Winchester mystery house is a must for anyone into the paranormal. The energy is so surreal inside the house. My daughter and I could feel and hear sounds no others could while on tour. The price is very affordable. If you visit California this is definitely something to see. The gardens are beautiful with wonders at every turn. One of the great California mysteries lies within these walls.

I have been coming to the Winchester house off randomly since the 1970s. The tours have morphed over the decades and are great. This is the first time we did a basement tour though. It was not worth the cost. All you really see is lots of bricks, concrete and low hanging pipes. The only thing of interest down there is the old boiler. The staff were great. We got there a couple of hours before our scheduled tour, and they nicely got us in an earlier tour.

Know this famous house for long. Finally be there. A bit different with I thought. Have to join in a tour group (around 15-20 ppl) to get in the house. Sarah was a tiny lady, so I guess the house was designed to fit her needs. All rooms are so small. Feel really packed with the group. Not a lot to see. Not scary. Good to know the history. Wish could have seen more due to the ticket price.

After travelling from the UK to visit, we were disappointed in a rushed and poor tour experience. Half of the group had barely time to look around a space before the tour guide moved on, and leaving half the group behind. We were then chided for being slow, as well as missing out on the information given for the next spot. It would have been nicer having the chance to explore alone. Everywhere was signposted, so it wasn’t hard to follow a route. The building is beautiful though, and worth a visit - just a shame about the tour experience.

The guided tours of the Winchester Mystery House are all fun and entertaining while you gain insight into the history of the house and the area. Our guides have always been fun! We went in early October when their Halloween themed night decorations were up which made it more spooky and fun. The "self guided" basement tour is a bit of a letdown now. Years ago we paid for a "guided tour" of the basement and stables. That was worth it. This year we added the extra $$ for the basement tour only to find it was self guided with a few plaques and some arrows on the ground. Take the tour but skip the basement add on and save some $$.

Saw the movie and didn’t know it was in SJ. Going to SJ every year and stayed about 10 blocks away. It’s amazed that it’s still standing and with an incredible story, especially ran by a woman. Really admired for what she had done for her staffs and the community. The house is very odd, weird and everything you can think off. But it had been keeping up well just like the stories behind it.

The Winchester Mystery House is absolutely fascinating! We had a wonderful time exploring all the strange features and learning the history. It was a great family outing - the kids were intrigued and enjoyed every unique detail of the house. Highly recommend it for a memorable experience!"

Pretty good if you can get past where the money and artifacts came from for this place. The Rosecrucian ARORC order in the US has funded this place with old money, so the entry fee is quite modest for the artifact they have. The building itself is also a bit of a wonder, with a nice small garden around it. It takes a good couple of hours for a good look through all the wings. The faux temple is a bit cringy, especially with the over-the-top narration from the guides. I guess it makes there day a bit more fun. Great for the kids though.

If you’re even remotely interested in ancient Egypt, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss. Tucked away in a serene part of San Jose, the museum offers one of the largest collections of authentic Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America - from mummies and sarcophagi to everyday tools and religious relics. The standout feature? A walk-through replica of an ancient tomb that gives you a real sense of how the ancients honored their dead. The layout is thoughtful, the signage is educational without being overwhelming, and the architecture of the building itself, inspired by ancient Egyptian design, adds to the immersive feel. It’s not a huge museum, but that’s part of the charm. You can easily explore everything in 1.5 to 2 hours, making it perfect for a half-day visit. There’s also a peaceful garden outside that’s worth a quiet stroll. Tips: • Visit during weekdays to avoid school groups. • Great for families, history lovers, and photographers. • The gift shop has some surprisingly cool finds. Overall, it’s a quirky, well-curated museum with genuine passion behind it. A great way to time travel without leaving Silicon Valley.

Great museum about history from approximately 4000 years ago. They even have real mummified people. Be sure to go on the narrated tour through the tomb, you will learn a lot. FYI, there are no elevators and lots of stairs.

