Livermore recs?

[Michelle]

Hi,

Family will be in Livermore for a long weekend - we're not at all familiar with the area and are looking for chow-worthy places. We'll have a car and don't mind driving. Any types of food OK, just looking for something good! Where would you send your family or friends? What's your favorite place? Thanks for any recs!

[KatoK]

Almost a year later, so I though I could add a couple of notes for future Livermore searchers.

I just read a thread about Contreras Market, where they have Barbacoa de borrego on the weekends. I'll admit, I have never tried this, although I go to Contreras almost every weekend for their tacos, especially the Carnitas which is good, although not not crispy on the edges as is most desired. They also have a very tasty, if not authentic, Al Pastor. Tacos are $1.35 for a rather large portion of your choice of protein.

I also wanted to give a shout out to The First Street Ale House, where I hadn't been for years, but they have expanded their space to become a rather cool & casual local hangout.

My luncheon mates had the Tri Tip Salads with blue cheese, which they proclaimed to be very good and the smaller sized portion was very generous. My choice was a carnitas sandwich with pepper jack cheese and grilled onion. WOW. Succulent porky goodness. I am anxious to steal this idea and make sliders for a party.

One more recent find for me is Lanna Thai. I am rather new to Thai food, so I've been trying where I can. I have gotten some very tasty noodle dishes there and have also tried some curry dishes. Fresh tasting and mouth tinglingly spicy, my inexpert opinion is that this is worth a try.

Lanna Thai
2270 Las Positas Rd
Livermore, CA 94551

Anyone else have a Livermore experience to share?

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First Street Ale House
2086 1st St, Livermore, CA 94550

Contreras Market Carniceria
1601 Railroad Ave, A Livermore, CA

[Melanie Wong]

First Street Ale House was one of the few pubs that got an allocation of Pliny the Younger this year. Good to know that the food is worthwhile there.

Any recent reports on the Livermore temple, Hindu Community Cultural Center?

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Hindu Community Cultural Center
1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA

First Street Ale House
2086 1st St, Livermore, CA 94550

[KatoK]

There is upscale Chinese available at Uncle Yu's At the Vineyard. They also have an extensive wine list and can recommend pairings, which is unusual with Chinese food.
We like Kawa Sushi, which is good if not spectacular and is very popular. They also have tepanyaki. A Livermore local favorite is Casa Orozco for sit down Mexican. There is a nice patio area available as well. The downtown area has several good taco spots. I like the carnitas at Tequila's Taqueria.

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Casa Orozco
325 S L St, Livermore, CA 94550

Uncle Yu's
39 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550

Kawa Sushi Japanese Cuisine
2180 3rd St, Livermore, CA 94550

Tequila Taqueria
160 S Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550