Little Store - Woodside, CA - Guest Review

My good friend Joe Fantuzzi visited the little store in Woodside and had this review.

The Little Store is a historic site in Woodside California in what has now become an residential area. It may have served as a grocery store, hitching post, saloon or all of the above for travellers on buggies or horses going over the mountains to the pacific ocean. It's decor is decidedly western, with red and white checkered tableclothes, black and white photos and other items from the old west.

We had a lovely waitress that greeted us with energy and confidence. She boasted about the Little Store food in a sweet and polite way. The eclectic menu for a western fare had grilled meats and fishes, an assortment of salads, appetizers like quesidilas and burritos and of course many burger sandwich combinations. Nick ordered the Hamburger sandwich for $7.95 and I ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich for $11.95. We accompanied the meal with drinks, Nick had lemonade and Joe had a Fat Tire amber ale.

The hamburger was ordered medium rare, and came quickly with a sesame seed bun, 'best' fries, and a side of lettuce, sliced tomato, cucumber and red onions. The meat was juicy and tender, and didn't need any salt or pepper to make it perfect. Nick added ketchup on the top before sinking his teeth into it. Before 2 minutes passed, the burger was nearly gone, which is not advisable in burger eating decorum. Nick's enjoyment of the burger sans any cheese or sides other than ketchup, let's him rate the pure burger experience at a 4.5 out of 5.0.

All in all, a friendly atmosphere, family ready but with sophisticated fare for all to find the meal they wish.

Village Pub - Woodside, CA

The Village Pub is a very popular upscale restaurant in Woodside. Like Buck’s, it is an institution in Woodside. But it is very high end and expensive. Fortunately, the food usually justifies the expense. It is also a fabulous room to dine in.

There are white table clothes on the tables in the main dining area. Dark burgundy velvet chairs and booths add a touch of elegance. The service is very attentive and better than most higher-end restaurants on the peninsula. They also have a great bar - well stocked with good scotches and other fine spirits.

On a recent trip to the Woodside Pub for dinner, I observed a couple both happily noshing burgers and fries, while the rest of us stuffed shirts were eating Crispy Sweetbreads and Potato Crusted Striped Bass. I inquired as to the burger’s quality. They replied that they dined here often and only ate the burger. It was fantastic.

Never to let a good burger go untested, I decided to drop by at lunch soon after. I sat at one of the round marble-topped side tables in the bar. The service, as usual, was spot on. I ordered the Pub Burger with French Fries ($12). I asked it to be prepared medium and added white cheddar per the waiter’s suggestion.

The burger appeared before I had finished even one article in my New York Times. Even before I tried the burger, I had to snag a fry. They came stacked in a metal cup. Hot, salty, light and crisp, they were nearly perfect. They were cut medium thick and skinless. Yum.

Next I turned my attention to the burger. It came accompanied with many wonderful accoutrements. There were slices of baby tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pickle slivers and pesto mayo. I especially liked the pickled onion strings. They were purple like they had been soaked in beat juice, but tasted sweet like candy. I added the mayo and the onions to my burger.

The cheese was artfully melted and the burger prepared to a perfect medium. The bun, a curious heavy kind of bread, was not my favorite. It almost reminded me of a gourmet English muffin, but it detracted somewhat from the experience. The beef was flavorful, with out too much seasoning. I liked the burger, but it didn’t rock my world.

I guess I was a little disappointed after the ravings of my dinnertime acquaintances, but I could say I had fantastic fries accompanied by a good burger. Combining that all with the great ambiance, I recommend a trip to the Village Pub.

Burger 3.5 spatulas out of 5
Fries 5 spatulas

Village Pub
2967 Woodside Road
Woodside, CA
650-851-9888
http://thevillagepub.net/

Buck's of Woodside, Woodside, CA

Buck’s Restaurant in Woodside is a whacky place where big deals get done. It is run by an eccentric soul who loves to espouse opinions. They are printed right on the back of the menu. (e.g. Why human-caused global warming is bunk.) There are all kinds of fun memorabilia in the store, like a pair of Shaq’s shoes, a painting of Roy Rogers on Trigger and, outside in the parking lot, a giant salmon carved from wood. Legend has it that many a famous start-up has been birthed over a burger or breakfast at Buck’s.

The place was packed at lunchtime on a Wednesday afternoon. I met Jonathon there to discuss a dentistry mission trip to Juarez. We decided to talk teeth and service to others over a burger. We both ordered the Cheeseburger ($10.25) – mine with Swiss and his with cheddar. I got onion strings and he got fries.

Each burger came with a generous portion of lettuce, onion and tomato on the side. The burger was cooked nicely to medium and served on a sesame bun with no condiments. I added ketchup. My first bite revealed a serviceable burger. While not especially juicy or flavorful, it was adequate for the purpose.

The onion strings were much better. Thin and twisted into knots, they were breaded lightly with flour and pepper. Although only luke warm when served, they were still tasty. The fries were medium thick with skins on. Warmer than the strings, they made a reasonable accompaniment to the burger.

Our meal finished, we waived goodbye to the miniature Statue of Liberty and headed back down the hill, in search of better burgers to be found. Jonathon suggested Cable Car Joe’s in San Francisco. The search continues.

Burger 3 spatulas out of 5
Fries 3 spatulas
Onion Strings 4 spatulas

Buck’s of Woodside
3062 Woodside Road
Woodside CA 94062
650-851-8010
http://www.buckswoodside.com/