Free parking is around the back, they have free tours and sometimes workshops. They have a passport you can buy for $1 where you go around and collect stamps. No gift shop though- we wish they had one. The gardens are beautiful with a labyrinth! Full days worth if you actually read all the information in the museum.

A solid small museum experience. Plenty of descriptions of the pieces that are in the museum. Ok for children, but better suited for older children/adults given there isn't really an interactive experience to it. Be sure to also tour the outside as there are gardens surrounding as well (that part and parking can be done free of charge).

Awesome architecture and lots of interesting exhibits. Wish it were slightly bigger, but I really enjoyed the outdoor area!

I really enjoyed this museum. Many interesting exhibits and the outdoor area was really beautiful to walk around. Fyi: the planetarium is closed due to renovations

One of my favorite spots in the Bay Area! Beautiful outdoor shopping and dining vibe, perfect for a stroll any time of the day. Great mix of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, plus the ambiance is always lively and inviting

One of my favorite spots in San Jose. Never disappoints. Nice street to walk down. Full of upscale shops and also a few places to eat. Would recommend for a nice stroll, seeing the shops and a few things on the street for good photo opportunities.

Santana Row is a great commcial complex of upscale clothing, dining, and events in an open air ambiance. Brand name international and domestic chains of clothing, sports equipment and more offer small accessible Venues. I had a hard time deciding between all the dining venues! The central areas and medians are decorated with twinkle lights on trees, with mostly accessible venues. The center is ringed with apartments on second and third floor The parking garage does not list parking prices and the exit signs are difficult to follow. Accessible restrooms in various areas and eateries in the commercial center. Check out the events calendars.

Outdoor shopping area with high end luxury brands. Lovely walking area during the day and at night. Looks pretty in the evening because of the lights. There are several fountains to check out if your into that. Really like the tree lined streets, wide sidewalks and how much of the areas is pedestrian traffic only.

Santana Row is one of the most beautiful spots in San Jose — perfectly designed for a relaxed walk, great food, and people watching. The outdoor layout feels like a small European town with fountains, trees, and cozy patios everywhere. There’s an excellent mix of restaurants, cafés, and shops — from casual bakeries to upscale dining and fashion boutiques. Everything is clean, well-kept, and lively, especially in the evenings when the lights and atmosphere feel festive. Parking can get busy on weekends, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. Whether you’re here for coffee, dinner, or just to stroll, Santana Row always feels special.

I had such a fun day with my family exploring and finding good eats at Santana Row! There are so many restaurants, pretty cafés, and nice stores to check out. The streets and aisles are beautifully designed, you won’t even realize how much you’ve walked because there’s always something eye-catching at every corner! 💕

Amazing shopping center! One of my favorites in the area! I loved all the restaurants and stores. This place is very completeand have plenty of parking

Visited on a weekday for a retreat and it worked great. The central downtown location is super convenient, and there’s a nearby parking lot that made logistics manageable (parking can take a minute, but it’s doable). The space itself is clean, modern, and welcoming. It seems a nice calm hidden gem in the city. I didn’t have time to dive into the collection, but several others did and came away impressed.

Great art museum for short visits! 1-2hr (depending on how long you like to linger) with a splendid variety of art pieces. The little museum shop is fantastic and the building is beautiful as well. Great place to relax and contemplate.

Very good docent tour guide who are unpaid volunteers. It was Francine for us and she was wonderful. Just check the docent tour guide hours and go during that time to understand views from an art connoisseur perspective. Good buildings and other staff too!

San jose museum of art couldve been better if the asian art of the collection was more unique.

For major museums this is quite small. Also I enjoyed the first exhibit that we walked into which had a lot of bright and vibrant art but after that I found much of it pretty forgettable. Also fairly challenging to park there as it's downtown San Jose and there are a variety of parking places however some of them are kind of pricey. Ended up parking on a meter and stayed for less than 3 hours. Shout out to the staff as my wife left a phone there and was able to retrieve it from the nice people there. Overall an enjoyable experience.

