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    The Emerald Hour

    4.3 (91 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Emerald Hour Photos

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    Hamachi Crudo
    Yingshi H.

    The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a hotel. The atmosphere was pleasant, with tasteful decor and warm lighting. We visited late on a Friday night, and the service was still very attentive. Our waiter was kind and patient. The food was beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared. We ordered the Oxtail with Clams and the Hamachi Crudo. The oxtail soup was a bit salty and oily for my taste, but the bread topping was aromatic and delightfully crispy. The Hamachi Crudo was fresh and came with a unique bubble sauce that added a fun and flavorful touch.

    Coffee Martini ($19)
    Janni Linea B.

    Place is located inside of the hotel. Plenty of street parking and they also have a parking garage. Place looked clean and very minimalist which was a plus. The service was good. Our server was very friendly and attentive. As for the food, it was just okay. Honestly, not worth the price in my opinion. We ordered the Cavatelli Pasta ($37), Sobrasada ($20), Chicken Croquetas ($17), and Pan con Tomate ($12). Everything was decent, but definitely overpriced for what you get. I ordered a Coffee Martini which was $19. It was strong, but honestly, nothing special. I'd say this is a one time visit kind of place for me.

    Mushroom pot pie
    Saleen L.

    Located inside a hotel, the girls and I decided to catchup in the lounge area which had a cute and intimate ambiance. We sat at the bar high top seats, and opted for a few drinks and shared some bites. Service was quick in the beginning but a bit slower towards the end when we were checking out, but overall not an issue (we just had to call for our waitress a few times). The lounge/bar menu actually comes from their restaurant Broma which is located within the hotel - overall menu is small & bit limited in variety , but had a clear focus, mainly new American with some unique play on classics. Cocktail menu had a great variety of house cocktails along with wine/beer. Let's dig in: (1) Mushroom pot pie - this came out nice and hot, but unfortunately the flavor was too monotone and rich/heavy. I LOVE mushrooms and although there was great mushroom flavor - this def. needed something else to add bite and or make more dynamic. (2) Fried Artichokes - this was OK, lots of sauce and flavor but def. a bit too salty overall. Was only able to have a few bites. (3) Seasonal Salad - this was tasty and refreshing, the cheese and sauce added a nice richness and texture to the salad - along with the pomegranate seeds. (4) Croquettes - a bit disappointing; the inside was way too salty overall and the bed of veggies had a horrible mushy texture and seemed pretty unnecessary. (5) Tinned Octopus w/ bread - also just OK, can't really go wrong with tinned seafood but could have been spruced up a bit more with acid/herbs/etc. Seemed like they really just served what was in the tin and that was it. Also wished the bread was lightly toasted or warmed. (6) Cocktails: I had a Pisco Sour which was tasty with a nice egg white froth to it. My friend had the G&T, which was standard and very boozy although nothing unique. Also ended up trying their Ramos Fizz - although the cloud was just right, the flavors were odd and not to my taste. Overall - food all leaned a bit too salty and for the price there wasn't anything I found super memorable or would come back for. Drinks were fair, but also nothing amazing. Ultimately the food/drinks were very suited to a generic "hotel" style restaurant - and unfortunately just not a place I'd travel out for.

    This is for Broma the restaurant. We had the best food and service. I want to give a special shout out to James, he was extremely funny and incredibly charismatic. I have to say, he was one of the best waiters I've ever experienced. I don't know how much y'all are paying him but he deserves a raise. Give him his raise! You made our night- Allie and Ivan.

    COFFEE MARTINI: wheatley vodka w/cocoa nib, st. george nola, california sherry, marcona almond orgeat, cold brew ($19)
    Elena N.

