Very Weak Chai. A waste of $4.00. However, the granola yogurt fruit & honey is yummy. It cost $4.75
(2)
Holley S.
If I could give this cafe more stars- I would. Every single thing on their menu is to die for. It is my go to for breakfast and lunch and instantly makes me feel better on a bad day. They have a salmon salad that is out of this world along with bagel sandwiches and ham quiche that melts in your mouth. These are just a few of my favorite menu items but honestly I have never had anything I didn't love.
(5)
Rebecca W.
Yummmmm!!! I am so happy I found this place! First of all, let's point out that they make all their foods from scratch daily, including the breads and baked goods. Ummm, Panera who?? My eyeballs almost fell out of my head after looking over the dessert case. Omg, S'mores bars & doughnut muffins, what??!!? I ordered the roasted vegetable sandwich, which came on a perfectly soft & flavorful chive-roll with a fresh salad. I also got a cup of the Tomato soup & the fingerling potato cold salad. The sandwich & the fingerling potato salad were definite highlights, probably one of the best vegetable sandwiches & THE BEST potato salad I've ever had. The place was quaint & clean with plenty of seating. I love the outdoor patio, so that everyone's furry friends are welcome! Very good location with lots of shops you could walk around to after and plenty if street parking. The staff was very courteous & helpful. I will definitely be returning my next trip to Los Gatos.
(5)
Kimberly L.
I really... really... really... don't want to give you guys 5 stars. It's just not fair to me. The more stars I give, the more people will go there. It won't be "my" spot anymore! Nevertheless... I am here every Sunday for the Mediterranean Chicken Press and either a Limonata or special Lemonade. I can't stop -- I'm addicted and I'm not willing to change. Sometimes the sandwiches lack the amount of cheese, and sauce to bread ratio-- but if you go during non peak hours the MCP is like.. heaven, melting on the tip of your tongue. Hey-- owners. Can you open a location in SF? I'll work there for free. Only if I can have unlimited MCP's. Cole Valley is the place to be. SO HOT RIGHT NOW! Thx :)
(5)
Charlotte A.
Purple Onion Cafe is a great little place for lunch. I like that it's a little out of the way from the busy part of LG, and there's also good outdoor seating. Everything on the menu looked delicious, and I settled on the taco salad, which was absolutely delicious!! It seemed a little pricey for a salad, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I also got a cappuccino which was great as well. Overall, I would definitely come back for either breakfast or lunch.
(4)
Jane L.
Dry, overcooked, microwaved eggs - terrible. The Lox plate was good. Service was average.
(2)
Scott H.
Nice little place with a comfortable little patio. Nice kids working there, too.
(4)
Jen S.
LOVE the food here! Everything is top quality ingredients and tastes incredibly fresh. I've enjoyed their soups, salads, and sandwiches. I never hesitate to try something new because it's always mouth watering! The portions are a great size and the atmosphere is open and airy. Also, great place to stop for a bite with your four legged friends. Decent amount of outdoor seating.
(5)
Cindy T.
Blood orange lemonade was refreshing. Thai salad was huge, full of chicken and delicious. Pork burrito with salsa was healthy and light. Salmon chowder was a bit too creamy.
(4)
Anitha C.
Maybe I went on a wrong day or maybe I ordered the wrong thing... I had a burrata and heirloom tomato sandwich and a drop coffee ( set me back $13). The sandwich wasn't mind blowing nor was it filling. The coffee was good but not great... Yelp you let me down.. Or did you?!
(3)
Ron D.
Locals favorite cafe especially for morning coffee , breakfast brunch and lunch. Food are great and just the right portion. Food is is presented to you just the way the menu described. Good honest food nothing fancy. I loved both variation of the breakfast burrito. One is the regular burrito which has chorizo , beans and rice..the other healthier option is the egg white burrito wrap in whole grain tortilla which my favorites after a long morning run of 10 miles. Seasoned right and just simply deliscious. You see a lot runners hikers and passersby meeting here for a cup of coffee and enjoying breakfast, brunch or lunch. Place gets pack and you just have to wait for the next available sit or pack your food to go.
(4)
Tram N.