I visited for the first time. The first Friday of every month is a luck day .You can enjoy free film art and popcorn. The museum staff are friendly. Thank you♡ It was a happy time.

We had a great time here. It was Chinese New Year's weekend and was too much crowded. Also, there was a dragon dance show, which had a huge line. There is a small cafe inside. Prices are reasonable for all food items (not a lot of options available). It's a good place to bring young children and can spend approximately 2-3 hours here. Weekend entry is free to this museum. Lots of art collections here, attached pics. I will recommend visiting if you are nearby.

This place is beautiful and really clean. The roses are at the end of its bloom but still really pretty. Many areas to take photos. We saw a lot of people sitting on the lawn having a picnic. Very quiet park and located in a very fancy neighborhood.

Multiple varieties of colorful roses plus a central fountain, some shady spots for picnicing, an open green space, and restrooms! Loved wandering through and smelling the flowers. There's plenty of street parking around the perimeter of the garden. Be aware the garden does host events. During my Saturday visit around 1pm, some staff were walking around notifying those who were seated under the trees in the green space that event staff would be arriving in the next hour to start setting up for a wedding and that we would need to move.

Beautiful rose garden with an amazing variety of roses and long blooming season, usually peaking in late spring but lasting well into summer and fall. Free to the public, well-maintained, and a peaceful spot to stroll, relax, or take photos. A true San Jose gem!

This striking Garden has been one of the best tose gardens. The roses are in several areas around the fountain. I found unique roses including the ketchup and mustard rose and several others there are bushes with red roses. White roses, yellow roses and multicolor roses. The park has several redwoods I. The center and large open fields for picnics and informal games and running around The park is enclosed by a high fence. An accessible wimens restroom sits at one gate and the mens accessible restroom is at the other gate. Free accessible street parallel parking. Pay phone by women’s restrooms

I am strolling along sipping on my chocolate milkshake, and I smelled this sweet essence in the air while I wait at a traffic light to cross the street. To my surprise I happen to walk along a street with a rose garden. The bonus is it is free to visit. It was a beautiful Autumn day to stroll, meditate, people watch, and enjoy the blooms. How lovely!

A really lovely garden filled with beautiful roses! I visited just before summer, so some plants were already past their peak bloom, but it was still such a charming and peaceful place. It’s a great spot for a morning or afternoon stroll, with picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the view.

This is actually the second time I visit this garden. It splits into two sections where the first half is the rose garden and the second half is a picnic area. It was quiet today compared to my last visit, but I took plentiful of pictures. It’s also very hot since it’s Summer now, which is why I didn’t want to stay here for too long. You can also host events in this garden. During my last visit, someone held a graduation party or ceremony and it was really loud. I guess it gets quiet because either it’s not Saturday or no one held an event. There weren’t many people at the picnic area because most people came here for the garden. Also it’s really hot now. Of course people will go to the shade.

Service was great and our server took great care of my husband and I. The quail and the souffle dessert are absolute must-have when you visit this place! They also have a "I can't decide option" for dessert, which was extremely clever (I won't spoil the fun). I also appreciate the interesting variety of meat cut offered here (wild boar, elk, venison, etc.). If the meat portions were a little bigger, it would definitely be worth the price. Overall, I would label this as a classic stable and would come back!

