21 Best American Restaurants in Palo Alto

Ethel's Fancy American • $$$
550 Waverley St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Milk Bread from the Hearth
Oysters on the Half Shell
Almond Cookie Soft Serve
Crispy Pork Belly
Hiramasa Tartare
Coconut Fritters
Cucumber Salad
Cheesecake
Wagyu Beef
Cake

“Service was amazing! Garrett was so attentive and would bring everything we needed before we could even think of asking. Service like that is what makes the experience truly memorable. The atmosphere is good too—not too loud and beautiful decor. Ingredients were delicious, but I was not a fan of some dishes (could be personal preference). The cucumber salad seemed too acidic and the pork belly with burrata pairing didn’t go well in my opinion. But again, the quality was great and the rest is personal preference. Would be an injustice if I didn’t mention that trout was absolutely delectable! Might be the best one I’ve ever had. Also, the vanilla soft serve with cardamom crumble was a hit!“

4.4 Superb270 Reviews
The Melt Grills • $
180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Swiss and Shroom Meltburger
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Fries
Swiss & Shroom Meltburger
Spicy Mission Meltburger
The Kid-Grilled Cheese
Garlic Parmesan Fries
The Kid-Mac N' Cheese
BBQ Bacon Meltburger
Melt Burger and Fries
Sweet Potato Fries

“At first coming in side we were not sure what to get but then we meet Ms Sindy here and she was very friendly and answer my questions about the menu and I ordered a BBQ bacon burger and for my boy a grilled chicken and some fries we love the food and the experience we had here I'm for sure recommend this place if you want a nice burger with fries“

4.5 Superb257 Reviews
Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen Cocktail Bar • $$$
417 California Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Double Fried Tempura Mushrooms
Chicken Liver Mousse
Hangar Steak Skewer
Beef Tongue Skewer
Parker House Rolls
Fried Mushrooms
Octopus Skewer
Kampachi
Burrata

“Absolutely amazing experience. From the time we checked in for our reservation, service was very kind and thoughtful and everyone wanted to make sure we had the best time. Stunning dining spaces. Every corner beautifully designed making for an elevated experience. Depending on which spot you pick, you can be sure it will be a distinct experience. Food was stellar and our waiter was absolutely lovely, checking in on us and giving us excellent recommendations. It's been a while since a place swept me off my feet like Sekoya did! Can't wait to come back!“

4.4 Superb136 Reviews
Protégé New American
250 California Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

American Wagyu Short Rib Pithivier
Brown Butter Parker House Rolls
Bone-In Berkshire Pork Chop
Blackened King Salmon
Bavarian Pretzel Epi
Dark Chocolate Torte
Ricotta Dumplings
Petit Four I Mean
Spanish Octopus
Crab and Caviar

“We had the most delicious meal last night at Protégé. Each course of the tasting menu was perfection. At the end we couldn't choose a favorite because they were all equally incredible. Our server, Fleur, was so knowledgeable about the food and the wine and gave us wonderful recommendations for the perfect wines to compliment the various courses. The whole experience was wonderful and I can't wait to go back sometime.Dietary restrictions: They made sure they were aware of all of my dietary restrictions and ensured the food I was served was safe for me to eat by making small adjustments when needed.“

4.6 Superb76 Reviews
Vino Locale Wine Bar • $$
431 Kipling St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

California Brussels Sprouts
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Hummus and Tahini
Charcuterie Plate
Chicken Marsala
Baked Camembert
Wine Flight
Vino Locale
Flights
Menu

“We love Vino Locale! Nice ambiance, great wine list, and solid snacks to enjoy. Of of the best things about Vino Locale is that the wine list isn't just the same 5 wines that you see at many other places, they offer a great variety of domestic & international wines, and treat each one well. I love the Sancerre on the menu, and appreciate that they offer 6oz or 9oz pours, half bottles, and full bottles. The Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon and Miraval Rose are also among my favorites. In terms of food items, I usually gravitate toward the chicken skewers are a good option and come with a few flavor/sauce options. The beet salad is good, and I often get their Brussels sprouts (know what to expect, though: they're not fried/crispy, but are tasty - served with parmesan, cranberries, almonds, and optional bacon). The cheese plates and hummus platter are also good, reliable options. Service is so friendly! They have a nice dog-friendly patio (and often have a few treats for pups), and live music most Thursday evenings.“

4.5 Superb109 Reviews
The Redwood by Chef Julien American • $
450 Bryant St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Chocolate Croissant
Redwood Chop Salad
Croissant Sandwich
French Onion Soup
Croque Monsieur
Mini Croissant
Sweet Crepe
Fish

“This spot is a downtown gem, off the beaten track, and open to the public (next to senior center Avenidas). The food is delicious, fresh, and has the “extra flair” that comes from Chef Julien being a passionate foodie and French culinary school trained professional. The fish sandwich is outstanding (I have now had it on three visits!) with beer-based batter (not too much, not greasy, not dry) with at least seven different savors coming through the sauce, fresh veggies, and condiments on the fresh ciabatta bun. I like to have it with a Perrier sparkling water and follow up with tiny raspberry jam-filled beignets and a small americano on the hidden inside patio. Chef Julien is working to expand and improve coffee offerings. He is kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. And also does catering for events, has a crêpe stand at the Sunday California Avenue Farmer’s Market, and is a private chef. Great value for money.“

