Lafayette: Johnny’s Donuts; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Johnny’s Donuts  

3629 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 283-9352.  Cash only.  M-Sat 5am-5:30pm, closed Sun.  

exterior of Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

Situated in a strip mall at the west end of town, this modest little spot has been voted to have the “best donut” in town, and even in the entire Bay Area.  Counter seating and a few booths are available at Johnny's Donuts.  I ordered a delicious strawberry-frosted-with-sprinkles cake doughnut that was definitely delish, and my husband was delighted with his old-fashioned.  Of course, sometimes they run out of your favorite, so consider calling in ahead and have your order put aside.  The chocolate raised is their best seller.  On my to-try list is the cinnamon roll, which has been described as “the best ever,” and the maple long John filled with custard.  

interior of Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

donut case at Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

donut menu at Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

2021 pandemic update:  Order to go.  We ate our donuts at home, when we discovered we had been treated to two donut holes.  

donuts from Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Lafayette Hillside Memorial; things to do

Greater East Bay

Lafayette Hillside Memorial  

On Deer Hill Road, on a hillside directly across from the BART station.  On weekends, street parking is available nearby and at the BART station.  

Lafayette Hillside Memorial in Lafayette, California

Thousands of white crosses cover this hill as a tribute to soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The Lafayette Hillside Memorial was to have one cross for each soldier until the number reached the cap of 5,000, but as of March 18, 2013, the number was 6,702.  Lack of space changed the procedure to periodically adding a few new crosses while  displaying the current tallies of lives lost on a sign at the top of the memorial.  A Memorial Day vigil is held annually.  

Lafayette Hillside Memorial in Lafayette, California

Lafayette Hillside Memorial in Lafayette, California

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images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: The Cooperage; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

The Cooperage  

32 Lafayette Circle, (925) 298-5915.  L-D daily. 

This bustling spot features an expansive open interior with several dining areas--including a large heated patio and a large bar area.  Comfort food and vintage cocktails are staples on The Cooperage's relatively small, regularly changing menu--think deviled eggs with bacon, mac’n cheese, Brown Derby salad (roasted rotisserie chicken, bacon, blue cheese, avocado, tomato, egg), and a house burger made with a custom grind of short rib, sirloin, and brisket (and served with a side of either fries in a sweet little bag or a delicious Caesar salad).  Burrata with cherry tomatoes and Petaluma brick chicken are also popular.  Well-executed drinks include a gin and tonic enhanced with floating flowers and juniper berries, a colorful and spicey blood-orange margarita, and a mix of scotch and amaretto called The Godfather.  

bar at The Cooperagein Lafayette, California

blood-orange margarita at The Cooperage in Lafayette, California

gin and tonic at The Cooperage in Lafayette, California

Brussels sprouts salad at The Cooperage in Lafayette, California

house burger at The Cooperage in Lafayette, California

 


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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Rising Loafer; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Rising Loafer  

3643 Mt. Diablo Blvd., by Trader Joe’s, (510) 284-8816.  B-L W-Sun (7-3); $$; cash only. 

interior of Rising Loafer in Lafayette, California

Breakfast is the most popular time at this small coffee shop.  At Rising Loafer eggs Benedict come with either ham or spinach (both are very tasty), and many varieties of omelette are on the menu.  I prefer breakfast with a cup of fruit rather than the home fries.  Though the Everything Crepe is the most popular dish on the menu, I plan to buck the crowds and try their fresh peach dessert crepe next time.  Fresh-baked breads make the sandwiches extra good--the consensus is that the Reuben is a really good choice—and salads and housemade soups are also options.  Outside tables are inviting in good weather.

eggs Benedict at Rising Loafer in Lafayette, California

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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

Lafayette: Hen House (CLOSED); things to do

Greater East Bay

Hen House  

CLOSED  20 Lafayette Circle, (925) 962-1776.  M-Thur & Sat 10-4; closed F & Sun. 

This cluttered old-time antiques shop is fun to browse, and prices are reasonable.


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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop; things to do

Greater East Bay

Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop  

3521 Golden Gate Way/1st St., (925) 284-4781.  Tu-Sat 10-4. 

Operating within a former hotel and tavern, the Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop--a charity resale shop-- sells gently used clothes and furnishings at good prices.  A spectacular silver sale is sometimes scheduled (how about that alliteration!).  Profits support Assistance League of Diablo Valley's philanthropic programs.


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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Postino; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Postino 

3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 299-8700.  L M-F, D daily; $$$. 

Built in 1937 as the town post office (“postino” means postman in Italian), this atmospheric historic building has a romantic storybook-style architecture featuring thick-slate roofs and vintage brick walls and now is home to Postino restaurant.  Dining occurs in an assortment of cozy rooms both big, plus on a heated patio.  It is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion.  Particularly tasty items include a spectacular crisp Caesar salad with delicious dressing, housemade pappardelle with a tomato-ground beef Bolognese sauce, and long-braised short ribs.


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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Amarin Thai Cuisine; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Amarin Thai Cuisine  

3555 Mt. Diablo Blvd./Oak Hill Rd., (925) 283-8883.  L M-Sat (11-3), D daily; $$.  Reservations advised. 

Traditional dishes are served here at Amarin Thai Cuisine in a pleasant, casual atmosphere.  Among the best items are panang beef and pumpkin curry.  Massaman chicken features long-simmered chicken that is fall-off-the-bone tender in a lightly spiced sauce made better with some sweet-hot sauce.  A crisp green salad comes with lunch.


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image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Chow; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Chow  

53 Lafayette Circle, in La Fiesta Square, (925) 962-2469. B-L-D daily; $-$$. 

Delicious, well-priced chow made with top ingredients is the name of the game at this spot that is wildly popular with locals. Fresh-pressed organic juices, sandwiches, salads, pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and meat and fish entrees are all on the menu at Chow. Dining here is especially pleasant in warm weather, when all the doors and windows are opened to let in a cooling breeze and when outside dining is an option. After, pick up some produce and to-go items in the small on-site grocery.

 
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Lafayette: Artisan Bistro (CLOSED); restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Artisan Bistro  

CLOSED  1005 Brown Ave./Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 962-0882. L Tu-Sat, D Tu-Sun, Sat-SunBr; $$-$$$. Reservations advised.

Operating on a quiet side street within a converted 1922 cottage, this intimate venue’s decor includes natural wood beams, a stone fireplace, and walls painted with sophisticated muted darker colors. In good weather, Artisan Bistro's expansive brick patio invites fresh-air dining. Lunch includes a salami-avocado chopped salad, a burger, and sandwiches, while the seasonal dinner menu might offer a thick and tasty artichoke soup with a dollop of marcona almond-mint pesto, an herb-crusted rack of lamb, or a satisfying deep-fried Cornish game hen with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a housemade biscuit. Desserts run the gamut from homey orange-and-caramel bread pudding to a refined goat cheese torte with Port sauce and cranberry sabayon.


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