Even the food was good I give a one star just to get your attention. I made a reservation for 2 for my birthday and left the note that one of the guests (which is me) has celiac disease and we ask for gluten free options. When we arrived nobody had idea about my request. That is fine. I asked to guide me through the menu and got an answer that almost everything on the menu is gluten free except desserts and we shouldn't worry about. We got two different tasting menus and guess what? Already on second course I'm getting tartar with toasts on the plate. I asked if it is gluten free (I had concerned as I know how gluten free bread looks like and that baguette definitely looked like gluten. I got an answer that it is gluten free, but... they need to double check. And sure it was not gluten free. Each course was delivered by different people and was difficult to track if my request is actually went to the kitchen. Next was scallop with puff pastry and I believe that some sauces were thickened by wheat flour. Nobody cared. Now I'm suffering with the reaction and can't sleep. If I could give minus 10 stars I would. You can't do that to people! That is the worst experience i ever had at such level of restaurants. And why do you ask about occasion for reservation if nobody even said me happy birthday while i herad that there was no problem to say it to other guests? Service minus 10.

Bread and butter was pretty mid. Cocktails are classic and the after dinner coffee was pretty mid. Entrees are filling and the meat is high quality. The rice pilaf was so incredibly salty and almost inevitable because of the salt . Service was just slow and they had forgotten two different drink orders at two different times. We had brought a cake and they lost our little toppers for it. Outside patio is pretty and romantic. I recommend getting a patio seat if possible. inside is nice too but can get a bit noisy.

This was my first time experiencing dinner at La Forêt. La Foret offers a very nice dining experience. Our group had varied offerings, including the tasting menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the prawns, and they were good. I also had the shrimp salad with butter lettuce. It was very refreshing. I also had the "I can't decide" dessert platter. I suggest skipping this and just choosing a dessert. The creme brulee was delicious. The restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, but it is a very cool concept. If you're in the area, I would suggest giving it a try.

I couldn't have asked for a more magical experience. The food was phenomenal!!!!!! I dont have the words to express how delicious everything was. My husband and I came here to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant was beautiful the staff was great and the food was to die for! It was a meal that we will reminisce and talk about for years to come. I highly recommend.

Cutest Date night spot. This place sits next to a creek and the water makes a soothing noise when it flows by the restaurant. Loved the vibe and the drinks. The restaurant has great indoor area as well. My fav was the lamb rack. The desserts were incredible too! Highly recommend this place to special occasions

My first time visiting La Forêt French Cuisine was a mostly wonderful experience. The service was excellent—attentive, warm, and professional. However, the pacing could have been a bit faster; our dinner took about three and a half hours to complete, which felt slightly prolonged. The entrées were the highlight of the evening. The elk was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish I would highly recommend to anyone visiting. Unfortunately, the dessert didn’t quite live up to the rest of the meal. The soufflé was just okay, with a flavor that was reminiscent of drinking wine but lacked the balance I was hoping for. Overall, La Forêt delivers an exceptional dining experience, especially with their entrées and service, though the dessert and pacing could use some improvements.

We made reservations to celebrate a birthday dinner. There were initially three for the dinner and we had forgotten to call to add a fourth member. We arrived to the restaurant and they were extremely kind about the additional member and assisted us with no issues! We were able to sit in a more private area away from the main dining- which was perfect for our family group. The waiters were some of the friendliest people throughout the night! Personally, I’d never had the experience of a French restaurant before and it did not disappointment! The food was phenomenal! Each course was put together so beautiful and the lamb rack was some of the best lamb I had had for quite some time. If you’re in the area and you’re looking for a nice French restaurant- do not hesitate to come here! If I could give 10/5 stars; I would!

I first came here in Y2K. The tech giant we were working with wanted to come here. I didn't know the area nor the caliber of the restaurant. Fortunately for me our company paid for the meal. We have returned to Le Papillon on and off all these years. They do not change the menu much. We went with one 3 course and one 4 course prix fixe. Don't let the number fool you. We were both stuffed by the time we were done. Service, as it should be, was top notch. Unfortunately the halibut was really bland. It felt as if they forgot to season the fish. Sea bass was excellent. Make sure you order the souffle. They do not allow mixing prix fixe with tasting. I don't understand why. Perhaps I am not at the level to understand the reason behind it. Wouldn't it make sense to let patrons taste as many of the restaurant's creations to 'expand our horizon?' While I know tasting menu typically takes much longer to go through, if the guests are going to share the food, I think there are ways to pace it for the table. Perhaps I'm a bit naive on how they operate in the back.

