard pizza and sandwich fare. The thing that sets this place apart is their awesome lunch special - for under $6 you get a HUGE slice of really good (and greasy) pizza (1/4 pie) and a pint of draft beer. There's heads of deer, moose, elk and other taxidermy art starting you down. You don't have to pay until you're done. One of our favorite pizza dives.

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Cameron's Inn

1410 Cabrillo Hwy S Half Moon Bay

This west coast transplant of an english pub was originally built in the 1800's and has served as a military barracks for the last two world wars. Totally funky. They feature things such as a 2000 beer bottle collection, a double decker bus out back where you can smoke, drink and watch TV, and the "Ale-phabet card". If you drink beers that begin with the letters A-Z you'll win a T-shirt. If you fill out 20 such cards, they'll send you to Disneyland!! The food is totally pub fare including burgers, fried chicken and if you are so inclined, bangers and mash. But who cares about the food. We're planning on winning a T-shirt at our next outing!

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Flying Fish Grill

99 San Mateo Road Half Moon Bay

You would think a little hole-in-the-wall place located at the main crossroads in town (92 and 1) would have been bulldozed by greedy land developers long ago. Thankfully, this location next to the local fish mart has survived. Great grilled salmon burritos and tacos, and the fish and chips aren't bad either. Indoor seats and an outdoor patio with good service and decent prices. Absolutely worth the drive over the hill.

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Happy Hound

15899 Los Gatos Boulevard Los Gatos

The Happy Hound featuring "old fashion hot dogs and hamburgers" has been a Los Gatos staple since 1971. Cleaner than most drive up dives, this place has a small parking lot, a side 'take out' window and an indoor lobby with a few seats. Everything is cooked to order right on the spot. Definitely worth checking out.

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BBQ Man

555 Willow Street Menlo Park

The BBQ Man is quite the nomad... He has now resurfaced at the old Tara's on Willow Road off 101 in toney Menlo Park. Our visit there was a mix of highs and lows. On the upside, the hot sauce BBQ taste is still there. The brisket was as good as always (albeit a bit fatty this time), as were the links and the pulled pork. On the downside, the ribs were leathery and the ambiance of the place isn't quite what it used to be -- almost too nice with matching silverware and faux tablecloth-patterned placemats. The BBQ man didn't even make an appearance as he kept hidden in the kitchen. While still definitely worth a visit, we need to downgrade this from 4 to 3 dives. We'll revisit in a few months. and see what's up.
Former review: The most unassuming dive reviewed to date. BBQ Man is actually a catering firm with a "window" located in the back of Franchesca's bar , an otherwise un-noteworthy local neighborhood hangout. There used to be a sign indicating the "BBQ Man is Here" but the Mt. View bureaucracy frowned on that and there are currently no visible signs that these guys exist. As for the menu - on any given day, you never know what you're going to get (other than the fact that its BBQ'd). Tri-tip, Ribs (pork or beef), Chicken, Hot Links, Sirloin Cuts, etc. Heaps of food, a good price, pay when you please. A variety of side dishes as well. You can eat at the bar, in the back (pool table) or dine outside on the half dozen picnic tables they have outside (smoke'em if you got'em). This is an undiscovered gem.

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Dutch Goose

3567 Alameda de las Pulgas Menlo Park

Very similar to the Oasis but less Stanfurd influence (hence the higher rating). A grill serving up a decent cheesesteak, burgers and steak sandwiches. Their specialty is spicy hard boiled eggs (mayonnaise overload!!!). As seems to be the peninsula style, they encourage you to bring in full carving tools and hack away at tables, walls, etc -- seeking immortalization. Pool tables and friendly family staff make this place a dive to visit! Late note: They just replaced their well carved tables with new laminated ones. What are they thinking???

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Betsy's

650 Tennant Station Morgan Hill

Hankering for breakfast for lunch? The drive down to Morgan Hill is definitely worth it. Small family coffeeshop behind a shuttered Morgan Hill Bowl, Betsy's has a great AM-oriented selection - eggs, french toast, pancakes and "bird's in the nest", hollowed out toast with a soft boiled egg in the center. Say hi to the whole family!

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El Paso Cafe

1407 El Camino Real Mountain View

Not easy to find as it's a little 'hole in the wall' from the outside. Been there since 1982 with only the second set of owners. Grill-style with chicken and steak sandwiches (both together if you want), and mexican fare including hot chips and salsa (free!). Everything is made up fresh and tastes like it. Full bar including several featured tequilas and several beers on tap. Indoor and outdoor patio seating. Friendly place. A good find!

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Rose International Market

1060 Castro Street Mountain View

A small grocery store, deli and grill serving the local persian community. The 'system' is not the simplest as it depends what you order. There is a deli counter where you get some things (different food every day) and a grill menu that is only available by asking for it a the cash register. Grill fare is mostly kebab-style beef and lamb and grilled peppers/onions and tomatoes. The Barg was especially good. Grab a mint yogurt drink and sit in the sun outside at some plastic tables. Good stuff!...A reader echoes, "It's a persian grocery with a hot/cold deli in back and a grill in the parking lot. No beer (it's muslim), and not housed in its own building, but the only other tenant is a massage parlor and that ought to count for something. You get some rice and lemon-chicken stew from the deli, then order a chicken or lamb/beef kebab from the grill and sit @ one of the cheezy plastic tables outside while they prepare your order. Definitely a warm-weather thing, since they have no indoor seating, but the food is great and it's cheap."

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Taqueria La Bamba

2058 Old Middlefield Way Mountain View

Given it's Salvadoran roots, we thought it might be better than your typical mexican fare. We were not disappointed. Line up, order, grab a beer and the food is ready before you're able to sit down in one of the kitchen-counter seating areas that surround the periphery of the pastel interior. No tables. Start off with a pork or cheese papusas. The burritos are highly recommended as they are meat-centric with only enough filler to taste. We saw two types of customers - the 'locals' and those wearing corporate badges (Please people, don't you realize how stupid you look. Take those damn things off!) A reader says, "The first time I ever went to La Bamba's I'll never forget. A line wandering out the door to a counter where an assembly line constructed burritos from the biggest tortillas I'd ever seen. A few seats ringed the interior of a place where I felt I should be packing heat. When I got my "regular" burrito it reminded me of a brick wrapped in tin foil and was most delicious, all with the ambiance of velvet paintings and cheap maps of the homeland. They also do quantity as we have had numerous picnics in the park." Another reader says, "Excellent dive. Burritos are great, but the Swiss Quesadillas (ask for extra guacamole) are the best choice."

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Swiss Park

5911 Mowry Avenue Newark

What a wonderful anachronism! "Since 1935, Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar". The Fremont/Union City/Newark area is so chock full of strip mall, shopping center corporate sludge as to rate is the worst dive territory in the whole Bay Area. Swiss Park has the feel of a midwestern small town center with a hofbrau twist. It's complete with a full picnic area (available for reservations, a full gymnasium-size hall and a small bar and restaurant when you first walk in. Lunch is a grill-based menu of Linguisa, Bratwurst, Polish, or Berbgers. Beer (or course). You'll be welcomed by the staff and given stares by the locals (check your ties and badges at the door).

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Flint's BBQ

6609 Shattuck Ave Oakland

Technically a chain because there is one in Oakland and the classic one in Berkeley. Old style BBQ. Meat only - no fancy salads or side dishes here. Big Women with cleavers chop ribs and give it to you with White Bread in a baggie. Sauce drips on your shirt and life is good. A reader says, "They have the rudest people working there. That helps its dive status. I stood alone once for almost 10 minutes, the only customer in the store, which two women just chatted away. I finally asked them if they could help me. They said not just yet, it was a shift change. Watch out for them trying to sucker you with their hot sauce. There are 3 kinds of sauce; regular, medium and hot. The medium is hotter than most hot sauces. The one on San Pablo used to be hard to get to, trying to fight the hookers. They've moved a few blocks away, so it isn't so bad".

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Sam's Hof Brau

595 Hegenberger Rd Oakland

We've heard Sam's has sadly closed. Please share any Sam's memories with us. Here's the old review: This place is AWESOME. If you ever want to reunite with the old Oakland A's/Raiders/Golden Seals/Warriors/etc (at least in spirit), here is the place. Vintage photos everywhere. A buffet where turkey, roast beef, etc are all carved on the spot with fresh fixin's. A sports bar the way they were meant to be. A great place to savor a win, wallow painfully in a loss or just wish for the next game and another meal at Sam's.

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Gorilla Barbeque

2145 Coast Highway Pacifica

If you've driven north through Pacifica, you've seen it. Located in an old faded orange railroad freight car parked on the side of the road "If it's smokin', we're open". A Take out only joint open from Wed through Mon noon to 8. Good BBQ including the standards: Pork Ribs, Chicken, Hot Links, BBQ Beef, Pull Pork and Philly Cheese. Lots of construction types rolling through and picking up their grub. Definitely good stuff in a low-overhead situation. Thumbs up!

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Alpine Beer Garden

3915 Alpine Road Portola Valley

This place has been around since the 1890s - formerly known as Rosotti's or Zotts - rumor has it was the location of a bordello when California was owned by the Spaniards. It, along with the Dutch Goose and the Oasis form a triad of dives where one is encouraged to immortalize one's presence through the ritual carving of names, slogans, logos, etc into picnic tables and walls. The atmosphere is local, rancher, drunkard, but tolerant of corporate types. Everything is grilled to order, burgers, dogs, chicken, cheesesteaks, etc. The owner (Molly Alexander) will beg you to take the fries - your choice. Full bar. Excellent beers on tap. Big patio for those summer afternoon "business" meetings. Pickup trucks encouraged.

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El Tulense

2391 Spring Street Redwood City

Definitely a hole in the wall dive. Set in the industrial area between Middlefield and 101, El Tulense is one of 100 similar spots in the area. We'll get to them all eventually but this one stands out for the excellent spiciness of their fare - a hotness that isn't extreme, one that sneaks up on you and stays with you for a bit before settling back down. It's really enjoyable. Nothing like it. Worth a trip.

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Innya Lake

586 San Mateo Avenue San Bruno

A really amazing local hangout in San Bruno's main commercial drag. A reader says" If you like Cambodian food, you should make sure to visit Inya Lake, a Burmese place just 5 minutes from SFO in San Bruno. My favorite place to eat - make sure you order the Burmese food, not the Chinese food. I made a trip to Burma because of this place (yes, that does sound ridiculous doesn't it!)". Not really. Good dive fans are willing to comb every corner of the earth in search of a good meal. Well done!. Another reader says, "Dining in was always an experience, the FOTH staff was a pair of brothers who had some sort of mad passion for basketball. They seemed to find a game to watch on the large tv set in the center of the dining room 365 days a year. The Burmese food here is worth traveling for, the odder something sounded on the menu, the better it probably was. Green tea leaf salad? Curried fish ball? Both out of this world tasty and cheap." They have beer, but just Tsing Tao, Bud, Coors and the like. Matching silverware, chairs, tablecloths, etc. The food would rate this 4 dives but the fact that they have their act together knocks them down a half notch. Still, a must try!

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Thai House Express

901 Larkin Street San Francisco

At first glance this place looks like a trendy SF spot with full glass front windows, nice tables, upscale signage. But then you remember you're in the Tenderloin where everything takes on a different slant. Sit down, open the menu and you'll see a whole set of Thai dishes that you'll never find in those suburban thai wannabe places. Everything is authentic, flavorful and cheap. Plus, if you ask for it spicy - it really is. Don't forget to get desert - sticky rice with mango or the fried bananas and coconut ice cream - don't try 'both' as it's really a lot of food. You will have leftovers. Of course, being the Tenderloin, the crowd is always interesting - a bit more sedate during lunch but off the wall during the dinner and late night hours (open until 1:45AM). Enjoy!

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Big Dogs Grill

1401 Foxworthy Avenue San Jose

This place takes the 1950's diner experience to new heights. It draws crowds of baby boomers on any warm evening and particularly on weekends, showing off their new roadsters or hogs, all clad in letterman's jackets. Check out the wall with all the snapshots of various gatherings. Funny. Food is typical diner fare, burgers, dogs, steak sandwiches, etc. No beer :-( However, they do have a killer breakfast menu served from 9-11AM. All worth checking out!

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Shaburi

171 Jackson Street San Jose

If you have never tried Shabu Shabu, do yourself a favor. It's a Japanese tradition that starts with a pot of boiling water to which you add thinly sliced well-marbled beef. Take your chopsticks and "Shabu Shabu" (loosely translated to swish swish). Add some pre-cut vegetables and you're off and dining. When you grab your food, put it into one of the dipping sauces you'll be offered. Top it off with some beer or some top grade sake and that's it! The place is laid out as one central horseshoe-shaped bar with individual heating stations. There are tables as well for a shared experience (two seats to a pot). Great staff, very friendly and helpful. This place will get a 4-diver rating as they improve with time.

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Guadalajara Market #2

N 10th Street and E Empire Street San Jose Downtown

A great place to order from the cafeteria-style line, grab a burrito and go across the street to sit in the park. This place used to be noted for the sheep heads, trays of entrails and pig snouts that were all in clear view, available for purchase. Thanks to this place, we now know from personal experience that pig snouts can last for over 3 months while sitting behind a co-worker's computer monitor.

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Havana Restaurant

Race Street and Park Ave San Jose Downtown

THE place to go if you're a homesick Cuban national. Lots of pictures on the wall depicting pre-revolutionary Cuba as well as the political figures of the time. Slow but friendly service provides various dishes which are generally four piles of food - Meat (tender and tasty), Rice, Black Beans (separate bowl) and Plantains (bananas to the rest of us). Homey atmosphere, worth a try! Reader says "I think the Havana is better than the Cuban Restaurant in Japantown. I'm Cuban, been to both."

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Lunch Box Ethiopian

1876 West San Carlos San Jose Downtown

Consider yourself brave? Well, this might be the dive for you. Located on the back end of the San Carlos strip of second hand shops, this nondescript storefront holds many secrets of its own. Open the door to the orange-shaded small room filled with tables, you'll see the local populace sitting at the bar sharing the news of the day - all speaking in arabic. They'll ignore you but the owners are friendly and will try to help with the menu. It's African food, often served on a large 18-inch platter with a tortilla-like bread that you spilt up and use to scoop curry or other delights. Lots of beers available including none that we've ever seen before. Dang -- a dive and then some!!! Here's an excellent review

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Peanut's Deluxe Cafe

275 E San Fernando St San Jose Downtown

If you want to relive your college years - Peanut's looks like one of the places that every college campus has (or should have). A Student-oriented greasy-spoon diner. Lunch features burgers and deli (sort of) sandwiches. Happy hour beer specials from 2-4pm (under $6/pitcher. A reader says, "I go for breakfast in the 6:30 timeframe. We're talking a huge omelette, pile of potatoes, toast, cup of coffee, for like $4.75. That's the 'deluxe' meal, too. Eggs/meat/toast specials start at like a buck fifty, and you can get a cheese omelette, pile of potatoes, toast for two fifty. In and out in 10 minutes, can call ahead for takeout. The lunch version of the specials are similarly grand --burgers, club sands, your typical lunch food, plus big ol' pile of fries, all less than 4 or 5 bucks. Oh sure, there are salads, too. The owner is a great guy, he's owned it for years. He was recently lamenting that he may have to raise prices like a dime here or there, because of the cost of goods. So big deal, my huge meal cost be a buck _sixty_. I can deal. Seriously good stuff." -- Right on!

