16 Best Cocktail Bars in Palo Alto

“🎉 Just had an unforgettable evening at Ettan! Cozy vibes, top-notch service, and every dish was a masterpiece. 🍽 The chef's special? Mind-blowing! 🤯 Whether it's for the ambiance, the flavors, or the amazing staff, Ettan's a must-visit. Left with a full belly and even fuller heart. ❤️ Can't wait to go back! #EttanMagic #FoodieDream #BestDinnerEver“

“Sekoya has been on our list for a while, and we were finally able to make it for a birthday celebration. They made it special from the start, giving us a personalized menu with ‘happy birthday’. The inside of the restaurant has a cool vibe to it, so if you’re looking for something more special I’d recommend that. Otherwise the heated covered patio is a great option. Their cocktail program is extensive and absolutely fantastic. But the food, that is where the magic is happening. We started with the tuna tartare- fresh, classic. The plantain chips give it a nice flavor. The crispy prawns were over a bed of papaya salad and spicy mayo- a balance of sweet, spicy and crunchy in each bite. For mains, we had to try their burger. This 6oz patty was flavored in I don’t know what, but it was easily one of our top burgers of the year. The side of truffle French fries were a classic but could be skipped. The roasted scallops were large, perfectly cooked over polenta and topped with bacon jam. If I could have licked my plate I would have. A MUST get was, yes, the beef tongue skewer. Our waiter told us it would be his last meal so naturally we had to try it. It was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. We will definitely be ordering it again. To celebrate the meal (and our birthday), we got the mini crispy chocolate chip cookies with a side of vanilla ice cream. The perfect pairing to end an amazing meal. There are so many other good options on the menu we cannot wait to come back!“

“Good food and great customer service. Do recommend“

“An exceptional culinary experience at Protégé in Palo Alto. Every dish showcased masterful technique and impeccable flavors. The A5 Japanese Wagyu Ribeye was perfectly marbled and melted effortlessly, while the Crab and Caviar delivered a luxurious balance of brine and sweetness. The lobster toast was crisp, buttery, and indulgent, and the Black Bass—flawless in execution—was the best I’ve encountered. The Ricotta Dumplings , delicate yet deeply flavorful, rounded out an unforgettable meal. The shigoku oysters with whipped ponzu were indescribably fresh and flavorful. The sunflower Caesar, with its preserved tomato jam, was a unique and unforgettable twist on a classic. As for the brick chicken that we took to go, it was so delicious that it barely made it home before being devoured. The experience was elevated even further by the outstanding service—every person was kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable evening. A true showcase of precision, creativity, and hospitality“

“Staff are friendly. They’re pet friendly. My Ribeye steak was the best!“

“By far was this is the best Mexican food I've ever had. A bit on the pricey side, but well worth it!“

“Ottimo cibo, servizio veloce, locale molto carino.“

“Delightful and delicious lunch with excellent service. They accommodated our request for separate plates so we could split a couple of dishes. Service was attentive without being intrusive. It was so pleasant to have some quiet classical music in the background while dining.“

“I’ve been there a few times and is always very good I highly recommend“

“We were weary travelers stopping by Scotty's in hope of a more chill vibe with some good food, and Scottys delivered! Our bartender, Sergio, was so friendly and fun! We got some inside knowledge about the town as we are from Oregon. The drinks were perfect and the food was top notch! I would have expected to pay a lot more for the quality of food and service we received at literally any of the surrounding places. We will visit Palo Alto again if only to go back to Scotty's as a new tradition! Thank you, Sergio, for making our anniversary dinner a great one! Someone give him a raise!“

“My recent stay at the Hilton Garden Inn was nothing short of fantastic. From the moment I arrived, the staff was welcoming and attentive, ensuring I felt right at home. The room was clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything I needed for a relaxing stay.

The highlight of my stay, however, was the exceptional service at the hotel bar. José, the bartender, was amazing! Not only did he craft delicious drinks, but his friendly and genuine approach made every visit to the bar feel personal. His knowledge of cocktails and attention to detail were impressive, and he went out of his way to ensure guests were taken care of.

Overall, the hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn exceeded my expectations, and the staff, particularly José, made the experience memorable. I’ll definitely be returning!“

“Great selection of beers!“

“Enjoyed their Hamburger and fish & Chips Fries are excellent. Lovely surroundings, the ducks enjoyed the pool.“

“The bistek asado. omg! soooo tender. we ordered it medium. it was perfect. We also ordered the pollo rostisado con mole. it was tender and tasty. Thank you for accommodating us with no reservations. make reservations. place gets packed quick.“

“And the most amazing cocktails! 🍹“

“Fun Times with the Hubby!“