St. Michael's Alley

Name: St. Michael's Alley
Address: 140 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94301
Telephone: (650) 326-2530
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

454 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Established in 1959, owners Jenny Youll and Mike Sabina expanded the once small coffeehouse of St. Michaels Alley into this intimate dining establishment in 2009. The restaurant provides three comfortable spaces for a dinner out with friends, date night, or a complete private event. The main dining room is wood paneled and intimate. The front room / bar area is more casual and social, yet still offers tables with linens and the full menu. The solid wood bar is a favorite dining spot for many of the regulars and locals. A beautiful outdoor patio is most enjoyable on warm summer days and nights as it open to the sky. Enjoy a cocktail at the full bar before venturing into one of the upscale and relaxed dining spaces of St. Michael's Alley.

The restaurant is currently offering the Autumn Menu on the Patio as well as takeout, Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5pm. Currently, there are 4 tables open inside the restaurant.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(650) 326-2530

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Californian, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(650) 326-2530
Website
http://www.stmikes.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Gary Messick
Catering
At this time, catering is on a Pick-up only arrangement. Please call 650-906-8060
Private party facilities
We can accommodate private and semi-private groups. For a full buyout, the dining room seats up to 50 people. The bar seats an additional 20 people, but is separate from the dining room. Price for the entire restaurant for the entire night ranges from $7,000 - $10,000. Two semi-private spaces are available and separated with a heavy curtain. The smaller space seats up to 20 people ($2000-$2400), and the larger space up to 26 people ($2400-$2800). Please call us at 650-326-2530 for more information.

Location
140 Homer Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301
Neighborhood
Palo Alto
Cross street
High St.
Parking details
Street Parking and Public Lot Under Building (800 High St.)
Public transit
Caltrain - Palo Alto, University Avenue
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Send a gift card

Experiences

Graduation Weekend Prix-Fixe Dinner
$95.00 per person
Jun 11 - Jun 12, 2022
Please join us for a fabulous prix-fixe dinner in celebration of graduation weekend! The price of $95 plus tax and gratuity will include all of the food over four courses. Beverages may be purchased separately. Our regular a la carte menu will not be offered this weekend. The menu will be posted soon on our website at www.stmikes.com. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available. Any changes to your reservation must be made with at least one week's notice.