    3.5 STARS Date; Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 Time: around 5pm Party of: 2 Meal: Dinner *Chicken Croquetas: traditional spanish fritter, curtido and spanish ham ($17) *Cavatelli: handmade pasta, early summer vegetables, wild green garlic pesto, burrata, and spicy tru e honey ($37) *BASQUE CHEESECAKE: basque style cheesecake, compressed mango, passionfruit curd, graham cracker crumble ($12) *COFFEE MARTINI: wheatley vodka w/cocoa nib, st. george nola, california sherry, marcona almond orgeat, cold brew ($19) *SPARKLING: NV Bohigas, Cava, Brut Reserve, Catalunya, Spain ($15) A girlfriend and I were going to a concert at Shoreline. Since we were running early, we decided to park at the amphitheater and walk to grab some food. After some quick searching, we decided to take the 15 min walk to The Emerald Hour. This spot is basically the hotel lobby bar, so just walk to The Shashi Hotel entrance and you'll see a door that says The Emerald Hour / Broma Restaurant. My CC bill was charged to Broma, so I'm pretty sure Emerald is the bar area and Broma is the dining room. The bar menu seems to be a smaller version of the restaurant menu. Food and drink at Shoreline was going to be expensive, so this was comparable. The portions are small so good for variety and sharing. I wasn't super hungry, but I was thirsty, so I tried a cocktail. I'm more of a spirit forward girl, so this was a lil light for me. But nicely balanced for a cocktail in general. Second beverage was a glass of bubbles which was a healthy pour. Service was pretty good. I did have to ask for a few things a couple of times, but I'm not too strict and judgey about that. One thing to note, they do charge an automatic 20% gratuity. It doesn't look like it was subject to sales tax, so that was nice. Decent place to grab some food and drink before heading to Shoreline. Pricey, but there not much around that's walkable. REVIEW #3482

    Salisbury Wagyu Burger, with gooey mushroom gravy. Served medium rare
    Lawrence M.

    Food was good. Service was below average. Venue was bad. The bar is the overflow when restaurant Bromo is full. Same Bromo restaurant menu, but in a bar setting. They'll serve you in the lobby too, with an industrial exposed concrete chic. I wasn't a fan. Lots of echo, lots of hotel foot traffic. // Appetizers + House bread and olive oil, $8. Unusually good bread, served with flaked salt. Carby goodness. + Olives. Salty goodness - Risotto with pinenuts. You can get it with truffles shavings on top, at $4/gram. Not sure exactly how much a gram of truffle shavings is, but it covered the little bowl of risotto. It was kind of tasteless. // Mains + Green Lentils and Spring Vegtables. Decent hunk of polenta, topped with nicely cooked veggies. The lentils were added as a second thought but weren't good as the veggies. + Salisbury Wagyu Burger. Yes, it was a burger. You could taste the Wagyu. And it had Salisbury meatloaf texture. Kind of strange combination. But what made it work was the gooey mushroom gravy and aoli. It was a messy meal, but worth the $22. // Service - Snobby. Wouldn't seat us despite empty tables. Had to sit in lobby. Where we underdressed? Service there was dismissive, and the guy look uninterested in talking us. - Knowledge. Couldn't answer our questions. Was fish sustainable? (It was not). We had to resort to yelp to get descriptions of items. - Accuracy. Ordered risotto with the truffle topping. It came out without truffles. I think it was intentional. I hate paying $20 tip for horrible service, but it was a date night and I didn't want to seem cheap. And I guess rude servers need to eat too.

    Chocolate mousse
    Caren F.

    Came here for the Janet concert. And tbh, I was a bit disappointed. First the +, service was quick. The ambiance was nice. Second, food was average. We order the some appetizers and a the Crazy thing is the 20% gratuity was already added regardless of the number in your party. But, their was a sentence on the menu that said they "would gladly removed the 20% gratuity... Seriously? Anyway would I come here again... not sure...

    I love the pool side view, gorgeous
    Leonorah N.

    I loved it friendly staff, really good desert . They have the best service and I just love it's location

    Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cocktail.
    Rob F.

    The seasonal pumpkin spice cocktail was worth the wait! Light pumpkin spice was well-balanced within the cocktail. Highly recommend even if you're not a regular pumpkin spice drinker like me. Service was attentive and kind. Ambiance is classy and well maintained; great aesthetic. Cheers!

    $15 CROQUETAS DE BACALAO
    Jo P.

    Cocktails were crafted deliciously and very potent. I think a lot of them are intended more for the sip and savor - take your time enjoy the conversations and live music. I drank mine a little too fast and hit me pretty good but no headache the next day. The servers were friendly - we sat in the lounge area next to the bar. I liked they gave us water without having to ask. The other stand out dish for me was the oyster Rockefeller. I've had many from different restaurants and I can say this was the most juicy and not overcooked/rubbery. The broth inside the shell was delectable too. I could have licked the shell clean. 5/5 drinks 4/5 for starters

    Berries (of which some were moldy boo)
    Kristie C.

