In the little hamlet of Portola Valley, you may be surprised to find a bar and restaurant that has been in operation for over 150 years. This is practically unheard of in the heart of Silicon Valley, where rent is high and turnover is common.
Alpine Inn, founded in 1852, was overhauled this summer, and in just the right ways: all the charm is there but so are clean facilities, a gigantic beer garden next to a stream with outdoor games, and a solid selection of craft beer. If we don’t have to drive up to San Mateo for a less magical but still amazing visit to Fieldwork, I’m in. Plus, Alpine has an expansive menu unlike other places that may focus on beer and let the food slide or vice versa. And there’s a pizza truck that I will be back to experience!
My favorite part of our visit this fall was the gigantic pumpkin on the front porch and all massive quantities of twinkle lights in the garden. They always make me feel like I’m on a movie set, and this was no different. The air was so breathable in the garden; adjacent to a stream and giant, old trees, Alpine offers delicious food (I split a burger and salad with hubs) and we felt relaxed just to...be there. There are also giant tv screens–a great spot for a large crowd to watch a game.
Just so we don’t ignore the Silicon Valley in the Portola Valley, “[43] years ago this August, a small team of scientists set up a computer terminal at one of its picnic tables and conducted an extraordinary experiment. Over plastic cups of beer, they proved that a strange idea called the internet could work.” That’s right, folks. The internet was first run at this tee-tiny hole-in-the-wall.
I hear that during the daytime, riders will “park” their horses out front while they take a break. Coupled with the giant yard games, I would definitely bring my toddlers here for loads of entertainment. Combine a kid-friendly event at the Portola Valley Library (Diwali Kids Bolly Jam, anyone?!) with creekside lunch at Alpine, and you’re facing a fantastic day since glorious naps will be had by your children when you get home. And maybe, you, too! The dream!
The Life So Valley 