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Super Taqueria

476 South 10th Street San Jose Downtown

Although it's part of a chain with one in Hollister and a couple more besides, this is a good, solid Mexican food spot with excellent burritos, tacos, tortas and the like. One of the only places that serves Hog Mawe (whatever that is) and Cabesa burritos. Stick with the Carne Asada or Carnitas and throw in a quesadilla (done the right way, with salsa) and you'll have a great, cheap meal. Also features the best assortment of free spanish-language newspapers. A great place if you're in a hurry or want food to go. A reader writes, "If you want Authentic Mexican food go to Super Taqueria. If you want a Gringo version of Mexican food go to Una Mas and eat their pig slop...... Super Tacqueria is a 5 star restaurant..... so what if it's a chain, it just means their doing something right !!!"

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Supreme Dog

S 11th Street and E San Carlos Street San Jose Downtown

Formerly a part of the Berkeley-based Top Dog chain... Located next to a 7-11, behind a House of Bagels. This was a former mexican restaurant ($1 tacos we think) that carries a bit of that character into its new incarnation. Exact same menu as the world famous Top Dogs in Berkeley (read that review to get an idea), this is larger, has tile murals instead of libertarian propoganda on the walls and has an outdoor patio with heaters. Definitely a student hangout, they have bands play monthly outside. Very cool. Very nice addition to the SJSU scene.

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Wing's Chinese

131 Jackson Street San Jose Downtown

A reader says "The hunan chicken is better than Streisand's Broadway album and if you live in the downtown area, they deliver. Sometimes, old Mr. Wing delivers your meal himself". We tried it for ourselves. The outside looks like it came right out of an old 1940s chinatown movie. You walk in but it's hard to tell where the actual restaurant is (upstairs). The tables are all along the walls, partitioned off into rooms of two tables each. The waiters can't see you so to get service you ring a buzzer on the wall. Weird but it works. The food was well prepared, not too greasy but not too flavorful either - even items marked as "HOT", weren't. But, overall worth trying.

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Fourth Street Bowl

1441 N 4th Street San Jose North

There's something about a bowling alley that makes for a great dive. Since several of them including the McKee Bowl, Alma Bowl and Fiesta Lanes have gone by the wayside, the indisputable King Pin (get it?) of alley food is 4th Street Bowl. A large Coffee Shop and a bar that serves meals. The Coffee shop has a formica counter, plastic fabric-like seats and molded plastic booths. They'll throw a menu at you that may be held together by duct tape, but don't be fooled, this is a clean and efficient operation. Wide variety of coffee shop fare including burgers, chicken, ribs, fish - all with mashed potatoes or fries and includes soup and salad plus a frozen vegetable dish (ours was succotash). No silicon valley types here. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Don't forget to show up Thursdays for Karaoke Night!

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Hunan Taste

998 N 4th Street San Jose North

Located in a non-descript area north of Japantown in San Jose, Hunan Taste has been recommended many times by a number of readers. A recent visit proved worth the trip. A wider variety of chinese dishes than are found at most area spots, including cold noodles, "famous" salads and tofu dishes. Menu marks several items as 'hot' but they really aren't unless you ask to spice things up. Service is 'right there' friendly. Unfortunately, the place is just a little too clean to get a full 4 dive rating. Cool dive super market across the street. A reader says, "...it fits all the requirements of a true dive, and has great food. It is a favorite of our office. Get there a little early, since it does end up with a line out front most days. All the tables say reserved...as if they take reservations!"

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San Jose Flea Market

1590 Berryessa Road San Jose North

The craziness of the weekend flea market settles down quite a bit on Wed, Thurs or Fridays - the days that the flea market is open during the week. On rainy days, there may be no food booths open but you can always hit the produce market for the widest variety of ethnic fruits and vegetables around. We went on a Friday and the one booth that was opened featured a pretty decent Grande Burrito, Menudo and Corn Dogs - all washed down with Bud draft. Dine at one of the red or green plastic tables or wander around for the best in: Mexican soccer team garb, cheap watches, tools on a budget, highly breakable toys, lugggage, blankets with tigers or the virgin Mary, socks, scary underwear, car stereos, L.A. Raiders wear, and sundries of all sorts. $1 for parking during the week - definitely worth a visit on a sunny weekend. Come on down before this turns into a BART station.

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Amato's Cheesesteaks

1162 Saratoga Ave San Jose Suburbs

Located in the Maple Leaf Plaza, a rather decrepit strip mall (good) on Saratoga Avenue. Amato's is one of several cheesesteak places that the Philly transplants constantly argue over. Long skinny place where you order at a stand up counter then eat at one of half dozen tables, a long 20 seat counter facing a wall full of Philly photos, or at an outside table (nice). The menu is typical cheesesteak fare (cheese, pepper, mushroom, etc.) also chicken based sandwiches. Soda and bottled beer. The crew was ver matter-of-fact but not unfriendly. Originally panned by this site as it was competing with one Sonya's near SJSU (closed as the owner soon started packing a gun to rid the crack dealers from hanging out at the phone booth in front of his store). Amato's have now retreated to their original locale on Saratoga Avenue near the Bill of Fare. One reader says, "The Best Pepper Cheese Steak Hogie I've had in a long long time. This IS a dive. Great prices! Huge Amounts! If you don't like Cheese steak try the Italian Hogie or the Meatball Parmesan sandwich they will blow away your taste buds. If your Philadelphia Eagles fan ask to see the 'THE Truck'." and another reader says, "They are not the holy grail that I am searching for, but they put most places to shame.". It's amazing how dedicated these Jersey/Philly cheesesteak zealots can be!

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Bill of Fare

Saratoga Avenue at Williams San Jose Suburbs

Look for the big orange roof. A former Star and Bar gas station (Rotten Robbie is still in front) which looks like a midwest truckstop that was swooped up by tornado and plonked down on a main suburban drag. A reader says, " Looks like a biker joint from the outside. I was scared to try it. Inside it's clean and the service is FAST. Great, BIG breakfasts. Every one I've had has been excellent and reasonably priced. I'm told the lunch and dinner meals are the same quality". We have to agree. Extra bonus points for all the plastic plants and the year-round collection of Santas.

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Bob's Surf & Turf

2400 Monterey Road San Jose Suburbs

Surf & Turf (what else!) - With a name like that (and $1.99 breakfasts), it's gotta be good. Lots of aquariums with murky water and dangerous electrical wiring. Full bar. Lots of locals. The second time you show up, they'll remember you and what you ate (and drank) - "You want the usual?". They also feature a breakfast "wake up special" with a screwdriver (vodka, splash of OJ), it's just expected.

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Call Me Dragon

Tully Road and King San Jose Suburbs

If you want to relive the feeling of a town in Vietnam, Lion Plaza is the place. In addition to the upscale Nha Tranh restaurant, "Call Me Dragon" is in the southeast corner of the plaza which is a food plaza filled with Vietnamese cuisine of nearly every kind. Luckily, most of these places have their wares on display so you can point and shout at what you want. Everything is cheap and great. On a nice day, you sit outside in the center of the town square on cheezy plastic tables watching the village elders gossiping, drinking beer and playing liars dice. All the benefits of visiting distant foreign lands with none of the distractions.

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Mark's Hot Dogs

48 South Capitol Ave San Jose Suburbs

Recently re-located from their former home of 40+ years on Alum Rock Ave. The menu consists of Hot Dogs (regular), Hot Dogs and Hot Dogs (regular, chili/onion and sauerkraut) - take your pick! Normally, the dive_master writes his own reviews. But this one tells it all --- A reader says "It's an orange "igloo" that has been operating since1936. Above the dome they've put a corrugated steel roof (have no idea why). Inside the little globe were three women, two of whom had piercings [Tongans I think] and seemed to be sisters. They also played some kind of "alternative" rock music, making it impossible to consume your hot dog at one of the three seats inside the igloo. This is a "drive-in" (really a "park-in"), so if you don't get out of your car quick enough, they'll come to your car and you'll miss a visit to the globe. Big attraction: latino teenagers making out in their cars during the school lunch break."

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Siam Square

1040 Willow Street San Jose Suburbs

A very pleasant refuge from the "feed'em and move'em" attitude of some of the Thai places around. A very family oriented business who take pride in a serene dining experience - almost to the point of being too friendly (if you can believe that). Better than average lunch specials but - as always - our recommendation is to venture off into the full menu for items including Prig Khing Prawns and Pak Himaparn (Sauteed mixed vegetables with cashews, chili and onions in toasted chili sauce). Yum!

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Southern Kitchen

3378 Monterey Hwy San Jose Suburbs

Small converted house with no parking in front but lots in back. Awesome breakfasts - huge amounts of really great food. Service can vary from 'being ignored' to 'thank you, six coffee refills is really enough'. A reader says, "I love this place! Truly huge helpings. Anywhere where they give you an option of Swedish pancakes with your 4-egg omelet is worth my dime. Their chicken-fried steak shreds.

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Tony DiMaggio's Pizza

3852 Monterey Hwy San Jose Suburbs

Yes, they serve a really good sicilian pizza but the hit there is the stromboli. A concoction of meat and cheese all rolled in pizza dough, topped with butter and oregano then baked in a pizza oven. It's served drenched in a wonderful red pizza sauce. Fattening and great! This place has been at the same location for over 25 years. Tony, the founder, now spends six months each year in Sicily and the place is run by his two sons. Somehow they have a Laurel and Hardy theme running (carved figures in the front window, photos and posters everywhere else) but there are enough Elvis, Sinatra and other photos to strike a bit of balance. Wine and beer including Italian Moretti on tap. There is a fast-eating lunch crowd that shows up at noon but there is plenty of seating other times of the day. Almost made the all-star list but just a bit too clean and the matching burlwood formica tables in the dining room don't quite fit the image. Still -- Worth a trip.

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Union Chinese Restaurant

2615 Union Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Highly recommended by several of our readers, Union Chinese is definitely a dive. Kind of reminds us of dining in a fallout shelter as it looks like a bunker from the outside, complete with bars on the windows and a 'secret' door in the back to enter. Dark, with 7 foot ceilings throughout. Pictures of pandas eating bamboo and Chinese battle scenes line the walls. Mismatched chairs, etc. In addition, the food is pretty good. Standard Chinese fare with lots of meat in the dishes and smothered in sauce. Comically polite - "thank you sir, here's your food sir, what else can I get you sir, how is your food sir, thank you sir" Worth a trip.

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Heidi's Pies

1941 S El Camino Real San Mateo

Open 24/7 this is the spot where San Mateo meets. Especially true during the day for the 80+ set and during the night for the 21- set. Excellent grub for those not worried about their cholesterol count. We've eaten here dozens of times and never had a bad experience. Old school waitresses with a good sense of humor. A great local tradition, a great dive!

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Swinging Door (formerly Prince of Wales)

East 25th Ave and Palm Ave San Mateo

The place recently changed hands and reverted to the original name from 1955 when it first opened. A cross between an English pub and a patio dive - and it works! Hidden location by the railroad tracks near the San Mateo County Fairgrounds. A dive with a following: Full newsletter, visits to the ball park, darts tournaments, etc. Much of this would be a distraction if the food (and the beer) weren't so good. Our favorite is the Habanero (hottest chili grown) Burger. Also recommended are the Fish & Chips as well as the Chicken Sandwich. Been around for 25 years and the place shows its age (a total compliment). Best dive on the peninsula!

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Cafe Dhaka

3284 El Camino Real Santa Clara

Featuring Bangladeshi and Pakistani Halal cuisine, Cafe Dhaka is where all the local Pakistani's hang out. For lunch they feature a steam table buffet with soup, pakora, 2 meat items, one fish item, rice, naan, salad, raita (a cooling sauce) and chutney. Dishes change by the day but you could have AlooGobi with Aloor Dhom one day, Begun Bhaja and Shaag Bhajee with a side of Kolar Mocha Bhajee the next. They also have Burgers as well as fish and chicken sandwiches by order for the less adventurous. The food is a bit more spicy than typical Indian fare but not overwhelming. It's located in an old strip mall and surrounded by Korean restaurants up and down the street. No beer. Worth a try.

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Kabab House Halal

2521 Newhall Street Santa Clara

A persian food haven in the midst of middle America - Kabab House Halal has a lot going for it. Small place with a deli counter and a half dozen tables (matching chairs but mismatched silverware). Headed up by swarthy but friendly owners, there's persian oud music as background as you gaze at the big hookah pipe on the wall separating the restaurant. Patio (street) dining for nice days but its better to sit inside and hang with the locals cutting deals before you. As the name implies, they have kebabs of beekoobideh, barg, soltani, joojeh as well as chick and lamb. Stews are a house specialty. "Sandwiches" are really like a persian burrito, wrapped in thin delicate bread. Formerly Hayat's Pastry Donuts and Deli. A reader says, "Hidden in a run-down strip-mall with a dive-bar in back, and cleverly disguised as a donut shop, Hayat's Pastry Donuts and Deli serves the most delicious middle-eastern on the planet. It's hard to say what's best about the place: the shawarma, a garlic-marinated chicken spit-roasted gyro-style; the hummus and tabouleh that come with it on the platter; the falafel, a must must must get here; or the mandatory baklava, available in pistascio, walnut, or almond." Another reader intones, "It's located in a tiny strip mall with *two* liquor stores and a laundromat . If you're lucky, for atmosphere, they'll starting arguing in Arabic. Otherwise it's plastic plants, and checked tablecloths. BUT the FOOD!!!! I'm convinced they put opium in the hummus! Have to go back at least once a week!" Closed Mondays.

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Sara's Kitchen

1595 Franklin Street Santa Clara

Santa Clara is surprisingly bereft of dives so we were amazed to find this gem tucked in a nondescript area southwest of the university. Their specialty is nearly a dozen varieties of cheesesteaks including Mexican and Spinach (yum). Otherwise, the menu features typical dive-worthy fare such as Italian, burgers and fish&chips. Good curly fries for those who care to indulge. Sara's also has a full breakfast menu which we have yet to sample (featuring a spinach, egg and garlic burrito). Give it a try and let us know. P.S. This place used to be a rib joint called Lonnie's ("Where the Sauce is Boss").

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Shan Restaurant

3739 El Camino Real Santa Clara

Pakistani at it's best. Although in a strip mall location with pedestrian surroundings, this place takes itself seriously. Tandoori ovens, lots of curry dishes. You can tell it's good as the Pakistani populace packs the tables out. Chicken Tandoori is a hit. We sampled the Mutter Paneer, Palak Paneer and the Paneer Masala. A bit of Naan and you good to go. Didn't have a chance to try the deserts including several types of Barfi. Next time!