Le Papillon in San Jose offers a wonderful fine dining experience that combines excellent service, beautifully prepared dishes, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and comfortable. They were attentive without ever being intrusive, striking just the right balance between professionalism and friendliness. It set the stage for a truly enjoyable evening. The food itself was fantastic. Every dish was presented with care and precision, and the flavors were both refined and memorable. The rack of lamb stood out as one of the highlights — tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked exactly as it should be. Each bite was rich and satisfying. For dessert, we tried the Grand Marnier soufflé, and it was absolutely delightful: light, airy, and paired perfectly with fresh berries and cream. It was a beautiful way to end the meal and one that I would happily order again on my next visit. The atmosphere inside Le Papillon is intimate and inviting. It feels special without being pretentious, making it a great choice for celebrating an occasion or simply enjoying a high-quality meal. The dining room is elegant and quiet, which added to the overall sense of ease and comfort. Overall, Le Papillon deserves every bit of its strong reputation. With exceptional food, attentive service, and a charming setting, it easily earns five stars. I would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a fine dining experience in the Bay Area.

Had a wonderful mid-week dinner at Le Papillon with Nicky and Kristen. We ordered the tasting menu, which came with a few extra bites from the kitchen. The highlights: • Chilled poached lobster with corn custard, kumquat, and caviar – silky and balanced. • Maryland soft shelled crab – crisp, delicate, and flavorful. • Rabbit terrine – my personal favorite, though Kristen’s least, earthy and refined. • Breast of pheasant with confit fig, pine nut, and Madeira jus – a great balance of sweet and savory. • Tenderloin of bison with green peppercorns and tempura enoki mushrooms – bold, tender, and beautifully presented. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the pacing of the menu made the evening feel relaxed and special. Overall, a thoughtful seasonal menu and a great spot for a fine dining experience in San Jose.

Le Papillon catered our wedding in August 2024, and they ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire day. At our tasting, we were warmly welcomed by Mike, the owner, and Tamera, the catering director. Mike took the time to chat with us, and his passion for food and French cuisine really came through; it made the whole experience even more enjoyable and we knew instantly we wanted to book them. You know that feeling when you can’t decide between two entrées at a wedding? With Le Papillon, your guests won’t have to. They offer duet entrées, which meant my wife and I each got to pick our favorites; Roasted Chilean Sea Bass for her, Filet Mignon for me. Both were a huge hit, and we even had guests tell us the food was their favorite part of the wedding. They also seriously saved the day when our liquor vendor unexpectedly went out of business. Le Papillon stepped in last-minute to take care of both food and drinks, matched the original vendor’s pricing and drink list, and helped us avoid a big headache. We highly recommend them as a wedding caterer—and we’re already planning a visit back to the restaurant for another round of that sea bass and filet mignon.

Le Papillon has been our go-to special occasion fine dining restaurant for over 20 years. They are consistently EXCELLENT - the atmosphere is calm and relaxed, the service is top-notch, and they really go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome and satisfied with your dining experience. We usually have the chef's tasting menu, and unlike some Michelin-starred restaurants we've sampled, there are never any "clunkers" on the list. All the ingredients are fresh and handled with obvious great care. Make sure to get the Souffle Grand Marnier for dessert (they will sub it in for the tasting menu dessert option which is always good but has to live in the shadow of that divine souffle) - I don't know how they get such good berries in December, but they are always wonderful.

Le Papillon has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I think it offers great value for money in the Bay Area. For a French restaurant, the prices are very reasonable. Last time, we went with two families, and I ordered the four-course meal while my friend ordered the three-course meal. We weren’t sure what wine to choose, but the waiter recommended a great one. This is an established restaurant with beautiful lighting, a great atmosphere, and excellent service. I especially love their soufflé; it’s really delicious!

