50 Best Cocktail Bars near Portola Valley

“Amigos in Portola Valley totally won me over. We went on a busy Sunday and even with the crowd, the service was quick and super friendly. The dog-friendly patio was a huge plus—such a nice spot to hang out, especially on a sunny day.

The food was great across the board. I had the chicken mole and some tacos, and both were packed with flavor. The mole had that rich, layered taste you hope for, and the tacos were super fresh. Their homemade hot sauce is seriously next level—spicy, balanced, and honestly something I’d buy if they bottled it.

The vibe was really relaxed and fun. There were a bunch of people watching the game, but it didn’t feel like a sports bar—just good energy, not too loud, and still felt like a place to enjoy a proper meal.

Can’t wait to come back, especially when the weather’s nice again. Definitely a new favorite for a casual, delicious meal with a chill atmosphere.“

“The atmosphere here is very inviting with a beautifully designed interior that really stands out. The wooden dining table adds a unique touch to the experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the service excellent. The food was flavorful and well prepared, and the cocktail complemented the meal perfectly.“

“Everything! It's a flawless dining experience.“

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

“good chill place to hangout and have drinks and shoot pool with the locals. everyone there is chill“

“Really fun place a lot of l great people will definitely go back“

“(Translated by Google) I like it a lot because you can listen to the music you like and dance and have fun with the artists. It is a place where you forget your sorrows.(Original)Me gusta mucho porque puedes escuchar la música que te gusta y bailar y te diviertes con los artistas es un lugar donde olvidas las penas.“

“👌👌beautiful the place and the drinks“

“fantastic experience. was recommended by a friend and omg, no kidding! we went as a party of 2 and ordered 5 cocktails for a more than reasonable price, outstanding and kind service that we know by name after our first time sitting in. atmosphere is classy and decently calm! even at 12 am on a saturday, the atmosphere was unmatched. clean restroom, timely and personable service, yummy drinks and snacks. we will totally be returning here! thanks to the wonderful Amandine staff for a lovely evening.“

“Good food and great customer service. Do recommend“

“The new management (Carlos Galvan) is great! We felt welcome from the moment we walked through the door! Looking forward to the Friday Night Blues Jams. Great music...great people. Thank you Rail Club!!“

“Amazing food and excellent service - highly recommend“

“Chef Marcus’ dishes are full of flavor & fresh ingredients that make for a spectacular culinary experience. 😋“

“This is a welcoming restaurant with a very gracious manager! Three of us had lunch there on Sat. for the first time. We opted for indoor window seating but there is ample and comfortable outdoor seating, as well. The Wiener Schnitzel was tender, the Eggs Benedict tasty, the arugula salad fresh. Next time I will try the Jäger Schnitzel. The Sacher Torte was perfect! We were treated to extra birthday desert--without asking for it--which was a thoughtful gesture. Naschmarkt was spotless clean, and the kitchen ventilation works well. It is very suitably located at the quieter side of California Avenue, close to public parking.“

“Excellent, creative dishes! Good service!! 10 stars!!!“

“Nice place but one guy close early on sundays.around 9;30 pm“

“Amazing food and excellent service!“

“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“

“Bistro Vida is a favorite spot for our family to ring in the new year. It's become a tradition for everyone young and old where we all can come together for a nice dinner and toast the holidays. The staff is excellent and friendly. Oli makes us feel like family.“

“The food was really very tasty. The staff were very humble and courteous. Food was served in an excellent way.“

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

“The lavender lemondrop is a wonderful pre-dinner cocktail and the fresh greens as a starter was perfect before our dinners of crab gnocchi and mushroom risotto. Just delicious and the service was, as always, attentive and professional. This is a place where you can have quiet conversations without a lot of interruption and never disappoints with the food.“

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

“A beautiful Spring lunch & afternoon! Delicious entrees!“

“Came here for Valentine's Day with my girlfriend, and we both had an incredible, romantic experience. The servers were delightful and offered their recommendations. We had the Valentine's Day Special that came with a 4-course meal for $125 – this included a tasty salad, two appetizers of your choice (we got oysters and samosas), two main entrees (we got duck curry and sea bass), and a chocolate mousse dessert. This was a great value and every dish was a 10/10; we even got a free rose and the recipe for their salad at the end of the meal. If this were any indicator of what Burmese food can be, the bar is set extremely high.“

“I truly appreciate the authenticity of Chinese cuisine, and the exceptional culinary skills showcased. The special tea duck, in particular, captivates my taste buds with its exquisite flavor. Each bite is a delightful experience, making it a standout dish for me.“

