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Pho Vi Hoa

Pho vi Hoa is famous among the more voracious eaters at Paly. Its charm is best summarized by senior Oren Carmelli, who hails it as “the chronic” and “the perfect lunch to go with my lunchtime activities.” Pho vi Hoa is located in the San Antonio Shopping Center.  It should be noted that those crunched for time may find the trek here a bit long. It’s best to have a prep period or be prepared to be late if you plan on making the journey. However, the voyage to Pho vi Hoa yields some of the freshest and most scrumptious food in Palo Alto.
 

A regular bowl of Pho costs about $7.00. Considering the amount of food you get, this is a steal. The broth is always flavorful, and Pho vi Hoa places free condiments on the table that will add even more flavor to your soup. Favorites are the P-4 ($6.85). Featuring beef-brisket, it’s simple yet filled with flavor, and P-1 ($6.85) where you can order raw meat on the side to cook in your soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, the P-13 (6.85), features some more interesting types of meat, like tripe.
 

4546 El Camino Real / (650) 947-1290

 

Peninsula Creamery

Located just a few blocks away from Palo Alto High School, the Peninsula Creamery and Grill has been in operation since 1923. Serving up a wide array of all-American food, the Creamery serves up burgers, shakes and fries. However, the wide variety of ingredients and toppings make their sandwiches the best on their menu.

Spinach, chicken, mushrooms and swiss cheese combine to create the deliciousness known as The Popeye ($7.50). Biting into this savory combination of meat, cheese and vegetables instantly makes the visit to the Creamery worth it.
 

Those favoring something spicy may wish to order the New Chicken Sandwich ($7.50). Commended by Paly senior Brent Schroder for being the “best sandwich,” the New Chicken is a spicy concoction, featuring chicken, BBQ sauce, avocado, jalapeno and bacon on a hamburger bun. Eating the New Chicken Sandwich requires many napkins and some strong taste buds, but the spiciness and messiness is just part of the experience.
 

900 High Street / (650) 323-3176

 

Ike's

Again, a prep period may be necessary to make it to Ike’s and back in time for class. It is well worth your time to make the visit though, as Ike’s is famous for serving up some of the most delicious sandwiches in the Bay Area. It’s not the easiest place to find; you’ll have to delve deep into the heart of Stanford. There’s no sign outside indicating where it is either.
 

The Menage A Trois ($9.99) is their most famous sandwich. BBQ sauce, chicken, honey mustard and swiss cheese tastes good when combined. The first bite will eliminate any worries about being late for class and replace them with complete ecstasy. This sensation is replicated in their other sandwiches as well. The Matt Cain ($9.99) is another legendary sandwich. Featuring Ike’s Godfather Sauce, provolone cheese, roast beef, salami and turkey, it is sure to captivate the heart of any meat lover. 

What makes Ike’s such a classic is their outstanding sauces, combined with tasty meats and fresh bread. One of the best sandwich places in the Bay Area, it’s worth making the trip to.  
 

475 Via Ortega / 94305

 

The Cheese Steak Shop

Some make the journey to Panda Express. True champions make the journey to The Cheese Steak Shop. Located on the corner of El Camino and Cambridge, just across the street from Panda Express, The Cheese Steak Shop serves up many different forms of the Philadelphia classic.
 

The premium cheesesteaks are the best deal. A 10-inch specialty cheesesteak costs $7.29. These specialty cheesesteaks are outfitted with toppings ranging from spinach and mushroom to bacon. Ten inches of cheesesteak is more than enough to fill even the hungriest person. When combined with a drink, the combination of cheesesteak and beverage is a true feast. Only the hungriest should order a side of crunch curly fries ($1.79). This resulting trifecta of cheesesteak, drink and fries is sure to result in a happy stomach.
 

An intelligent customer will call in their order, as The Cheese Steak Shop often attracts quite the crowd during lunch hours. Be sure to grab plenty of napkins on the way, because it’s gonna get messy.  
 

2305 B El Camino Real/ (650) 326-1628

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