When it comes to great food and restaurants, San Joaquin can certainly hold its own. In the past five years alone, we’ve seen an emergence of top-notch, brand-new restaurants modeled after those of the big cities, both in cuisine and atmosphere. But the real standouts are the restaurants that have been here for forty years and are still serving some of the best cuisine around, while also molding and shaping with the online times by learning from resources like this restaurant review article, using fresh, local produce whenever possible so they can stay on top of the game. We feel lucky to be able to enjoy these San Joaquin chefs and restaurants in our own backyard-so dig in and enjoy!
Asian-Cajun Crawfish
95 W. 11th St., Ste.103
Tracy, (209) 207-9940
asiancajuncrawfish.com
Asian-Cajun Crawfish is truly a family owned and operated Cajun Seafood style eatery that Jose and Alice Gimenes, along with daughter Janelle Gimenes and fiancé, Jeremy Magtoto have opened in the heart of Old Town Tracy. Although new to the restaurant industry, Magtoto has over 20 years experience in food and beverage. So when the family wanted to open a restaurant they turned to Magtoto to head the project and bring Asian-Cajun Crawfish from concept to fruition, ultimately it was a family effort because there are so many details that not one person can do it all. They wanted to provide a total experience that encouraged family interaction with each other as well as the food not to mention the personal interaction from their family to those families that come in and most come often.
Bud’s Seafood
314 Lincoln Center
Stockton, (209) 956-0270
budsseafood.com
Bud and Matt Milsaps have owned and operated Bud’s Seafood Grill since 1993. Bud’s food can best be described as “simple and fresh.” Voted “Best Seafood Restaurant ” in San Joaquin County every year since 1994, Bud’s provides the ideal seafood dining experience with an extensive menu of fresh seafood, and a variety of beef and chicken entrees, as well as delicious salads and fresh homemade desserts. Every Sunday Bud’s offers a scrumptious brunch served from 10am-2pm. Bud’s offers a full-service bar, patio dining, and a banquet room available for up to forty guests. Bud’s takes pride in catering for special events such as weddings, office luncheons, company picnics, and birthday parties. Bud’s tow-behind barbeque allows for on-site grilling. Bud’s catering is delicious, and as simple and fresh, light or heavy as your needs may wish!
Peking Restaurant
7555 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, (209) 957-0617
pekingstockton.com
William Chu, partner of Peking Restaurant, welcomes you to taste the cuisine of both Shandong and Szechuan province of China. Established in 1979 by his father Bill Chu, the restaurant serves an extensive array of Chinese delicacies sure to please. Customer favorites include Hot Braised Fish (whole rock cod quick fried then braised in a spice-filled sauce), Potstickers (prepared fresh on the premises), Hot and Sour Soup (many swear to it as cold remedy), and Peking Noodle Soup (an assortment of meats and seafood with shredded vegetables in a rich broth). Whether dining in the warm and friendly atmosphere, picking up a quick dinner to go, or having a meal delivered, Peking is committed to making your meal a memorable one. Catering available.
Tracy Thai Restaurant
Family Owned and Operated
1035 Central Avenue
Tracy, (209) 833-9703
Currently, we are in 7th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.
M&J Bistro, A Taste of San Francisco
2515 N Tracy Blvd.
(Grantline Rd @ Tracy Blvd)
Tracy, (209)832-2727
www.mjbistro.net
Chef Jason D. Rucker of M&J Bistro is proud to offer one-of-a-kind casual, fine dining in Tracy. Our Seasonal French Basque-California fusion cuisine offers crepes, seafoods, steaks, pastas, chops and more. We strive to bring you a big city dining experience through cuisine, atmosphere and service. We have an all day menu, so join us for lunch or dinner. Enjoy new menu items such as: crab and shrimp stuffed trout, blue shell mussels in garlic wine sausage marinara and our house-made clam chowder. Be sure to save room for our fabulous dessert crepes. We cater and offer our restaurant facility for your private business meetings and special events.
Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm 5pm-9pm Sundays Available for private parties. Your Taste of San Francisco right here in Tracy.
Rosewood Bar & Grill
28 S. School St.
Lodi, (209) 369-0470
rosewoodbarandgrill.com
Rosewood Bar and Grill is where you will find the Chef who holds the title of “Best Fine Dining in Lodi” for the last five years, and he is not about to give it away. Chef Iradh was born in Mexicali, Baja California and was raised to use fresh Produce and Proteins from the area. (The Mexicali Valley is one of the largest and most fertile valleys in Mexico, sourcing over 50 different crops.) Iradh has spent years training with award-winning Chefs as far East as Maryland and as far West as the 27th floor of the Casino Morongo. Come into Rosewood and taste the freshness the local valley has to offer. Now open for lunch from 10am -2pm Friday and Saturday with a champagne brunch on Sundays.
