5 great spots for Tri-Valley dining
Casual? Fine dining? Pleasanton has it all
Heading for downtown Pleasanton? Here are five fabulous dining options, from the juicy burgers at the beercentric Bottle Taps to elegant northern Chinese cuisine at the new Dalian Club House tucked into the Pearl Shopping District.
Salt Craft
Chef Matt Greco’s first solo restaurant is inspired by cooking at home for his wife and daughter. After years as Wente Vineyards’ executive chef, he’s focusing on casual yet sophisticated ingredient-driven dishes at Salt Craft that are every bit as worthy of a premium glass of cabernet. Enjoy alfresco dining with housemade pastas, big salads and sandwiches made for sharing, including Greco’s housemade lamb pastrami on coffee rye. Brunch is fabulous, too. Details: 377 St. Mary’s St., Pleasanton; www.saltcraftpleasanton.com
Dalian Club House
Hidden inside the contemporary Pacific Pearl strip mall behind a beauty supply store, this northern Chinese restaurant is done up with trendy industrial decor and an open kitchen where staff are rolling out dough for dumplings. Be sure to try those popular xiao long bao dumplings — they’ve got a delightful soft top and crisp bottom — stewed beef shank, smoked mackerel and handmade, knife-cut noodles galore. Details: 2725 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 118, Pleasanton.
BottleTaps
Tucked into the Vintage shopping center near Livermore, this chic taproom with brick and copper accents features elevated bar bites and up to 30 rotating taps of craft beer, cider, mead and kombucha. All the NorCal classics are present, from Altamont Beer Works to Laughing Monk, and you can use a tablet to build your own flight of suds from far-flung locales. Our favorite BottleTaps dishes included the build-your-own charcuterie boards and the single sliders, perfect for dining solo. Details: 3020 Bernal Ave., Suite 160, Pleasanton; bottletaps.com
The Press
Yes, we’ve written about it before. And no, we don’t care — we’re going to say it again. When you’re looking for a casual lunch or breakfast away from Main Street traffic, tuck into this shopping center gem for crisp, golden panini, The Press’ claim to fame. While it’s tough to resist anything as tasty as a triple cheese, jalapeño and bacon, sandwiched between slices of Acme levain and grilled to a light, crisp crunch, this charming cafe’s toasts — especially the egg-topped avocado — and soups are divine, too. Details: 1987 Santa Rita Road, Suite H, Pleasanton; www.thepressartisancafe.com
SideTrack Bar + Grill
Family outing? Happy hour? Watching the game? With a large dining room and semi-enclosed patios, this downtown Pleasanton restaurant offers it all: artisan burgers, salads, sandwiches and a full bar serving craft beer, cocktails and wine. Small plates are the crowd-pleasers, from the Gorgonzola and green onion pocket “Scoozzi” bread and the fried goat cheese and beet stack to the new Tulancingo tacos served with pineapple and pico de gallo. Details: 30 W. Angela St., Pleasanton; www.sidetrackeats.com