Started my Saturday morning w/ a rigorous workout and watched the Sharks practice at HP Pavilion. Already my day was going great. I had to pickup my contacts in South San Jose and then I looked at my bookmarks to see what's in store for lunch. Off I go, driving on 3 different freeways to get to Los Gatos. After I snuck in a prime parking spot across Sur la Table, I started my trek. Icing on the Cake was first and then there... on the corner of Main St. and College Ave. lies what could be very well the best and most expensive salad I have ever had! There are plenty of tables inside and a few tables outside however, finding a vacant one is difficult if you come during the lunch rush. Fortunately, I was able to grab a seat outside overlooking Main St.; enjoyed the nice and sunny weather - despite that the forecast called for rain and it didn't happen until the late evening. Grrrr!! A single form line made it difficult to enjoy the atmosphere of the cafe because the line did not move fast enough and because the tables were scattered and closely to the line, I felt boxed in. The girl at the register was quick and brief, not genuinely friendly but I'm here for the food and adequate service and that's what I received. The sandwiches are cheaper than the salads. I was astounded! Normally I would go w/ the cheaper option but I have been on this "health" kick so I wanted to abide by it. OK- I lied. I didn't order the salad because I wanted to be on par w/ my diet, it was because I wanted a protein-style burger w/ pastrami and pork belly for dinner at Steins Beer Garden in Mountain View (review for that later but good god, skip it). Salads all range between $11.95 and $12.95. I ordered the Taco Salad ($12.95) because I was enticed by the picture plus I love goat cheese. The salad contains: shredded cabbage, tortilla strips, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, radish, choice of meat (chicken or steak) for which I chose steak, goat cheese, and spicy crema dressing. I also got the all-butter croissant for the little one and a glass of water. My total bill came out to nearly $20. EXPENSIVE. The girl gave me the iced water and my #. The salad took less than 5 minutes to deliver. The guy was nice enough to grab utensils and napkins for me seeing as how if I do, I would need to lug the kiddo i so he saved me the time and headache. This salad goes w/ the saying, "You get what you pay for". The cabbage was fresh and crisp, the radish was crispy, the tortilla strips were crunchy, the tomatoes and corn was evenly distributed and did not make the cabbage soggy whatsoever. The steak cubes were tender, a little bland, and cooked medium rare. The goat cheese and the spicy crema dressing was the "icing on the cake". I LOVED it. I didn't think a salad would give me this much satisfaction. The only salads I've gone crazy for is the Heavenly Salad at Loving Hut and the tri-tip side salad from Pluto's. This particular salad had me crave it the following day. The all-butter croissant was buttery and flaky. I would not order it again because I would rather consume my calories in a sandwich or cupcake format however, if you like croissants in general and don't mind paying over $4 for one then this is the place. I had 2 bites out of it and was OK w/ just that. Getting a box for my salad was stressful as the line to get to the register was utterly long and there was no way for me to slip in to just ask for a box. The same girl that rung me up gave me the box but did not offer to box it for me; I had the plate w/ me. The bathrooms were clean, one for men and one for women, no changing station, and the lighting was dim which made freshening my makeup a tad complicated. Other than the price, this place is awesome!
(5)
Scott P.
Good for breakfast/coffee if you are hiking the Los Gatos Trail. Also the smoothies look good, although I am always a spectator, as I forget to order it when I am there.
(4)
Farrah H.
Coffee was fantastic and the food was outstanding! Loved the grilled cheese, apple turnover, quiche, prosciutto and turkey. It was a little pricey- $60 for 4 sandwiches, 3 coffees and a Pastry but it was worth it. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Daniel R.
Great espresso. I am the ultimate espresso snob. The illy coffee pressed correctly made a most excellent espresso.
(5)
Tiffany Rose M.
Purple Onion is me and my boyfriend's GO TO spot every week. Roberto pours, hands-down, the best espresso drinks in town. The attention to detail is what makes all the difference. The staff is friendly and in two years, my order has never been wrong or taken long to be ready. Also, the food is fresh, bright and healthful. The fruit salad has berries in it. (Fruit salad lovers, you know what I mean.) Not just mellon for days. Also, a great spot for vegetarians. Offerings like spinach quiche and greek yogurt bowls are my usuals. My man loves the breakfast sandwiches. If you are in the mood for something a bit naughtier, I recommend there Almond Croissants. Recently, they started make the filling in house with a mixture that includes a bit of Bourbon. They are divine!!! I recommend going early to avoid the rush. ENJOY!
(5)
Christi G.
Love this little place. Anyone that serves Illy coffee makes me happy. Great place to stop in the am or during errands for a quick bite.
(5)
Paige B.
Great food. The end. Fresh, tasty, well thought out flavor combinations, and naughty treats to indulge in. I would order anything from the menu. My salmon salad was fantastic, and everything else appeared to be equally delicious. A see and be seen place in LG.
(4)
Lg G.
We stopped in after a hike. It was a Saturday, but not crowded. We got the Thai chicken salad, Cuban pork sandwich, and a blood orange lemonade. All were excellent. The prices are reasonable for Los Gatos. The staff is super friendly and the good was made almost before we finished ordering it. The servings were plentiful and all the food was great! I highly recommend it!
