Hacienda Offers Outstanding Food Options

With more than two dozen dining, snacking, drinking, and munching options, every day affords a great opportunity to eat well for those who want to enjoy great culinary offerings. From coffee and chocolates to fast food to traditional American fare to specialties from India, Taiwan, and elsewhere, diners will never go hungry with so much to choose from within Hacienda.

The variety of offerings make it fast and easy for tenants to pick up a to-go meal or snacks on busy days or a box of chocolates as a gift. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy lunch and dinner with friends or colleagues at one of Hacienda's many restaurants and cafes. Moreover, socializing over food can contribute to good health by deepening friendships, according to researchers. "Being with others has strong benefits," according to Murali Doraiswamy, Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine.

Below is a list of the tasty food, dining, and takeout options available at Hacienda. To check for new venues, visit the Business Locator at https://mx1.hacienda.org/business-locator and choose Restaurants under the Business Type menu.

  • AappaKadai

4555 Hopyard Road, Suite 25, (925) 750-7709, www.aappakadaiusa.com

This eatery specializes in Aappam, a thin pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Part of Tamil cuisine, Aappam is most popular in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and in northern Sri Lanka. One local diner calls the food "good and beautifully spiced." More than 10 types of Aappam are on the menu, including Egg, Cheese, and Mutton Keema. Biryanis, Dosas, various breads, soups, and other dishes are also available.

  • Aha Indian Cuisine

5681 Gibraltar Drive, (925) 660-7186, www.lokosite.com/biz/ahaindiancuisine

This family restaurant features South Indian dishes from the Palanadu region in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The menu includes sweets, appetizers, curries, Biryanis, Tandoori, breads, and home-style "Guntur Tiffin" specials. Guntur is a city in Andhra Pradesh famous as a global exporter of red chillies and chili powder from India. Tiffin refers to lunch or a small meal. Aha examples include Onion Chilli Uthappam, a type of pancake, and Poori, a fried bread, with goat curry. The restaurant also hosts private events and business meetings.

  • Annachi Kadai

4833 Hopyard Road, (925) 750-4110, www.orderannachikadaipleasanton.com

Customers can expect to enjoy popular Indian cuisine such as biryani and curry served on banana leaves on each plate. The owner grew up in the Tamil Nadu region of India and the menu includes Indian and Malaysian dishes in a casual atmosphere that welcomes families. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Featured items include Chicken Biryani; a variety of Dosa, or thin, crispy pancakes made with fermented rice and lentil batter; combination platters; desserts; and much more.

  • Arusuvai Virunthu

4515 Rosewood Drive, (925) 924-1122, www.arusuvaivirundhu.com

Arusuvai Virunthu serves "smushy Idlis and crispy Dosas" for breakfast, "fluffy Poori and Uthappam" for dinner, and a host of additional dishes for lunch and other meal times, according to its owners. Vegetarian guests rate its food highly. This South Indian Vegetarian restaurant offers a huge variety of menu items, including soups, appetizers, more than 17 types of curries, 25 types of Dosa, several combination offerings, sweets, meals for children, and more.

  • Bentolicious

4833 Hopyard Road, (925) 201-3899, bentolicious.us

This restaurant was created by a Pleasanton mother of three, and the menu reflects the home-cooked meals made by her own mother. A KQED reviewer included Bentolicious in a list of the best Bay Area Taiwanese restaurants, writing: "bandanna-clad workers load up your lunchbox, scooping home-style dishes from a steam table that gets replenished so frequently, the food never has a chance to lose its freshness." Bento boxes may include fried pork chops, lion's head meatballs, and Chiayi chicken rice plus a variety of side dishes.

  • Café @ The Commons

4432 Rosewood Drive

This eatery has replaced Thrive Cafe inside The Commons. Open Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 2 pm, the cafe sells breakfast, lunch, and coffee service. Offerings include to-go snacks and food items, an extensive self-serve salad bar, and warm dishes that include customizable sandwiches and burgers. The cafe also boasts recipes made using honey produced by a bee hive located in The Commons. Tenants and employees at The Commons can also download the Swift Tenant Experience App to receive weekly menus and more.

