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The Grill on the Alley Restaurant Review

The Fairmont San Jose
172 S. Market St. (San Fernando St.) Send to Phone
San JoseCA 95113
408-294-2244 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
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Retro but stylish all-American menu. The Grill on the Alley Restaurant is one of our 2012 | Top 10 San Jose American Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features

Wine

Great Wine List

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While its name says “on the alley,” this chain is often not on an alley at all but rather sometimes in hotels, sometimes in entertainment complexes. The look, like the food, is retro but stylish. Dark-stained wood and lots of leather give it masculine touches. The comfortable bar, showcasing vintage photos of San Jose, has become a magnet for downtown business people. Fried calamari, steamed littleneck clams, and huge salads are part of the starting lineup. Homey specials include chicken potpie and meat loaf. Some old-time dishes, like calf's liver and onions, are also here, along with traditional prime rib, lamb chops, and a New York strip. There are also a few seafood dishes along with pastas and chicken dishes and a vegetable platter. The portions, especially the steaks, are enormous. The desserts have a made-somewhere-else taste and look.

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