“Have you ever had a Scallion Pancake Taco before? 🥞🌮
Here’s your chance! 😋

@brochette_dumpling_and_grill is a must try spot with Asian eatery dishing up Amal plates including dumplings, skewers, and ramen. They have such an extensive menu and delicious yakitori that it’s a great place to hang out and have a good time with friends! Service is super friendly and we love the space!“

“🎉 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“

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

“amazing food wonder staff“

“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.“

“Beautiful place, nice service! It’s my first this place,maybe soon again!“

“4 and 1/2
It was a birthday dinner for a large group. Pizzas and pastas were very good except ragu. Steak was under seasoned. Calamari sauce was great.
No cake cutting fee. Slow service
I will come back for pasta and calamari sauce“

“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!“

“We have been here several times now. It is a cozy and relaxed restaurant. The menu is somewhat limited however everything we have tried has been delicious. The staff are very pleasant. We will be back.“

“Yummy hamburgers and sweet potato fries, great staff!“

“favorite place to go with friends“

“Horsefeather is a beautiful spot that clearly puts a lot of care into its atmosphere. The decor is stunning — detailed, well-thought-out, and full of character. You can tell the team took their time crafting a space that feels inviting and stylish. Service was excellent. The staff were attentive, quick to refresh water glasses, and even took care to replace the table felt, keeping everything spotless and comfortable. As for the food, everything was solid and well-executed. The salmon was prepared nicely — classic and straightforward. The wild mushroom pasta was the highlight of the meal, rich and flavorful with great depth. The shrimp tacos were another standout; fresh, well-balanced, and seemingly made completely in-house.The only drawback is the pricing; it’s definitely on the higher side for what you get. Still, given it’s Palo Alto, that comes with the territory. Overall, a lovely dining experience with great service and a beautiful setting.“

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

“Such a great place. Beautiful outdoor dining! 🥰🥂💕“

“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!“

“This is a great place to meet friends for lunch or dinner. It’s also perfect for families because of the many food options. I usually order a burger, pizza or salad and they are all delicious.“

“Le banc is just what Los Altos needs! A low key, no frills bar with good drinks, TV’s to watch your favorite sporting event, darts and the ability to bring in your own food of choice. This place has just the basics and is run by great people who know the biz!“

“The Cowboy and chili cheese tots!“

“Great selection of beers!“

“Went for lunch on a weekday. The menu is mostly breakfast-oriented, so options for a more traditional lunch were limited. Cubano sandwich was kinda unremarkable; not bad, lots of meat on it. Atmosphere and service were nice, but unless I was going out for breakfast specifically I probably wouldn’t go back.“

“We recently hosted an event at British Bankers Club with about 70 guests, and it was absolutely perfect! Initially, we were worried the space might feel too small, but it turned out to be just right. Everyone complimented the venue and how well everything came together.

We even had a photo booth set up using a local vendor, Creative Impressions Photo Booth—I highly recommend them as well! The staff at British Bankers Club truly made the night special. Our servers, Sofia and Jose, were so friendly and kept everyone happy with delicious hors d’oeuvres. Min, the bartender, served top-notch, flavorful drinks, and Sam was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, helping wherever needed. They all worked with a smile and ensured every guest had what they needed.

A huge thank you to Nina, the event coordinator, and her assistant—they were extremely helpful and responsive throughout the planning process. Their support made everything so much easier.

I’ll admit, I was nervous leading up to the event since I had never planned a party before. But the moment I walked in, I was relieved—the venue looked beautiful! I had toured it when the restaurant was closed, so I didn’t know how it would look at night. The lit-up decorations added a wonderful touch to the room’s presentation. We added a few extras like flowers, balloons, and candles, but honestly, the space is stunning on its own.

Thank you to the entire team for making our event such a success. We can’t wait to host another one with you in the future!“

“My niece Chilou n Jovian’s bday party held there yesterday! Everyone had fun , food (buffet) n the tacos n pancit/pasta sections were delicious n ofcourse d buffet food n the desserts were superb . Workers were very friendly 👍👍👍“

“We’ve been eating here for years and always find it to be comforting & cozy. The restaurant made some changes to their wine list, which makes it less diverse. The food is still good, but we believe it was tastier a couple years ago before changes to the menu were made. We look forward to returning and hope some of the previous wines return to the menu.“

“Good food, friendly staff and I highly recommend for date night, family meal and watching a game!“