Lunchtime Dives
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So Many Dives, So Little Time -- Divemaster

Dive Heaven Gone. Not Forgotten.



Ernie's Fiesta Restaurant heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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) heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
1191 Lincoln Avenue San Jose Suburbs
Veggie Place frequented by Harry the Haircutter.
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Nigel's Oak BBQ heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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) heaven
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 heaven
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 heaven
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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