St Michael's Alley

(650) 326-2530

806 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301 37.4422 -122.159

Neighborhood: University South

STMIKES.COM

Reviews & Ratings for St Michael's Alley

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10 reviews

What users are saying:

Write a review

Showing 1-10 of 10 reviews

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by michaella

March 17, 2009

I went to lunch at the new St. Michael's Alley on Thursday. It was amazing. The new space has a bar, and casual tables, the colors are warm and inviting. The owners are were there to answered many questions my husband had about the 300 yr. old walnut tree made into the bar and the beautiful farmhouse windows. We started with the Wild Mushroom Cake with creamy garlic herb sauce. Fantastic, I had the Tossed Baby Green Salad with warm walnuts, and warm herb encrusted goat cheese, dried cranberries. The salad was delicious and filling. The cold crisp greens with the warm goat cheese was perfect. My hubby had a bowl of New England Clam Chowder. A bit different than usual with a bacon taste, big clams and potato, very good but different. He followed with a grilled chicken sandwich with prosciutto and fontina cheese on sour dough. Again, a mixture of texture and taste that works. We look forward to dinner next and having drinks on the new patio. Well worth the wait St. Michael's Alley. Good job we will be back with friends.

  • Pros: Seasonal menu, fresh good food, warm and inviting
  • Cons: Didn't see any

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

4 Star Rating: Recommended

by kxjin

December 09, 2008

My favorite brunch place in Palo Alto. I usually get the eggs benedict and blue monkey pancakes. They can get kind of crowded though, so you may want to call ahead and get a reservation. They also have a lot of vegetarian options.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Contributor

November 18, 2008

This small restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I have come here for lunch numerous times and their specials are always wonderful. Their soups are wonderful and their tuna sandwich is always a winner. The staff is friendly, sometimes overly friendly but are very attentive. Their desert sorbets are delicious. I know that whatever I order will be great and that is why I love coming here. I never have to worry about not liking my food.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by marie95120

October 14, 2006

One word: DESSERT! This place has the most delicous concoction: "PROFITEROLES WITH VANILLA BEAN GELATO TOPPED WITH WARM PEANUT BUTTER AND DARK CHOCOLATE SAUCES 6.50" Girls' night out this week, & we couldn't wait to try it, so we ordered it for an appetizer! AWESOME! We had appetizers (mussels and a delicious cheese tart). Thurs. night was the first night of their new fall menu. Between us we had duck, sole, salmon, steak, chicken, and sampled each other's dishes. I particularly loved the maple-glazed (I believe it was) salmon, but everything was very good. The green beans are even worth noting -- very fresh w/just the right amount of snap. Honestly, everyone licked their plates. The portions are not small, so we had had more than enough to eat and were actually quite stuffed. And yet, those darn profiteroles were calling to us again, if you can believe, so we had them again! We also had a couple other desserts -- yummy -- but those profiteroles were the star of the evening. The atmosphere is charming, the service very good. I've given the restaurant a 9 out of 10. The ding is for the waiter, who can make it or break it for you -- you know? He was attentive enough, but entirely lackluster and seemed bored. We asked what he would recommend, but he could not tell us because "it was the first day of fall menu." (New menu not on their website as of today.) We inquired whether they were asked to sample the dishes so they could comment to diners, and he said no. Had he been a little more engaged, this place would be an easy 10++. By the way, this is the first restaurant review I have ever written -- in fact, the first review of ANYthing I've ever written. I was even more detailed, but I was about 1000 words over the limit! I hope things don't go down hill now with the place and I end up steering you wrong. I feel like I'm setting someone up on a blind date! Anyway, if you go, I hope you enjoy it!

  • Pros: Dessert, charming atmosphere, service
  • Cons: Our particular waiter could be more familiar with the menu and pump up the personality a bit.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Contributor

April 28, 2006

This is probably my favorite restaurant in Palo Alto. it has wonderful seasonal dishes and the menu changes with the seasons. it has a lovely intimate atmosphere that is not overcrowded or too loud. I just had a surprise birthday celebration there and the food and service were wonderful.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Contributor

April 27, 2006

Whether dining at lunch or dinner, the offerings at St. Michael's Alley are consistently delicious. Recently opened for dinner, we ate there a few weeks ago and are eager to go back!

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by localgirlknowsall

February 26, 2006

Saint Michael's Alley is really one of the best places to have a romantic dinner in Palo Alto with out any attitude! It is a neighborhood gem! As a vegetarian I have trouble eating out even in "open-minded" Palo Alto. St. Mike's always has something meatless on the menu that is coveted not just expectable. They have even made me an off menu meal that I loved! The service is excellent and the wine list is extensive. Saint Mike's has exceptional quality with a wonderful no-tude atmosphere- a truly Californian restaurant.

  • Pros: Vegetarian Food, Great Service, Neighborhood Gem!

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by paloaltobob

August 06, 2005

St. Mike's has some of the best food in the Palo Alto area. The atmosphere is warm and the service is friendly. They have an extensive wine list full of local wines. We eat dinner there at least once per week and are never disappointed. Food and wine prices are very reasonable. Many of the employees have been there for 8-9 years!

  • Pros: Owners are present, great food, friendly atmosphere
  • Cons: a little noisy when b

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

4 Star Rating: Recommended

by Contributor

July 18, 2005

Simple, elegant new American fare in Palo Alto.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

by uncarved

May 28, 2002

This is a great place for brunches -- I always get their eggs benedict (the hollandaise is perfect -- not too creamy, but just rich enough) or one of their spinach omelette dishes. The restaurant is quaint and intimate, and the service is excellent. The waitresses remembers your name, too! The people here really give the restaurant a feel for the town. I would highly recommend brunch dates here.

Write comment on this review

Advertisement

Things To Do Nearby St Michael's Alley

brought to you by Visa

St Michael's Alley

806 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301

Lists In Palo Alto

Best of Citysearch

Best Nightlife

San Jose

Cheap haircuts. Beefy hamburgers. Sexy bartenders! Discover the best finds in the city.

view more polls & winners

Recent Reviews In Palo Alto

1 Star Rating: Poor

Antonio's Nut House

321 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA

3 Star Rating: Average

Old Pro

541 Ramona Ave, Palo Alto, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Fuki Sushi

4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA

2 Star Rating: Below Average

Joya Restaurant & Lounge

339 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA

Advertisement