  • Chick-fil-A

4501 Hopyard Road, (925) 331-8384, www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ca/hopyard-road-580

The Hacienda location features a walk-up restaurant with a special area for pickup and food delivery services. The restaurant became famous for its original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, which was developed by S. Truett Cathy in 1946 at a tiny diner in Hapeville, Georgia. The sandwich features boneless, breaded chicken breast on a toasted, buttery bun with two pickle chips. Many other items have been added to the menu since before the first standalone restaurant was opened in 1986. They include chicken nuggets, wraps, and salads.

  • Chili's Grill & Bar

4801 Hopyard Road, (925) 734-0911, www.chilis.com/locations/us/california/pleasanton/pleasanton

This popular chain began in 1975 in Dallas, Texas with the opening of the first restaurant. Today there are nearly 1,600 Chili's locations across the United States and in more than two dozen countries, according to company officials. Chili's is known for the Texas-Size Baby Back Ribs, Big Mouth Burgers, and Full-on Fajitas on its menu. Featured items at the time of this writing included To-Go Alcohol, Guiltless Grill items with fewer than 650 calories, and Party Platters.

  • Curry Kona

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 399-0599, www.currykona.com

Open for dining, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery, Curry Kona calls itself "a little taste of India." This restaurant's chef says "the two most important ingredients in our kitchen are patience and passion," according to the owner. In addition to traditional Indian dishes such as Chicken Tikka, Paneer Masala, and Lamb Keema, hamburgers and pizza are also on the menu. A host of side dishes, snacks, desserts, and beverages such as Mango Lassi and Thumbs Up cola round out the options.

  • Eddie Papa's American Hangout

4889 Hopyard Road, (925) 469-6266, www.eddiepapas.com

The owner calls Eddie Papa's a family friendly, fun-filled American style bar and grill. The restaurant grinds its own meat for burgers to control what goes into the mixture. There is much more to order than burgers, of course. As of this writing, seasonal starters included Arkansas fried pickles and Pacific crispy calamari. A huge range of soups, salads, and main dishes are on the menu as well as craft beer, fine wine, and nostalgic soda. This fine dining establishment also serves weekend brunch.

  • Gobi Mongolian Grill

4811 Hopyard Road, (925) 633-6355, www.lokosite.com/biz/gobimongoliangrill

This restaurant provides "authentic Mongolian grill dishes made with locally sourced ingredients," according to the owner. Signature dishes on skewers range include spicy Kung Pao, fresh vegetables, beef, lamb, chicken, and shrimp on a stick. Vegetarian dishes are also on the menu, as well as traditional dishes that include Chicken Stir Fry, Gobi Manchurian, and Szechuan Crispy Chicken. One popular dish is Gobi Special Curry, which contains onions; cabbage; carrot; zucchini or broccoli, depending on availability; and green onion.

  • Hacienda Cafe (or Hacienda Terrace Cafe)

4305 Hacienda Drive, (925) 596-8244, www.haciendaterracecafe.com

This cafe was established at Hacienda in 2016. The menu features sandwiches and salads, along with hot daily specials. The extensive breakfast menu includes special burrito, panini, bagel, croissant, and scramble options. Avocado toast also makes an appearance. Lunch customers will appreciate its many signature sandwiches, such as the Portobello vegetarian sandwich, a vegan option, a classic club, an ultimate grilled cheese, and the Hacienda turkey, which features turkey, provolone, tomatoes, red onions, and pesto mayo on sourdough.

  • Hanna's Chocolates

4825 Hopyard Road, hanna@hannaschocolates.com, www.hannaschocolates.com

The proprietor of Hanna's Chocolates trained at the famous Chicago French Pastry School. After moving to the area, she created chocolates and pastries for local establishments such as the Peninsula Hotel and Facebook. Hanna's artisanal chocolates are made with the finest and freshest ingredients. Flavors may include Matcha, Coconut, Smores, Espresso, Hazelnut Praliné, Salted Caramel, and Yuzu Caramel. Seasonal flavors may include Strawberry, Boston Cream Pie, Earl Gray, and many more. Custom chocolate flavors can be developed for catering clients.