4.8 Superb42 Reviews
Crepevine Restaurants American • $$
367 University Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Gluten-Free Pancakes
Caramel Apple Crepe
Huevos Rancheros
Salmón Sandwich
California Crepe
Eggs Benedict
French Fries
California
Stanford
Bombay

“I spent half a year at Palo Alto interning at a tech company and I frequently ate at crepevine. I like it very much. Almost all good is great, tastes good, reasonably priced, and very large portion. I often take half of the meal out for dinner. The selection is also very good. I had salad, sandwich, omelette, a lot of dishes. Overall, I enjoyed dining at Crepevine, although I dont know whether I will come back to Palo Alto again.“

4.4 Superb97 Reviews
Sweet Maple Brunch • $$
150 University Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Breaky Tacos with Brussel Potato Medley
Millionaire's Bacon Sampler Platter
Millionaire's Bacon Sampler Plate
Blueberry Moffle with Ice-Cream
Ube Latte with Espresso
Tornado Galbi Omurice
Sizzling Stonepot
Millionaire Bacon
Blueberry Moffle
One French Toast

“I love the blueberry moffle, a combination of mochi and waffle, and I also like the egg soufflé. The sides, including the fried potato and Brussels sprouts, are very tasty.Vegetarian options: You will need to ask for the vegetarian options. Even some of them look vegetarian when read the ingredients, the seasoning may contain seafood.“

4.3 Superb151 Reviews

9
Nola

Nola Cajun • $$
535 Ramona St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Hot Chicken Sliders
Prawn Cocktail with Sauce
Fried Chicken & Waffles
Mama's Mac & Cheese
BBQ Shrimp & Grits
Chips and Guacamole
Chicken and Waffles
Vegan Jambalaya
Spicy Jambalaya
Warm Cornbread

“Good place to have some quality southern comfort food. They have that QR code to order from though. The staff is bubbly, cheerful and helpful. Wait times are less. Their mac and cheese and gumbo are full of flavors. Will definitely visit again to try rest of the menu. Parking is easy to find as there are two free public parking lots nearby.“

4.2 Good129 Reviews
Bird Dog American
420 Ramona St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Valrhona Chocolate Tart
Wood Grilled Avocado
Fried Chicken Thigh
Wagyu Bavette
Warm Potato
Wagyu Beef
Kanpachi
Karaage
Sashimi
Tuna

“Enjoyed our experience dining at bird dog but thought it was A little overpriced.Tried the chefs menu which was a tasting menu, half the dishes we thought were just alright. Some added flair on otherwise pretty ordinary dishes. The salad was a little too salty for our taste with the seasoning not adequately spread across the dish. Their specialty avocado dish was interesting at first taste but quickly become a little boring.The wagyu was a highlight as was the dessert.Service was excellent and the restaurant had a modern elevated vibe.Overall happy with the experience but definitely there is better value to be found elsewhere where in Palo Alto.“

3.9 Good74 Reviews
Son & Garden American • $$
535 Bryant St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Lobster Benedict Limited
Deep Fried French Toast
Smoked Salmon Benedict
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Fried Chicken Benedict
Matcha Mochi Pancakes
Son & Garden Omelet
Korean Benedict
Chicken Panini
Cotton Candy

“Lovely experience with the Alice in Wonderland Tea! We had the Earl Grey Oolong tea, which was mildly disappointing (very little flavor), but the pastries more than made up for it! Three tea sandwiches, a perfectly baked blueberry scone, and three tiers of cakes and sweets. The best part was the setting, though. The place is covered flowers and beautifully decorated.“

4.1 Good232 Reviews
Peninsula Creamery - Dairy Store & Grill Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $$
900 High St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

The New Chicken Sandwich
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
The All American
Peanut Butter
Pastrami Hot
Chicken Club
Tuna Melt

“Nice place downtown to meet for lunch. And the menu has been updated and improved since I was here last. I like gluten free bread and theirs is excellent. Turkey club, chicken salad, and other choices, all seem excellent. Salads are large and include mixed greens, and big ripe tomatoes. Sit outside if the weather is nice and watch Palo Alto's finest stroll by.“

4.5 Superb32 Reviews
Joanie's Cafe Breakfast • $$
405 California Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Hawaiian French Toast
Traditional Benedict
Blueberry Pancakes
Breakfast Burrito
Huevos Rancheros
Corned Beef Hash
Crepe Complete
Steak and Eggs
Smoked Salmon
Eggs Benedict

“Joanie's ambiance was delightful, especially on a rainy afternoon. No trouble getting seated, and though it was bustling, the crepe and eggs were wonderfully flavorful.Excited to return and try the smoked salmon version. Great spot for brunch, though a tad pricey.The servers were prompt and courteous.“