    Swanky place right by google offices. Beautiful setting with lots of indoor and outdoor options inside a hotel. Most entrees ~$30, with wine and cocktails to pair. THE FOOD: - Mushroom dip $14 Ok: liked the mushrooms, wasn't a fan of the toast / bread it was served with (was too sweet, and somewhere in between toasted bread, crouton and bread) - Trout $28 MEH: interior was still somewhat raw, and the veggies were overpowered by garlic IMO - Berries (side): some moldy berries were served :( - Tea: asked for mint tea (I can't have caffeine) and was served sencha OVERALL: good for drinks, maybe some appetizers but disappointed by the food. Service was okay, seemed like they're still working kinks out

    Ronesha J.

    What a beautiful bar! Visited while staying as a guest at the hotel. We decided to stop by after having dinner and we were not disappointed. This full bar has a small but beautifully curated cocktail menu. Not to mention the bar itself is very aesthetically pleasing. It is situated right next to the pool and has a beautiful seating area with a fire pit. The drinks were a little pricey but very strong. The bartender was cool and very flexible and was open to making some adjustments to the cocktail to suit my tastebuds. I only wish we hadn't had dinner before we visited so that we could have tried something from the menu! Would definitely return again!!

    Menu
    Tina L.

    Tucked away bar/restaurant inside a resort nestled in the kiddie corner of Google. Who would had known. Dropped our son off to grab a drink and snack. Read about this quaint place and we came from a drink but over welcomed our stay. Lol. Time passes by when you are having such a fantastic time. I ordered the Paloma, anything with a hint of ginger, I'm all in! Bae had his classic old fashion. Victor was the bar manager who hosted us. The drinks were potent as can be. Sip sip savor savor. Shishito peppers to compliment my drink. We also ran into our son's classmate parents too so we shared the bar and talked and talked and talked. The croquetas turmeric and the octopus were phenomenal.

    Pristine bathrooms

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    Outstanding food and great service. They accommodated us easily for our dietary restriction.

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Emerald Hour

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    Bar Underdog

    4.5(46 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    I think it's kind of funny that there is such a discourse amongst other reviews about whether or…read morenot this place is a speakeasy. As a speakeasy enthusiast myself I definitely agree to the fact that it is "hidden" but also it does kinda give corporate vibes a little bit - maybe we can say they "gentrified" the speakeasy experience which is honestly so funny for Palo Alto. But anyways I don't think a classification should stop you from visiting it. The food is actually surprisingly really good. We came with a pescatarian and honestly while the offerings for snacks were a bit slim, every option was really good. I feel like this was the first time where I understood the price even the the quantity is no where close to be desired. One shrimp is like $6 and I was like whoah. Service is definitely more laid back and it's overall just like a more chill atmosphere. I'm fortunate to work nearby so I'll definitely visit this place a few times after work to blow off some steam... And the drinks! Yes they are good! They are also quite strong! Would come back again but also if you're conscious of budget then I'm not sure if you'll find the same value proposition.

    Food: 3 / 5 Service: 3 / 5…read more Ambiance: 2 / 5 Let's start off by making sure that we're all on the same page... This is NOT a speakeasy. Using that language sets up an expectation that neither the ambiance nor the vibe is able to live up to. I can only assume that those reviews that commend this place as a speakeasy have never actually been to a real speakeasy and are more accustomed to box restaurants and bars. I sat at the bar and ordered a bourbon neat with a water back. There were three staff members behind the bar, none of them were particularly friendly or outgoing, which as someone who worked in the industry for years is surprising as a new establishment. Even though it was happy hour time, it was a Wednesday the place was less than half full and good servers /bartenders normally add to the experience and help creat a customer base of regulars to sustain business after the "come see" crowd is over. I ordered d' nuts as a snack and they weren't very special, even a bit overcooked / burnt. Maybe this place is exciting for a Palo Alto crowd that doesn't get out much, especially on the stretch of California given the lack of competition. My guess is that after a few months they will be hard-pressed to find a steady crowd.