(5)
Lenore H.
The tuna melt is so delicious with the melted cheese on top! I love how the bread is toasted so it's very warm & soft when you bite into it. The blood orange lemonade is good too..
(4)
Joseph S.
Think Cheers the T.V. show. I really appreciate the friendly staff, Roberto, Shannon and the rest of the crew. Always greeted on a first name basis and with a smile. They staff knows what my wife and I order which tells me just how much they pay attention to detail. The food is good and very reliable. The serving size of the salads is very generous and for the price it is hard to beat. And, this Thanksgiving we used their catering services and were amazed at the high quality of food. For me living in a small town, I love walking into a place seeing familiar faces and being treated with a smile and like a friend or family member! The staff is a large part of why I come in almost daily for my cup of coffee.
(5)
Jenna S.
I adore onions. They're up there with my favorite vegetables, but unfortunately there is one onion that just doesn't agree with me: Purple Onion. I ordered the tomato basil soup, because it was pretty much my only option as a gluten-free vegetarian. I had seen some positive yelp reviews praising the soup so I had high hopes. They were quickly shot down. I'm all for honesty, so from now on I'm going to refer to the "soup" as what it really is: tomato water. It was so thin, had absolutely zero texture and zero flavor. I immediately grabbed salt, pepper, and sugar (haters gonna hate, it needed it). It was then at least palatable but still not enjoyable. It might have been a little more exciting if I could've sopped it up with the baguette but I had to pass mine along to my lucky, gluten-tolerant cousin. The one, almost-saving grace was the potato salad that I got as a side instead of the green salad. It was actually quite a nice, hearty blend of fingerling potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, red onions, and arugula in a honey-dijon dressing. Good mix of textures (potatoes were cooked properly) with just the right amount of sweetness. I wish I had ordered a bowl full of that instead of the tomato water. If it had been a cheap meal I wouldn't be complaining. Ok I'm lying, I would definitely still be complaining, but not quite as much. It was far overpriced for the quality ($14 for the soup/salad combo). It is a cute location though and nothing seems to be too gentle on the wallet in Los Gatos. I will admit, since I had such a limited selection because of my food restrictions, I really can't judge the cafe as a whole. I can only judge my experience. Some guy at the table next to me had a croissant sandwich that looked like it might be worth suffering the horrible stomach ache it would have caused me. Just heed my warning and don't fall for the tomato water.
(2)
Christine T.
What a great bowl of soup today.. and the egg salad was fantastic on amazing bread. Thank you for the great service too.
(5)
K T.
The pastries are pretty good but the sandwiches are really bad. I've ordered 2 types of turkey sandwiches, yuck. The turkey was SO dry and they put this disgusting horse radish mustard on the bread. I ended up eating the cheese for lunch.
(2)
Carrie S.
We hosted a small open house style wedding reception with POC, and it was fantastic. The food was absolutely amazing, and my guests enjoyed the tapas style menu and Spanish wine. The servers were also super friendly, particularly Shannon, who helped us make sure we had everything set up. My husband and I do enjoy coming here for breakfast or lunch. Its always busy, but the food is so good! I love the breakfast sandwich and steak salad. I brought my BFF here, and she loved the lox breakfast plate. Service is always great.
(5)
LESLI D.
i was excited about trying this place. We ordered the Cafe Salad which sounded amazing..and it was...UNTIL I ALMOST ATE A GRASSHOPPER! Yep, a huge bug in my salad...it might have even been moving. I took my plate inside with the grasshopper and piece of chicken on the fork and showed to to the woman at the counter, (who I believe was the manager or owner). Her response was, "well it's organic"...Really? She offered to make me another salad, which I let her, all the while thinking, "I'm kinda scared to eat it!" I went back to my table and my girlfriend was kinda freaked out too. We were sharing the salad. I decided to go back inside to ask her about this again. I asked her if they washed their salad making before serving them and she said no, they're organic and triple washed...Really? Because they missed a huge grasshopper! It doesn't happen often, she told me...isn't once enough? I'm not real big on organic specifically for this reason. Is it that difficult to rinse the salad before making it and selling it to your customers? I wash all my fruits and veggies at home, organic or not! Needless to say, I won't go back...EVER!
(1)
Chuck K.
The taco salad is great. $15 after tax, but it was really good.
(5)
Allison C.