My first experience eating Ethiopian food. Good service, the food was flavorful. I couldn't rate it 5 stars because I don't have anything to compare it to. Nice cozy spot. The appetizer was delicious and flaky. The food was hot and fresh we had some sort of ground beef and a chopped beef along with some chicken all were good. We also had greens which were just ok to me. . I'll come back. Many more options i want to try.

I visit Zeni regularly for their authentic Ethiopian food. Usually I order the veg or meat combo and lamb and that easily feeds a group of 3-4 people. The food tastes consistently fresh and flavorful and I love to bring friends here for the family-style dining experience. Occasionally I'll encounter a wait during peak hours, but it's never been longer than 15 minutes.

Highly recommend this place. This may look like ‘a hole in the wall’, but once you are there, it will provide you fabulous dining experience Ethiopian way, beginning with a warm welcome. To fully enjoy this experience, highly recommend eating with your hands, although it is not a requirement there. We (3) enjoyed our late Sunday lunch here. Helen welcomed us. We were new to Ethiopian dining, so asked her to help us order. We ordered Meat Combo (Minced beef, Lamb stew, Chicken stew), a Beef sizzler and red lentils stew. Food arrived quickly— a large round steel plate with a thin fluffy pancake-like bread (Injera). Injera tastes a bit sour, appears light, but is deceptively heavy. They served various items ordered in small portions along the periphery of the plate on the Injera. Additional rolls of Injera were provided (and replenished as needed). Greek style salad was served at center and Ethiopian fresh cheese (like crumbled Feta, but not sour) on the side. We enjoyed eating with our hands—sanitize them first. The meat stews were absolutely delicious, but beef sizzler with caramelized onions was our favorite. They serve good portions. Needless to say, we had to box the leftovers 😋. We will explore other Ethiopian restaurants, but will definitely visit Zeni again. Thanks Helen for a great experience.

I have NEVER been to an Ethiopian restaurant that I didn't like. This was the first one. Ethiopian food is one of my favorite foods and even when I'm traveling internationally, I always crave it and find one. I just moved to this area and decided to check this one out and ordered the beef tibs as I normally do. All I could taste was cumin. It was too strong and overpowering. The beef was also not marinated properly as it was flavorless in the middle. It was also very chewy and hard to swallow. On top of that, out of the 50 or so different Ethiopian restaurants I've been to in the last few years, I have never seen one that doesn't offer a salad with it. This dish was $25 + tax + tip. There are quite a lot of Ethiopian restaurants nearby so I will be checking them out instead.

I have been going to Zeni for atleast 18 years but 2as so disappointed by my last visit. The quantity in a serving had dropped, the food is not worth the cost and so many of the favorites are no longer on the combo. The service used to be laid back now it is disinterested and painfully slow. The two orders each of the veg and non veg combos arrived at different time and was not worth the $60+ each was. I used to love this place and judged every other Ethiopian restaurant against this one because of how good their food was now it is my least favorite of the options out there.

We have been wanting to try this place for a while and it was worth the wait. I’ve never had Ethiopian food before, but this was a great experience with many different flavors and options. The Sambussa was especially delicious. The only complaint was that the bread was cold. Maybe this is normal, but we took some home and warmed it for a much better experience.

Edit: Guess who came back again??? lol we love this place — I’ve come here with my partner and others several times since my first review and I’ve gotten used to the food and it’s great every time. Also consistent. So raising the review here. I can’t seem to figure out what each item is called but I like the sweetish green lamb/beef dish and some of the vegetable ones. The others i have come here with also say that the food is great. — First time having Ethiopian food, I wasn’t sure what to expect but have been told it’s pretty hit or miss for most people. Restaurant was super busy around dinner time. The bread used for the side dishes is spongey and sour. It was a pretty unique for me, especially considering l have a sweet tooth. We put meats and side dishes in the bread and ate it that way. Definitely interesting trying the flavors of the bread alone and the side dishes alone. There isn’t any table ware as far as I know, but after a while the bread was pretty overpowering for me. Overall, quite tasty and very filling. Looking forward to coming back here again.