4.1 Good169 Reviews
Saint Michael's Alley American • $$$
140 Homer Ave, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Seared Wild Sea Scallops
Bruschetta

“It had been a while since we had been to St. Michael's Alley. We really enjoyed it. We had a nice, quiet table in the back room with excellent service and very good food. While not inexpensive, the menu pricing was very fair for the food quality and experience.“

4.1 Good166 Reviews

15
NM Cafe

NM Cafe American • $$
400 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Complimentary Popover and Consomme
Grilled All-Natural Burger
Seafood Louie Salad
Dungeness Crab Melt
Seafood Linguine
Tortilla Soup
Crab Louie

“We have dined in the Cafe almost since the day it opened. Through the years they have consistently exceed our expectations by providing an exceptional dining experience especially for special occations. I live around 200 miles from the resturant and always make it a destination when visiting my family in the area.“

4.1 Good133 Reviews

16
Hobee's

Hobee's American • $
4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito with Chicken Apple Sausage and Potatoes
Our World-Famous Blueberry Coffeecake
Our Famous Blueberry Coffeecake
Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Super Veggie Scramble
Chorizo Scramble
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs Benedict
Chilaquiles

“Went on Christmas Eve and they were super busy. They still served us promptly and we were a group of 9. The food was creative and the coffee cake was delicious. The only downside was us not knowing they didn’t split checks on the weekends.“

4.1 Good117 Reviews
Dinah's Poolside Restaurant American • $$
4261 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

“We had a really nice evening dining and walking around afterwards inside the hotel areas. The fact that the restaurant name has “poolside” in it got our attention and we were looking for American cuisine on Google. Once we approached the restaurant it really lightened up our eyes, the environment is nearly perfect. If you want to sit indoors you have warm places with fair lighting, if you want to sit near the pool you can as well.The foods are just delicious and of fair price. Truffle fries are the best! I would recommend this restaurant and maybe this hotel (without being a hotel guest) to anyone who visits Palo Alto or just want to dine in the area.Thai style and the ambience are a plus!“

4 Good213 Reviews
City Hall Cafe Breakfast • $
250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto

“Came here for breakfast and forgot this place existed... super reasonably priced and the owner is so friendly and caring. Parking is ample, but the entrance is in the garage and I needed to hit the handicap door opener to get in as this place opens at 7am, but city hall opens at 8am. Plenty of choices and the super (mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers) breakfast burrito was amazing and flavorful. Will come back for sure!“

5 Superb8 Reviews
The Honey Baked Ham Company Deli • $$$
4113 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Honey Baked Ham Classic Sandwich
Mashed Potatoes

“Honey Baked Ham is a time honored tradition that we have been partaking now for years either for family get togethers, just cause or for work events. It's the best type of tradition to be able to enjoy this wonderful treat, year round. I have been to several locations but this one has become my favorite so far, partly because I have discovered the trick to save time and avoid frustration. Its quite simple really, but be prepared, shop early and pick up early. I love their website this year, now they give you an option to prepay or pay at the store. They did an overhaul completely but it's much better and so user friendly. I prepaid and I obtained an email with a QR code that once you go in to pick up your order, they scan. Quick for all, there was only one person ahead of me and I was out in less than 5 minutes. Parking is limited, 9 spots and 1 handicap accessible spot. Keep that in mind the longer you wait for pickup and the closer you get to a holiday....you won't be able to find parking. There is street parking but it's limited too when there is a crowd. I have seen that line circle around and go at least 50 people deep. Service is always exceptional here. Kudos for the people working at Honey Baked, they have to move fast and deal with crowds and those sometimes with the non festive spirit. The taste of the ham is always sooo good. Can't wait to have it during this Thanksgiving holiday!!“

4.2 Good26 Reviews
Palo Alto Creamery American • $$
566 Emerson St, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Caribbean French Toast Half Portion
Belgian Waffle Served a M Only
3 Egg Omelette or Scramble
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs
Grilled New York Steak
Breakfast Croissant
Bacon Cheeseburger
Fried Egg & Bacon
California Burger
Apple Pie

“I should have sat at a counter seat, the smaller tables are way too small. The food was all made from scratch and super fresh. It's a loud open restaurant though so I wouldn't go if you want to reflect on life's innumerable enigmas while you have an omelette:)“

4 Good69 Reviews
Kirk's SteakBurgers Hamburger • $
855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Customers` Favorites

Double Big Kirk w Loaded Fries
Steak Sandwich
Steakburger
Onion Rings

“Went for lunch today and it wasn't too busy at noon so we were first in line to order and only one other couple behind us. Take note that because Paly High School is across the street at ~12:20 the kids came pouring into the restaurant. The line to order was now almost at the door.Our lunch was really good, we had a fried chicken sandwich and a steak sandwich made with a flank steak. The steak was a lot bigger than the roll.“

4 Good58 Reviews
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