I readily admit that I am a picky coffee drinker. I want it to taste like it does in Italy - and that is often hard to find. Purple Onion with their Illy coffee has it and they have quickly become my first stop on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It isn't the fastest service in the world, but hot damn the coffee is good. I stick with a latte or cappuccino and can't speak to their drip, but based on the espresso - I can't imagine that it would suck. If I had one complaint about the place (and the reason for the 3 stars) is the food. Unnecessarily over-priced, bland and tiny portions. They really need to step-up their game in this area.
(3)
Anastasia B.
This place just got one more happy regular customer! The food is delish and lovely. EVERYTHING I've tried is wonderful (maybe the coleslaw was a bit off). Apple Blueberry bar - awesome! (This is what got me started in the first place here) Tomato soup is so lovely and refreshing unlike the 'ol generic tomato soup that you can get at any place (the tomato paste kind) Chicken Salad sandwich - yummy! Rocky road bar - very good! I appreciate the fact that great care is taken into which products are used for cooking and the laid back modern atmosphere. I must say that before I would look for my "little special something" for lunch at Whole Foods. Now that the Whole Foods deli food quality had been consistently going down, I am VERY HAPPY to find this PURPLE ONION place. Thank you, dear owners! Please keep doing what you are doing :)
(5)
Ankita K.
There wasn't anything particularly bad, but neither was anything particularly rememberable. Stopped by this place when in the area based on other yelp reviews, but I found the food to be rather bland. Good atmosphere though - cute set-up. I ordered the bowl of tomato basil soup with baguette and a blood orange lemonade. The soup was disappointing - more tomato sauce, couldn't taste any basil. Tried to improve it with pepper-- which was marginally better. Baguette was fairly good in comparison. Not something I will likely come back to.
(3)
Cynthia H.
ordered the pork belly chopped salad and it's very dry and not very interesting. today's special german pork belly chopped. very disappointed
(3)
Karen Z.
In need of a good, not particularly speedy salad or sandwich? This is your spot. I've eaten here three times, and the service and quality are consistent. It takes about ten minutes to get your order, which I don't entirely understand. They have some seating inside, plus another seven or so tables outside. A sandwich is around ten bucks, plus your chips and beverage. Their sweets always look great. There's some street parking, plus a small lot nearby.
(4)
Miki S.
Very nice atmosphere and excellent & exciting food! Service is great and fast. Slightly expensive but considering the quality of the food and location, it's understandable. Outside seating is nice too. I had salmon salad - it's $14 or so but a mountain of greens topped with a decent size yummy salmon, so it fills you up. I also had quiche - slightly small, but yummy; comes with side salad. My friend had chicken salad sandwich and that looked yum too (that's what I'm trying next). We also had doughnut muffins (?) and were good.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Grabbed a couple of salads and blackberry lemonades to go - both were super tasty! It is fairly pricy, and service came with a side of attitude - but the food was super fresh and it was hard to decide from all of the menu's yumminess. I will definitely go back when I am down that way.
(4)
le n.
I have been here several times and plan to return again soon! I ordered the Mediterranean Chicken. For some reason, I was expecting it to taste more like a Greek Salad (my fault for not reading the description). Nevertheless, it was delicious! Kind of like a bruschetta with chicken? I also ordered a lemonade. It is made in-house and is refreshing and delicious!
(4)
Donna B.
I LOVE this place. The Cafe Salad is my absolute favorite for sure. They have gluten free and dairy free options as well because everything is made to order. Everything is FRESH! Really Fresh. I just love it. Plus the Blood Orange Lemonade is the best!
(5)
Antonea C.
I've been here a couple of times and have good experiences, so this review is just for this one time experience. We ordered the veggie sandwich knowing the mix changes with the seasons. This season's "fresh veggies" were pretty disappointing. It was a basic mix of overcooked broccoli and cauliflower on a tough piece of bread. The coffee is great and so are the fresh baked goods, so as long as you steer clear of the summer season veggies then you're good.
(3)
Ari R.
Tomato Bisque... BOMB Mixed Green Salad ... BOMB. Their Little Baguette.... I think you know.. BOMB!!!! Love the purple onion! Some may think its a little pricy, but its sooooooo goood! you get what you pay for here!!! Steamy hot soup, cold fresh salad and bread perfect for dipping, great on a summer day or rainy day! Also the meatloaf sandwich is darn tasty, but huuuuuge! I need it now.
(5)
Dave B.
Nice place for a nosh and a coffee! Roberto pulls great Illy shots and gives us good service, even when the place is jumping.
(4)
Kim W.
