San Jose with friends

Local tipSit at the old garage bay windows, the shop still has its 1935 gas-station bones

1 min walk to the next stop

Local tipGo early on a Saturday before the chichi dango sells out

1 min walk to the next stop

Local tipAsk for the noodles firm and try the tan tan if you want something different

9 min drive to the next stop

Local tipWalk the upper pond first, it's quieter than the main path by the koi

6 min drive to the next stop

Local tipAsk Allen what just came in, the new arrivals turn over fast

Local tipGo for the hand-crafted cocktails, the menu changes with the season

8 min walk to the next stop

Local tipAsk about the next author event, they've hosted them since 1979

1 min walk to the next stop

Local tipBuild a cheese board and let them walk you through a glass you haven't tried

8 min walk to the next stop

Local tipGet the Wisconsin-style custard, it's the thing that sets this shop apart

12 min walk to the next stop

Local tipCome Friday or Saturday for live music, weeknights are resident DJs