  • Jamba

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 847-8525, www.locations.jamba.com/ca/pleasanton/4555-hopyard

Famous for its original juices and smoothies, Jamba also offers "plant-based smoothies, delicious bowls with fresh fruit toppings, protein-packed food, and on-the-go snacks," according to the company. In 1990, the company began with a small juice shop called Jamba Juice in San Luis Obispo, California. Today, Jamba has a much broader menu and more than 850 locations operating in 36 U.S. states, as well as the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

  • L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

4515 Rosewood Drive, (925) 847-9888, www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations/pleasanton

A Hawaiian plate lunch is usually a protein served with macaroni salad and white rice. The dish dates back to the 1880s, when "it began as a popular midday meal option for hungry workers on Hawaii's booming pineapple and sugar plantations," according to Eater.com. Founded in Honolulu in 1976, the owners called their plate lunches "Hawaiian barbecue" when they expanded to California in 1999. Seafood, meat, chicken, and burgers are popular items, along with Saimin, Musubi, and other Hawaiian favorites.

  • Mylapore South Indian Vegetarian

4825 Hopyard Road, (669) 291-7000, www.mylaporeexpress.com/dine-in

This restaurant is the newest location for the Mylapore Express Company, which specializes in vegetarian food and also offers a vegan menu. Both menus highlight nut-free and gluten-free dishes to make ordering easier. Indoor seating capacity is about 65, while the patio has seating for 20. In addition to other South Indian breakfast dishes, many types of dosas are on the menu. The restaurant also features a Dosa Happy Hour and invites customers to celebrate festivals and special events there.

  • Pho Saigon

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 829-9361, www.phosaigoneastbay.com

This Vietnamese restaurant receives high marks from customers for its food, which can be eaten there or ordered as takeout. Appetizers include Canh G Chien, fried chicken wings; vegetarian spring rolls; spring rolls with shrimp, pork, and vegetables; and Banh Mi Combo, a combination Vietnamese sandwich. The menu includes chicken curry and 18 types of Pho, the famous noodle dish. Diners can also order rice noodle soup, egg noodle soup, vermicelli dishes, and rice plates. Beverages include salted plum soda and salted lemon soda.

  • Pocket Sushi

4747 Hopyard Road, (925) 271-6473, www.pocketsushirestaurant.com

This casual takeout and dining spot offers sushi with a twist by making sushi pockets rather than rolls. One satisfied customer described it as "a big and packed sushi burrito with flavorful ingredients." California, Dragon, and Veggie Tempura are among its many Signature Pockets. Mango Madness mixes shrimp tempura, salmon, mango, avocado, cilantro, and lemon aioli. Diners can also create a custom pocket by choosing a main ingredient, flavorful additions, and up to two sauces. Sides include seaweed salad, gyoza dumplings, popcorn chicken, and Osaka fries.

  • Round Table Pizza

4855 Hopyard Road, (925) 847-0750, www.ordering.roundtablepizza.com/site/rtp693

In 1959, Bill Larson opened the first Round Table Pizza in Menlo Park, California, according to the company. In addition to dining and takeout, the Hacienda restaurant includes a party room and catering is available. The restaurant became famous for its many types of pizza. Today they include BBQ Chicken, the All Meat Marvel, and Gourmet Veggie. Garlic Parmesan Twists, Classic Chicken Wings, and Boneless Wings are on the menu as appetizers.

  • Sri Venkateswara Grocery & Kitchen

5690 Stoneridge Drive, (925) 623-2227, www.svgindianmarket.com

This Indian supermarket includes a restaurant serving South Indian vegetarian food. Dine there or get takeout in addition to buying basic groceries, fresh produce, and Indian specialties. It also offers party and event catering. The menu includes bread, main dishes, and appetizers such as Mirchi Bajji, which are stuffed green Jalapeno pepper fritters served with tamarind and mint chutney. Tiffins such as Idly are also available. These soft, steamed rice cakes are served with three chutneys and sambar, a type of stew.

  • Starbucks

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 468-0138; 5900 Owens Drive, (925) 225-0683, www.starbucks.com

Hacienda is graced with two different Starbucks coffeehouses. The company famously started its journey to success in 1971. First located in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, the company eventually expanded across the nation and then globally. It also moved from selling freshly roasted coffee beans and teas to much more. Today that includes a variety of hot and cold drinks, warm and cold food, sweets, and snacks. Customers can also buy roasted coffee beans, teas, and merchandise for home use.

