Mustard Cafe
Mustard Cafe recently opened in the new strip mall on The Alameda where the new Chipotle is located. It appears to be the first Northern California location of a Southern California chain. I have eaten lunch there twice and they have a very good selection of salads and sandwiches. Their breakfast menu also looks good - I will need to try it soon. Both times it wasn't very crowded and the food came quickly. It has a casual, relaxed atmosphere that would be suitable for kids. There is street parking in front and a parking lot in the back.
Cafe Rosalena
Cafe Rosalena has the best sausage breakfast burrito I have ever eaten, and for a reasonable price. It comes with red salsa, but be sure to also try their homemade orange salsa. The cafe can get very busy, especially at lunch time, and sometimes it takes a long time for the food to be ready. Their chicken taco salad is also very good and comes with a hearty helping of chicken.
Taiwan Restaurant
A friend recommended Taiwan a couple of years ago and I've been going back ever since. Their food has been consistently tasty and they have a very good selection on their menu. It does get crowded, so takeout is also a good option.
Denica's Real Food Kitchen
Denica's is a casual cafe and bakery that is perfect for lunch. However it does get crowded and there can be a wait, so I recommend calling in your order ahead of time. It is located in a small strip mall and the parking lot can get very crowded, but the food is fresh and their "house" salad is simple, but tasty. And don't forget dessert from the bakery.
Kara's Cupcakes
This is a very cute store with one focus: cupcakes. The hardest decision is which flavors to try. The cupcakes are not cheap - at least $3 each - but that seems to be the going rate these days for "gourmet cupcakes". We tried three flavors and our favorite was the banana cupcake - yum!
The Counter Santana Row
The Counter is a fun concept in that there are options for every aspect of the "burger" you order. There is something for everyone, which makes it a good place for picky eaters, including chicken, turkey and veggie burger options. The hardest part is deciding what combination you want to try! There is a casual atmosphere, but they do not take reservations so when it is busy there is a wait for a table. And, yes, the sweet potato fries are excellent.
Amber Dhara
I met a friend here late on a weeknight and it was fairly crowded, but we were seated right away. It has a nice bar area that would be a good place to meet for a drink before dinner. We tried a number of different dishes which were all tasty, but the goat cheese naan was definitely my favorite. Depending on what you order, though, the prices do add up.
Head To Toe Salon
I have been going to Head to Toe for the past few years and have always been happy with the results. It's not cheap, but they do a good job and the staff is friendly. I recommend going during the week, as Saturdays get very busy. Their stylists have varying levels of experience, so you may want to ask some questions when making an appointment for the first time. For me, Michelle does an excellent job.
Wahoo's Fish Taco
We went to Wahoo's last night before going across the street to see a movie. There wasn't a wait to order our food and, once ordered, the food came very quickly. The prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly. The food seems fresh and is very tasty. And for those of you who don't like fish, they also offer chicken, carne asada and carnitas.
Antonella's Ristorante
I've been to Antonella's multiple times and the food has always been excellent and the staff is very friendly. They serve traditional Italian dishes and their pizza is very good for dining in or takeout. I enjoy eating on the heated, covered patio where there is a casual, relaxed setting. The parking lot is rather small, but there is nearby street parking. And for those who live in the Rose Garden district, it is a very pleasant walk.
