1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in September I noted that Cypress closed on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and now a new restaurant called Sunol Ridge will be opening at this location. According to Diablo Dish they plan on opening by February and will serve gastropub-type dishes with both craft beers and wine available on tap.
Locust St, Walnut Creek
Yesterday I noted that The Nail Shop moved across the street on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and this looks like it’s related to SoCal based Veggie Grill possibly opening up in the old post office next door according to Diablo Dish. Check out their menu here. Note that SoCal based Tender Greens is right next to this location on the other side.
1633 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
It’s only been a month since Cafecitos Cafe opened in downtown Walnut Creek but things are not looking good over there as you can see by the bicycle lock on the front doors in the above photo. I dropped by on numerous occasions attempting to try the patacones and papas appetizer but they have always been closed. I’m hoping this is not permanent…
This week I posted about a new Starbucks that may open up in the Mercer apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek which, considering the quantity that already exists downtown, got people wondering if maybe there were too many Starbucks downtown. Existing locations include Target, Barnes and Noble, Safeway, N Main St, Locust St. and two more in Broadway Plaza. So do you think there are too many Starbucks in downtown Walnut Creek? If not Starbucks what would you rather have, an independent cafe? Peet’s? Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?
1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord
The other night I had a chance to check out the eagerly anticipated Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar in the Willows Shopping Center (near the UFC Gym) in Concord at a preview party and wow is this place cool. With almost 8,000 square feet in space the Rocky Mountain aesthetic looks amazing. In addition there is a huge bar area with 9 flat-screen TVs nearby. Local brews from Black Diamond, 21st Amendment, Drake’s and dozens more are available on tap in addition to Lazy Dog branded brews. They also have 25 hand-selected beers by the bottle. Food-wise the spicy Moroccan chicken & cous cous had a real kick that was a pleasant surprise, as was the Jerk Chicken Crisp appetizer which was delicious. Check out the menu here.
The main dining area:
Bar area:
With reasonable prices and generous, tasty portions, I’ll definitely be back with my family to try out some more dishes and local brews.
Plenty of photos including the Moroccan chicken dish after the jump….
1663 N. California Blvd, Walnut Creek
It looks like the Mercer apartment complex, located diagonally across from the Lesher Center in downtown Walnut Creek will finally be getting a coffee shop as Starbucks is planning on opening there pending city approval. Finally, a coffee shop!
1519 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Last week I noted that Oyama Sushi would be opening soon on N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek and they are now open. Check out the photos below for an inside look. Their menu can be found here. The menu will be very similar to what is offered in their Lafayette location.
1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
Last year I wrote about possibly the most amazing part of downtown Walnut Creek, the secret koi garden behind Va de Vi on Mt. Diablo Blvd, and now the restaurant has a new, smaller koi pond similar to the koi pond next to Sasa on N. Main St. Also note the wine barrel menu display, looks great.
If you haven’t been to the koi pond in back you need to go, it’s incredible! The koi are HUGE and it’s very serene back there. While we were watching the koi swim around, numerous people wandered by and were amazed by what they saw.
Photo by Flickr user Vegan Feast Catering
Yesterday I noted that Jalisco Gourmet Burrito closed in Walnut Creek which got me thinking about Mexican restaurants. El Jarro is a favorite of mine in Lafayette, Orinda has Maya and Barbacoa, and Walnut Creek has Taqueria Mexican Grill and Maria Maria. So for today’s Friday Question of the Day, what is your favorite Mexican restaurant?
Nob Hill shopping center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Jalisco Gourmet Burritos has closed in the Nob Hill shopping center in Walnut Creek at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Oak Grove Rd. Anyone ever eat here? How would you rate it?