I LOVE this cafe!! I've eaten here many times and I have not once been disappointed. It is so cute, the food is awesome, and everyone that works here is so friendly and nice. Items I've tried over the several times I've been here: - Hot and iced lattes - Blood orange lemonade (free refills!) - Lox plate (my fav!) - Quiche - Breakfast bagel - Meatloaf sandwhich (another fav!) - Cafe salad - Blue steak baguette - Prosciutto Press This is a great place when you want something fresh, light, and delicious! Yum...can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu :)
(5)
Grace G.
I wandered in on a Saturday around noon, and was delighted to find the variety of offerings - cookies, pastries, sandwiches, melts, salads, desserts, a variety of coffees and lemonade. You could eat here for breakfast, lunch, and even grab a snack before dinner. The service was great, there was no wait to order, and the ambiance was perfect with the surround windows, small cafe tables, and Christmas decorations. I only had a few items, but will definitely be back to try more, especially the lemonade! Mediterranean Chicken Press - The amount of sauce and cheese was slightly overwhelming compared to the amount of chicken, but understandable considering the thickness of the focaccia. The side salad was overly drenched in dressing, so I would suggest getting the dressing on the side or ask for less of it. Croissant Bread Pudding - Buttery, soft, cinnamon, vanilla, and not overly soggy. Perfect! Latte - No pretty pictures on top, but a perfect latte.
(4)
Janine K.
Came here again this past week. I ordered the Thai Chicken Salad and my friend got the Thai Chicken Sandwich. We sat outside to wait for our food, which normally doesn't take too long here.. maybe 5-10 minutes. After 20 minutes had passed we were getting really hungry! I asked one of the waitresses how much longer our food would be and she said she'd go in and check. Almost instantly the manager/owner/whoever was in charge came out to sincerely apologize and explain that they had just received a huge to go order. He even offered us free coffees and pastries! After that, our food was out within seconds. The Thai Chicken Salad was delicious! Just enough flavor yet still light and fresh tasting. I'll definitely be ordering this one again.
(4)
Andrew R.
Great cafe located in DT LG. The cafe serves illy coffee which is pretty clutch; I ordered the iced Americano and loved it. They do provide added flavor shots for a small fee. Plenty of small snack items for breakfast/lunch. All the items looked delicious but I opted for the classic sausage croissant. It was good not great. The croissant was hard in places due to it being refrigerated. Definitely a good spot to meet friends and grab a cup of Joe.
(4)
Sal E.
Very disappointed yesterday when we visited Purple Onion Cafe. At first the table was dirty. Then the bathroom was dirty. We ordered a Salmon Salad and a Tuna Melt. The Tuna Melt was fine but the Salmon was raw. When I asked the girl at the counter if she could have it cooked a bit more she appeared distraught. I said to her that I didn't even mind if they put it in a microwave for a minute. I just didn't want to see slimy peach color. She once again said nothing and reluctantly took it from me. It then took a good 7 minutes later when she returned with a SMALLER piece of fish than I had originally received on my salad, it was cold, and still half raw!!! Ok, so I'm turned off from the salad incident, overlook the table's dirty, the bathroom's mess, the floor's dirty, why don't I simply end off the meal with a case salad that is advertised on the chalk board. The sign reads : Case Salads - $4.75 or $1.50 with sandwich. Remember we ordered the Tuna Melt? When I asked for the side case salad (baked potato salad) to supplement our Tuna Melt the person "in charge" said to the cashier - no since it was not ordered at the same time as the sandwich!! Are you kidding me?? Thinking this through as I was gathering my thoughts - this place has taken a nose dive - I'm changing my 2 stars down to a one and I won't return here. It's too bad since they really had some quality food. One of the best quality and taste for lunch until now.
(1)
Liz H.
I don't know what they put in their egg salad, but it's delicious! My husband made sweet, sweet love to his meatloaf sandwich as well. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
David R.
I stopped in this morning after church for a bite to eat with my wife and daughter. So I asked a young lady behind the counter if you have Nova Lox for the bagels. She said "Yes, and you can get it with the Nova Lox Plate as well" and she told me the items that it will come with. When I got to my turn to order there was a young man at the register and he said "What do you want? " very rude, not what I expected. Nevertheless I blew it off and ordered the Bagel Plate, and one toasted bagel, not the plate. The young man replied, and with a smart aleck antidote, " What, no plate, what the heck do you want me to put it on"? I was stunned, and I had to think for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. Was he serious, just being rude, or does he really not understand I want the bagel plate with one, and just the bagel without the extras that come with the "Bagel Plate" with the other? So I said "just ring it up". He stared at me and said he didn't like me asking him to just ring it up, like he wanted to push some kind of confrontation. I thought what the heck?, I'm not eating here and called him rude, smart aleck, and some other names that make me the bad guy, even though he talked to me like crap. I asked my family to depart. Then, of all things, he chased me and my family out as we attempted to leave, and continued to antagonize, me asking me to keep arguing with him. Is that how you train your employees to treat an unhappy customer when they are trying to leave? Keep antagonizing them??? I couldn't believe it. I think he wanted it to turn violent there as he kept chasing me out the door. Don't worry, I will never be back
(1)
Alex F.