Popular dishes

What 454 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
American

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service! Always a great dinner. And Mike is a wonderful host.
w
winflop
San Francisco
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service2ambience4
The food was really excellent, but unfortunately our inexperienced waiter was not at the same level: - Didn't know the wines by the glass and food pairings. This is something a waiter at this quality of restaurant should know or at least have written down. At least he admitted he didn't know and got us some help. - Took 10 minutes to clear appetizers after we finished. Don't expect to have plates removed right after the last bite, but that's too long - Didn't bring all four entrees out in a timely manner. Served two of us and then waited several minutes for the other two to arrive - Didn't bring wine until all four entrees were served. Drinks should always be served before the food that its paired with I wish I could recommend St Michael's but at this price point the service simply needs to be better than average.
I
Itiswhatitis
Central Coast
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and great food for 56th wedding anniversary!
CJ
CultJam
San Francisco
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience at this restaurant for a belated Mother’s Day dinner!
d
dweekly
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
3.0
31 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Lovely venue with ok service and variable food - given the price point, a pretty disappointing meal. Bread service was not included but was a $4 extra which seems rather stingy for a $100/plate meal. The highlight was probably the very tasty brussel sprout appetizer with harissa aioli with a delightful amount of spice, cream, and crunch. 4.5/5. The broccoli appetizer was the worst preparation I have ever had: a pile of boiled green stalks arrived vaguely infused with spice but with no salt or umame and were wincingly bitter 1/5. My wife ordered the arugula salad - staff thought they were being kind in just bringing out a split plate for both of us but didn't ask and I don't like arugula so I just gave her my half. She said it was passable. For entree I had the steak medium rare. It arrived cool to the touch and cooked medium to medium-well; the menu promised a coffee rub but very little flavor other than the meat was discernible and there was a meaningful amount of gristle on the outer rim. It also came with a side of...wait for it...bitter broccoli. At these these strands had a chance to mop up some of the steak juice and butter to give it some body. 3.5/5. Honestly when you pay $60 for a steak and think "I could make this better at home and probably have had steak equally tasty at Sizzler for 1/6 the price" it's not a great feeling. My wife had the fish and eggplant dish and rather enjoyed its novel preparation. (4/5?) I finished with the banana bread pudding, which was excellent. It came out quickly with cold ice cream and hot pudding with crunchy edges. 4.5/5. My wife had the chocolate cinnamon cake and really enjoyed it (4.5/5?) The wines by the glass were quite good and reasonably priced for their quality.
C
Chris
San Francisco
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall2food4service3ambience2
We came a few minutes early for our 6pm reservation. We were seated at high tops next to a loud group of people at the bar! Not sure why the place was pretty slow. The server was very nice and helpful. The food and wine were great, but not sure the price we paid was worth it all. I give it a meh!
LN
LilaN
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, good food, and lively ambience—with a noise level that made conversation possible.
LA
LAHS
San Francisco
80 reviews
5.0
80 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food is consistently excellent as is the service. Great place to take out of town visitors.
SK
StevenK
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service!!!!!
l
lindac
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant in the area. Always superb!
JP
JudiP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food everything was perfect. it was windy and we dined outside so the tent got loud on occasion but overall this is a highly recommended restaurant!
b
brianb
San Francisco
46 reviews
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
We have had dinner annually at St. Mike's with a friend from England who comes here for conferences. The most recent time was 2.5 years ago, before the pandemic. We were pleasantly surprised that St. Mike's is still excellent or, in my opinion, even better than before. The food was really excellent. The service could have been more attentive - it took some time to obtain and pay for our check - but that is a minor issue given the quality of the meal. We will definitely be back for similar occasions in the future, at least.
KO
elaineKOA
San Francisco
181 reviews
vip
4.0
181 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
We love St. Michael's Alley for the ambiance of the smaller dining areas and the good food. We had the avocado toast with burrata and melon with prosciutto. Both were attractive presentations. We followed with the sea bass with lobster sauce and sauteed scallops...all delicious. Our only complaint is the loud patrons. The noise was energetic plus. Maybe they were all having a great time but the two of us could hardly hear one another and there were only 6 tables in our area. In such a refined dining room raucous laughter and loud talking is not what you expect ...these belong in a beer hall. We experienced the same thing in our last three visits.
SF
StephanieF
New York Area
71 reviews
vip
4.0
71 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Cute venue; seems to be a converted house. Great wine list. Food good. Very attentive servers.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous meal!
N
Nancy
Hawaii
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic menu. Creative and appealing. Atmosphere is friendly and warm. Mike knows what he is doing!!
NJ
NeilJ
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have known and eaten at the restaurant since it opened over twelve years ago. We have never been disappointed with any aspect of the food, service and ambiance.
I
Irene
Los Angeles
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed our meal of procuitto and melon, and chicken pot pie. Would like to commend our young server for also making our meal enjoyable. The only disappointment was that the “outdoor” venue was wrapped tight in plastic sheeting.The only opening was the entrance, which wasn’t from the outdoors.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dinner!
S
Sunshine
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was great! Planning on returning soon!
AM
AMBellini
Atlanta
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were so happy to discover this wonderful restaurant! The setting is. cozy and quiet with several sections of seating situated in various rooms in a house. The food was flavorful and creative. The ingredients were very fresh and well cooked. We look forward to dining here again during our next visit to Palo Alto!
j
johndoe
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Food first rate.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific food and people!
DM
DebM
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
We wanted to dine outside to be cautious regarding COVID. However, the outside patio is tented and fully airtight. That makes sitting outside for better air circulation meaningless. Food and service were very good.
h
harpo
San Francisco
136 reviews
4.0
136 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food, creative menu ideas. Waiter knew the items well, was open about his own preferences, very helpful.
TD
TimD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dining at St. Michael's Alley is like going to a friend's house for a great meal and welcoming environment. It's our go to neighborhood spot that is consistently great on every level.
T
Takeusout
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
You were out of four different wines on the wine list that we requested so that was disappointing but otherwise it was good
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Too loud for a business dinner.
RO
ROBERTT
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Celebrated anniversary here. Food was excellent as was the service. We ate "outside" as we are still being Covid-careful. They have a nice patio BUT use one of those white vinyl tents to cover so it is really not "outside." The weather was lovely and it would really be nice if they could open the plastic windows in the the tent. I would like to eat here again but will do so only if we are comfortable eating inside or the tent is gone.
L
Luigi
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
St. Michael's Alley is a great place for a "special" dinner. Our food was well prepared, very tasty and served with a nice presentation. The cheesecake was among the best we've ever had. The dining room is warm and inviting and NOT noisy. You don't feel out of place by "dressing up". Highly recommend....and be sure to reserve more than 2 days in advance.. especially on Friday and Saturday.
s
suomalainen
Central Coast
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful place for a very delicious dinner to celebrate a special day. We would certainly recommend this place if looking for a special dinner out.
D
Delicious
San Francisco
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious. Our table ordered three different fish dishes plus scallops and duck. All were perfectly cooked--it's rare to not have overcooked seafood. We'll be back soon!
S
Shoebender
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Wonderful food, varied menu means there is something for everyone. Outdoor in the tent is super noisy -- the patio is lovely in the summer without the tent when the sound level is not so overwhelming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice place , food was good and the owner look after the staff and make sure everything run smooth.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was exquisite. Ambiance and staff very lovely.
CC
CalderaCuvee
San Francisco
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service - from a drink at the bar to the server for our table - was timely, informed, welcoming. Thanks to both Patrick and Robinson. All the food was beautifully plated and tasty and I had a bites from neighbors on both sides. We will be back!
S
Sara
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent service ! Enjoyed our meal and evening very much. Fish and scallops were cooked perfectly and food was 4 star.
S
Sofaer
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Four of us had a great meal outside. We preferred that to the patio, since we were at tables which are really outside. The food was great and so was the service.
RB
RichardB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent. The service was very good.
SS
SuzanneS
San Francisco
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
I have previously loved this restaurant, but found my dinner last night to be very disappointing. Fish over cooked and not attractively presented. Wait staff pleasant but very inexperienced and absent.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

