East Palo Alto, CA

Restaurants of assorted cuisines can be found throughout the neighborhood. Mexican restaurants remain a popular asset to the community, but if you have a taste for something different, check out Cafe Zoe on the outskirts of town. This cafe offers smoothies, salads and gourmet sandwiches at decent prices. Check out live musical performances or grab a book off the shelf and stay a while.

Another great dining option, Quattro Restaurant and Bar, is located in the Four Seasons hotel. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant provides meals for a wide variety of palates. The restaurant serves as a quaint location for a business lunch or even a date night. For breakfast, try the chocolate chip pancakes. The assorted pastries also make a tasty treat.

Residents craving Mexican food often head to Taqueria El Jarocho. The carne asada and tacos de chorizo make excellent choices. Friendly service and reasonable prices keep the locals coming back for more. Plus, the restaurant even has a drive-through for those customers who are in a hurry.

Three Brothers Tacos provides another option for Mexican food, and locals enjoy the large portions combined with the affordable prices. The super burritos and the fajitas are among the favorite dishes, but the best bargain is the three taco plate with rice and beans.

Although the area does not sport the wildest nightlife scene, you can find a few sports bars and dive bars in the area. However, many nightclubs and dance clubs surround the area in neighboring cities.

Major highways make traveling accessible in the East Palo Alto area. U.S. Route 101 runs through the southern part of East Palo Alto with frontage roads on both sides of the freeway. The Dumbarton Bridge connects East Palo Alto to Alameda County and carries State Route 84 into East Palo Alto toward U.S. 101.

The East Palo Alto Community Shuttle provides free public transportation, which amounts to a huge perk for commuters. The free shuttle connects East Palo Alto to the Palo Alto Caltrain station and SamTrans buses.

Despite this free service, 63 percent of people living in the area prefer to drive their own vehicles, and parking is readily available. In some sections, locals prefer to bike or walk. Many call ahead for cabs, while Uber serves the entire San Francisco area as well.

Many locals enjoy hanging out at Bell Street Park. The playground includes swings, slides and climbing walls perfect for children at play. Some shaded seating areas surround the playground. Be advised that restrooms and water fountains cannot be found on the property. Also, park on Bell Street and walk over, as there are no immediate parking spots on the grounds. The area is pup friendly, so bring the dog along with you. The family can enjoy a picnic and the company of one another on a sunny day.

People looking to bike or walk along a trail must head out to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. The trail at this nature preserve starts directly in East Palo Alto and continues into Menlo Park. It amounts to approximately a one-mile stretch. You can walk, hike, jog or bike at this location while taking in the beautiful surrounding nature. The bay views will knock you off your feet. Be advised that no restrooms exist along the trail. Bring a bottle of water, too, as you will not find any public fountains. You can bring your dog to accompany you on your excursion.

People prefer to live in East Palo Alto due to its affordability. The cost of living in East Palo Alto is equal to the California average and is 33 percent greater than the national average.

The median rent in the area registers at $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment, which nearly matches the California average. Meanwhile, plan on spending 9 percent more on gas in comparison to the national average. You can find a cheap beer for $4 at a local sports bar. You can also take advantage of the free public transportation shuttle service to save money.

The major shopping center in East Palo Alto, named Ravenswood 101, houses the East Palo Alto Community Farmers Market. This market sells affordable, fresh produce, bringing healthy food to the neighborhood.

Residents also frequent Mi Pueblo supermarket for grocery needs. It serves as more than simply a grocery store, as customers can also enjoy a quick snack or scrumptious meal. Try the street tacos and you will not be disappointed.

A Best Buy, IKEA and other chain stores also reside in this shopping center. Shoppers have the opportunity to head to Ravenswood 101 for all of their various shopping needs.

Many fast food options also surround the shopping center. In East Palo Alto chain stores dominate. Boutiques and family-owned businesses do not reside in the immediate area. However, many other regions nearby have boutiques only a short distance away.