This is another Yelp referral, and it was a great one. I live close to this cafe, so it was a no-brainer. It's really hard to find a great lunch spot in West San Jose, so the Purple Onion is a sweet find in the heart of Los Gatos. The cafe is located on the corner, so it's clearly visible. The exterior is painted white, and there is a seating area with red tables and chairs; it's cute. There is parallel parking on the street, so it can be a little tough to squeeze into a space. Luckily, I didn't have any trouble finding a spot at 3:30pm on a Thursday. Inside, there is plenty of comfortable seating in the sunbathed shop. The menu is written on a chalkboard affixed to the wall. I decided to ask the cashier for a recommendation. She was very pleasant and helpful, making me feel as though I were a regular. Per her recommendations, I ordered a Blackberry Lemonade and Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich with a salad. My total was $14. I chose to sit outside on the patio, since it was such a lovely day. The cafe is on the edge of Main Street's curve, so it is very quiet. The seating area is in a corridor right next to Nick's Next Door, which I've been hoping to try soon. The cashier brought my food out to my table along with utensils, and even asked if I needed anything else. Five stars for customer service here. Immediately biting into the chicken sandwich, my mouth started watering--delicious. The Blackberry Lemonade is circumspect yet refreshing. Both were exactly what I needed. I would give the food 4.5 stars for a cafe. Even though I stayed twenty minutes past closing, I never felt rushed by the staff to leave. I was a little shocked how nice they were. This place is almost heaven. I will definitely be coming back :)
(4)
Rcd M.
I Like there blood orange lemonade.. which is pretty good.. I get that every time I come to this spot. I enjoy trying almost everything they got there. Haven't really found what I like there yet. I try mediterranean chicken sandwiches which was ok. Then the turkey reuben, wasn't to fond of the pickled cabbage & special sauce. The meatloaf sandwiches, the meatloaf was too dry for my taste. The thai chicken salad was alright. I'm not much a fan of Thai basil dressing. Today I try their steak salad, which was pretty good then again i like my steak hot an not cold. "Till next time my food lover.. till next time."
(3)
Ryan L.
My book club and I met here the other day. We got a nice table outdoors and some great food. This is a cute little cafe in Downtown Los Gatos. They serve sandwiches, salads and soup. I got the Thai Chicken sandwich with cucumber and brie cheese. It was very good. It was on a real crunchy french baguette. The side salad was ok too. The salads looked really good, especially the mexican inspired one. I would gladly come back here for another sandwich if I was in the neighborhood.
(4)
Diana C.
I really liked this place. I'm not usually a huge fan of sandwiches except for banh mi ones but this place had really good warm sandwich selections. You order at the counter and they deliver the food to your table. Hubby ordered the blue steak sandwich and I ordered one of the daily specials - Thai BBQ chicken meatball sub. They were each served on warm toasted baguette bread with a small side salad. I loved my meatball sandwich. It had a delightful blend of spices. I also had some of the blue steak sandwich - not that much blue cheese but the meat was very tender and still pink. I would definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Alex B.
this place da bomb dot com, come here for sunday brunch, whenever i can make it, good prices for best quality food and housing
(5)
An D.
People love this place it seems. Good for them I guess? I had a macchiato which tasted like burnt cardboard. I also had a breakfast burrito which wasn't bad but certainly didn't live put to the price or the ratings. My girlfriend had a breakfast sandwich with sausage. She ended up pulling out the sausage (which I admittedly ate) and finished off the rest. Friendly staff though!
(2)
Kat T.
I moved back into Los Gatos about a year ago and discovered this gem of a place due to it being directly across the street from my new apartment. Purple Onion is one of the reasons I love living in this little town. Excellent service...I am actually shocked to see some of the posts people have written saying the opposite, I go here every morning and have never had anything but the most pleasant experience. All the the staff is friendly but I give extra credit to Roberto and Shannon for always going out of their way to make me feel not just taken care of but special. It is noticed, appreciated and I thank you!! As for the food....Fresh, Flavorful, and Delicious!
(5)
Kevin C.
First time here. Loved it!!! Great food, coffee and service. Loved the energy. Will be back!! Save me some quiche!!
(5)
Sam W.