Mikasa Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
2610 S. Tracy Blvd Suite 110, Tracy, (209)830-8288 mikasabistro.com
Mikasa Japanese Bistro
15138 S Harlan Rd, Lathrop, (209) 858-1818
Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa first opened its location in Lathrop. 6 years later, the Yu’s chose Tracy for there newest location stocking a full bar with an great selection of sake, wine, drinks and beer. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill! Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to there success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Stop in today to see what the buzz is about.
AVE on the mile
2333 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, (209) 462- 5283
www.aveonthemile.com
AVE on the mile, a three category winner three years running in the Best of San Joaquin is the brain child of best friends Kevin Hernandez and Jason Laurenti. A fusion of hip and trendy blend with a down to earth quaintness and charm is a hard recipe to realize, yet AVE on the mile has done it all. Owner Kevin Hernandez, a Stockton native with his impeccable hospitality is the perfect compliment to the edgy industry experienced management team of John McMahon (manager) and Kitty Elizabeth Wong (event coordinator) alongside the culinary creations of Chef Nathaniel Kutch. Chef Nate has some interesting surprises up his sleeve for the coming seasons, so be sure to ask about their amazing dinner specials. AVE boasts a combination of warmth and pizzazz, open floor plan and ceilings, gorgeous back bar and seating, fireside patio, trendy cocktails and tapas/small plate menu. The backbone to the success of AVE on the Mile is in the focus on customer attention, needs and satisfaction, but can best be summed up in their tag line,”Redefining Class”.
Mile Wine Company
2113 Pacific Avenue, Stockton
ON STOCKTON’S MIRACLE MILE
www.milewinecompany.com
Sommelier & wine geek, Paul Marsh is the proprietor of Mile Wine Company, a hybrid wine + panini bar, gourmet food + wine shop & restaurant, featuring seasonal small plates. Debuting on the Miracle Mile in September, the multifaceted concept is like nothing else in
Stockton. Paul is a masterful authority on food and wine, having overseen the 25,000-bottle cellar and dining room at Sacramento’s Firehouse Restaurant for the past five years. With over ten years of experience in wine sales and winery operations. Paul shares this adept
track record and – crucially – infectious enthusiasm for all things wine with his guests through wine tasting Thursdays and monthly winemaker dinners. Paul lives in Stockton, with his wife, Cindi, who led a drastic redesign of the space in an effort to make Mile Wine Company look modern-rustic.
Shangri La Asian Bistro
& Sushi Bar
203-A S. School St., Lodi, (209) 366-0539
www.Shangrilaasianbistro.com
The chef on the left is Fook, born in China and has been a chef all his life. Fook has invented many new dishes and has a fresh look at traditional food. The chef on the right is Danger, our head sushi chef. He was trained “hands on”, the traditional Japanese way. This takes many years of training and is very strict. Danger and Fook are both well rounded with expert execution in both sushi and wok techniques. Their top priority is to keep everything fresh and to create incredible dishes as “Edible Art!”
Outback Steakhouse
1243 West March Ln.
Stockton, (209) 954-9615
outback.com
Outback Steakhouse is already one of the most popular chain restaurants in the country, but entrepreneur Maurice Blankenship has put his own spin and flair on the Stockton location. Ever since taking over the restaurant in August 2009, Maurice has been making improvements to the facility to become “environmentally-friendly,” making repairs with only “green” products. Also, it is the only Outback Steakhouse in San Joaquin that offers a lunch menu and happy hour Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. Maurice is very involved with the community and offer the “Downunder (Kitchen) Tour” to local schools K-3.
Royce Farms BBQ
10880 N. Highway 99, Stockton
(209) 931-8333, roycefarmsbbq.com
Royce Farms BBQ originated in 1939 when Warren and Sylvia Royce began farming several locations in the Delta, raising sugar beets, corn, and later on, potatoes. In 1989, Warren and Sylvia’s youngest son, Sandy, and his son, Dave, began farming everything they needed for their own fruit stand and the Farmer’s Market. Soon they added a car “Cruise-In” and barbecue every Friday evening at the farm stand. The BBQ was so popular they began catering and serving it all over California. Fifteen years ago they finally opened Royce Farms BBQ, serving all their specialties including: tri-tip, ribs, chicken and pulled pork, and hosting car shows 1st & 3rd Friday of the month. Come visit this family-run restaurant where good food is supreme, and our ultimate goal is to have you leaving satisfied, and looking forward
to returning soon.
Royce Farms BBQ is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m-9 p.m. (Saturday’s breakfast served from 9a.m.-2p.m.)
Ernie’s Food & Spirits
1351 N. Main St.
Manteca, (209) 239-3351
erniesfoodandspirits.com
Chef Michael Midgley has been cooking since the age of fourteen, an early start that has fueled his passion to make a name for himself in the culinary world. Michael attended the California Culinary Academy and has cooked in kitchens up and down the west coast and in Lake Tahoe. Michael’s big personality has led to appearances as a contestant on Bravo television’s “Top Chef” and on The Food Network’s “Cut Throat Kitchen” He has also appeared as a judge on Esquire network’s “Knife Fight” and “Top Chef Master’s” In addition, he has been featured numerous times on our local news/entertainment shows. Michael’s “celebrity chef” status takes the back burner to his passion for food. Chef Michael Midgley is here at Ernie’s Food and Spirits, leading our culinary team, allowing us to provide our guests a truly memorable and exceptional dining experience.
