1. Ice Cream Sandwich at CREAM

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of creamnation.com

It’s hard to do a cookie ice cream sandwich wrong, but CREAM does it oh so right.

2. Menage a Trois at Ike’s Love and Sandwiches

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Ike’s Facebook

Rated the #3 College Sandwich shop in America, any sandwich is a good one, but the Menage a Trois (filled with Halal chicken, honey mustard, real honey, BBQ sauce, and cheddar, Swiss, and pepper Jack cheese,) has the makings of legendary status. Top it with mozzarella sticks if you really want to go big.

3. Sweet S’mores Cupcake at Kara’s Cupcakes

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Kara’s Cupcakes Facebook

Beyond the picture perfect presentation, Kara’s cupcakes has mastered the combination of marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker, but turned it into a much less messy but equally delicious masterpiece.

4. Falafel sandwich at Falafel’s Drive-In

Falafel Drive-In may not look like much, but both us and Guy Fieri know not to judge a book by it’s cover.

5. Tostones at Habana Cuba Restaurant

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of 998cuba.com

What are tostones you may ask? They are fried crispy green plantains, and at Habana Cuba they are served with garlic dipping sauce. Served as a side with most meals on the menu here, the chewiness of the plantain compliments the savory spices in the best way possible.

6. French Macaroon at Cocola Bakery

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of cocolabakery.com

When you want to let your inner Blair Waldorf shine through, these colorful treats are your go-to. The perfect combination of aesthetics and taste.

7. Animal Style at In-n-Out

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of brohammas.wordpress.com

Because you can’t do Cali without In-n-Out, and if you’re there you might as well go big or go home. No foodie bucket list in our state is complete without giving animal style a nod of appreciation.

8. Donuts at Stan’s Donut Shop

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Stan’s Donut Shop Facebook

In the words of one Yelp reviewer, “If Stan’s Donut and Krispy Kreme thugged out in a back alley, Stan’s would have Krispy on the ground in a matter of seconds.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

9. Mint Mojito Coffee at Philz Coffee

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yelp

A jolt of energy with a flavor combination that brings back memories of spring break, what could be better?

10. Pupusas at Yam Leaf Bistro

Yam Leaf is a vegetarian, Salvadorian restaurant famous for its pupusas. Dig into a corn tortilla filled with cheese and your choice of goodies or if you’re really feeling it, go for the dessert pupusa. We think you’ll really be feeling it.

11. Froyo Swirl at Yumi Yogurt

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yumi Yogurt Facebook

Portioning done right. The good folks at Yumi don’t mess around with their froyo.

12. Chicken and Waffles at Lillie Mae’s House of Soul Food

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Lillie Mae’s Facebook

The supreme combination of savory and sweet. Seriously, do yourself a favor and get down there now, it doesn’t get more authentic than Lillie Mae’s.

13. Tofu Dessert at San Jose Tofu Company

Tofu: it’s what’s for dinner, and dessert.

14. Tacos at Taqueria La Veracruzana

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Pair with their horchata and you’re good to go. Don’t forget that free bag of chips and salsa.

15. Veggie Scramble at Sara’s Kitchen

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Just down the street from Santa Clara and perfect for parents weekend or Sunday morning recovery.

16. Butter Chicken at Kabab and Curry’s

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yelp

There’s Indian food, there’s good Indian good, and then there’s reaaaalllly good Indian food. The butter chicken at Kabab and Curry’s falls into the third category.

17. Chipotle Tri-Tip Sandwich at Zanotto’s

Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Yelp

When you can’t decide between Chipotle or Ikes, you really can have the best of both worlds.