Santana Row

Amazing location in the middle of Santana Row in a seemingly historic, glass building imported from Europe. The wines are good but a star off for their always being too crowded to really enjoy a glass of wine and some company.

Outstanding ice cream in a great location with music and wonderful restaurants around throughout Santana Row.

The live jazz almost every night is the real draw to Roux. The Louisiana style cooking is spicy but the food doesn't wow me beyond to say it is a good 4 out of 5 stars. Out door seating is attractive on Santana Row's green square where more live music can often be found.

Large and large. It's like any of the other bookstores. Nothing very special other than parking around Santana Row is triple the hassle compared to some of the other Borders locations. BUT you won't look at hip elsewhere right?

Perhaps it's a given that this place isn't super authentic since it is a franchise restaurant. But judging from the selections on the menu (and the prices), I would've thought that the food would be tastier and more refined. I've been to Left Bank three times now (you wonder why I keep returning) at three different locations, and I keep trying different dishes - hoping that I'll change my mind. Despite the rave reviews from my friends, I just don't agree that this is a great restaurant.

During our last visit, our server was pretty hysterical. His pronunciation of his attempt to speak French was painful. Clearly, he was not hired for his linguistic skills! Although he had a rough start - making a broad announcement to five tables that "the bread is on it's way!" - uh, ok -- He actually did entertain us with his liberal and dramatic drink pouring techniques.

It's a decent place, but definitely not all that it's cracked up to be...especially for the price.

Straits Cafe in Palo Alto is a hip yet quiet dinner spot, perfect for a business lunch or romantic dinner. At Santana Row, the owner went for the trendier atmosphere playing loud music to support a large bar. I wouldn't criticize so much but the food suffers; to be fair, I shouldn't draw a conclusion that different atmosphere = worse food but that's the case. If you've been to Sino, just down the street at Santana Row, you'd swear Straits was trying to compete. The live music is a nice touch but I really wish they'd stick with the style that works up the peninsula.

Sino's bar is a scene and a bit of a meat market. The club-like entrance was bumpin' with loud hip-hop music. Fortunately, they have a way of muffling the sound in the dining area towards the back of the restaurant, and you can actually carry on a conversation. I was impressed! It's a fun place to take a date. The food was remarkably tasty, especially because you wouldn't expect authentic Chinese food at a place like this, but it's actually pretty good!

Santana Row is as close to a modern "Main Street" as you can get. The boulevard is tree lined with small shops, games, and entertainment down the middle. Streets are lined with upscale retail and outstanding restaurants and spas. Above levels are luxury apartments and condos that give the area a downtown feel. Farmers' Markets, live music, and other entertainment make this a destination more than a location.

A tremendous scene welcomes you to Sino, an expansive and usually crowded bar, attractive people, trendy decor, and loud music. Imagine having dinner at any of the big nightclubs in Vegas (Tao or Rum Jungle come to mind) and you've got Sino. The food is adequate, a criticism only because everything I had was fried when it could have been fresh and seemingly healthier. The wine list is good.

We met up with some friends at Thea for an evening out minus kids and had a great time. We ordered just off the appetizer menu and they just kept the appetizers coming in. Everything I tasted was great and the service was excellent. Even though the food was a little on the expensive side (average appetizer was $10) I would definitely eat there again.

Thea is a great place to stop in Santana Row prior to a movie at the Cine Arts. If you haven't already, order the Flaming cheese appetizer. It comes out on fire and tastes great!

In a trendy atmosphere you'd expect in a club in San Francisco, Thea brings out the romantic or fashion icon ready for a night on the town.