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Su's Mongolian Bar B Q

1111 El Camino Real Santa Clara

Good Dive! All you can eat for under 8 bucks. You wander in, grab a bowl, fill it with frozen shreds of beef, chicken, pork or lamb, toss some veggies on top. Go around to the back side of the counter and put dollops of wet stuff including sweet and sour, vinegar, sugar water, garlic oil, chili, etc. Then you hand the bowl to a swarthy type who throws the mix on a gigantic hot thimble and pushes it around with a wooden stick for a minute. When done, he scrapes it all back into your bowl and you're ushered back to your folding chair to eat. Grab a soda or beer (lots of variety) on the way back and you're chowing down! Students from nearby SCU, car salesmen as well as valley types all go through the same ritual. Tip the cooks!

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Juanita Juanita

19114 Arnold Drive Sonoma

As you can tell from the picture, the place certainly looks like a dive from the outside. It's in a bad part of town (bad for Sonoma, that is) and often crowded enough that you have to park in the back by the shed full of pool chemicals or big piles of aggregate. The menu on the website is the toniest thing about the place, run by Margret (not Juanita) who placed pinatas on the ceiling, children's drawings and polaroids on the walls and brings you chips in faux metal garbage cans. Food is really good, especially the chipotle dish (rating three chilis) which is sneaky hot. Six beers on tap including Full Sail and Tecate. The time we were there, the clientele was all caucasian (not good for a Mexican place) but we're told this varies with the time of year and the grape growing season. Would rate four dives except just a bit too nice. Definitely worth a try. A reader says, "If you are ever in Sonoma you gotta try this place. From the road it looks like an abandoned gas station covered with graffiti. I almost didn't stop but I'm glad I did. Small Diner layout with about 4 tables and a counter with stools. Nice patio outside but the yellow jackets can be a problem. The food is authentic Mexican. Just go and see for yourself. This is a four star, out of town, dive" The sentiment is seconded as another loyal dive fan says, "As dives go Juanita Juanita is at the top of the list. Beginning with the exterior it has hand painted Mexican murals on the walls and almost no parking unless you want to park in front of the white trash house next to the restaurant. Inside is pretty simple and they serve you the customary tortilla chips out of small plastic trash cans. But the best part is the food. They have great food and a pretty good selection to chose from. One thing I just remembered is that they have one of those vertical meat rotisserie's that cooks with the electrical heating element (just like on the streets of Tijuana!). It is frequented by people from all walks of life".

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City Kabob

755 South Mathilda Avenue Sunnyvale

We were told by a Persian friend that this would be a pretty good local spot - and we weren't steered wrong. Located in an odd location (a good thing for a dive), the Sunnyvale Tennis Center. You walk up the main entrance past two small buildings - one on either side of the path. Take a right to go to the kitchen and order, on the left is an enclosed dining area. They cook everything to order so it will take a few minutes to get your food. We ordered a variety of things but were pleasantly surprised by the Koobideh which are skewers of fresh ground beef mixed with onion, saffron, and a blend of spices, cooked on an open fire. One skewer is plenty for lunch but ordered two so had to eat both! Comes with basmati rice and/or salad. Nice place to hang out on a spring day and watch the housewives get their exercise in. Recommended!

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Kal's Broiler

425 N Mathilda Avenue Sunnyvale

Old school broiler house located where all the nearby canning factories used to be. Charcoal BBQ grill with a big wheel to move the food toward or away from the coals. Steak and chicken sandwiches, good burgers and light (almost doughy) fries. We're told they have a decent breakfast as well. Fast, clean, well organized, decent parking. Picnic tables inside and out. Beer (Bud) on tap. Definitely a good place to reminisce about the '60s and how much has changed since then

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Mercado La Torre

Fair Oaks and Evelyn Sunnyvale

A Mexican market with a taqueria / burrito kitchen and a dining room on either side. Located in a strip mall (nearly knocking it out of the dive rankings), Mercado La Torre stands out for two reasons, the carnitas is actually very large tender pork pieces cut up in front of you, much fresher than standard steam table fare. Second, the drinks are authentic imports including a Jumex Guanabana Nectar that was really good. Try the Bistec Ranchero for a good alternate. A reader says "This small family owned business, who's owners work the register and counter, won the first annual (I think first) SJMC "Best Burritos In Town" contest in April of 1993. I continue to go back because for three and half bucks I get stuffed with the most flavorful Carnitas this side of the Pecos." Another writes "Great food; friendly staff. I particularly like the fact that it's right next door to a (vastly inferior) tablecloth and waiter Mexican food place, which draws Biff and Muffy away from one of the best carnitas burritos around."

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andiamo Restaurant

5220 N 1st Street Alviso

Formerly Rosita's, they took the classic Mexican off-beat dive and have partially attempted to make it an Italian upscale restaurant. A dichotomy that doesn't seem to work. We sampled the Mexican side of the menu and - it's still a good Mexican dive.. Prices are higher than the old Rositas, the bar is a bit cleaner but -- it's still a dive!

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Maria Elena's

1450 Gold Street Alviso

Formerly Mexico Lindos. When Rosita's closed, this place inherited the Silicon Valley Mexican Food Alviso Divers. Even after the boom, they still gather crowds. They've lost the outdoor seating area which was a wonderful place to be on a temperate spring/fall day. But seem to have improved the service and cleanliness. On busy days, there is a buffet for people on a schedule. Once seated, the food can be good - chorizo, machaca con huevos and fresh chips were all a plus. Domestic and Mexican beers available. There are a few neighborhood cats who are cute enough to deserve a piece of chicken or two and everyone is tempted to try on the little sombrero that covers the tortillas.

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Russian Cafe & Deli

1712 Winchester Blvd Campbell

A very strange and other worldly experience. The place is divided into two parts, a russian deli with all sorts of "different" canned and bottled goods for your take out needs (and sandwiches to go). and then there's the "cafe" (Nevsky). VERY russian women (a.k.a. babushkas) slowly meander out of the kitchen to throw a menu at you. 15 minutes later they take your order and maybe try to smile - as hard as that might be. Borscht (beet soup) is good but everything else is boiled meat, rice and garlic. (no wonder the Russian populace is the way they are).Lots of funky display cases filled with glassware, faberge eggs (not real ) and desert wines. Looking forward to the day with the cossacks show up and grace us with song and dance

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Paul and Eddies

21619 Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino

Not really your traditional lunch spot, Paul & Eddie's is local dive bar with a bit of food. During the lunchtime rush, they put out a crockpot with some beef stew, chili or another dish to sate your appetite while quaffing a beer or three with your fellow flannel-clothed tatooed patrons accompanied by the large stuffed fish on the walls looking over your shoulder. Maybe you'll be handed some baked goods on a good day but get there early as the food goes fast. Grab a pickled egg for a buck as you're on your way back to the jobsite. Good hangout, good dive.

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Vivi's

21731 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino

Actually in Monta Vista, small village just west of Cupertino. Definitely a dive from the outside - standalone building right out of the 1960s. They're famous for their falafels but we found them to be a shadow of the offerings of Falafel's Drive-In. The spicy is the better choice and add 75 cents for hummus to give your falafel some body. A reader says, "They have falafel's, but for the meat eaters in the group, try the Bulgur Beef. It's delicious... And you can generally get out of there for under $5.00".

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Mission Pine Cafe

129 Anza St Fremont

Part of the old Town of Mission San Jose. The Mission Pine Cafe has been in the area for over 40 years and in this very nondescript building/strip mall for at least 10. It's run by Doug, who may greet you from the Dougout (kitchen). They make a mean breakfast and if you're feeling like an omlette for lunch, this is a great place. French toast, thick crispy bacon and good hash browns -- it's all here. Calendars on the wall featuring diesel trucks and models. Bulletin board full of business cards for services of all kinds. A counter where the locals hang out and read the paper. A good diner!

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Bistro, The

B St & Main St Hayward

A great neighborhood bar in the tiny downtown district of Hayward. A half dozen other places to check out as well. Lots of locals, older crowd. We had fun. A reader writes: "If you love beer, this place is for you. 12 taps of the finest rotating regularly with about 30 Belgians and the correct glassware. Sandwiches for eats and great free music at nights

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Oasis Beer Garden

241 El Camino Real Menlo Park

Part of the trio of peninsula dives (Alpine Inn and Dutch Goose) that pride themselves on customer carved character and peanut shells on the floor. Slow service, even on slow days together with a Stanfurd "je ne sais quoi" mean that a two dive rating might be considered generous.

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Lina's Place

1362 South Main Street Milpitas

Great mexican jukebox, full bar. During lunch you'll find an interesting mix of silicon valley "necktie" clientele next to the guys who've just come in from the field. Safe (and good food) during the day. Seems like a good place to get into a fight after dark. Probably a little safer now that the biker bar next door has closed.

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Quincy's BBQ

70 N Main Street Milpitas

Quincy's is owned and run by a preacher where he and his wife cook up ribs, links, and the BEST peach cobbler we've tasted yet. Everything comes in a styrofoam tray whether it's take out or eat in. The "dinner" is a large meat order and a side. The "sandwich" is a smaller meat order and a couple of slices of bread - on the side. Grab a "mess" of napkins because you will be making a mess. Finish your meal and toss your mess into the big trash can by the front door. Little place, about 5 tables. We've been half a dozen times and have always seen someone we know. If this place served beer (sorry, preacher), it would be a four star dive.

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Garden Fresh

1245 West El Camino Real Mountain View

Ready to venture into the world of the hard core vegan-ism? This little non-descript strip mall restaurant has nearly every kind of 'fake meat' vegan dish -- Squid, Ham, Chicken, Beef, Sushi, Steak, Fish, Kidney, Duck and more. Nearly every one made with some combination of tofu, mushroom, gluten and seaweed. To appeal to the carnivore in all of us, many of the dishes are pressed into the shape of the animal that is being saved -- the chicken had wings and drumsticks. It's all quite the adventure and surprisingly good. The ingredients were very fresh and cooked with care. most of the dishes were of the chinese/asian variety. Service was friendly and the place very clean. Definitely worth a try!

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Antonio's Nut House / Checkers

321 S. California Avenue Palo Alto

Split Personality. Antonio's Nut House seems to be a great dive bar. Yes you can order food but the place is really two halves, split when the initial California smoking law was passed in the mid '90's. Checkers is where you go to get the food and is a serviceable dive with burgers, steak salads, and other grill fare. Bolt these two back together and you have an instant upgrade in the ratings.

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Mediterranean Wraps

425 S California Avenue Palo Alto

Falafels wrapped up like a burrito. Shwerma wraps as well. Where else could you get a Baba Gannoush? A walk up joint where you bark out your order. If you don't know what's up, they'll poke fun at you (in a good way). Small tables in front and back if you care to time in. Quick and easy. Almost too nice to be a dive, but still worth a try.

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Mini Gourmet

599 South Bascom Ave San Jose Downtown

The only 24 hour South Bay dive we know of (since Denny's is NOT a dive). Some call it the ultimate place for pancakes in the southbay. The menu is SOOOO long that the worst thing about the Mini Gourmet is having to decide on just one thing (well, maybe two). Waitresses who will remember you, tell you last time you were in and what you ordered. Spooky! Recommended for both breakfast meetings as well as post-pubcrawl sobering up... because, it is all about who can take care of you at 4 in the morning. Would have rated higher but a few too many ferns and just a shade too nice. The "Joe's Scramble" is a dive crew favorite.

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Panorama Restaurant

302 North Bascom Avenue San Jose Downtown

Americana-style BBQ and Chinese (what's up with that?). Lots of artificial flowers and nice elderly waitresses with big hair (Marlene). We're told the Chinese is pretty good, staring with the Tomato Beef Chow Mein. There's a BBQ pit out front which the City of San Jose has frowned upon - there could be the promise of smoky links or something if you hit things right.

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Westside Billiards

1050 W San Carlos Street San Jose Downtown

The sign out front says "Billiards and Coffee Shop". A dozen pool tables and a small counter with swivel seats. Menu is grill-based burgers, sandwiches and fries. Fresh, not bad. Cold case with beer and mexican sodas. One cook/waitress was very indifferent to anyone attempting to order making this quite an immemorable experience.

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Birrieria Jalisco

693 North 13th St San Jose North

This place is near the end of the "Restaurant Row" on 13th south of 101, you'll recognize it by the picture of the goat. It used to serve Nicaraguan food but has branched out to include authentic Mexican. The decor features spanish language beer posters with a few velvet paintings, the classic plastic flowers and year-round Christmas decorations for effect. You sit down at one of the 8 tables to fresh-roasty flavored chips with fresh spicy-hot salsa. We found the Chile Verde to be very good with generous portions. Watch out for the Sopitas as they are pricey. However, do check out the juke box. A reader adds, "Birrieria Jalisco once housed an adult book store. How could you not mention the goat stew, which is the especialidad de la casa (specialty of the house)?"

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La Arenita

904 Oakland Road San Jose North

From the outside, the building looks like a shanty-town shack. However, both the decor (cuckoo clocks, spanish Laurel and Hardy pictures and lots of ivy) as well as the food hold up the place pretty well. The machaca is one to try and the huevos con chorizo rated a thumbs up. Prices are reasonable. Not to be confused with the local bar - La Arena - that is continually in the news as a haven for drug dealing and other not-so-good things.

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Mike's Pizza, Bar & Grill

497 Reynolds Cir San Jose North

Located in an Industrial Park and catering to the local clientele of sheet metal workers and electricians, Mike's does a good job at taking care of everyone. Start off with the cheese fries with jalapeno's and onions (a must!!) The Pizza Combo piles pepperoni, canadian bacon, sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers and salami on top of home-made dough, yum! Sam Adams and other domestic beers on tap. We met Mike and slathered each other with mutual praise. This will be a three star dive with another 10 years of aging.

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Train Track Deli

1725 Rogers Avenue San Jose North

Hmmm, Doors seem to have closed. No answer on the phone. Website is now a new address. Let us know what happened!
Former review: This place gets its namesake from the fact that you have to drive by and/or over seemingly dozens of tracks to get there. A good place for cheesesteaks and a pitcher of beer (or two). Covered patio. Full Bar. The place is a hangout for disti sales pukes - don't engage them in conversation if you can help it. Also -- Avoid the bikini whales. Somehow Train Tracks feels obligated to use the afternoons and early evenings as a place to stage lingerie sell offs featuring women who probably shouldn't be doing this for a living (if you know what we mean).

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Bangkok Garden

275 Saratoga Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Almost too nice to be a dive. On the spicy side for Thai food (which is a good thing). Avoid the lunch specials and opt to explore the menu - Garlic Prawns and the Tom-Yum-Gai soup (hot and sour with chicken) come highly recommended. Be sure to allocate some time as they're not the fastest place around, but what to expect -- it's a dive!

