Black Angus Steakhouse - (3 of Five)
(2011) This is a great family steakhouse that offers a quiet and more private dining experience due the the high booths breaking up the dining area. Watch for great coupons, for example we both had Lobster, Steak and Shrimp entrees and two glasses of wine plus one Bulls Chelada (beer Bloody Mary) for $57 plus tip.
http://www.blackangus.com/

Copper Skillet Courtyard - (4 of Five)
(2011) Steve had the 2 and 2 (two eggs and two sausages[there were three sausages]) and Marnie had an omlete. The food was great. Jack - the owner of this charming restaurant was friendly and hard working, right along side the waitresses, waiting and bussing tables. Steve asked about the delicious coffee but didn't catch much but that it was local. Two can feast for under $25.

El Tapatio - (Three of Five)
(2011) A family Mexican restaurant with a separate bar, Ana, our server was friendly and polite. For an appitizer we shared Jalapeno Poppers. Marnie had the Carnitas and Steve had the Tres Amigos Fajitas. The feast came to $50.


Jack's Restaurant & Bar - (4 of Five)
(2011) A new restaurant in downtown Pleasant Hill, we tried the Bacon Mac (not as good as Marnie's) and the Sunset Boulevard Burger. It was all good and a pleasant, if a little sterile, atmosphere. Steve found out they are open for breakfast and had the Carnivore Omelet which was very good. They were a little slow on coffee refills but there was a great view of the fountain.
http://jacksrestaurants.com/

Los Panchos - (3.0 of Five)
(2012) We heard great things about our local taqueria so when they reopened for the new year after the holiday break we tried the Carnitas Chimichanga which had undeclared beans and Chili Relleano. On another visit we tried the tacos (chicken and beef) and the Super Burito (no beans, they make Steve sick). The flavors are really good and the portions are satisfying. There is very little seating outside so be prepared to take the food to go if there isn't a table available. Two adults can get their fill easily for $10!
http://www.lospanchosrestaurant.com/

Magoo's Grill - (3.5 of Five)
(2011) The ambiance of this bar & grill was a little weird but we were there early for dinner, the few people that were there all seemed to know each other like in a smaller community. The servers were very pleasant and attentive and the food was great. Steve had the bacon cheeseburger which was generous and had a great smokey flavor. It went well with a Guinness. Marnie had the fish & chips. The fish was a little greasy but very good and the fries were crispy, just the way we like them. Dinner for two plus one drink was less than $20 plus tip.
http://www.magoosgrill.com/

Mazza Grill - Another new restaurant Mediterranean, in downtown Pleasant Hill, we were served Shawerma Meat Salads by a friendly man named Ed. The food was savory and delicious but they did not have an unsweetened beverage that Steve could drink. We enjoyed the cafe' style atmosphere but next time we will get the meal to go.

Mr. Lucky's - (2011) Marnie had eaten here once before. We stopped in to this Bar & Restaurant on a Saturday, Marnie had the Guacamole burger and Steve had the Bleu Cheese and Bacon burger and a glass of house Merlot. It was all very good and we will go back. The Manager made us feel welcome as valued customers. There is outdoor seating on the creek and we might try that some summer evening. Dinner for two came to $32 plus tip.

The Original Pancake House - (2.5 of Five)
Steve had the Ham & Cheese omelet which was huge and somehow "fluffy". The portion was enough for three meals. Marnie had eggs and bacon. All the food was good. Our server Jocelyn was friendly and helpful but must have been a bit overloaded as we had to ask for coffee refills and a take-home box twice. It was a very pleasant experience and I suspect two people would dine like royalty for less than $30 while two people could easily share an omelet for $11.

ShaadZee Bakery Bistro - (3 of Five)
(2011) Marnie had the bacon cheeseburger which was cooked to perfection and the sweet potato fries were somewhat crisp which is rare to find. Steve had the Salmon Plate which was a beautiful presentation, delicious flavors in the salmon, hard boiled egg, capers and vinegar. The only complaints we could have would be Steve's asparagus was a little tough (about 1/3 stalk) and we had a hard time getting refills on our beverages. Steve had the house red which was quite good. For the quality of the food we thought this was good value for two entrees and two glasses of wine for $42.
http://www.shaadzeebakerybistro.com/

Tahoe Joe's - (3.5 of Five)
(2011) This is a Steakhouse restaurant and bar. Natalie our server was dignified and professional. We started with Calimari Steak Strips then Marnie had Joe's Steak Salad and Steve had the Roasted Chicken with a side of Joe's Steak mushrooms. All was good but the $65 bill seemed high for the atmosphere.
http://www.tahoejoes.com/

Thai Village - This is a quiet restaurant in Pleasant Hill, one of our repeat favorites for datenight. Ask for hot, it is okay, it is not "Thai hot."

Viano Vineyards - This quaint little winery is still run by family members. Sharon, our pourer, was kind and friendly and took genuine interest in us. The prices are very good especially considering how good the wine is. A bonus, the winery and tasting room were nearly walking distance from our home, a great find!
http://www.vianovineyards.com/