Menlo students can frequently be seen making their way back to campus from downtown Menlo Park, often with a latte in hand. To many, downtown is the center of Menlo student culture. This idea got me thinking — what makes a great downtown? Is it the vibrant mix of shops, the irresistible food spots or the people that breathe life into the streets? Inspired by my strolls through local downtowns over the years, I set out on a mission to discover which Bay Area downtown truly offers the best vibes, shopping and eating experiences. After plenty of exploration (and too many boba stops), here’s my definitive ranking!
Overall Best: Palo Alto
Palo Alto’s downtown is the best in the Bay Area, no question about it. It attracts a diverse community of people, including students from Palo Alto High School and Stanford, local families and other communities alike. There’s always people walking their dogs, pushing strollers or just hanging out.
The recent addition of clothing store Brandy Melville has definitely increased the popularity of the already-crowded area; now, you will often find teenage girls (myself included) meandering down the sidewalks toting Brandy’s signature navy paper shopping bags.
Not only does the area fit in a movie theater, but there’s also a never ending selection of highly rated restaurants and food spots. Some of my personal favorites include Mr. Sun Tea, Tong Sui, Somi Somi, Verve Coffee Roasters and Nola, a Cajun-style restaurant. And of course, I can never pass up a brunch at Sweet Maple — their matcha mochi waffles are to die for. University Avenue, the downtown’s main street, has an unmatched ambience and sets a high bar for all the Bay Area’s other downtowns.
Second Place: Burlingame
The Palo Alto of the north, Burlingame’s downtown is my favorite as you travel farther north up the Peninsula. The wide variety of big chain stores, ranging from Lululemon to Vineyard Vines, is a shopaholic’s heaven. Many Menlo students live near Burlingame, and their overall opinions are very positive; Sephora and Starbucks are fan favorites, and students adore the wide variety of shops and restaurants. Burlingame downtown is also the perfect size, not tiring but also not boring to stroll around. A few boba places such as TPumps also add some bonus points for me. In the few times that I’ve visited, the downtown’s atmosphere can feel a bit cold and lacking in ambience, but overall the restaurant and shopping scene is on point.
Third Place: Mountain View
I have fond memories of Mountain View’s downtown from when I was younger, and they often involve the variety of restaurants I dined in. Although Mountain View’s downtown might not be the place for you if you’re looking to go clothing shopping, the different cuisines from all around the world make up for it. Asian restaurants line the bustling Castro Street, from Udon Mugizo to Little Lamb Hot Pot to YiFang Taiwanese Fruit Tea. Well-known chain bakeries such as Paris Baguette and Alexander’s Patisserie can also be found, offering an early morning pastry and coffee. Nearly every restaurant you’ll find is filled to the brim with ambience and chatter. Whether you’re a large family with young children or a couple looking for a sophisticated date night, you are sure to find a place to grab a bite that is to your satisfaction. Even better, every food spot is open until at least 9:30 p.m., later than most other downtowns. You can never go wrong with a good Friday night meal in Mountain View.
Fourth Place: Los Altos
Charming and residential are the first two words that come to mind when I think of Los Altos’ downtown. The quiet streets and small businesses that are sprinkled along Main Street create a peaceful and sleepy atmosphere — unlike with nearby downtowns, I get the sense that the only other people wandering around are natives of Los Altos, creating a residential town vibe. But don’t underestimate the muted atmosphere, especially when referring to the food scene: Los Altos’ downtown is home to Satura Cakes, my all-time favorite bakery in the Bay Area. Their freshly made matcha cream puff and red velvet cake are truly to die for. Manresa Bread is a close second, and their signature monkey bread gives Satura a run for its money. Dinner and lunch spots of every cuisine, too, are everywhere. The downtown also is home to a variety of adorable home decor and trinket stores, and overall is a good option to visit for a relaxing Sunday morning. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking to go on an outing later than 8:30 p.m., this downtown is not for you.
Last Place: Menlo Park
This might spark outrage in a few of my fellow students, but to me, downtown Menlo Park just does not meet the same standards of quality as the rest of the areas in this list. When I joined Menlo in ninth grade, I was very excited about the campus’ proximity to downtown; I thought I would be going downtown every day, getting a refreshing boba from Mr. Green Bubble or a cute drink from Starbucks. I was wrong. Menlo Park’s downtown isn’t all bad. There are a few furniture or home decor shops, and the French patisserie Mademoiselle Colette is definitely a highlight. However, that’s about where the variety of food option ends — you can only go to Mr. Green Bubble or Starbucks so many times. Add that on top of the frequent construction that makes the sidewalks not walkable, and weird stench in every alley, and you have a downtown that is simply not all that desirable.
I had so much fun writing about some different Bay Area downtowns, and after trying numerous food spots, I can say that those trips were very much worth it!
