The noodles are premade, which is why they aren't the star of this fare. It's the broth, and since broth makes ramen more than the ramen makes ramen... this is one of the best ramen places around.
If you're worried about rising a spice level when deciding your order, just get some cajun fries at the next level up. That way you'll know if you can handle it on your seafood for next time!
You know this place is legit from the smell, but the super-friendly owner, killer sauce, bombin' brisket, and solid ribs are what put it over the top. That, and they add bacon to every side dish... :)
The gorditas here are made with lightly fried flour shells and a combination of meat, cheese, sour creme and guacamole that forms an ooey, gooey, DELICIOUS filling. Perfection.
The yakitori here is great, order a bunch and a couple sides of rice, but make sure to check the specials! Some of the best skewers (pork-belly wrapped items) are hiding there...
They ONLY do miso ramen here, but it's yummy! Get the shiro, the lightest of the miso ramens they serve, with a smoother and cleaner flavor. Bonus: pork is roasted to order, adding tremendous flavor.
The grill here is awesome. It's fueled by wood charcoal and adds amazing flavor to anything cooked on it. It also helps that they cook everything perfectly! Korean BBQ and Pork belly are the best :-)
If you are wussy with spicy food, beware. The food is delicious (best Ethiopian I've had in the Bay Area), but it can absolutely be spicy!
The broth is thinner compared to other places in the bay, indicating less fat is added to the broth. The shoyu flavor is mild, and the noodles are nom! It's one of my top ramen places in the bay!
Trying to mix it up from all the hot sauces? Try some parm garlic wings! They're amazeballs.
If, like me, you're an East Coast transplant and find the menu looks familiar, that's because this is basically a re-branded Cluck-U. Except nicer, cleaner, and like a sports bar. Win.
It's the little things that make this place awesome: Cooking at 600°, the crispy sourdough crust, the service, putting tomatoes on top *after* they cook it. Probably the best pizza in the bay!
House made-noodles, and maybe the best soft-boiled egg around makes this one of my top ramen places in the bay! Just come at an off-peak time or be prepared to wait...
Famous for their coffee and quality pastries, Bijan has expanded to a second location in downtown San Jose, near the Tech Museum. No matter which location you choose, grab something yummy!
After coming here quite a few times, I've stack ranked what you should get here: (best) Ribs, (solid) CHOPPED brisket in a Big BBQ Sandwich, (okay) Pulled Pork. You're welcome.
The mayo they add to their bahn mi is a touch that helps set these apart from places like Lee's. At just $2.75 a pop for most choices, you can afford to get a second (or third!) to try!
Get the honey bread. It's only at this honeyberry and it's fantastic. Like french toast for dessert!
The pudding milk tea is delicious, but trust me, you want to order it "half sugar". Try adding boba too!
The sushi rice here might be the best I've had in the Bay Area (that wasn't a michelin-star joint). What does this mean? Skip rolls and nigiri (blasphemy?!) and go straight for a chirashi bowl.
Nearly every single sandwich on the menu is improved by getting it on a Dutch Crunch roll. If you're feeling famished, add a clam chowder bread bowl to your order. Their sourdough is solid.
Bonus points if you won the lottery by find a parking spot in their lot. Reward your luck with those amazing, amazing egg puffs. Make sure to dip them in the cinnamon sugar for enhanced yumminess!
A small, local joint with authentic cuisine, try the Koobideh Joojeh or Sheereen Polo to get a feel for their food.
A filipino bakery, this place is known for baked goods with ube, a sweet purple yam. Must gets: anything with ube, cheese balls (they look like cheese MUFFINS, really). Underrated: chicken empanadas.
This place is a mostly-standard mexican bakery, but a hidden gem is the tres leches "sundae" they keep in the coolers. Topped with fruit, whipped creme and chocolate sauce, it's delicious. Try one!
One of the few DQ's in the area. Make it count. Skip the blizzard (blasphemy?!) and get a Peanut Buster Parfait (salt from the peanuts puts it over the top). Allergic? Go for a classic dipped cone.
The spicy ramen is better than your cup-o-noodle fare, but it's definitely pretty damn spicy. It's really tasty, too. Just take your time and don't stain your clothes or set yourself on fire, ok?
They have Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, making this the only place I've seen with it in the South Bay. Get the Secret Breakfast (ice cream + bourbon + corn flakes? Yes please)!
Bored while waiting for your food? There are crates of peanuts in between some trash cans by the drinks. But unlike the original DC location, don't drop the shells on the floor!