St. Michael's Alley offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 326-2530.

St. Michael's Alley is rated 4.6 stars by 454 OpenTable diners.

St. Michael's Alley does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(650) 326-2530

140 Homer Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301

Additional information

Cross street
High St.
Neighborhood
Palo Alto
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Cuisines
American, Californian, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking and Public Lot Under Building (800 High St.)
Public transit
Caltrain - Palo Alto, University Avenue
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Gary Messick
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.stmikes.com/
Phone number
(650) 326-2530
Catering
At this time, catering is on a Pick-up only arrangement. Please call 650-906-8060
Private party facilities
We can accommodate private and semi-private groups. For a full buyout, the dining room seats up to 50 people. The bar seats an additional 20 people, but is separate from the dining room. Price for the entire restaurant for the entire night ranges from $7,000 - $10,000. Two semi-private spaces are available and separated with a heavy curtain. The smaller space seats up to 20 people ($2000-$2400), and the larger space up to 26 people ($2400-$2800). Please call us at 650-326-2530 for more information.

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

St. Michael's Alley

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Experiences

Graduation Weekend Prix-Fixe Dinner

Popular dishes

Caesar Salad

Crispy Pork Belly

Lemon Tart

Menu

What 454 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does St. Michael's Alley offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is St. Michael's Alley restaurant rated?

Does St. Michael's Alley offer gift cards?

Is St. Michael's Alley currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Gift card