'nother great hangout spot

aside from downtown Pleasanton, another superb area in the East Bay is downtown Danville. It has many similarities to downtown Pleasanton. It has a European vibe to it. Many of the buildings were Victorian homes that have been converted to shops and restaurants. Good planning by the city commission. Create the nostalgic feel for the old times while making the buildings profitable. Parking can also be somewhat of an issue. I saw about 4 women biking to one Irish pub. Hey, the atmosphere there makes biking another good exercise besides walking. It's safe to be there at night as it's well lighted and the multitude of restaurants and fancy bars make for good rest stops, people watching, a great night out with friends. My friend and I went to a restaurant called Sideboard . The décor is very unique. It's country western with style. A combination of Pier 1 and American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, and The Gap. Why? you say. Walking inside the restaurant to be greeted by
light covered tree branches covering the door. The waitresses and the girls there literally look like they stepped out of The Gap with their stylish jeans and top combinations. Behind the rustic tables are shelves lined with wicker baskets that I saw in Pier 1 sometime back. Great indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating makes you feel like you're in the middle of the action inside. The umbrella covered tables outside provide shade on a hot day and give you a great view of the surroundings. Going into the menu. Try some of the water even if you normally don't drink water in a restaurant. The pitcher is decorated with thin neatly cut slices of lemon and leaves to give it a lemonade like taste. The sandwiches there are absolutely delicious! Soft bread, rich mayonnaise, fresh pastrami, ham, turkey cold cuts. The side salads are also delic! Freshly cut spinach with a sweet tasting fresh dressing. Another highlight, those delicious sandwiches and salads don't leave you feeling stuffed. When you're done eating, burn off the calories by taking a walk around. Aside from the shops and restaurants, you'll see the old Danville hotel which is currently under reconstruction. A side note, even though you're going there to have fun, seeing the old Victorian buildings, especially the hotel, gives you a sense of what Danville was like in the past and how it helped shape today's Danville.