Alice's Restaurant — Restaurant in Woodside

Rolled up on a busy night, looking for live music and dinner. It was close to 6 pm. The parking lot was packed, but I managed to find a spot immediately! The live band was a crowd pleaser with many patrons on their feet, movin' and a groovin'! First stop, the back bar. Checked out the on-tap selection. Not extensive (for a beer snob) but satisfied with my choice of IPA. The characteristic vibe of this place is sort of like an indoor-outdoor pub; lots of patrons in conversation, smiles, hugs, laughter, children playing outdoors, and dedicated servers maneuvering through the seating areas whilst working their rush-hour magic. The menu has something for everyone (well designed) and this visit, I ordered a pizza for the first time ever. Pizzas are available Wed thru Sun, and are beautifully crafted in a secret kitchen, built inside a hollowed-out ancient-growth Redwood tree! (Actually not, but the elves tell you otherwise). My, my! The combo was out of this world! I highly recommend the pizza if it at all indicates while you peruse the menu.

The live music this particular eve was set up on the front stage, a local fave and with a clean sound, not too overpowering for those in the dining area close to the stage. Speaking of dining areas, the options are vast. Food is served off the main menu anyplace you'll find a seat: the bar counter, bar area booth seating, back deck, picnic areas on the grassy perimeter, side deck (which has closed off areas for cooler days & eves) and main dining area in the very front. I don't think there is any "bad" seat in the house. However, it has many open air areas, so dress warmly on cooler days/nights.

One final note on the service: I've never had an unpleasant experience with the service at Alice's. Yes, it's popular, can get busy with a backlogged kitchen, BUT it is worth the wait if so. Many staff are locals who grew up as young patrons and eventually became employees. You'll often feel their heart and soul while making sure you're enjoying the experience of Alice's. Its easy to feel right...

I’ve been riding motorcycles since the early 90s. There’s nothing quite like the hiss of blacktop underneath your feet. Except the hiss pop of piping hot breakfast served in Alice’s. It’s a restaurant straight out of Twin Peaks, with towering pines, the smell of smoking bacon, and a beautifully old wooden bar.

Hard to believe it’s a ten-minute ride from the 280. If you like damn good coffee and damn fine breakfast, then Alice’s is the place to be.

Stepping into Alice’s is like stepping back in time, where the pace of life slows down just enough for you to savor every moment. The staff greets you with smiles that feel as warm as the coffee they pour, which, by the way, is rich, robust, and endlessly refilled. The menu, a hearty homage to classic American breakfast, offers everything from fluffy pancakes dripping with syrup to eggs benedict with perfectly poached eggs and a hollandaise sauce that’s just right.

But what truly sets Alice’s apart isn’t just its food or its ambiance. It’s the congregation of souls from every walk of life. On any given day, you'll find bikers, locals, and the occasional tourist, all drawn together by Alice's magnetic charm.

The ride to Alice’s, winding through the trees, with the cool morning air against your face, is as much a part of the experience as the breakfast itself. It’s a ritual for many, a way to clear the head and awaken the senses before indulging in the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

In a world that’s constantly rushing, Alice’s reminds us of the joy in taking a moment to pause, to breathe in the scent of pine and bacon, and to enjoy the kind of breakfast that’s worth riding out for.

It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a slice of Americana served up with a side of nostalgia. So, if you’re ever near the 280 and hunger for something more than just food, head to Alice’s. You won’t be...

Service was friendly, however I felt it strange that they made us pay upfront for our food. Even halfway through, I asked for a different drink, they made us pay again upfront before bringing it. I watched others get their food and drinks without paying so it was strange that it was just us. I assume it was due to us looking and acting like outsiders since this location isn't just a restaurant, but an actual community. The people that come were obviously "regulars" so while I find it odd, I won't hold it against them. I suppose if I owned a restaurant and 95% of my business was regulars, I too would charge up front for individuals that have a 50% chance to dine and dash, especially in this economy.

Atmosphere was the best! They have repurposed soda glasses for flower vases, real animal skins for their booth covers, and a lot of the original decor from the original owner Alice (who is no longer the owner, due to her opening it almost 70 years ago). Also, a full view of the forest landscape nearby!! No funky smells or eyesores. They're the only restaurant that I've been to that still tenderizes their meat the right way and you can hear the prep for it in the morning (because they have some dishes {meats} that take 24 hours or more for prepping).

Food was prepped, cooked, plated, and sent at an alarmingly perfect rate, as if they have a Michelin chef in the back. I got the Alice' Omelet which was incredible: eggs fluffy, bacon crispy but not too overcooked. My partner got some eggs benedict: eggs not overcooked, very well plated, and it wasn't too small of a portion either. All of the pricing makes sense (:

I came 30 miles / 70 minutes just to come here and go to the beach afterwards, and I will definitely be back again when I pass by in...