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Burger Barn

Forest Avenue and N Winchester Blvd San Jose Suburbs

A renovated building from the old "Red Barn" food chain. If you ever want to step back into the mid-60s dining experience of the common man, this is the place. Old school burgers, chicken sandwiches and breakfasts (served all day) plus BBQ beef, Philly cheesesteaks and more - pretty much everything under $5. Order at the counter, take a seat in one of the formica booths or go outside to the patio. They cook up your food on the grill and bring it to your table. The food wasn't that impressive but that's not why you go. Mostly blue hairs sitting around (two had oxygen tanks). Home of the Outcasts Car Club as evidenced by a wall of photos. Country music on the radio. Not a bad place, but no beer. Who knows how long it will last as it's across the street from Valley Fair and prime real estate for some developer someday.

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Casa Teresa

6039 Snell Avenue San Jose Suburbs

We were attracted to this place because of a SJ Murky News mini-review which said "What a Dive!". We can only guess that they have a lot to learn about the terminology. Located in the deep southern part of San Jose, Casa Teresa earns points for excellent carnitas (big hunks of meat), their stuffed jalapenos with tuna (yes, tuna) and wonderful homemade tortillas. The place was a little too clean, the service a little too slow, in a strip mall and a little too comfy in its suburban surroundings to rate their "What a Dive!" moniker.

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Hard Work Cafe

1620 Almaden Road San Jose Suburbs

A full service bar that serves food and seems to have dancing on weekends. Burgers. Condiments used to be served in a lunch box (nice touch). Feature a graffiti wall. Very talkative and funny staff. Bad jokes abound.

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Jack's Pizza

1468 South First Street San Jose Suburbs

Decent Pizza & Italian. Lots of regulars at this place and it's cousin -- Jack's #2 is the old Santa Barbara Mexican Food on San Carlos and Sunol. Also featuring a decent bar to hang out and soak up some local color.

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JC's BBQ

1080 Saratoga Avenue San Jose Suburbs

While it's in a strip mall, the mall itself is 'vintage' so it keeps eligibility for dive points. The $4.75 lunch BBQ special is the best BBQ for the money we've seen. The hot links are HOT, the baked beans are very good and the garlic bread has real garlic (as our coworkers let us know later). They have a good beer assortment, including Full Sail, and a rustic environment including a wood carved menu board. Worth a try.

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Jess's Place

3088 Monterey Highway San Jose Suburbs

Peruvian and Mexican food. Located in an industrial area south of the Fairgrounds, Jess's place consists of 3 rooms, each a little nicer than the next. Thankfully the front room is for everyday use as it features nice murals of Machu Pichu and a bunch of caballeros making nice faces at lovely senioritas. Two sets of menus and you have to ask for the Peruvian one. Lots of shrimp but our favorite was steak with bananas and a fried egg on top. Jarritos and cervesa to drink. A TV with futbol going full blast seemed to have the interest of the crowd. A reader says, "Jess's serves Mexican food, as you noted, but it's real value is that it serves Peruvian food as well. It is not the best Peruvian food, but it is a hell of a lot better than that disaster in downtown San Jose called Inca Gardens that makes my Peruvian wife and all of our Peruvian friends cringe in horror. Try the Pollo a la Brasa (roasted chicken) or Lomo Saltado (seasoned, tasty beef strips with fries and rice) at Jess's, and when it is on, it is very good. And the place is truly a DIVE."

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Kirk's Steakburgers

2388 South Bascom Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Don't dare call it a hamburger... The only dive worthy location is the one in San Jose as the others (Town & Country in Palo Alto and DeAnza Boulevard in Cupertino) don't quite rate. The Palo Alto digs a are spanking new upgrade from their old spot on California Avenue and the old Cupertino location was updated after it burned down from a charcoal fire in the '80s. But all three share the same menu of burgers, fries and shakes - made the old fashioned way. Some people say it's not the same since they started serving fries. We've noticed fewer cops in recently and more mothers with children. Not that it's bad but it does run counter to dive philosophy. However, the grill fare is still pretty good. Burgers and Dogs grilled over charcoal. The line is right in front of the pit and you used to be able to reach right over and grab a burger off the grill before some safety freak decided that may not be the best thing to expose the public to. Try the Pineapple burger for a real treat (make it a double). Great Shakes.

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Malibu Grill

5735 Camden Avenue San Jose Suburbs

This place is on it's way to being a good dive. It's a sports bar and grill that should only get better with age. Plusses are the food which starts with pretty good burgers, chicken, ribs and pizza (the pineapple burger was particularly good). A bar with cold pints and 4 televisions (plus 3 others elsewhere). There's a decent selection of sports memorablilia lining the walls from players including local favorites Dwight Clark and Ben Grieve. (Definitely a 49ers spot with only token Raider items). But, the place needs to stay with the theme and lose all the beer distributor clutter that adds no value and cheapens the experience. In 10 years, with a little age and more memories, this will be worth going back to. A reader says, "A corner hole in the wall joint, beer, great ribs, owner ran. Might not qualify as a dive, because it is not a stand alone building, but it is a tiny strip mall, 4 or 5 shops. The only better baby back ribs in town are at Mr. Steers, which does not qualify as a dive because it is too nice!" Same parking lot as 7-11 and up the street from Touchdown Tommy's.

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Mexico City Restaurant

1616 Almaden Road San Jose Suburbs

Clearly a former drive-in that was built before Almaden Expressway went through the neighborhood. This place is surrounded by industrial zone parcels with a few recently constructed residential outposts nearby. Kind of a order-at-the-window, takeout joint featuring great tamales as well as burritos, tacos, tortas and other mexican fare. Indoor dining (although we haven't been inside. Always a line out front on Fridays.

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Sherwood Inn

2988 Almaden Expwy San Jose Suburbs

Quite a dichotomy. The outside held promise of a great dive, with a lifesize plastic heifer (painted green with letters on the side) on a platform 15 feet off the ground, grandly presiding over the traffic rushing by on the Almaden Expressway. Inside, the place was a nice diner resembling the 3 Flames or a Peppermill. Green interior and carpet, large fireplace, etc. Full bar for those that want to imbibe. Excellent breakfast fare - as this is what we had for "lunch" that day. Service was very friendly - obviously someone's mom. Recommended.

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Sputniks

Foxworthy Ave at Almaden Expwy San Jose Suburbs

Sold, remodeled and turned into "Supreme Donut". Sputnik's was a small donut shop operating out of the same location for at least 30 years. In addition to the usual cinnamon snails and custard eclairs, they also serve up lunch. Grilled cheese, burgers, chicken patty and this beast called the Sputnik. A sputnik is a blob of deep fried dough cut in half and stuffed with ground beef, pickles, lettuce, tomato and sauce. The dough-bread comes right out of the frier and has its own unique texture. Not for the faint of heart or those with heart problems. Orange plywood booth seats and classic linoleum floors. The place could use a good cleaning but is friendly enough. Gotta try the Sputnik!

Update: As of 2023, Supreme Donut is still operating. A family run business with decent donuts. They also have sandwiches but haven't tried those yet.

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Manila Kitchenette

Agnew Road and Lafayette Santa Clara

We really wanted this place to be a 3 diver or better but were put off by the steam table serving protocol. A real authentic Filipino restaurant which serves different fixings every day (depending on the mood of the cooks that morning). Beef dishes include Afriada, Bopis, Kaldereta, Kare-Kare, Pinapaitan... Vegetables include Ampalaya Guisado, Bulanglang, Ginataan Sitaw/Calabasa... Desserts include Bananaque, Bibingka, Calamay, Halo Halo, Pitchi Pitchi and Sapin Sapin. It gets even better from here. Definitely an adventure!

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Mondo Burrito

3300 The Alameda Santa Clara

Nondescript building in nondescript neighborhood. A burrito warehouse. Lots of students (meaning cheap food) and cops (meaning good, cheap food). Burritos bigger than your head! A reader says, "Mondo Kicks Butt!The mondo burrito is absolutely gigantic. Or if your appetite is like mine the small is sufficient. You walk across an assembly line and choose from a wide array of ingredients as they make it front of you. They even have Mahi Mahi!! Well I wish I had time to say more. Oops can't forget they have good beer on tap too!" Would rate higher but the place has been knocked a few times by readers... "I tried it out once and was put off by the guy serving the food rubbing his nose on his sleeve while dishing up the food and then putting it in the microwave to warm just as he went on break, leaving me standing at the register. I left without getting my food or paying for it and will never ever go back!" Try it for yourself and see...

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Side Dish Corner

El Camino Real at Pomeroy Santa Clara

Korean food, much like the many other spots that line both sides of El Camino in the area. This particular place specializes in takeout but has a couple of tables in case you want to eat in. Pick what you want and they make it up fresh and put it into styrofoam containers with chopsticks to go. Spicy pork was especially good (and garlicy). Gallon-sized jars of kim-chi (korean cabbage) in the fridge if you feel up to it. Not bad for a quick/fast meal.

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St. John's

510 Lawrence Expressway Santa Clara

A high production burger, chicken sandwich and cheesesteak place, catering to the fast-in, fast-out, gotta get my fries and beer then "get back to work and debug my software" Silicon Valley crowd. Lots of short sleeve shirts with ties, lots of company badges. The best part is that there are booths and a patio outside for some private conversations if needed. Near the Disk Drive Depot, ComputerWare, and Computer Literacy - a decent respite from the nearby Togos. Did we mention the beer? A reader adds, "An outstanding beer & burgerdive, with half price burgers on Wednesday (shhh... can't have it getting too crowded!). Their selection of beer might be too good to qualify them as a dive, but the selection of deep fried appetizers helps tip 'em back the right way."

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[Ocean] Seafood

3561 El Camino Real Santa Clara

Really authentic Korean food and OB (Korea's #1) beer. The menu is a delightful spelling test (e.g. speshals) but best of all, we liked the generous portions of good, spicy Korean food. Lunch ended up being an eight-course meal. Tea is served in hotel glasses and the karaoke stand was ominously in full view (but thankfully not in use). You may feel out of place if you're not a Korean national but the service is good and the prices reasonable. However, despite the hot spices, DO NOT be tempted to go out afterwards for a chocolate dipped frosty cone from the Dairy Belle down the street (personal tip).

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Mexico Tipico

223 Grand Avenue South San Francisco

Just north of the SF airport, Mexico Tipico is a good dive in a dive town (South San Francisco - The Industrial City). Standard Mexican fare with really excellent tasting specials - the chile verde, the steak a la mexicana and all of the Platillos de Huevos (egg dishes). Beer and wine only, although they do have 'wine' margaritas that they'll spice up for you if you ask.

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Chubby's Broiler II

1135 Tasman Dr Sunnyvale

Reincarnation of Chubby's Broiler - a Mt. View greasy spoon - (see Dive Heaven). Funny what happens when you take the same owners, same menu away from a dumpy building by the freeway and a military base (Moffett Field) and stick it in a strip mall in the flatlands. What once had a lot or character now has little. The tables and chairs all match, the place is clean and open. Ugh, no longer a real dive. But... the rib eye steak sandwiches are still good and the grilled chicken sandwiches are among the best around. Plus, they still have a bin of community mayonnaise on the condiments counter. Just wish it hadn't moved.

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Garcia's Taqueria

738 S Fairoaks Avenue Sunnyvale

Another taqueria amongst the 100s that have spung up over the last few years. This one is home to the Sunnyvale trades (sheetrockers, plumbers, electricians and so on). Very clean, located in a strip mall (minus dive points) with plenty of mexican beer posters on the walls and a fairly dull mural - showing a modern town plaza. On the plus side, the bilingual staff was very professional and the women sported the shaved/penciled in eyebrows that somehow make things feel more authentic. They've got a fairly large menu including lengua (tongue) and cabesa (head) as well as osiones (oysters) which is something you don't see every day. We had various combinations of soft tacos and burritos. All was good. We'll be back!

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Mago's Mexican

162 Persian Drive Sunnyvale

This place used to be the "Frosted Mug" - a really awful dumpy bar and grill. It's been gutted and cleaned up (although the outside looks the same). Now it's a relatively upscale (for a dive) kinda place. Clean, nice help, a wide variety of Mexican staples plus Mariscos Seafood dishes - although a bit on the pricey side. A full selection of Mexican and gringo beers. Worth trying!

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Steven's Classic Philly Cheesesteaks

1121 Tasman Drive Sunnyvale

Steven's is one of these places that has parked itself in a nondescript strip mall to service the Silicon Valley lunch crowd. The thin sheetrocked walls lack character. However, the food adequately makes up for it. While Steven's is no match for Sonya's, they do compete favorably with Jersey's and D'Agostinos for a very tasty cheesesteak sandwich. They feature a gamut of styles including Mexicana, Sweet Cherry-Pepper and Louisiana Hot Link. No beers so you have to eat on the back parking lot and sneak some in from the liquor store . A reader gleefully reports, "I grew up in the Philadelphia area eating cheesesteaks and this is the _only_ one on the west coast that earns my seal of approval." There you go!

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Jersey's Cheesesteaks #1

1781 Winchester Blvd Campbell

Original Review: "Darts and pinball. Hairs in the food. Surly. They don't seem to care, why should we? " So, we post this and get all kinds of comments from East Coast transplants on whether this place or that place had cheesesteaks that reminded them of home. To us, the measure of good food is not whether it reminds you of your childhood, but whether it tastes good, is cheap and is served in a place that doesn't have to hide from the health department. But, one reader seemed to get it..."Being from Philly I know a good cheesesteak; Tozzi's, Mama's, Pat's, Gino's etc. After trying this place one wonders if it is named after Jersey, CA cause it ain't New Jersey! My cheese steak lacked cheese, fried onions and steak - for the price you would not think they would skimp on the steak. They sure are a long way from the east coast." These people tried to get a Jersey's #2 going in Willow Glen. Oops.

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Ricardo's Fast Food

1750 Winchester Blvd Campbell

Very average mexican food plus burgers and dogs in a building that looks like it was formerly a Dairy Queen or something. Although, in the interest of publishing contrarian views, a reader says"Very accurate reviews overall, however I have to disagree with you rating of Ricardo's . I would rate them as having excellent mexican food (I can't speak for their burgers and fries). Try the Carna Asada Taco's, OR Tamales. The chicken burritos also get rave revies [sic]." The dive_master retorts that both our chicken burritos were soggy to the point of falling apart, excepting the 3+ bones in each that nearly broke our teeth. Go figure...

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Pizza Depot

42 Dixon Landing Road Milpitas

We received an e-mail (probably from the owner) who exclaimed:"Unique. Unusual locals and celebs from Wu(?) to McNealy to N.Young (Neil?)...Great Staff, Outrageous Decor... JoeBob says 4 stars, check it out" Sorry. This is a standard boring pizza joint with decorations that looked like they used to have a train theme of sorts before the beer distributors showed up and plastered Bud and Miller crap all over the place. We sampled the Santa Fe Combo which took nearly 40 minutes to show up from order time to the table with no apologies for the delay. Bland at best. Other "issues" include pool tables with blue felt (green is out of fashion?), pasta jar decor coated with 5 years of dust plus they are located in a strip mall in one of the most culturally devoid areas in the whole Bay Area.