Came here for a quick bite before exploring the rest of the area. Straits during the day is a very chill place to hang out and grab a couple of drinks. Their bar is pretty big and has a good selection of alcohol that could accommodate anyone's preference. The drinks were great and they do not skimp on the alcohol. The small bites we received were just alright, but if you're hungry when it turns into a club, they will hit the spot. The atmosphere here is cool and upbeat, and the service, while a bit slow, compliments the vibe they are trying to set. Overall, an alright place that's not too pricey for what you get.

Straits is a Singaporean, Asian fusion gem on Santana Row. The staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive, something that lacks in many restaurants these days. While the restaurant has a large inside and bar area (club-like, so just keep that in mind), I highly recommend the outside seating when the weather is nice out (don’t worry they have heaters). Their happy hour is AMAZING, so jump in on SEVEN DAYS A WEEK (unheard of!). Not only are the prices fantastic, but they have a large range of drinks and food that are included. They don’t skimp on the portion size either. Now the food and drink recs!: - Lemongrass highball: even if you’re not a bourbon lover, it’s well-balanced and packs a punch - Crispy chicken “lollipops”: large, perfectly fried and the honey chili sauce…chef’s kiss - Spicy street noodles: sizable shrimp and tofu, awesome flavor and spice, I wish I wasn’t slipping this dish - Beef rendang: the braised beef had some good flavor, but parts of it were super tough and dry. Winning part of the dish was the coconut curry polenta at the bottom. It was a fantastic flavor and texture to add to the dish. Great meal and experience. Can’t wait to come back and try all of the other happy hour dishes!

Good food and good ambience. Perfect place to get some brunch on a sunny day! Tried chicken satay, basil chicken curry, jasmine rice and Salt & pepper shrimp. Basic chicken curry was very flavorful.

Straits is like a club vibe restaurant that I think feels more like a club atmosphere the later in the night you go. The women who work here are all beautiful, giving the club vibe. I came with three coworkers of mine, about 7 minutes before happy hour ended. We told the hostess we wanted happy hour so she sat us in the happy hour area. When we went to order, the waitress told us we had to sit in the happy hour area and moved us again to another table/area. As I was looking at a happy hour menu and about to order to the waiter, a lady came and took the menu out of my hands. She then went across the table to remove the menu from my friend's hands and thankfully they said something (unlike me bc l'm scared of confrontation in any form). The waitress who was taking the menus said this was not the area for happy hour and happy hour was over. It was 5:58 and happy hour ends at 6 so technically we still had time to put an order in. We told them how we already moved tables for happy hour and thankfully our waiter Luis saved the day as he was willing to accommodate our happy hour order. If it wasn't for him, we would have not gotten it bc the lady was dead set on making us move again and telling us happy hour was over. As a business you can either happily invite people to come in and quickly get a last happy hour bite or rudely make it difficult for people to squeeze in a happy hour order and I feel like Straits did the later. It was an unwelcoming vibe and the waitresses didn't seem to know where happy hour was taking place. Is the food good? Yes. The corn fritters and chicken lollipops are always my go tos. The fries are good w the dips and the garlic noodles were good. Happy hour vodka drink was decent too just a bit sweet. Overall, I don't know how to feel about this place. Luis saved the day so I'm thankful they have some caring employees, but I'm scared to go now and not have him bc it would've been a completely different experience.

The restaurant is in amazing location and service is really good but the food tasted stale and lacked flavors. We had ordered chicken satay (2/5) and shrimp fried rice (2/5). The drinks were good. Overall would recommend this place only for vibe.

This restaurant has always been an enigma to me. Been here several times, and I always walk away thinking the food is too sweet, and the attempt to be a restaurant and a night club really doesn’t work, as they are mediocre at both. Plenty of other options at Santana Row.

