01
Classic prime rib spot
Drying Shed
Near Alum Rock Park • Old-School Steak And Prime Rib Restaurant • Best For Hearty Dinners
A long-running East Side standby known for generously cut prime rib, classic sides, and a no-fuss supper-club vibe.
Drying Shed feels like the kind of place locals have been coming to for celebrations and family gatherings for decades. The menu leans into retro comfort—think thick-cut prime rib, baked potatoes, and shrimp cocktail—served in portions that suit serious appetites. It is a natural choice when you want a sit-down meal near the park that feels leisurely and substantial.
02
Go-to local pizzeria
Pizza Maria
East San Jose • Casual Family Pizzeria • Best For Quick, Kid-Friendly Meals
Neighborhood-style pies with plenty of topping choices, friendly service, and easy takeout for nearby residents.
Pizza Maria is the classic East Side pizza joint where staff remember regulars and the menu covers all the bases from pepperoni to veggie-heavy combos. The space is relaxed and unfussy, making it an easy pick for families or groups coming back from Alum Rock Park who just want slices and sodas. Call ahead for pick-up on busy nights; locals treat it as a weeknight staple.
03
Italian deli institution
Antipasto's By DeRose Gourmet
Mckee Road Corridor • Italian Deli And Neighborhood Eatery • Local Favorite For Sandwiches
A lively Italian deli known for stacked sandwiches, pasta plates, and a bustling East Side crowd at lunch and early dinner.
Antipasto's has the feel of an old-world deli translated to San Jose, complete with glass cases, heaping cold cuts, and red-sauce classics. The standout draw is the sandwich board, where options come on crusty rolls loaded with meats, cheese, and house dressings, but you can just as easily settle into a plate of lasagna or ravioli. It is especially handy if you want something substantial yet casual before or after a drive up to Alum Rock.
04
Modern Vietnamese standout
Roots Bistro
Alum Rock-Adjacent • Contemporary Vietnamese Restaurant • Best For Date Nights
A polished Vietnamese spot where familiar flavors show up in refined, modern plates and thoughtful cocktails.
Roots Bistro brings a more contemporary, urban energy to the area, with a menu that layers Vietnamese flavors onto seasonal California produce. Dishes tend to be composed and colorful, making this a good choice when you want something more nuanced than a quick bowl of pho. It works just as well for a relaxed date as it does for a small group looking to linger over sharable plates and drinks.
05
Destination pizza and taproom
The Last Round Tavern
Downtown San Jose • Craft Pizza Tavern • Best For Craft Beer And Pizza
Crisp-edged pizzas, a strong tap list, and a downtown setting that still feels accessible from Alum Rock.
The Last Round Tavern is worth the short drive toward downtown if you are craving pizza with a little more ambition than the usual delivery joint. The dough has character, toppings lean creative without going overboard, and the bar keeps a rotating lineup of local and regional beers. It is a smart option when you want to make an evening of it—start with a hike or drive through Alum Rock, then wind down with a pie and a pint here.