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Burger Bar

1101 South 1st St San Jose Downtown

This place has been here for 30 years and looks like an outdoor dairy queen. Don't let the siren song of the enticing "dive envy" facade fool you into thinking this place has promise. The food is REALLY BAD! The featured menu item is 5 burgers for $3.59. The secret sauce used is stale Mayonnaise. Lots of it! Standard Costco-sized patties surrounded by stale tasteless buns. Each of us ordered the 5-pak. Stomachs hurt!!! Ouch.

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Delfin - a.k.a "Microwave Mexican"

1202 E Santa Clara St San Jose Downtown

Ugly, smelly. Plastic palm tree decor. Food burned on the outside and frozen on the inside. DON'T

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Original Joe's

301 South 1st Street San Jose Downtown

An extremely snotty San Jose "institution". We typically find the old Italians dressed in tuxedos pretending to be waiters to be far too surly for their own good. Grow up, enjoy life. Dives have a sense of humor, this place has none. Why it's so popular, we'll never know.

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El Rancho SteakHouse

Monterey Hwy and Rancho Drive San Jose Suburbs

We remember some guy at Flo's said this place was even better. Food took WAY too long and was average at best. Lots of regulars seem to like the place, we can't understand why. And, what's up with that obnoxious palm tree?

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Central Texan

10500 Merritt St Castroville

A reader writes, "Great BBQ. The owner is just too cool. If you have 6 people order the Stampede ($65 I think) which is served with BBQ Chicken, Pork and Beef Ribs, Hot links, white bread, beans, & pickles on a sheet of butcher paper and it comes with a "salad bar" (mostly potato and macoroni salad and peppers :)) Otherwise the combo platter for $11 is a great deal... 3 choices of meat. It's always too much food and I take it home. This is Texas BBQ. Don't expect sauce on the meat. It's smoked for hours and grilled. Sawdust on the floors. It's great. Best BBQ I've had in CA." [WOW - Divemaster]

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Cicero's Pizza

6138 Bollinger Road Cupertino

A reader says, "Cicero's is in its third incarnation, currently in a former Round Table Pizza place that didn't make it. Lots of locals and definitely thin-crust NY style pizza. Family owned and operated, including son-in-law of the original owner (he's worked in all three places and is a lifer pizza maker). Former Tandem hangout still frequented by Tandemites. Saw Steve Wozniak in there one day. The owner said that he's been coming in since he was a teenager. It's just like Cheers, everyone knows your name if you go in there more than two times" The first Cicero's was next to the Cupertino Mill, corner of Stevens Creek and DeAnza, was the unofficial headqarters of the town. When that was demolished to make way for office space, Cicero's moved to a former Burger Pit on Stevens Creek and Blaney. Musing about the Blaney location a reader says, "Superb New York thin-crust pizza served with a sneer. One old coot takes your pizza order, and another fills your beverage request, and don't get it wrong or you'll be sorry. The television blares sports. I seem to recall a vague wagon-wheel decor, which would be incongruous to say the least. Long, bench-style tables. No plates. Possibly overrun with snooty Apple, Javasoft, HP and Tandem employees during at weekday lunches, but I haven't tried it then. Definitely worth checking out anyway". Divemaster says: Yeah, yeah. We know it's back. Hear that the latest place is not much of a dive but the food is pretty good. We'll give it a try someday.

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Shalimar

3325 Walnut Avenue Fremont

We've been to the one in SF -- amazing spot! Lots of passion about this Pakistani / Indian food place as people seem to either love it or not. A reader says, "The original Shalimar is in San Francisco and they are both fantastic! Best to order food extra spicy."

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Southern Heritage BBQ & Fish

40645 Fremont Blvd Fremont

A reader says, "In a (older) strip mall, just bottled beer available, but the decor is appropriately "divey" and the BBQ is outstanding. Worth checking out." Another reader says, "This is one of my favorites. The BBQ is Arkansas-style: slow cooked and smoky. Their fried okra and sweet potato pie is excellent. I'd give it four divers". Another reader says, "We checked this place out. There are few signs around stating that a long wait for your food is a good thing. The food was decent, and the wait was long. I do want to go back to try a few more of their items. I am now more prepared at how long the wait for my food will be. I had their pork sandwich. I think they put too much sauce. Andyâ€™s makes a far better pork sandwich. I rate it as a two star dive. It is worth checking out."

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Woolgrowers

609 H Street Los Banos

This is the place where John Madden pulls his camper/caravan over to stop for lunch on any trip to Southern California. Heard it has excellent lamb and a LOT of it. A reader says, "If you like Basque food, and you want a large meal, turn north from Hwy 152 on 6th Street in Los Banos (at waypoint BANOS). At the corner of 6th and H is the Woolgrowers Hotel, where vegetarians will be appalled and carivores will be sated."

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Jonathan's Fish and Chips

840 Willow Road Menlo Park

Driven by dozens of times but haven't had a chance to stop in. A reader says, "Try this place for wonderful southern food, particularly the fried catfish (light and tasty, not the heavy greasy stuff you'll find elsewhere). It's on the west side of 101, not far from the South bound 101 on-ramp. Consider this an East Palo Alto dive as it's close to the Menlo Park/EPA border."

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Cho Sun BBQ

S Main Street and Serra Way Milpitas

Formerly Seoul Restaurant where our review went somthing like this: Prepare to be ignored if your name isn't Mr. Kim, Mr. Park or Jong Il-Suk. Despite the Korean snobbery, once served, the food is very good, particularly the combo plates. Wash it all down with a big OB beer poured into little glasses. On a cold day, the Korean BBQ is highly recommended. Sit at one of the tables with the metal plate in the middle. This gets removed, REALLY hot coals (sparks included for free) are put into bins and you get more food than you can possibly eat put in front of you to cook for yourself. "Oh yeah, can I get one more OB over here please".

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La Costena Custom Burritos

2078 Old Middlefield Way Mountain View

A reader says, "Mt View version of Guadalajara Market. A true South bay dive." Created the world's largest Burrito in 1997. Weighed in at 4,456.3 pounds and was measured at 3,578 feet long.

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Wilma's Catfish Kitchen

6037 San Pablo Ave Oakland

Small hole-in-the-wall located on the Emeryville/Oakland border across from the Black Muslim bakery. Seems worthy of dive status.

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Cho's

213 S. California Avenue Palo Alto

A reader says, "Cho's in Palo Alto on California is a true hole-in-the-wall with nothing to recommend it but the food and the line out the door. In the past couple of years they've added a dining room next door, but nothing beats the old manhole-cover-sized tables right by the food counter. In a fancy place the food would be called Dim Sum. I call it "Chinese appetizers that will blow you away." Try the egg rolls (greasy, crunchy outside, fresh inside) and the barbeque pork buns (steamed, doughy, sweet and meaty)."

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Hommas Brown Rice Sushi

2363 Birch Street Palo Alto

Wary about any dives in Palo Alto but we're told this has great brown rice sushi and CHEAP! A reader says, "For Sushi, it is a good deal. Definitely dive-like as it is tucked away off a side street to California Avenue. Good brown rice, too, not hard or mushy. Definitely worth checking out".

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Island Delite

1491 E Bayshore Rd Palo Alto

A reader recommends: "Island Market and Restaurant, in East Palo Alto. It's polynesian. Not hawaiian, but polynesian". Another reader adds, "They're Tongan. The food is unusual stuff. Try the roasted turkey tail and the squid in coconut milk!"

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Hawaiian Drive-In

711 El Camino Real Redwood City

A reader says, "Despite the name, it is not a drive-in. The faded yellow sign is hard to spot, and the front entry is small and unobtrusive. On a continuous strip of storefronts which include a humor/costume store and adult bookstore. Park out front on El Camino or one of the parking lots out back. Food is standard Hawaiian plate lunch (a mixture of Japanese and American fried food served with lots of starch - rice AND pasta salad). The food is rib-sticking excellent and cheap. On a busy day there are always a few native Hawaiians and Samoans to be seen. Regular plate lunches include standard fare such as teriaki beef or chicken, bento-style, seafood, mixed BBQ plate, ribs, and even Spam on weekends. Portions are huge, so I usually order one of the "mini" plate lunches ($3-$4) which still fills me up. Decor is clean but dated (1970's cafeteria style) with an old jukebox which supports a small asian shrine. (I'm not sure the jukebox works since it's never on). A cooler behind the cash register displays various over-sweet tropical sodas (guava, mango, etc.). If you order one, they never hand it to you. You're supposed to go back behind the cash register and get it yourself. Food is always made to order, though even if you order take out over the phone, they don't start making it until you walk in the door."

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La Roca

55 Fifth Avenue Redwood City

One of the dive group - out on a solo trip, writes... GREAT mexican food, with homemade CORN tortillas (out of this world). The things to try are the Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup), Chilaquiles Rancheros, and the old standby fav, Macahca con Huevos. Loud mexican soap operas blaring during your meal make you feel like you're in a Guadalajara truck stop. It's in a small strip mall next to a laundromat and a hair place aptly named "Who Does Your Hair?" (guess it depends on how you say it). DEFINITELY a candidate to go for one of these long lunch hour days. Best beer there is Negro Modelo."

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Naranjo's Taqueria

2647 Broadway Redwood City

A reader says, "A family run hole in the wall in an ex-jewelry store with excellent tacos and burritos. The place is packed during lunchtime and on weekends the whole family - Naranjo (the father), mom, kids, cousins, aunts and uncles - are behind the counter. Ranchera music blares from the loud speakers, Univision on the TV. No point and click here, you order from an overhead menu. The burrito de carne asada is excellent. The beef is grilled to order. The real find though is Naranjo's excellent barbacoa, seasoned shredded beef. Most taquerias don't serve barbacoa. Naranjo adds a touch of clove to his. Try the barbacoa in a taco. Ask for a cup of the barbacoa broth. The excellent chicken tacos include rice. The lengua tacos are also awesome. Watch out for the homemade salsa verde, it's nuclear. (The salsa is included on all orders, so if you're timid, ask them to leave it off.) The best way to quench the fire is with a cup of horchata, sweetened rice water."

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El Charro

799 South First Street San Jose Downtown

A reader says, "Great enchiladas, tacos, etc etc". We've driven by and it looks inviting. Soon!

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Mariscos Inda #2

205 North 4th St San Jose Downtown

A reader says "They no longer serve the fat-fried fishbait (smelts), but the piscatory delicacies are still an enchantment, and the Orozco-style mural is still a feast for the eyes."

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Tay Ho

159 E Santa Clara Street San Jose Downtown

The decor says "dive", with the wax imitation foods under Saran wrap, and serving counter straight out of elementary school surplus. But the food is good. Try the roast duck soup with egg noodles. Yum. Better hurry. Tay Ho is in an area that has been targeted for 'urban renewal' by the Redevelopment Agency and will be moved to north SJ to make room for the new City Hall.

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Trial Pub

265 N. 1st Street San Jose Downtown

A reader says, "This place has the most flavorful British food I've ever had. We were served by Tracy the owner plus she cooked our meal too. The cornish pastie was greatnot the usual pot pie version served at most places. This was unique with a wonderful broth and a light pastry covering the top only. They have a great selection of English and Irish beers. The interior looks like someone startedto remodel but never finished."

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Angelo's Restaurant

436 Blossom Hill Road San Jose Suburbs

A reader says, "Unfortunately, it is in a strip mall (next to Lucky's) but it is definitely a dive with the best Italian food and pizza in the south Bay! The place is so narrow, and the tablecloths are plastic with red and white checks! Totally cheesey, but again I insist it's great Italian food with friendly service. My mom is 100% Sicilian and the best Italian cook in the world. I know good Italian food!"

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Ed's Gourmet

2056 Curtner Ave San Jose Suburbs

A reader says, "Ed's Gourmet is a mom & pop teriyaki place, run by an asian family. i can't actually say that i've tried much on the menu because good teriyaki places are so hard to find around here, every time i go that's what i get. the sauce is delicious (they make it themselves) and the meat doesn't have any fat/grissle on it. Comes w/ a big serving of freshly cooked rice & some sauerkraut. they've got 3 or so big tables that take up the entire joint, so if it was ever crowded (which it never has been, in my experience) you *could* end up sitting next to someone you don't know. It's got a few half-hearted "bud" posters from the early 90's (my guess) and some random asian paintings placed haphazardly about". All good!

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Just Breakfast

2901 Monterey Hwy San Jose Suburbs

We've heard rumors that it's not just for breakfast anymore. We'll have to swing by and check it out. A reader says, "Excellent breakfast menu with lots of combos and ways to have it "your way". Always crowded, but the meals move fast so you never have to wait longer than 15 minutes. Excellent formica and cookin' oil ambiance. 3 dives."

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Texas Smokehouse BBQ

1091 S Capitol Ave San Jose Suburbs

A reader writes, "A hole-in-the-wall BBQ place. Its a little hard to find...sorta tucked away behind the World gas station and next door to a beauty salon (look for the blue painted rock facade and white security bars). Also, there is a former propane tank that now serves as their smoker out front. Both of us got the tri-tip lunch for $9. HUGE portion of sliced tri-tip soaked in sauce, potato salad and beans. For us, its a little farther than BCC but it ranks right up there." Another group writes: "..we have a number of guys who consider ourselves to be pretty fair judges of good BBQ. We would like to throw in our vote for TSBBQ as dang tasty smoked criters. The pork ribs and tri-tip are excellent. And the portions are generous enough for even the big eaters to get enough". Awesome!

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Old Ironsides Cafe

4655 Old Ironsides Drive Santa Clara

A reader says, "Its an excellent family owned/run falafel dive. Try their falafel wrap or eastern combo for starters but they're happy to do whatever you want with the ingredients at hand. One missing criteria: its not in its own building. Its hiding in the bottom of one of the random 4 story 1980s office towers there. You'ld never know the place was there unless someone told you. Its only indicator is a small sign on the street, an awning over the door with a TV antenna "hidden" inside it, a $1.99 breakfast sign and a neon open sign. Inside? well i was there today and they're remodelling (amazing! they should be careful, it could lose dive status if they do a good job. but relax, i think they're doing it themselves ;) half the place is ripped up with some old fixtures and furature piled in it and a mix of carpet and an ancient 1980s copy machine in a corner that's had a for sale sign on it for as long as i've been going there. The food is great. The owners are a very greek looking older couple always working there, a good sign for a falafel joint".

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Savor Mexican Food

305 N Fairoaks Ave Sunnyvale

A reader says, "It doesn't meet all of your dive criteria, the biggest violation beingthat it's in a (very small) strip mall. But there's no seating -- it's takeout only, so maybe it can get bonus points for that? Or maybe that just makes i t a "hole in the wall"? Anyway, the food is good and cheap. You can also get tortillas by the multi-dozen there. I can only personally vouch for the carne asada tacos but I've taken several people there and everyone has liked everything they've gotten."