Holy steak sandwich, batman; this place is awesome. Seriously. If you are in the area, and you feel like not being a crazy person, stop by and get the blue steak baguette. Crunchy bread, great steak, and tons of bleu cheese. It's absolutely fantastic. The salads are good also, and people say they have great coffee. I'll have to try that next time. There a lot of good restaurants in this area, but I will have trouble not going to the Purple Onion Cafe every time I'm nearby.
(4)
Azizi M.
My husband loves loves this place but when I tried it I thought it was ok. The sandwiches and salads are good but I don't understand everyone else's rave. I have a few other friends who eat here daily. I have tried some great food made from the owner here at a special event which I completely loved (turkey leg and an amazing sauce with it) but I havent seen the same items at the cafe. I think the chef is talented here and would love to see him make some more items like that on his menu. I will come back and try it out again and see if I fall in love too! Lol
(3)
Jake L.
My wife and I love coming here for a quick breakfast sandwich and a wonderful people watching experience! We come here about every weekend and get the best breakfast sandwich in town before a beautiful hike in Los Gatos! Highly recommend the breakfast bagel sandwich with their awesome tomato aioli spread!
(4)
Real D.
EVERYTHING they do at the Purple Onion is very well done... the food is fabulous!! They serve breakfast and lunch (I think they're open 7am - 4pm?) For breakfast they offer so many tasty items, here are a few of my favorites: 1) bacon & egg sandwich (scrambled egg, bacon, swiss cheese & mayo on sour cheddar bread), 2) breakfast burrito (scrambled egg, potato, black beans, blistered corn, cheddar cheese, spicy crema & chorizo or roasted vegetables.. or made with egg whites & chicken sausage!) 3) granola & yogurt with fresh fruit, organic yogurt & honey. Do not skip the baked items...everything is home made! The pastries, cupcakes and cookies are super tasty! Love their scones!! For lunch, try one of the home made soups or a yummy salad! The Thai chicken salad is my absolute favorite ... They offer at least a dozen delicious sandwiches but my favorites are the homemade MEATLOAF (with beef and pork, provolone cheese, confit onions & sun dried tomato mayo on a francese roll), the CUBAN (pulled natural chicken, ham, provolone cheese, pickle, tomato, dijon mustard & roasted garlic mayo on a cuban roll) and the MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN (chicken breast, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil & sun dried tomato mayo on a francese roll). Note: This is not a place where you order traditional eggs w/ bacon and toast... that's totally boaring and you can get that anywhere else in town! Note: There are two locations in Los Gatos - both are great, but I normally go to the one downtown b/c it's closer to my house and the LG trail.
(5)
Mary A.
We walked in to the Purple Onion (great name) and were greeted warmly by 2 different people. We ordered the Cuban sandwich to share and sides of tomato basil soup and green salad. After a short wait our food was delivered. The sandwich was very flavorful and sides were tasty too. Prices are a little high for lunch but for good food I won't complain.
(5)
van t.
It a cute cafe that have inside and outside sitting. I usually get the Thai salad pretty fresh n good n different they add uncool ramen on there also. I also get a chance to try the blood oj lemonade. The salad cost around $10 dollar.
(4)
Vivian J.
I have been wanting to go here FOREVER and finally made it there. It is a cute lunch/coffee house with indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu has tons of yummy sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and yummy sweets! Prices are not cheap but the quality of the food is YUM with huge size portions with fresh ingredients! They have plenty of seating inside and outside and service was very quick. Tons of folks had theIr dogs and kids there while they hung out. I can't wait to go back and try some fresh baked desserts!!
(4)
Heather O.
I've heard a lot of good things about this so I decided it was finally time to give it a try.. honestly I think I just ordered the wrong thing because the people next to me had a bunch of hot deliciously yummy looking sandwiches. I ordered a cold chicken sandwich and a fruit cup.. the fruit cup was WAY too small for $5 and the sandwich was horrible.. cold, hard, dry, and old tasting. I think they should specify better what sandwiches are cold and which are hot. Like I said though the table next to me looked like they chose all the right things.. so because of this I will be back soon for something toasted!
(2)
Christina W.
I have been here twice. The first time, I got the Spa Salad. It was amazing! Lots of texture, color, and flavor; but I'd get the dressing on the side next time. The second time, I had a mozzarella/basil/tomato sandwich. It was a hot sandwich, which I wasn't expecting, but I LOVED it! It was really tasty and savory and reminded me of a margherita pizza. The salad that came on the side with this sandwich wasn't my favorite, though. It seemed like it was just spring greens coated with olive oil; I would have liked some vinegar to cut the oil flavor. My husband had the steak and blue cheese sandwich, which was also hot. We absolutely loved the flavors in that one as well. The strong cheese went really well with the tender steak. I will return and try more things!
