Yes, Mike's Cafe in Portola Valley is OK!
by Mike
(San Mateo)
I had heard mixed reviews so was reticent to visit. However, one of my friends often eats at Mike's Cafe in Portola Valley and has been bugging us to join him so we eventually did last night. Somewhat to my surprise it turns out that our experience was excellent. It also turns out, from a little more research, that several acquaintances who have good to serious money (i.e., a $5-200 million net worth) and live in Woodside, Portola Valley, and Ladera go there frequently as well.
The food (e.g., skirt steak, chicken picato, bread) and drinks (lemon drop) were very tasty. Good full bar. Prices were up there, at $18-25/entree, but the total bill was not outrageous. Atmosphere was OK but not fancy, it is in a neighborhood shopping center after all. Service was OK to good. (Note: The owner started out himself as a bus boy & worked his way up). The crowd was mainly older couples, who looked like local neighborhood types, with a few younger couples ,who looked like they were dating, mixed in. We arrived at 7 pm, Friday, which was a peak time so had a 10 minute wait. (Note: Not that bad given that Town Restaurant in San Carlos had a 2.5 hour wait for walk ins on Thursday). A little later the crowd tapered off quickly and the restaurant closes at 9 pm.
One thing about Mike's Cafe is its convenience to Hwy 280, a couple of blocks west on Alpine Road, where there are not many other decent restaurants. Another thing is that it is a comfortable and place to go. So, it is somewhat comparable to a high end restaurant but without the big hassle getting there and getting in that is so common. I can understand why local people with money go there frequently, i.e., when they want a good meal and drink but not the hassle.
Bottom line ... we'll go again.
Address: 3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA. They have two other locations, one in Palo Alto and one in Menlo Park, but we have NOT been there.