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Vahl's

1513 El Dorado St Alviso

A great place to mention it's your birthday (even though it may not be) since they play the cheesiest birthday song ever. The place is a holdover from the early 40's when pink tablecloths and doilies said "love". Wonderful older women run the place and make you feel like you've been on a visit to grandma's formal dining room. Lots of Art Deco and velvet paintings of local interest, including a model of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sadly, matron and founder Amelia Vahl has passed away but ran the place well into her 90's. Check out the bar...real authentic naugahyde booths, blue neon behind the bottles, and they have an old coin-op bowling game there. Also, if you get there early enough, ask for a window seat next to the garden, where you can watch two cats frolic.So when you feel like a good helping of pot roast or scampi, it's Vahl's. A reader adds, "if Amelia Vahl seats you, she will decide what sort table you get. A man and a woman dressed professionally will get a cozy table for two with flowers, two women in jeans risk getting seated at the "kid's table" in the hall. One of the younger hostesses snuck over and said she could move us,but I didn't dare move!" Closed Monday and Tuesday

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Effie's

331 Hacienda Ave Campbell

We went to Effie's based on a reader submission which read as follows: "Effie's is a real restaurant (not a diner), but left over from the 50's. The food is heavy on the grease and meat, no California cuisine here. The waitresses and clientele are all older, bee-hive hairdos can still be found. The MonteCristo sandwich is deep fried! Good! Don't forget to notice the upholstery in the booths. It's real tuck and roll". All this was true. Despite being behind a gas station, this place is almost swanky. Peach colored exterior with large black awnings. Walk in and this is definitely the kind of place your mom (and your grandmother even more so) would approve of and go back to. Matching peach tablecloths and peach napkins. Bonus points for the large bar off to the left which is nearly a gentleman's lounge. Plenty of retirees hanging out for a mid-afternoon social experience.

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Three Amigos

200 Cabrillo Hwy N Half Moon Bay

After a remodel which gentrified the place, we now present Three (Tres) Amigos as someplace to take your mom. However, it still is THE spot in Half Moon Bay for Mexican food. Starting around 11:30 nearly any day, a line starts to form that goes out the door. Simple menu (burritos, tacos, etc) but everything is freshly cooked. Try one of the freshly squeezed juices - usually orange or carrot - for a treat. Chips are made onsite and you scoop them up and grab a cup of salsa to go with. Come on down and mix with the locals. Watch out for pay days as the place gets extra busy.

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Gombei

193 Jackson Street San Jose Downtown

If you like Japanese food and have ever been to Japan to see how things are really done, you will like this place. It's too clean and well run to be a dive but you will feel right at home anyway. They feature basic Japanese fare except sushi (although they do have sashimi specials every so often). Combination plates are typically served with miso soup and tofu - try the mackerel or chicken/beef yakinuku for a change of pace. Donburi (rice with meat) is good. Udon noodles for a warm up in winter and soba noodles for a cool down in summer. We love this place. They have another one in Menlo Park on El Camino.

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Hukilau

230 East Jackson St. San Jose Downtown

A Hawaiian restaurant with heavy Japanese influences. Right on Jackson Street in the heart of Japantown. Nice small (8 table) area up front with a bar/counter and a large banquet room in the back. Their lunch menu features chicken, beef and other dishes fried up katsu style or in a sesame batter served with two icecream scoops of rice and one of macaroni salad They do have one spam dish - a rice and seaweed wrapped appetizer. Tiki decor. Full bar (a plus) including Hawaiian beer on tap. Another one in SF. Mom will think it's all 'so cute'.

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Paradiso's Deli

791 Auzerais San Jose Downtown

Paradiso's has been transformed. It's not a nice upscale neighborhood restaurant. Now known as Palermo Italian Restaurant. Here is the review circa 2010:

Man, is this a great dive or what!?! Located between the original Orchard Supply Hardware and the formerly huge Del Monte canning factory (next to a tire store and railroad tracks), Paradiso's is a combination deli, grocery store, and restaurant. (Sadly the affiliated coffee korner is now closed). You saunter up the wooden stairs, through the grocery items and up to the deli counter where the service is slow but friendly. Eggplant Sandwiches, Italian Sausage and Pasta, Everything we've ever ordered there has been GREAT! Even greater if you ask for sweet fried peppers on top!! Grab a beer out of the cooler and sit in the back with mismatched chairs and beer posters from the 60's, turn on the B&W TV and just wallow in dive-dom. Life is good. Hopefully this place will survive the cannery closing.

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King Egg Rolls

980 Lundy Avenue San Jose North

Definitely not a dive - King Egg Roll is a 'Chinese take out food factory' that cranks out 100s of 'to go' orders daily. They have a half dozen tables for those that wish to dine in but their real business is the line that forms at the door and continually streams through with people ordering egg rolls, BBQ pork ribs, fried rice and the like. Individual meals or in bulk. Average serving time looks to be under 30 seconds. A reader says, "Try out King Egg Rolls it is a strip mall and probably don't qualify as a dive (although the decor begs it), but 'dive'-like food." Another reader says, "If you want dim sum or Vietnamese spring rolls - go for lunch because by dinner time, they're sold out'.

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Aqui Cal-Mex Grill

1145 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs

The former head chef of swanky noveau cuisine stalwart Eulypia in downtown SJ decided to set up a neighborhood restaurant featuring very creative, outrageously delicious and fairly inexpensive Cal-Mex. Wonderful food. Can't say enough good things. You order at the counter and they call your number so you can fetch your own food for indoor or patio dining (complete with patio heaters). Decor is cool lizard-centric Southwest original. They expanded in mid '98 to provide extra seating plus a Tequila Bar which has the best and most diverse selection we've seen. Upscale dive wannabe (and we mean that as a compliment). Have since opened another place in South San Jose.

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DiCicco's Italian Restaurant

2509 S Bascom Ave San Jose Suburbs

A 'family' place in all senses of the phrase. Family run-and family-oriented. You can be a slob or dress up in a suit and feel right at home. The decor is Naples at it's best with bottles of Chianti lining the walls. All the dishes are good. They have a quick lunch special for $5.95 but the place is best seen on Saturday night when it's crowded and the accordian player is in full swing. Corny but fun.

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Sam's Bar-B-Que

S. Bascom Avenue and Leon Drive San Jose Suburbs

While their specialty is bar-b-que (which automatically puts them on a dive list), Sam's is too nice a place to qualify as an official dive. The theme is "old west" as they have tools and $400 paintings of guys wearing coon-skin caps adorning their walls. A train toots at you as it whistles overhead on its track around the entire place. It's well lit, clean and they have matching cutlery. Patio dining for clement weather days. During lunch hours, they plant some poor guy out front to send a friendly wave at all passersby - amusing. Despite all the distractions, the food is excellent. Brisket, Ribs, Pork, Pepper Steaks, Chicken Breasts, etc. all homemade and smoked to please most any palate. Sides of beans, garlic bread, slaw and beans are included with most dishes. You can pick from any of 30+ beers, most microbrewed (including "Liquid Sunshine" from San Jose's own Hoppy Brewing Company). You could take your mother and feel safe as there are usually at least a couple of cops pigging out here.

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Andy's BBQ

2367 El Camino Real Santa Clara

What is old becomes new again. They've taken over the Mr. Steer location at 2367 El Camino Real and look to open before September. It's really quite a nice place. Red leather booths, tiffany lamps, oak paneling, matching silverware and fairly awesome service. The menu is classic BBQ with ribs, links, brisket and such served as plates or sandwiches. Sides include 'slaw, beans, potato salad or fries. There are pictures of Andy's employees serving BBQ to patrons scattered throughout the restaurant. Full bar, two rooms, they cater. Good stuff. Mom would like the free and constant refills for any non-alcoholic beverage. Go. This institution in Campbell offically closed its doors at the end of July, 2004. The offical word is they're trying to find an alternate location but they're settling into a catering mode by sharing operations with Talk of the Town catering in Willow Glen (home of the former Australian restaurant.
This was a tough one to rate. What we found was WONDERFUL food, one of the best BBQ sandwiches around (try the beef brisket or the Carolina pulled pork). As you walk into the WWII era block-shaped building, there is a full bar with good beers on tap. The bar decor is basically a shrine to Joe Montana - extra points. You can dine at the bar or in the main dining room. All this would normally give them a four star rating. Unfortunately the place was a little too well lit and a little too clean for our liking (after all, we are divers, aren't we??), almost placing Andy's into the "Too Nice to be a Dive" category. They make their own BBQ sauce which is for sale - Regular (very neutral) and Spicy (barely, but still good). Worth a trip to Campbell.

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Senzala

250 East Java Drive Sunnyvale

Who would have expected a great Brazilian restaurant in the wasteland of north Sunnyvale? Located near Yahoo! headquarters and the Weird Stuff Warehouse, Senzala is in an upscale strip mall far from any residential properties. We went for lunch and there was a steady stream of loyal locals who went. Run by the same folks that run the Brazilian martial arts gym - Capoeria of San Jose, the food is authentic and quite good. The place is cafeteria-style, and portions are generous. Try the feijoada a traditional Brazilian stew of tender meat, beans and chorizo over rice. The steaks are also good served with onions atop next to rice and beans. A good departure from your normal silicon valley taqeria fare. No beer or wine (yet).

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Thai Basil

101 South Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale

Definitely not a dive - clean, matching tables and chairs, matching embroidered aprons on all staff. A small place (12 tables) in 'upscale' renovated faux downtown Sunnyvale. A distinctly Silicon Valley crowd (not a compliment) with starched shirts and loafers meshes together with real estate agents and other professionals to get a quick dose of Thai food. Seating inside or out and adult beverages are available from the bar next door. Food is actually pretty good with medium-sized portions often accompanied by a 'rice helmet'. Your mom will like it. A reader says, "For Thai food you cannot beat Thai Basil. When it's busy you can sit outside, or in the Miramar bar next door, which *really* pushes up the dive points. (One of the regulars there has a metal peg leg, masses of curly black hair, matching beard, full leathers and a bone through his nose. I'm sure he's a really great bloke)."

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Buck's

3062 Woodside Road Woodside

We're sure this used to be a dive once upon a time, but since the influx of money into Woodside, this spot now publishes a news letter which discusses the Internet Bubble, Hippo and Alpaca ranching and the trips the owners took to the Burning Man. Hardly dive makings as is the food - best described as uber Sizzler. Service is nice but slow and the food is definitely not cheap. Much better than braving the Palo Alto milieu, this is still to nice to be a dive.

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Ernie's Fiesta Restaurant

Taylor St at Gold St Alviso

We heard this place has passed away. Alas, none of our staff had a chance to visit before it's demise. However, one of our faithful readers noted that, "It's way better than Maria Elena's now that they have become so popular. Ernie, a native Alviso-can, is always on hand to greet his customers. His kids are running around in their walkers. The Chili Rellenos are great."

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Rosita's

5220 North First Street Alviso

Silicon Valley's Former Power Lunch Dive Reincarnated as andiamos. A reader intones: I used to (and still do) enjoy the food at Rosita's. I had my first meal ather place in the '60s when it was on the south corner of Gold and First streets. The floors were tilted and the tables were in several small rooms, situated in a disorganized fashion probably due to the rooms having been added on to the small main building over the years. You walked in passing the "kitchen", picked up your drink and the Spanish speaking waitress eventually came to your table and took your order. The food was delicious, worth the visit to a TRUE dive!! Having recently returned from a lengthy trip to Mexico, this was true Mexican dining. Business picked up from the electronics boom of the late '70s early '80s and she upgraded her operation, moving to the opposite side of First street,about 2 blocks south. The facility had been a bar before her arrival. Theatmosphere changed too; moved out of the dive category. There was a large bar on the left as you entered the front door with the dining tables to theright in two rooms. Waitresses were also upgraded both in character and language skills, speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Food was still excellent. The kitchen was in the back, out of sight. Shortly after makingthe move, the prices were raised SUBSTANTIALLY, and the recession hitshortly thereafter. I stopped going because the prices were way out of line. Many others must of had the same feelings. Next time I went for lunch a year or so later, the place was locked up tight. I later learned that she had opened a deli/grocery store (Rosita's Deli &Market) another block or so further south on First street, under the high voltage wires near the school and new library. I have been enjoying hercooking for several years now at this new location. It has shifted more tothe food service and down played the grocery store services over the past 18months. Food is still excellent. Large portions. Great waitresses (light on the Spanish now). You still get your own drinks from the coolers, and the kitchen is in full view at the end of the intimate one-room dining area.I definitely recommend having lunch at "Rosita's Deli". Divemaster recalls the original experience - especially the tilted floors and the flood marks on the building where it was 7 feet underwater during the '82 floods. We list this under the "yet to try category" because the same owner now runs Rosita's Deli and we have yet to make it out there.

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Russian Tea House

2208 S. Bascom Avenue Campbell

Now Closed. We went there with a Russian friend to buy some things but didn't have a meal. A reader said, "If you like the Russian Cafe & Deli check out the Russian Tea House on Bascom right next door to Denny's. Nice people, good peasant food. Lots of local Russian expatriates drop in to pick up the Russian language papers. If you order the beef stroganoff get it over mashed potatoes. They sell a weird green Georgian soft drink that they claim is Russia's answer to Coke, it's pretty nasty, Coke needn't worry."

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Lucy's Cafe

21670 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino

Now closed, never had a chance to go. We were told "This is the reincarnation of Chef Wang's - formerly of Mt. View. The owner - a "Margaret Cho" lookalike always greets everyone as they come to dine. The dry sauteed pork may be worth a try."

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Boss Hawg's BBQ

37266 Niles Blvd Fremont

Now a vacant building... A reader says, "Huge BBQ grill rig in the parking lot next to the place w/lots of smoke! Bunches of road signs & neon make up the decor. Great BBQ esp the ribs & chicken. Waitresses w/ the biker babe "A"ttitude. Old brick building looks like it was close to getting condemned. Unfortunately, business is good so it looks freshly painted (inside) and no mis-matched silverware or plates. Small TV and a juke box though. I've heard that it was "divier", but has been fixed up recently. I think it's on the verge of getting to be too nice to be a dive although IMHO it still qualifies."

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Los Chorros

3933 Washington Blvd. Fremont

Now closed, this place changed names every couple of years over the last decade. We never had a chance to try but.. A reader says, "Salvadorean food. It's a chain but all run by members of the same family. Salvadorean posters on the walls. Looks like a bath rug on the wall. Serves Salvadorean beer. Mismatched salsa plates and plastic glasses. Some of the food is a bit weird to some palettes so they can go w/ the TexMex fare that they have." A follow on reviewer (post-name change) says "We tried Salvadorean Pupusas, which are like pita bread stuffed with shredded pork, cheese and beans, and pan fried (not deep fried). Everyone liked those. Also tried pastellas de carne whichare pan fried soft-shell tacos - but these were deemed too greasy. The carne asada plate had plenty of steak and generous portions. The tamales were greasy and rather plain. They had several kinds of Salvadorean beer in bottles. I enjoyed the Pilsner."

