Palo Alto Live Music Clubs

Fanny & Alexander Restaurant
412 Emerson St., Palo Alto, California; Tel. 650.326.7183
The local bar hotspot to hang out at in Palo Alto, Fanny & Alexander take care of their teeming masses beautifully with some nights devoted to DJ dancing, while others showcase live music and the heavy drinks are always flowing here. Also, the excellent cuisine is the ever popular Asian-Californian fusion variety and the kitchen stays open late so you can sober up a bit before you hoof it home. Even if there was no outside entertainment hosted at "FnA's" (as the locals and nearly everybody else, except possibly their accountants, call it) it's still a must on the bar crawl list because it seems that for some Stanford coeds black-out inducing drunkenness is a major at the university...or, perhaps that was just our major, probably how we ended up a writer.

Hukilau
624 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, California; Tel. 650.329.9533
A Hawaiian island oasis right in downtown Palo Alto, Hukilau shoots to please ex-island dwellers, who unfortunately have to live here on the mainland, or just anyone looking for some liquid escapism from their everyday routine at this tropical local bar. But, it's not just the drinks that transport you to paradise because the kitchen serves up truly authentic Hawaiian food like spam musubi, the loco moco and ahi poke. Hukilau also sports indoor and outdoor seating, a friendly staff and the overall atmosphere would lead you to believe that Don Ho is going to start belting out some classic Hawaiian love songs at any moment... well, Don Ho might not show up, but this Palo Alto restaurant and bar does host some live island sounds on the weekends and whenever there's a special occasion.

Maddalena's Café Fino
544 Emerson St., Palo Alto, California; Tel. 650.326.6082
Maddalena's Café Fino in Palo Alto provides the more mature set with a place where they can kick back, listen to some cool live jazz stylings and sip on some of the finest martinis we have ever had. This 1920's style art deco masterpiece in addition to playing host to live jazz also has cabaret acts roll through on occasion to tickle the ivories of Maddalena's grand piano. This Palo Alto lounge and live music club is a total throwback to a more stylish bygone era and a welcomed drinking diversion from today's clubs whose musical selections usually only span the hampered DJ spectrum.

Rose and Crown Pub
547 Emerson St., Palo Alto, California; Tel. 650.327.7673
A great British styled local pub in downtown Palo Alto, the Rose and Crown Pub relies heavily on its' extensive selection of imported beer sporting about 20 on tap (there's some domestics in there as well, but you can drink those anywhere, come here for the imports) and the scene here is like a beer laden family gathering... well, one where you actually like your family. For entertainment, the Rose and Crown Pub features stand-up comedians on Mondays while Sundays are reserved for live jazz acts, but, any day or night of the week, you can just kick back in the comfy confines of this Palo Alto local bar, shoot some darts and swill some fine beer with all of your new friends.

Stoa Restaurant and Wine Bar
632 Emerson St., Palo Alto, California; Tel. 650.328.2600
Stoa Restaurant and Wine Bar in Palo Alto can get a little pricey, but this sophisticated eatery is well worth it because the Mediterranean inspired vegetarian dishes never fail to astound and Stoa Restaurant is one of a handful of late night dining options in downtown Palo Alto. Of course Stoa features a full bar, but the real treat here is their vast wine selection which features unique selections from California and Europe. Also, Stoa hosts live jazz music on Tuesdays and Fridays making this Palo Alto restaurant and bar much more than just another local eatery.

—Palo Alto Bars and Clubs reviews by Ryan Osterbeck

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