1. Ice Cream Sandwich at CREAM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Photo courtesy of Yelp
When you can’t decide between Chipotle or Ikes, you really can have the best of both worlds.