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Ye Olde Pizza Joynt

19150 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward

Alas, the Ye Olde Pizza Joynt is closed. We had heard that the place had some short term issues -- damaged by fire. The pipe organ was badly damaged and is currently being restored. I believe the restaurant is still waiting to be re-opened." One old review from reader said, "Good pizza, $4.00 pichers of beer and the most amazing musical contraption that you have ever seen. Most evenings the 'organ' is played, including train whistles, gongs, air horns and such. A true trip."

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Chef Wangs

5100 El Camino Real Los Altos

Alas, this placed closed before we had a chance to try. Not to be confused with the Chef Wang's on Castro St in Mt. View. A reader sings praise, "Chef Wang's is my all-time favorite Chinese place, and I've gone there probably twice a month for the last 3 years. Their moo-shee shrimp is to die for and has become "the usual" when I go there. Also try the General's Chicken which was my old "usual" until I discovered the shrimp. And a trip to the Wanger (as we affectionately call it) isn't complete without egg rolls and the veggie fried rice, which has tons of veggies and can be a meal in itself. Lucy, the owner, is hilarious - she looks like Margaret Cho and speaks at least 4 languages. Very impressive!!"

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Echo, The

1579 Miramonte Ave Los Altos

Closed in May, 2004 due to the poor local economy -- sad. Here's the former review: Yes, there is a dive (sort of) in Los Altos. Opened in 1942 and nicknamed the "blue hair dive" as many of the patrons take time away from their tennis lessons and bridge club socials to sip a few glasses of wine with their friends. It is actually a cool place with a patio, a full (and dark) bar as well as a restaurant area with booth seating. The menu is mostly burgers and sandwiches with a few items of "California cuisine" (e.g. blackened snapper) thrown in for good measure. The food is a bit on the expensive side but hey, you're paying for the scenery. Expect to wait as the service is SLOW and kind of simple minded but it all eventually works out.

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Das Gasthaus

1380 S Main Street Milpitas

Now a swanky dance place with a tropical theme. Formal name: Gasthaus Zum Goldenen Adler. Actually three places in one - a nice German Restaurant, a dark pub-like den and a "biker bar". All have their own charms. The restaurant is a bit upscale and compares favorably against Teske's Germania on First Street, just north of downtown SJ. Try the Jager schnitzel or the sausage sampler. Excellent red cabbage on the side! The den is a great haunt for east bay startups (who would have guessed - ask Jack Higby) and the biker bar is best experienced after 7. What fun!

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Kozy Kitchen

S Main Street at Serra Way Milpitas

Home of the Milpitas Monster. Take a step back to the 1960's and try a cheeseburger and a shake while chatting with the locals. (no beer)

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Chef Wang's

212 Castro Street Mountain View

We're told this has been closed and reopened as Lucy's Cafe at 21670 Stevens Creek in Cupertino. We never went, but here's the original review... Not to be confused with the Chef Wang's on El Camino... A reader says, "Although located in a not-so-dive area, this place is a dive. Excellent chinese food, great noodles, and they do carry beer." Another reader says, "Forget the menu - get the General's Chicken with soup and all the rice you want for $3.95 -nice and spicy!".

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Chubby's Broiler

Ellis St and Fairchild Dr Mountain View

Plowed under in the name of "improvement". A currently vacant corporate HQ for yet another banal technology startup. Former review: Features Rib Eye Steak Sandwiches, Burgers and Chinese Food. Run by happy faced Chinese who love to yell your order to the cook and yell out your number when the grub is ready. Have outdoor picnic tables for your dining pleasure. Have Bud only - bottles or tap. Their condiment table features big tubs of catsup, mustard and A1 sauce that you have to pour on with a spoon. P.S. New incarnation is Chubby's II in the complex at the corner of Tasman and Lawrence in Santa Clara - right next to PhoQueen Noodle House.

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Food Street Cafe

Castro Street at Villa Mountain View

Another dive gone... One we never made it out to. Previous review: A reader says, "The food is pretty good & cheap, and the ambiance certainly evokes Hong Kong. I see the same guy in there morning and night, weekdays and weekends--he deserves your patronage!". Another reader says" Can't miss it from the hanging ducks in the window there to greet you. Definite greasy spoon Chinese joint, but pretty good if you know what to order (read: don't go alone, best to take a Chinese native). The Beef Stew Rice Plate is pretty good - big hunks of stewed Chinese beef on a mountain of rice for about $3.95."

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Hong Kee

600 West El Camino Real Mountain View

Hong Kee is gone. The building is now remodeled and a new chinese place (by the looks, in no way a dive) in its place. Sob... "Meets every criteria! family owned, separate building, looks like they'll allow smoking and Keno, owners (hey, even the family) are always there, no reservations, neon signs, used to have shades, mismatched glasses and silverware, beer, good food! [dive_master sez WOW]" By the way, a reader reports there is a Hong Kee Noodle House on Broadway in Redwood City, don't know if it's related.

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Smitty's

E Middlefield Rd at N Whisman Rd Mountain View

Cheese Steaks, Burgers, BBQ and Grill Fare. 25 beers on tap!. Adjacent to 21st Point health club so you can see raquetballers and stationary cyclists working out while you're pigging out. Descent BBQ (ribs, chicken) and cheesesteaks. This place features lots of regulars and you can pick up more than your share of local gossip (if you care).

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St James Infirmary

Moffett Blvd and Mariner Dr Mountain View

Alas. St. James Infirmary suffered a huge fire in late '97. Even Wonder Woman couldn't save the place (or herself). Reminise with our review which placed SJI in our 4 divers category. Truly a classic '70s dive. This place started mounting "stuff" on the walls long before TGIF and the other chains thought up this idea for themselves. As a result, St. James has some classics including a full stagecoach (with horses), a Red Baron biplane, and of course, a full greater-than-life-size Babe Muffler-esque statue of Wonder Woman (the best seat in the house is between her ankles). The menu, which looks like a Robert Crumb ripoff, is full of goodies such as the Jiffy Burger (yes, with PB), the Thunder Humper, the Beefy Brotherly Love and the Grilled Oink & Cheese. Backed by a full bar and a huge selection of beers, this is a dive worth checking out. Rumors of its death are premature at best as we've always seen a lively crowd. Tell 'em the Divemaster sent you.

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Uncle Frank's

2135 Old Middlefield Way Mountain View

Sigh. It's closed as of late 2010. Hopefully will reopen in a new spot as it has a couple of times before Uncle Franks has moved and it's worth the trip. They're in a dining room / dancehall in the back of Francesca's bar - the former site of BBQ Man. We were there during the "Pre-Grand Opening" but there were no nerves and the food was fantastic. Hints: don't show up before 12P as they are not officially 'open". Grab the biggest roll of paper towels you can find. There is no sign out front so just wander in. Grab a beer at the bar first before sitting down. We ordered the 'Platter' with links, brisket and ribs. More than enough for 2 and would satisfy 3. Collard greens and cornbread were our sides although the cole slaw and potato salad looked good. No cobbler yet.

Old review: Formerly EPA City Cafe and Betty's Soul Kitchen. "Where everybody knows your name". Grab a map because this place is VERY far off the beaten track (attractive dive point #1). We got lost twice trying to find it ourselves. Uncle Frank's features a "meat of the day". Very clean and well kept despite the modest environment. Monday starts off with Smothered Steak followed by Ox tails, Smothered Chicken, Smothered Pork Chips and Fish/BBQ (Ribs/Links/Chicken). You get two side orders of Greens, Red Beans, Black Eyed Peas, String Beans, Yams, Rice, Mac&Cheese (homemade) or Potato Salad. Wow. Huge portions that one could barely finish - but be sure to save some room for that heavenly peach cobbler. This was a recommendation via e-mail and totally appreciated. We gained 3 pounds each just writing about the place. No beer.

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Wagon Wheel

E Middlefield Rd and N Whisman Rd Mountain View

Watering hole where many of Silicon Valley's icons got started. Succumbed to Gambling. A reader reminces, "It is a restaurant, bar,and casino rolled into one. Excellent maroon tuck-and-roll naugahyde booths, western theme decorations, a stuffed marlin, and antlers sprouting from the walls. The menu is decent, and includes burgers, BLT's, enchilads, and an authentic Peruvian dish made of french fries mixed with sirloin. The nice background music is sometimes eclipsed by the sound of rolling dice and shuffling cards, but overall a great experience of classic divedom only a block from Netscape's headquarters."

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Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles

210 Broadway Oakland

Closed in Oakland. We're told it's still around in LA. --- The name sez it all. It's a soul food place that features chicken and waffles. We had "Denise's Delight" - 1 succulent breast and 1 waffle and also the Lord B.J. with a 1/2 chicken smothered with Gravy and Onions and two waffles. The waffles are on the crispy side but good just the same. A bit on the expensive side (for a dive) but worth the experience. This joint was featured on the movie "Tapeheads" (worth a rental). No beer.

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Old Pro

2865 El Camino Real Palo Alto

This review was based on the old Old Pro on El Camino. They relocated to downtown Palo Alto on Ramona. That place, not quite a dive, closed in June 2022.

Original Review: This place, housed in a quonset hut that once served as the main terminal of the long gone Palo Alto Airport finally succumbed to developers in 2008. Sigh. Here's the old review: Alive and kicking. They were kicked out but got an 11th hour reprieve from the landlord. There's even a banner on the outside of the building proclaiming "We have life! (through 2006)." For now, "The Old Pro Sports Bar and Grill" is still in its old renovated Quonset hut location on El Camino. It comes as a very welcome sight to the otherwise dive deprived town of Palo Alto. Very good food and good lunch crowd but just a little too nice to be rated more highly. On the positive side, they do have very good burgers, prime rib sandwiches, tacos and such as well as a full beer assortment (tap and bottles), they also have specials that remind us that we're in PA including Chicken, Pesto and Pinenut Pasta, Grilled Chicken Breast over chopped greens (oh my). Matching chairs and silverware. Also a wine list that includes cabernet, and "Zin" [sic]. Dive-ish, not a real dive. Still worth a try. Note: They also have a toney spot in Downtown Palo Alto, on Emerson. Not the same.

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5 Spot Drive-In

869 South First Street San Jose Downtown

Recently received historical status. Temporarily (?) closed. This place was clearly a full blown drive-in during the 1950s and 1960s. You can still see the places to pull in and imagine that you are ordering from your window. The 5 Spot is in a fairly derelict part of town and the clientele reflects that. Off the beaten path from Silicon valley types, you can certainly find a lot of character (and some fair but cheap burgers) but no beer here.

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Alma's Restaurant

355 W Alma Avenue San Jose Downtown

Former bowling alley cleared out for 'high density housing' near the light rail that no one ever rides... Is it a Mexican food place or a Bowling alley hangout? Both! As a Mexican food dive it has Burritos, Huevos Rancheros, Enchaladas and Menudo. They also feature Tamales, cooked daily and available in bulk ($12.99/dozen). As a bowling alley hangout, they have Burgers, Pizza, Sandwiches and Ice Cream - scooped up and served in silver dishes. Good, clean, counter seating. Not bad for a bowling alley! Breakfast as well.

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Betsy's (McKee Bowl)

1661 McKee Road San Jose Downtown

Gone together with the McKee Bowl which housed this Coffee Shop. Old Review: Betsy's is a 60's era diner trapped inside a bowling alley (extra dive bonus points). Lunchroom counters and booths only. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Service is slow and occasionally friendly. The food was descent but the atmosphere reeks of a dive. If you're not a picky eater, give Betsy's a try.

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Bini's Grill

655 North 6th Street San Jose Downtown

Alas, Bini's officially closed on Febuary 2, 2001. Lack of revenues after an attempted relocation (without a bar) did them in. We miss Bini's!
"Bini's has been San Jose's penultimate dive for decades. Occupying the corner of 8th and Taylor, large spot, full bar. Featuring great specials of the week (Steak of the Week, Sandwich of the Week, Pasta of the Week) or just the Pot Roast. Huge numbers of regulars would return each week but newcomers were made to feel totally welcome. A family owned and run dive of which we never tire. In fact, the dive group has held more than one Xmas party at this locale. In 1998, Bini's capitalist landlord sold the lot (and the adjoining produce market) to developers to put up a bunch of condos or something.

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Chris' Country Kitchen

W. Alma Ave and Pomona Ave San Jose Downtown

Former 'disaster' dive. Closed for good in 2002. Rating: Normally not a bad place. Good breakfast crowd most days. However, the big lipstick stains on our water glasses on two separate visits made us demote this dive until they hire a professional dishwasher.

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Cuban International

625 North Sixth Street San Jose Downtown

Long time anchor of the east end of J-town, this place finally closed down... One of the two Cuban restaurants in the South Bay. Fans of one are not typically fans of the other (warning: can cause heated arguments in spanish). Located in Japantown just because they can but somehow it fits into the neighborhood. If you're hankering for black beans, plaintains and the best roast pork in town, give this place a try.

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Dac Phuc

198 W Santa Clara St San Jose Downtown

A reader says, "This is a real dive, but this is the best Vietnamese food I've had. (specifically the best Pho and spring rolls)." Drove by - now rebuilt thanks to the SJ Redevelopment Agency and your tax dollars. Officially retired from the list.

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El Tarasco

170 E Taylor St San Jose Downtown

Entered into Dive Heaven. Too bad as the artwork was an icon along 4th Street as you entered into J-Town in SJ. The huge mural on the outside and the great dive location on Taylor, near 4th (behind a Foster's Freeze) were somewhat deceiving. While El Tarasco serves up a decent plate of food, it's more of a 'gringo' Mexican food place than a real dive. All menu items are listed in english (shredded beef, grilled beef, jello...) and the spicy food wasn't. Customers were mostly middle aged guys dressed in golf shirts with cell phones on their belts. But on the good side - it's clean, there's beer in the cooler with the Mexican sodas and the people we're all very friendly. A reader says, "Outstanding. Cold cerveza and great burritos in the Bulk Man Food category"

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Jesus Abundant Life Glorious Church

Monterey Road at Cottage Grove Avenue San Jose Downtown

A "poor man's" version of the B.C.C.C., the JALGC was a storefront church in SJ that decided to try to raise extra cash by offering some pretty decent BBQ ribs, ckicken and links to the hungry peoples. Once you got past the looks and location of the place, the food and the gab were both pretty fine. We miss this dive.

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Las Brasas Mexican Restaurant

763 E Julian St San Jose Downtown

We've heard they've gone under: "Pity, they were pretty good." Prior reviews follow: A reader writes, "This is real, awesome Mexican food, the way it is supposed to be cooked (leave your diet at the door kind of food). The whole family works there, and the father often meanders around at night (I think partly sauced) to make sure you are enjoying the food. Ambiance is perfect dive. There are metal/vinyl chairs inside (seating maybe 10) and some K'Mart specials on an outdoor "patio." You could easily convince yourself you were in a small Mexican town sitting down to a family dinner...best if you speak a little spanish. Everyone we have taken loves it, and we highly recommend it!" A third contribution: "Go when you can eat outside. Please try it! If they are serving from the menu, try the chicken huraches. If they have their outdoor taco BBQ going, the carne asada is great. And it surely is a dive!"