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    Horsefeather - Fried Chicken & Three

    Horsefeather

    4.1(215 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    Always have a good time at Horsefeather…read more - Would recommend making reservations, this place gets packed in the evenings - Good spot for a date, with the family, or to catch up with a friend - Small groups are better (4 or less) as the tables are not large - They have a happy hour 3-5 pm with some options for cocktails and bites - Wide range of cocktails on the menu, beers, mocktails, and non alcoholic beer as well - The Korean fried chicken sliders were delicious and very filling! 2 can share if you're looking for a snack - The jalapeño poppers were fire, would def get again I'll be back to try more of the menu.

    4.5 stars rounded up…read more Horsefeather's decor & low ceiling is giving 1970s in your favorite Aunt's basement vibes. It's cozy & weirdly familiar (even though I wasn't born in that decade.) For a menu that's a little all over the place (I mean that in the best way possible; Loco Moco *and* Chilaquiles on one menu is diabolical), every single dish we ordered was prepared just right. If you care about your waistline, do not get the Umami Fries with curried ketchup; that pile of deliciousness will have you addicted like a fiend with its tangy, savory flavoring. Deviled Eggs were standard, if not for the hint of kimchi. I didn't try the Chicken & Waffles or BLT my table ordered. I ate my fair share of Lemon Butter Prawns; a side comes with six pieces & trust me, you won't want to share. The Loco Moco was incredible -- earthy mushroom gravy over sticky sushi rice and a chuck & brisket patty. Topped with an egg (made over medium like I requested) & finished with a side of arugula salad (my favorite greens) & I was full for days (just kidding, hours.) We ordered a lightly-dressed Caesar Salad with avocado just to cleanse our palates from all the rich textures & flavors. I'll be back for dinner STAT, so please save me a seat.

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    Broma - Hamachi Crudo Tacos

    Broma

    3.8(88 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    We were staying at this hotel and decided to have dinner at Broma…read more Skirt Steak - Nicely cooked with a flavorful chimichurri sauce that added a fresh balance. Sherry Braised Pork Shank - The meat was tender and easily pulled off the bone, and the polenta it came with was rich and perfectly creamy. Smoked Salmon & Caviar - A bit too salty for my taste, so this one didn't quite hit compared to the others. The meat dishes were definitely worth it, especially with the generous portions. Overall, a good dinner option if you're in the area or staying nearby -- not necessarily a destination spot, but an easy choice.

    I tried calling to share feedback, but they did not answer which I feel is important to note…read more We don't mind paying for a quality experience--especially for special occasions--which is why we chose Broma to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, we left regretting that decision. From the start, the experience felt unwelcoming when we were seated with our 3-year-old daughter. There was no single overtly disrespectful moment, but the overall tone and repeated small interactions made us feel like we were being judged for having a child with us. At one point, when our daughter accidentally dropped her fork while playing, the reaction we received came across as frustration, which added to that feeling. We understand not every restaurant is designed for young children, but Broma presents itself as a place for friends and family. Instead, we felt like we had to constantly manage and overcorrect normal toddler behavior, which created stress and took away from what should have been a special occasion. Because of that, we didn't feel comfortable raising concerns during the meal when the server checked in--we were more focused on getting through the experience without drawing additional attention. We were also offered an off-menu item without any mention of price. The menu we were given did not list the smash burger, so when I ordered a double, I had no context for the cost. The final price was a surprise, and we would have made a different decision with that information upfront. The food itself did not match the price point. The "smash burger" was not prepared in the style typically expected, and overall the meal felt underwhelming for the cost. Lastly, the billing was confusing. The paper receipt listed "gratuity," while the digital receipt labeled the same charge as a "service charge," making it unclear whether an additional tip was expected. That lack of clarity does not align with the level of transparency expected at this price point. We don't mind paying for a great experience, especially for meaningful occasions, but this visit did not meet that standard and ultimately left us regretting our choice to celebrate here.

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    Alter Ego Cocktail Club & Still OG - A Mexican gin to make a bartender special

    Alter Ego Cocktail Club & Still OG

    4.4(298 reviews)
    11.8 miDowntown
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
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    This place is absolutely fantastic! I happened to stumble across it when looking for a cocktail bar…read morewith a good vibe. Not only are the cocktails special, the small bites menu is super tasty including the Shishito pepper skewers and the Takayoki. The staff are also super friendly and the bartenders are some of the best mixologists in town.

