Visalia

I will be accompanying a friend on a business trip. Are there any interesting restaurants in the area? Any suggestions from ethnic hole in the walls to upscale fine dining would be appreciated.

[oneprimalscream]

Hagopian's was my favorite place to eat!!! My great-grandpa always took me to eat there while I was growing up. And now it's gone :(. Pita Kabob has EXCELLENT lavosh sandwiches, pilaf, and hummus. Nothing comes close to Hagopian's kabob sandwiches though.

Mearle's has since closed as well.

[dockhl]

I just had dinner at Pita Kabob tonight (2226 s mooney) and it was EXCELLENT ! Little strip center but good food, excellent staff, clean, huge portions. We had the mezza plate (hummus, baba ganoosh, dolmades, tabouleh, falafel, tzatziki, pita bread) and then chicken kabobs (I would have had lamb but my friend...can't. eat. lamb.) She also had salad and rice, both of which looked OK but why? When there is all this other good stuff to eat? BTW, the baba ganoosh was VERY smokey. Good.

[Stan Trapp]

A newly, new restaurant in Visalia (it just changed owners) is Acequia-on-Main (ass-e'-kwia). A nice bistro worth your visit and evaluation. Local produce, olive oils, cheeses, and wine.

I don't know if the place is still in existence but if it is you must try it. On a side street is a place called Hagopian's Deli. They make THE BEST kabob sandwiches I have ever had. I seem to remember then being across from and either ujp or down the street from the Vintage Press.

I remember Hagopian's from the 70's. It was terrific!

Hagopian's International Deli
409 N Willis St
Visalia

Merle's College Drive-In on Mooney Blvd not far from the highway is a classic old drive-in with carhops and inside seating. Haven't been there in years, but the food was classic, and the malts heavenly.

I agree on the best chances for houndiness are in the downtown core, and for Mexican, some of the outlying but close farming communities. Exeter, Farmersville, Woodlake, etc. We used to eat at a good Mexican place in Farmersville. I'm sure there are also some good taco trucks in the area.

Good luck

[dp2020]

And Merle's is now closed as well...

Unfortunately, I believe Hagopian's closed last year. There is now a BBQ place in the building.

[Stan Trapp]

Sorry, but the Hagopians' retired, and to my knowledge, took their marinade recipe with them. There is, however, a small, new kabob cafe near Walnut and Mooney Blvd., called PITA KABOB (original). I thougt it was close to Hagopians.

Most of the local places are in the downtown area. The Mooney Blvd strip has turned into mainly chains.

A few of my favorites as suggestions in downtown.

Vintage Press as already mentioned. About the most upscale in town.
http://www.thevintagepress.com/maincourses.htm

Cafe 225. Nice bistro.
http://www.cafe225.com/dinner.html

The Depot. Steak and seafood in a restored 100 year old building that used to be the train station.
http://www.thedepotvisalia.com/menu.htm

Fugazzis. Another bistro with mainly a pasta, salad and wraps menu.
http://www.fugazzisbistro.com/

If I think of others I'll add them.

The Vintage Press is old school Continental upscale in Visalia. Great food.