Crush Kitchen
115 S. School St.
Lodi, (209) 369-5400
crushkitchen.com
The Executive Culinary Team at Crush Kitchen + Bar stands behind their farm to fork philosophy – changing our menu with the seasons to make sure you have the freshest ingredients at your table, offering extensive weekly specials and of course making literally everything from scratch! It is no wonder Crush was named “Best Place to Stock Up” by Sunset Magazine and has also been awarded “Best of San Joaquin Magazine” “Best Martini” “Best Happy Hour” – creating and serving world class Food and Beverage is the passion of the entire CRUSH team! The passion and love can be tasted and felt the moment you walk in the door as Crush treats every guest like a family member. CRUSH has made its mark on the Central Valley food scene in a big way, with extensive wine and beer lists including many local and European selections and their unique and award winning cocktails. Stop by and see what everyone is raving about!
Angelina’s Spaghetti House
1563 E. Fremont St., Stockton
(209) 948-6609, www.angelinas.com
Now in its 37th year, this favorite Stockton Italian restaurant specializes in Genovese-style cuisine from recipes that have been in the family for generations. Their exceptional gravy was adapted to restaurant proportions by Angelina herself, who came over from Italy in 1913. Their house-made ravioli are made by a custom-made ravioli machine, and their famous pesto is made with sweet basil grown specifically for the restaurant. Angelina’s boasts a large, warm inviting bar, perfect for gathering with family and friends. Growing every year is their catering department. You can find them everywhere, from small affairs to the largest and most grand events.
Midtown Creperie & Café
2319 Pacific Avenue, Miracle Mile – Stockton
(209)941-9070, www.midtowncreperie.com
Celebrating 4 years in business and 1 year at their new (much larger) location, Matthew & Melissa Grizzle’s Midtown Creperie has thoroughly enjoyed bringing a taste of New Orleans to the Historic Miracle Mile. It is NOT just a breakfast & lunch place anymore! With specials every week consisting of in-house slow smoked ribs on Thursday, various seafood dishes on Friday and exceptional beef dishes on Saturday you are sure to find something you’ll love. They also offer New Orleans Abita beer to complement their exclusively local wine and champagne. Menu selections included savory & sweet crepes, beignets, breakfast/brunch staples, sandwiches, salads, a full espresso bar using Ghirardelli Chocolate and a gelato bar offering the best Gelato Classico flavors. They are able to host private events inside the restaurant up to 100 guests and offer outside catering anywhere in Northern California. Open seven days a week 8:30AM-2:00PM & Thursday-Saturday evenings from 5:00PM-9:00PM. Come in and see why they were recently voted the #1 Best Overall Dining Establishment In San Joaquin!
French 25
110 N El Dorado St., Stockton
(209) 451-0617, french-25.com
With over 25 years of back breaking, nose to the grindstone, loving every minute of it work in the restaurant / hotel industry, Chef Keith Breedlove is bringing his unique brand of fresh, flavorful cuisine to the streets! Influenced by the time spent in New Orleans in his early years, Chef Keith is excited to meld in the warm comfortable flavors of The French Quarter with his farm-to-fork style of cuisine. Playing with seasonal and sustainable products from local businesses the way a Jazz musician plays their instrument to create unique and memorable times.
A brief rundown of his journey to this point:
• Executive Chef for Hilton Hotels
• Regional Executive Chef for Sodexho Corporate Services
• Executive Chef / Cookbook Contributor for Nordstrom Cafe Bistro
• Corporate Executive Chef for Tex Wasabi’s / Johnny Garlic’s (Guy Fieri Restaurants)
• Guest Chef on Guy’s Big Backyard Bite • Culinary Arts Instructor at the Art Institute
• 2009 ACF Heart of the Valley Chapter Chef of the Year
• 2009 Winning Team Modesto’s Culinary Clash
Towne House Restaurant
at Wine & Roses
2505 W. Turner Rd. Lodi, (209) 371-6160
loditownehouse.com
The Towne House Restaurant, newly named, at Wine & Roses is a legacy to the country farm it once was. Magnificent trees and gardens remain the heart of the resort and embody the essence and authenticity of our heritage. “The Towne Corner”, as the land was once referred to as a homage to the original owners, Burt and Alice Towne, was a gathering place for friends and the community to enjoy the gracious hospitality provided here. Continuing the Towne’s legacy has remained a forefront passion of the owners Russ & Kathryn Munson and the culinary team. The Towne House Restaurant delivers an exceptional, intimate dining experience and offers cozy evenings in the lounge where music is at the center with Kim and friends. We believe dining should be fun with freshness and surprises in the menu, and warmth and knowledge in the dining room service. We look forward to inspiring the joys of food and sharing our passion with you!