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Lou's Village

1465 West San Carlos Street San Jose Downtown

It's reopened in downtown Willow Glen at the corner of Willow and Lincoln. Smaller with an homage to the old place but not quite the same. This was definitely a "take your mom" dive. Closed down after New Year's Eve 2005 when the family ownership sold out to housing developers. Here's the old review: Around since 1946 in a generally nondescript area of town, you know this place used to be a dive once upon a time. It's now a swanky (in a good kind of way) seafood place with a bunch of banquet and meeting rooms (for up to 1000 people) as well as an upscale sports bar. Hundreds of black and white photos on the walls of 1950s era 'stars in their day' - names we've never heard of but sure they entertained someone once upon a time. Acres of parking - land that will make some real estate developer rich someday.

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Oak Room

The Alameda and Sunol Street San Jose Downtown

Promises of oak grilled BBQ have been left unfulfilled.

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Ocean Harbor Chinese Restaurant

Winchester Blvd and Stevens Creek Blvd San Jose Downtown

Lots of readers commented on Ocean Harbor so we felt compelled to try it. Their "claim to fame" is the Dim Sum which is wheeled around by drone-like cart bearers in cheap threadbare formalware who may treat you to a grunt or two if they feel up to it. The food is fair. A bit more variety than a typical dim sum house but there is a reason why you don't typically see the types of items that you don't typically see. If you like dim sum, give this place a try before they knock town the Town & Country shopping center in the coming months.

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Q N Brew

The Alameda & Stockton Ave San Jose Downtown

Alas, we didn't have a chance to visit this dive before it ended it's flirting chance at life in 2006. To memorialize, a reader wrote: "Q N Brew is at the former location of the old retired A&W spot where they used to show projection movies on the big wall every friday night. Great dive location across the street from a used car lot/car wash and the trendy SE7EN spot. Great BBQ with pits out front and wood piles. The now serve beer. I checked it out on opening day and the food was great. Service was piss poor but maybe that because they rushed to open it (photo copied menus) nevertheless I heard they have kicked it up. Pop-up tables with paper table cloths and auditorium chairs. Try the western BBQ sandwich, Tri Tip sandwich or the killer good ribs. You would think that a place this new would not have flatware that looked so worn and jangley. All in all its a great place to try out if yo u are in the area."

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Sam's Log Cabin

245 Willow Street San Jose Downtown

Formerly a 4 dive rating. Same location for over 40 years. Now a mexican restaurant. Park in the back and walk through the kitchen, the boys will be glad to see you. Sam's has been a great dive for years. Don't even look at the menu since Steak 'n Beans is the traditional house specialty. Park yourself near the pay phone and you'll hear the sour refrains of disti deals being done. Pool tables in back for 50 cents/game. Give a good hearty handshake to the regulars at the bar. Life doesn't get any better than a day at a dive like Sam's.

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La Taqueria

15 S First Street San Jose North

Gone to dive heaven... A reader says, "Owned by former illegal alien who has a reputation for helping out people in need. A vastly superior version of Super Taqueria, and I think Super Taquiria is good. Unbelievable grilled carne asada tacos & burritos. Tremendous quesidillas. Tasty salsa verde in plastic squirt bottles on picnic bench style tables. Cheap!!! Closes at 7:00 pm. This place is must for you to try."

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T's Sports Bar

1984 Oakland Road San Jose North

Never survived losing the dancers.... An outpost in the industrial area on the San Jose / Milpitas border. T's has a small outdoor smoking patio and a kitchen serving basic lunch fare including burgers, dogs, burritos and occasional fried stuff. Full bar and table waitresses if you want to be served. Simple, not very fancy. Gives you time to hang out with construction workers. Formerly T's Cabaret, a local bikini bar. They got rid of the dancers, added some pool tables, opened the doors and cleaned it up (a bit).

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Australian Restaurant

898 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs

"Eat Here Before We Both Starve" was the sign/slogan on the front of the smallish shack just north of Willow Glen. Despite the fact that the Aussies have never been known for their gourmet cooking (excepting the occassional "shrimp on the barbie"), this place had great charm due to the owners penchant for hiring mentally challenged help. Orders were often wrong or forgotten entirely but it really didn't matter as these kids were really trying to help. Wish this place were still here.

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D'Agostino's Deli

1583 Meridian Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Closed, reopened in early 2005 as the "BeanSpout Express".
Former review: Decent cheesesteaks on fresh bread. Philly residents tend to think very highly of this place. Tucked in the back corner of a non-descript strip mall. A token stab at diner decor. Beer on tap. They have picnic tables outside for a nice day but won't let you drink beer out there. Go to the liquor store next door and get your own instead.

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Grill & Chill

3014 Union Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Couldn't survive this location or the winter downturns - Too bad... Great name. A burger place and an ice cream parlor. Housed in a former Baskin Robbins location, this could just as easily have been a Japanese restaurant. Same decor, just as clean and our hostess/cook definitely fit the part. Basic american hamburger, cheeseburger, fries fare. All fresh, cooked while you wait. Plus a tofu burger and chicken teriyaki if you please. No beer, just sodas. Sit down or take it to go. Tattoo parlor next door is worth extra dive points. Current inhabitant of the building is "Persian Kabob and Beryani" - may have to try that out.

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Happy Dayz Diner

2638 Union Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Sadly boarded up in late 2005. Former review: A 1950s "theme" diner located in an old Dairy Belle Freeze building. Owned by the same family that runs the Milpitas Foster's Freeze (which would be a dive if it weren't a chain), the owner is nearly always there, the talkative guy with the machine gun laugh. There were a lot of "large" people there chowing down Big Boppers, and burgers named for Fonzie, Joanie and Potsie (from Happy Days of course). Good krinkle cut fires and excellent shakes. Worth a try, especially on weekends when the vintage hot rod crowd adopts this place as their hangout

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House of Lumpia

1876 Curtner Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Former "disaster dive", closed in Spring 2005. Lumpia is a Filipino staple food that is pretty much an egg roll with meat or veggie filling. House of Lumpia is a 'different' place that can't make up it's mind. They are a take out, a grocery store, a caterer and a sit down diner. They have Filipino, Chinese, Mexican and Viet Cuisine. The Lumpia is sitting behind a plexiglas window in trays under a heat lamp. Maybe for hours. $1 a piece or so but 2 to 3 is more than enough as they can be quite greasy. Not a recommended spot but certainly a 'point of interest'. Lumpia anyone?

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Jersey's Cheesesteaks #2

1165 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Too bad this place closed instead of #1. Cleaner and nicer (people-wise) than the disaster in Campbell. Low cheese cheesesteaks. Burgers too. Fits in the neighboorhood.

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Jon Jon's Southern Style Cuisine

1151 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs

(Formerly Dine at Flo's). Moved away from the glitter of it's former location across from the bus station into Willow Glen (co-located with Sharkey's Bar) to make a go of it. In late 1998, Jon-Jon Erwin (formerly of BCCE), took over from Flo and crew. If you are hankerin' for real-time, cooked-on-the-grill, down home bar-b-que meats and fixin's, this is the place. Tri-tip is a specialty!!!. Unfortunately with the change of ownership, the heavenly deserts we had been conditioned to expect are relegated to weekends only. A little on the expensive side but being next to the bus terminal adds enough ambience to make up for any shortcomings.

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Lettuce Inn

1191 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs

Veggie Place frequented by Harry the Haircutter.

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Nigel's Oak BBQ

Union Ave and Los Gatos Almaden Rd San Jose Suburbs

Now a series of large houses on small lots... Although Nigel doesn't sound like a real BBQ name, he has been at this location for 7 years doing a great job at cooking chicken, ribs and brisket to satisfy the local Cambrian Park and Blossom Hill populace. Outdoor patio dining for those nice summer days.

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Presidents' Restaurant

Hillsdale Avenue and Almaden Expwy San Jose Suburbs

A reader says, "It's an all-you-can-scarf Chinese buffet AND Mongolian BBQ, all for $5.99, and the food is actually pretty good. Definitely not your standard substandard buffet fare. Ma and Pa running the cooking plate and hopping the tables. Free refills on Cokes and tea. Interior is 50's/60's bowling alley snack shop. The fish is good and tasty, the pot stickers can be cool and gooey, the green beans are fresh and delicious, first rate eggfoo yung. Frankly, I don't see how they do it for this price." Neither do we -- it's now a Denny's.

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Wiltz Cajun Kitchen

354 N White Road San Jose Suburbs

We're informed this place closed, before we had a chance to try. A reader says, "Wiltz is long gone. It was 4 divers for killer food and 4 divers for being the paradigm of a dive. In fact, if it didn't just succumb to the accumulation of grease or was finally overwhelmed by cockroaches, it was probably shut down by the health department. But the food was awesome. The most authentic in the sfba". Another reader says, "Forget about menu...there is none. If it's Monday...you get whatever the owner is serving (I forget her name). Substitutions do not exist here. If you don't like it, you can leave. The night I went I had smothered steak with fried beans and candied yams. Talk about needing to start my heart up. I could feel my left arm going numb as I forked the meat into my mouth. She marinates the meat for DAYS at a time. It was so tender that I couldn't use the plastic fork. That's diving it when you have to eat with your hands. The cornbread was so big and good...that we took the leftovers home. There are 3 booths and 2 tables in this place. No waitress, just a counter and the husband and wife team cooking behind the grill. I don't know if there were restrooms here. And if they were...I have a feeling they were not clean. You know it's a good place when your 400lb friend tells you about it. And it was certainly worth the drive. If not for the food, for a complete stranger telling you to shut up and eat your dinner. God, it felt like home."

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Chi Dogs

El Camino Real at Pomeroy Ave Santa Clara

We went to go try this place out and it was closed with no sign. We've heard it's closed for good. What tempted us what a reader who said, "Chicago style" Vienna Hot Dogs and other stuff. The Chicago-style hot dog is billed as "a meal on a bun": hot dog, pickle, mustard, a unique relish, celery salt, sliced tomatoes, and sport peppers". They serve Chicago Dogs at Candlestick, we had one and it was good. Wish this place was still here.

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House of Soul Food

2015 Lafayette Street Santa Clara

Don't know if this place was moved elsewhere - only that we didn't have a chance to try before it disappeared. The old review: A reader says: "Food includes sliced BBQ beef, beef ribs, pork ribs, BBQ chicken, hot links. Sides include potato salad, cole slaw, fried okra, hush puppies, collard greens, and lotsa other good southern food. They have combination specials and platters. Has a bar. Sodas have free refills. Family run. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11-2. The sliced BBQ beef was popular with all our party, and the pork ribs were also popular. BBQ chicken was ok. All in our group thought we'd visit there again.

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Jolly Mon's

Scott Blvd at Space Park Drive Santa Clara

A Jimmy Buffett theme dive with specialties including the "honey do" sandwich, the blue calypso the magic mushroom burger and of course - the cheeseburger in paradise. Recommended by several disparate dive patrons. We never had a chance to try it but It musta' been good 'mon.

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Mister Steer

2367 El Camino Real Santa Clara

The old Mr. Steer is now Andy's BBQ after Andy's was unceremoniously booted from downtown Campbell to make room for a hotel. Here's the former Mr. Steer review: We've probably received more suggestions for Mr. Steer than any other establishment. However, it's definitely too nice to be a dive. Unstained carpet, wood paneled walls, unshreded upholstery and other tell-tale signed of a relatively standard (but nice) steakhouse. We had steak sandwiches which were good enough. We're told the ribs are worth trying as well.

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University Chicken

2565 The Alameda Santa Clara

Now closed :-( We've heard great things about this place - a college dive with a spicy twist. You can choose the spiciness of your "wingers" based on their thermometer scale ranging from Mild, Atomic, Nuclear, Thermo Nuclear to 911. They have a 911 challenge if you dare! A dozen wingers at the 911 level to get your pic on the wall and a free T-shirt. Many are called but few are chosen.

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Ay Caramba

S Mary Ave and W Washington Ave Sunnyvale

At it's high point, Jacinto and Mary used to have a line out the door for the entire lunch hour as people from Lockheed and the rest of Silicon Valley poured into Ay Caramba to sample the best Burritos in the state. Compact, meaty (BBQ on the spot) and with the right touch of Cuban spices -- oh goodness!!! Wash it all down with a Negro Modelo or an Olympia (only place left that serves this). Special Christmas sauce takes the Grinch out of any of us. Would have been the only 5 dive rating had it survived.

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Brass Rail

160 Persian Drive Sunnyvale

Closed in April 2018. A local legend that is sorely missed (by some).

Former review: Not for everyone since the "Rail's" primary business happens to feature young ladies dancing around in as little as legally allowed (on 4 stages). A little known secret is their hofbrau in the back open for weekday lunch. Prime Rib, roast beef and roast turkey dinner all served up with a heap of mash potatoes and gravy and some 'vegetables' with soup and salad, all for a workman's price. Otherwise, descent sandwiches featuring carved turkey and roast beef. You can eat in relative seclusion in the back surrounded by big screen TVs or join the party in front - your choice. Be sure to tip well!

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Frosted Mug

162 Persian Drive Sunnyvale

Worst burgers around. Bad smells abound. Anyone patronizing this place must be mentally unsound. A former "Don't" aka "Belly Flop". Thank goodness it's GONE!

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Lonely Island (Dok-Do)

S Mary Ave and W Washington Ave Sunnyvale

Entire shopping center (including a 60s era bar called "Beefy's Cabin") plowed under in the name of progress...
Former review: In the location formerly occupied by Ay Caramba (the best burrito place ever), Lonely Island is a good, but confused place to grab a lunch. Confused because the sign outside claims to be a Japanese/sushi place but it's run by Koreans, with Korean menus and nearly half the menu is Korean. Japanese or Korean, the food is pretty good and you can sit and chat with the family if you show up outside of the lunch or dinner rush times. Try the Monkey Fish or Skate Wings in Hot Sauce if you're up for an adventure.

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Longhorn

102 E Fremont Ave Sunnyvale

Take a leap back into the 50's when this place was an oasis surrounded by orchards. Steak sandwiches, great burgers, and other Americana fare. The great thing about this place is that it is opposite Fremont High School and during lunch it piles high with kids who love to dive with the rest of us. Forget calculus and Spanish 4, diving is what higher education is all about.

Update 1: In 2016 it was taken over by new Chinese owners who expanded the menu in new directions.

Update 2: Closed in 2021 as COVID slowed down business and developers thought the property may be worth something someday.

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Pine Tree Restaurant

Lawrence Expwy and Tasman Sunnyvale

Now a Chinese restaurant under seemingly constant remodelling... A pretty descent place, one where you can take Grandma. Lots of booths with a full bar and they don't look at you funny if you order two rounds of drinks at once (we were in a hurry that day). They serve breakfast all the time and I think we had corned beef hash and eggs for lunch.

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