  • Subway

4555 Hopyard Road at the Crossroads Center, (925) 460-0707; 4515 Rosewood Drive at Metro 580, (925) 847-1589, www.subway.com/en-US

Now a franchise, the idea for Subway began in 1965 when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca asked a friend for advice on how to pay college tuition. The two became partners and opened a sandwich shop in Connecticut that August. The customizable and affordable sandwiches became a hit. Today, Subway serves guests in more than 100 countries. In addition to its signature subs, the menu includes wraps, salads, and snacks

  • The Bistro at Courtyard Pleasanton

5059 Hopyard Road, (925) 463-1414, www.courtyard.marriott.com

The restaurant at this hotel features a variety of American breakfast choices in the morning, and a host of dinner and cocktail options in the evening. The Bistro was launched in 2007 by Marriott to better serve frequent business travelers, according to QSRmagazine.com. The publication has lauded The Bistro's "fast-casual concept." Breakfast features takeout as well as traditional breakfast items. Dinner  menu items may include salads, soups, deli sandwiches and burgers, pizzas, and snacks, along with adult beverages such as cocktails and Starbucks coffee.

  • The Cheese Steak Shop

4825 Hopyard Road, (925) 734-0293, www.cheesesteakshop.com/pleasanton

The first Cheese Steak Shop was opened in San Francisco in 1982 by East Coast transplants who loved Philly-style sandwiches. The Classic Philly Cheese Steak comes with 100% Sirloin or 100% Chicken breast meat served on a soft Italian roll. Customers can add grilled onions, hot peppers and/or sweet peppers to their orders. There are 10 types of premium sandwiches, as well as vegetarian sandwiches, onion rings, chicken tenders, salads, a range of fries, and many different beverages available.

  • The Draft Sports Pub & Grill

4825 Hopyard Road, (925) 623-5833, www.thedraftpleasanton.com

The owners of The Draft encourage guests to share a glass of their  favorite beverage, enjoy tasty food, and watch their favorite teams play on one of the pub's 19 screens. Appetizers include Chicken Wings, Mexican Street Corn Breaded Shrimp, and Edamame. The menu features six different types of fries, including Maple Bacon Sweet Potato fries and Buffalo Tater Tots. The menu boasts a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and main dishes such as Shrimp Pasta and Bangers and Mash. Salads and desserts round off the menu.

  • The Honey Baked Ham Company

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 734-9418, www.honeybaked.com/stores/10000025

This family owned chain is famous for its marinated smoked hams. Former butcher Harry J. Hoenselaar opened the first store in Detroit in 1957 after filing a patent in 1944 for a unique spiral-slicer machine, according to Mashed. He spent decades perfecting the company's secret way of cooking its ham. The company offers a lunch menu with sandwiches, sides, cookies, and beverages. Customers can also pick up turkeys, beef and pork, side dishes, desserts, and more.

  • Truva Mediterranean Grill

4501 Hopyard Road, (925) 399-5070, www.grilltruva.com

Meat eaters will enjoy the halal dishes served at this restaurant, which also has vegetarian offerings. Appetizers, which come with pita bread, include Spanakopita, Hummus, Dolma, and combination plates of classic dishes. Eight different wraps are on the menu, including Lamb & Beef Gyros, Falafel, and Lamb. Entrees include Moussaka, a Seafood Combo Plate, and Manti, which are Turkish dumplings. Baklava, Custard Gelato, and Turkish Delight are among the dessert offerings. Truva also serves beer and wine.

  • Tulsi Indian Grocery

4555 Hopyard Road, (925) 913-8008, www.facebook.com/tulsindiangrocery

Owners say this store plans to introduce a fast food counter in addition to its inventory of an estimated 4,500 products, which includes nearly 600 different spices. As well as spices and fresh produce, it currently carries most grocery staples including milk, cheese, and butter; frozen foods; baby formula; and toiletries. Tulsi Indian Grocery includes a wholesale department that offers quality products at a lower cost than typical suppliers to restaurants and similar businesses.

  • Ume Sushi

4855 Hopyard Road, (925) 734-0996, www.umesushi.com

More than 40 types of sushi rolls are on the menu of this Japanese restaurant. The deep fried Hot Pleasanton roll, for example, features spicy tuna, jalapeno, and the house special sauce. The raw 49s roll features crab meat and avocado on the inside and salmon and lemon slices on the outside. Traditional and vegetarian bentos are also available, as well as udon dishes. Small plates include Spicy Garlic Edamame, which features green soy beans sauteed with garlic and a spicy sauce, Asparagus Beef, and Sashimi.

Photo by Jay Gajjar on Unsplash

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