    Alter Ego and Still OG might just be the most cleverly conceived bar concept in the city. Small and…read moreintimate, yes -- but every inch of it is intentional. Let's start with the drinks. The cocktail menu is inspired by records, and you can feel the creativity in every sip. These aren't your standard bar pours -- they're clearly thought out and crafted with personality. If you're someone who appreciates a drink with a story behind it, you'll be in your element here. The live DJ on weekends takes the whole experience to another level. The music isn't background noise -- it's part of the atmosphere, and it hits right. What makes this place truly special is that you're getting two completely different vibes under one roof. Walk into Still OG up front and you get a casual, laid-back energy -- easy conversation, good company, no pretension. Then slip into the speakeasy in the back and the whole mood shifts. Alter Ego is a proper intimate lounge with their full bar, and it feels like a world away from the street outside. The transition between the two spaces is surprisingly seamless and genuinely fun to experience. And they're open late, which puts them in a rare category of places actually worth staying out for. Whether you're there for a chill night out or a proper evening, this place delivers both without making you choose.

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    Flowers Saratoga - Steak something I dunno

    Flowers Saratoga

    4.4(589 reviews)
    11.3 mi
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    Flowers Saratoga is a lively and visually stunning restaurant with an inventive menu and…read morebeautifully handcrafted cocktails. It's absolutely the kind of place designed to impress for a special occasion, with a price point that reflects the experience. The service was warm, energetic, and welcoming from start to finish, beginning with the front desk and continuing through the attentive staff at our table. Every appetizer felt like a conversation piece, taking familiar ingredients and presenting them in creative ways with unexpected textures and flavor combinations. One standout dish featured burrata stuffed inside a hollowed out tomato, which was both clever and genuinely fun to eat. The misoyaki cod was an exceptional interpretation of the classic miso cod, perfectly prepared and deeply flavorful. For dessert, the panna cotta with raspberry sauce was easily my favorite, light, silky, and the perfect ending to the meal. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience and a memorable night out.

    4-5 stars for the food, 10 stars for the service (if I could!). Big shout out to Amanda! If I were…read morethe owner I'd send her to French laundry because you're not going to find other wait staff that's this fantastic. Flowers has the perfect mix of beautiful decor, Michelin level service, and great food without the stuffiness of a snooty, Michelin restaurant. This is what we ordered: Salmon nigiri - 5/5 soo good! There could have been a tad more salmon but it was so fresh. Seriously more fresh and buttery than the sushi restaurant down the street. Tuna tacos - 5/5 my favorite! Crispy wonton tacos stuffed with fresh tuna, along with creamy wasabi and sriracha aioli. Miso Cod - 4/5 this would be soo good but the miso was so salty. Maybe it was an off night. For cocktails, hummingbird was so delish - not too sweet and like with everything else, the presentation was top notch.

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    Bloom - Churro Waffle

    Bloom

    4.3(1.8k reviews)
    8.6 mi
    $$

    That would be our server, Emily. She was outstanding, no matter how busy she was, she made us feel…read moreHeard and appreciated she was terrific. Now, a couple of points to cover. 1. It will be busy you will have to wait, but let me tell you the turnover of the tables by the staff is its own ballet. And once you are shown to your table the wait will be worth it. Point number two order potatoes that are fried in duck fat and sprinkled with garlic and parsley. *if all. I did was return in the future for those potatoes and nothing more the trip is worth it. Now the place is loud and busy and you would not want it any other way the energy is contagious the "Ambiance" is simple you are glad to be there and the employees are glad you are there too.

    Popular American brunch spot, well-lit and decent indoor and outdoor seating. Servers are friendly…read moreand helpful. Didn't need a reservation to sit, but I assume it's much more crowded on the weekends. Parking was fine. Ordered French toast, avocado toast with poached egg, carnitas Benedict, and Churro waffles. Honestly, everything was a bit average and lacking flavor. The churro waffles were by far the favorite and the best deal, price to taste-wise. Definitely get it if you're gonna try anything here. Otherwise, Bloom was slightly lackluster for me. Nothing terrible, but I prefer Sweet Maple as a brunch spot.

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    The Emerald Hour - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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