2 Best Bars in Palo Alto, The Bay Area

A true English pub, this is Palo Alto’s best place for a proper pint of Old Speckled Hen or a pour of a locally-produced double IPA. Evenings bring tech workers and graduate students out to play darts and have lively conversations at the wooden tables inside or at the picnic benches on the narrow patio. Trivia nights are particularly popular in this scholarly area.

Palo Alto’s favorite gathering spot for wines from around the world is this cozy, quirky cottage that looks as if it was lifted out of the Cotswolds. Seating arrangements include several comfortable couches that are popular with date nights. The staff is very knowledgeable about the wines and happy to offer recommendations since the extensive menu can be wonderfully intimidating.