Horsefeather Palo Alto — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Just found out that the renowned SF Nopa cocktail bar, Horsefeather, had recently opened a new location at the back end of Town & Country Village in Palo Alto. After a work meeting, I stopped by with a co-worker to scope it out off-hours. After we found a parking spot behind Trader Joe's, we walked back toward Horsefeather, which had big crystal clear windows out front.

Upon entering, it feels like a groovy 70s-style interior with wood paneling from ceiling to the floor and bright yellow stained glass panels. The service was very friendly and welcoming. We placed an order to share the Double Cheeseburger and Red Beets & Strawberries salad. For cocktails, the Lowrider (hibiscus mezcal, cucumber, agave, fresh lime) caught my eye and my co-worker ordered Birds of a Feather (barbados rum, blood orange aperitif, lime leaf, pineapple gomme, black cardamom, fresh lime).

The Lowrider was an excellent choice; it had a deep crimson color garnished with three razor thin slices of cucumber. The flavor was sublime and refreshing with floral citrus notes. My co-worker enjoyed his Birds of a Feather. I may try that or the Breakfast Punch on my next visit. They do have some quality beers on draft such as Laughing Monk Pilsner, Almanac Sournova, Dkkaebier Yuza Blonde and some red and white wines. There are also three mocktails available for non-alcohol drinkers.

The entrees of Double Cheeseburger and Red Beets & Strawberries arrived not long after, nicely plated. The cheeseburger had a heaping mound of caramelized onions and melted cheddar stacked on top of two grilled patties, which were in between the brioche buns. It was nicely cut in half for us to share. It is served with a little dish of sweet pickles and a side salad with dijon vinaigrette.

The Red Beets & Strawberries is served on a bed of arugula, pistachio ailade, spicy chevre and roasted apple vinaigrette. The beets have that perfect dense texture and muted sweetness. It's sizeable enough to be a light meal. There are quite a few other menu items that I'd like to try such as the Cochinita Pibil Tacos and Risotto Alla Milanese, but that will have to wait for another day. For now, I'm excited that the Peninsula & South Bay community has one of the top SF cocktail bars closer to home. Definitely looking forward to...

I won’t go back. I recommend you do the same. Within walking distance, you could find many other good places.

The service was so bad and the staff were so rude that I don’t even care about the food. As a new establishment, you would think they would go the extra mile to provide customers with a good experience; but it was the exact opposite. It felt like the requirement for hiring staff is rudeness.

Here are a few examples: 1- We had 2 tables since our group was large. Our kids were sitting on one table, all playing on their ipad and eating. No noise or anything. The waiter told us he is going to move them to another table (imagine moving 4 kids and their food to another table). He said it is because the neighbors have complained. After the waiter left, I went to the only table next to the kids’ table, apologized and offered them drinks on us; the guest at the table were surprised and they told me they did not complain. The waiter even saw me talking to them, he walked away and did not come back.

2- We ordered some simple drinks (wine and OJ), nothing that would require work; it took them close to 20 minutes to serve. I had to remind them a few times, they acted as if they didn’t know!!!

3- I asked them for a high chair, they said they don’t have any; which is odd; but whatever! Later I asked the hostess if they have a changing table and she said no. So i changed my son’s diaper in the street. Then my friend went to use the restroom and she told me that there is a changing table. So the hostess was either lying or so disconnected from the place she didn’t even know!!!!!

To the owner of this establishment: there is no shortage of good food in the Bay Area, even within walking distance of your restaurant. You need to raise the bar on who you hire. Find people who respect your customers, unless...

Horsefeather is the latest upscale restaurant to land in Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village. It takes over the former spot of Bar Method and is nearby the nook of casual dining spots including Oren’s Hummus, Roost and Roast, and Sushi House.

The restaurant is table service and is open for both lunch and dinner. We stopped by for lunch and it’s a great menu featuring both cocktails, interesting appetizers and diverse main courses.

Pricing is moderately expensive (entrees $20-30) and probably higher than the high school demographic that often dines at the more casual options nearby. This is Horsefeather’s second branch and the new American cuisine is more an alternative to the nearby upscale Teleferic Barcelona.

We tried a sampling of dishes and everything came out timely with solid portions. The fried chicken is solid and the risotto was well done.

It’s a great spot to catch up with friends or to stop by when shopping at Trader Joe’s and I’m sure it will do well.

📷 Duck Fat Fries ~ $11 / Fried Chicken & Three $30 / Risotto Alla Milanese $24

Reservations are recommended although not required. Dining is indoor only. Credit cards accepted including...