I visited this restaurant for a team lunch, and it's located in a nice spot with pleasant decor. They offer a separate vegetarian menu with a wide range of options, from starters to main courses, featuring South Asian-style dishes. The corn fritters, spring rolls, and garlic fries were tasty, but the crispy cauliflower was missing the expected batter coating. The street-style noodles in the main course were a bit too sticky, though the veg fried rice was enjoyable. However, considering the price, the food didn't quite meet expectations. Service was slow and lacked efficiency, with only one person taking orders and serving. They also didn't take our main course order until we'd finished the starters. Overall, the experience was decent but not outstanding.

It was a first time for us. We got the famous Banana shake with Falafel sandwich. It came with very little lettuce and tomatoes was hoping for some cucumbers and more of the good sauces, but sadly no. We all got shakes and the banana and chocolate shakes were on hit. We all said we would go back just for the shakes! French fries and onion rings were yum. Iced tea was awesome too. Loved the flavor. Soda was on point too.

Really lovely experience here! It felt as though we were transported back into the 60's. Very reasonable prices, an efficient ordering system, and delicious food. Totally recommended!

I hadn't been back here in a year or two so i visited today. my order was a gyro pita, pita chips, and a banana shake. the banana shake was fantastic as always. but man, the gyro was totally unseasoned!! I finally got one or two pieces that had some seasoning and it tasted great but most of them had no flavor, and so the sandwich itself was incredibly boring. I remember there used to be a more adequate amount of seasoning. I also used to love getting the chips to share with friends or family. the ones i got today were all extremely chewy and tough. none of them tasted fresh or freshly fried with a crisp texture. ended up tossing half the basket. they really tasted like stale pitas that had been reused by frying them. i also got some grizzle while eating them that tasted less like seasoning and more like particles of sand. not sure what's going on, maybe a bad day?

Let me tell you about a Silicon Valley gem that's been serving up happiness since 1965 - Falafel's Drive In, a San Jose institution founded by Anton and Zahie Nijmeh in 1966 and co owned by the incredible Jack Nijma (pictured) and his siblings. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a place where memories are made and friendships are formed over some of the most mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine you'll ever taste. I first discovered this culinary treasure back in '91 during my days at Lam Research, and I've been hooked ever since. There's something magical about watching first-timers take their first bite - that moment when their eyes light up and they realize they've just found their new favorite spot. What makes Falafel's Drive In special isn't just their incredibly crispy falafel or their perfectly seasoned hummus (though trust me, they're worth the trip alone). It's the warm welcome you get from the staff, the familiar faces of regulars who've been coming here for decades, and that wonderful old-school drive-in atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time. If you're looking for authentic flavors, generous portions, and service that makes you feel like family, swing by Falafel's Drive In. After all, there's a reason this place has been a local favorite for 6 decades - some things just get better with time.

I've been coming here for over 20 years and hands down the best falafel restaurant in the bay area. I cannot even find a similar place up in the Sacramento area. I usually spend $30-50 each visit. My recent visit they must've had a new guy making falafels because my small was considerably smaller than usual with part of the bread missing. Other than that. They're great and the family is very welcoming. William retired but he was my goto and high energy.

Falafel was AMAZING!! Sorry that the pictures don't show how good it tastes, lol! I'm glad I found this place after watching a tiktok review. However, I'm sad to be just learning about it after being in the Bay area for a year and a half. I will be back!!

I really don't know what all the hoopla is all about at falafels drive in in San Jose, California. Yes it was covered by Guy Fieri on Diners drive-ins and dives, but personally I've had better Gyros. I'll review those at a later date. To me the meat in my falafel was just not seasoned well. It was moist, the fillings, I think they used yogurt was bland and do not lend to the pita bread. The fries were crispy and good tasting. It was ok, but i would not go out of the way to come here. I remember when it was a snow white hamburger drive in.