Los Gatos Restaurants

180 Restaurant & Lounge took over the old Los Gatos Bar & Grill with a fury, swapping out the Hendrix-esque lava lamps and celestially painted ceiling for swanky, industrial-chic décor and strange po-mo art installations (i.e. the lingerie-clad girl behind the window who hangs out reading a book). 180 is one of the newest little hotspots on “the strip”, and has garnered fame among younger hipster crowds seeking their own mini version of a Manhattan lounge.

One of the most popular culinary destinations in Los Gatos, and across the South Bay for that matter, Forbes Mill Steakhouse knocks the proverbial ball out of the park with its' contemporary twists on classic steakhouse cuisine. Also, the bar lounge at Forbes Mill has established itself as a chic watering hole to the hipster set serving eclectic cocktails to the well-heeled thirty-somethings that flock there after work and before a night out sampling the other Los Gatos nightlife.

Johnny's Northside Grill in Los Gatos makes it incredibly easy to stop in and stay awhile with their many TVs showing any and all sports, their awesome grill works that pump out classic American pub fare, their more reasonably priced booze and their back patio complete with a basketball hoop in the parking lot. This little local bar is a favorite for families to hang out at after some gathering or game and even when the soccer wagons don't pull up out front, Johnny's Northside Grill is still packed with regulars sharing stories over a few beers.

Kuleto's, a slightly upscale restaurant and lounge in Los Gatos, serves up the freshest contemporary Italian cuisine because they change their menu daily to reflect the exact ingredients that are in season. But don't think that Kuleto's is a starched linen type of place because they maintain this funky vibe in both the restaurant and lounge that compels diners and drinkers to keep coming back.

With a popular roster of handmade microbrews, including some really good seasonal selections, and a menu that not only covers your pub basics but also moves into more contemporary cuisine, Los Gatos Brewing Company has a firm hold on the Los Gatos brewpub scene. Also, LGBC sports a decent happy hour during the week to unwind your work day wind ups and those in the know skip work all together on Tuesdays when happy hour is on all day long. But, any night or day of the week Los Gatos Brewing Company is always a great place to hang with friends or go for a casual first date.

A simply phenomenal place to start an evening out at or even make an evening of, Steamer's Grillhouse in Los Gatos makes you want to kick back and relax while sipping on some selections from their extensive wine and cocktail lists. Also, Steamer's contemporary seafood cuisine never fails to satisfy compelling one to settle back into their overstuffed chairs for a whole five courser.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5-10pm; Sun 5-9pm
Crowd Age: 27+
Music: Piped in
Amenities: Heated patio, TV
This ornate Victorian mansion is the restaurant of choice for special occasions, holiday celebrations and first dates. The Chart House's raised heated outdoor patio with its view of the winding red-brick walkway and manicured lawns is also popular.

Three Degrees Restaurant and Bar, located inside the Toll House Hotel in downtown Los Gatos, has removed the imaginary lines between an upscale, stuffy restaurant and a kicked back, casual lounge melding them into one. The cuisine at Three Degrees is contemporary Californian using the freshest ingredients available for the chefs to concoct some true culinary masterpieces and we won't even get started on their extensive wine list that features the absolute best of what California has to offer. Also, Three Degrees Restaurant offers happy hour during the week featuring drinks and appetizers at a price that belie the upscale, chic surroundings.

Hours: Daily 4-11pm
Crowd Age: 35 and up
Music: Piano
Amenities: Wine tastings, 5-7pm; Sun champagne brunch; fireplace
Cozy on up to the fireplace at the Toll House Lounge, or stay at the bar and let the waitstaff bring dinner. This loiter-friendly bar has a library feel to it, crossed with sports TV.

Once only known as a secretive little spot for forty-something romantics, the Wine cellar in Los Gatos has been exposed and the younger crowds are moving in to get their taste of the hipper sophisticated life or, as one colleague put it, maybe they're searching for their own Mrs. Robinson. Whatever the reason, people are flocking to the Wine Cellar to sample their extensive—you guessed it—wine selection, imbibe their funky cocktails and dine on their eclectic cuisine in Los Gatos' newest hotspot.