Organizer Favorites

Here's some of our favorite local restaurants:

Hobee's

67 Town & Country Village
(El Camino at Embarcadero)
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 327-4111

Hobee's is a lovely California restaurant chain with two locations in Palo Alto, including one right next to campus at Town & Country Village. We like them for the generous portions, healthy selections, reasonable prices, and the nostalgia - some of us have been going to Hobee's since our earliest days of college (we won't say how long ago that was, for our sakes).

They serve up great lunch and dinner options, but we like Hobee's for breakfast or brunch the best, when Hobee's really shines. They have many creative variations on omlets and scrambles, and are even well known for their different hash brown (potato) options, but also serve up some delicious Huevos Rancheros. Obviously, our favorite is the Stanford Cardinal Omelet, but we also recommend Hobee's Breakfast Quesadilla with their memorable blueberry coffeecake on the side, or the Banana Streusel French Toast Sandwich. For lunch or dinner, try the Pesto-Pesto Chicken, or one of their burgers.

See their full menu here.

Cheesecake Factory

375 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1717
(650) 473-9622

The Cheesecake Factory is another great California restaurant chain located in Downtown Palo Alto on University Avenue. You can bask in its grandiose decor – through the large double door entrance is its richly colored, high-ceilings in the interior.

The Cheesecake Factory very well-known for their very large portions and extensive menu– if you go with a large group, there will undoubtedly be something for everyone and anyone on their menu. It's tempting to share plates with friends at this restaurant – both to split up the large portions, and to try more of their menu.

For an appetizer, try the Avocado Eggrolls or the Thai Lettuce Wraps. If you're there for lunch, try the Navajo Sandwich (served on delicious fry bread), or pick your favorite from their long list of Cheesecakes. If you're going for dinner, be sure to leave room for deessert!

See their full menu here

Sundance, The Steakhouse

1921 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-6798

Sundance, The Steakhouse is a wonderful local steakhouse, family-owned and operated for 35 years. It's located on El Camino Real, near the southeast corner of the Stanford Campus.

Sundance is an upscale traditional steakhouse, with a classy clubhouse atmosphere inside and lined with dark mahogany. The wait staff is very friendly, and fire-side seating is available upon request.

They specialize in Angus steaks, surf-and-turf, and an extensive wine and cocktail list – with over 450 selections of wine! Try the clam chowder appetizer, or the classic prime rib. It's a great opportunity for fine dining while visiting Palo Alto.

View their full menu here

House of Bagels

526 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 322-5189

This bagel shop is centrally located in downtown Palo Alto, along University Avenue. Pick up some bagels and cream cheese or a breakfast sandwich to start your morning, or stop by for a sandwich for lunch.

Try a pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese and lox, or perhaps a plain Cinnamon Raisin bagel. These are some of the best bagels in town!