(4)
John Paul P.
After hearing coworkers rave about the place and the sandwiches, and given I had planned on throwing a picnic for Valentine's day, seemed like the perfect solution. Besides, if the weather went bad (it didn't, beautiful sunny in the 70s California kind of day) there was Nick's Next Door well ... next door. We split the blue steak baguette which was deliciously crunchy yet chewy baguette with slices of steak mixed with blue cheese and cabbage. Wonderfully simple, just wished I had more (especially for the price). The blood orange lemonade was well ... bloody brilliant. Could drink that all the time. Also wish we had the chicken pot pies but they ran out just as we were up to order. Had the purple potato salad instead, large halves of the fingerling potatoes with purple onion, mustard seeds, and not too much mayo. It's all about the potatoes. Side salad was pretty good too, with spinach and shaved cheese and apples. Successful V-Day lunch? Not bad, but just wanted a little more for the money.
(4)
Nike M.
Love this place...the salads are addicting. :) I wish they provided curb side delivery because parking is a pain. As for the food delious!
(4)
Rachel M.
Horrible horrible service. We went in to have brunch and they were out of French toast. By the time we spent the 2 minutes and figured out what else my 2 year old would eat, it was 12:01 and they wouldn't let us order breakfast. Awful service, very pretentious
(1)
paristu f.
Super cute cafe! I go here about twice a week and its the perfect spot to have a latte and something yummy for lunch. All organic, free range, great ingredients which is important these days. Lovely service and really cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Shanna K.
Meatloaf sandwich is pretty good... a thick slice with plenty of flavorful tomato confit but it was a bit greasy (I had to eat it with a knife and fork or else get oil all over me) and the meatloaf itself could have used a bit more flavor. Definitely enough to share though. We split that and the tomato basil soup which was lovely. I would definitely have the soup again. The salads looked quite enormous and good to share as well.. and the baked goods were fresh. Maybe not a destination restaurant but we would definitely stop in again. Nice patio and window seating for people watching. :-)
(3)
Nancy L.
If your ordering food to go check it before you leave. We ordered two breakfast sandwiches with no meat and both were covered in bacon. Very disappointing since we were several miles down the road and planned to eat the sandwiches on our road trip. Really frustrating since we waited in a line several people deep with only one register open on a Saturday. $20.00 later we were better off going to McDonald for an egg McMuffin with no canadian bacon.
(1)
D T.
Walked in with my granddaughter and daughter at 3:40 pm on Saturday. Manager: You know we close at 4:00? Me: Would it be best if we ate outside? Manager: No, we breakdown the outside first. Me: So we should eat inside? Manager: Only if you want dirt in your food 'cause we have to sweep. Me: So, you don't close at 4:00, you close at 3:40. Manager: Look, you can stay until 4:20. Me: I'd like to see the manager. Manager: You're looking at him. Me: Then I will talk with the owner. Manager: You do that. I called the Winchester location and spoke with the manager there. She apologized for the Los Gatos manager adding, He's had a lot on his plate." I left my name and phone number and was assured the owner would be calling me right away. Three days later, nothing. I've been a frequent customer since the opening, but I won't be going back. Update: The owner called 10 days after I left her a message. Too little, too late.
(1)
Jason W.
Food was sub par. Service was worse. Roberto was horrible and just downright rude. He is the sole reason for the negative review & I hope the owner takes note that he is not helping the reputation of this restaurant.
(1)
Carl W.
The owner asked me, a while ago, to try some more sandwiches (so demanding! I kid, I kid) so I finally gave it a shot (hey, if I lived nearby I probably would've tried everything by now) and I was happy with what I experienced. The vegetarian sandwich is good because it is filling (always a challenge if you are not a vegetarian yourself) and flavorful. The Thai turkey sandwich has some great brie, but if I got it again, I would take out the "extra" slice of turkey so that I could taste the brie more (the girl at the counter says she does the same thing!). There was also this great cobbler dish that they got rid of way too quickly! Bring that back!! Blue cheese steak is still my favorite, though, if you were wondering!
(5)
Betty N.
**DOG FRIENDLY CAFE IN LOS GATOS** Nice cafe in Los Gatos which served predominantly breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and soup. They offered full service catering as well. ORDERED: *THAI TURKEY BASIL ($9.75) - Turkey, brie, basil, thai mayo and cucumber on tasted baguette. It tasted fresh and healthy. I loved the huge brie chunk. The baguette was very good toasted. Nicely textured. *BLOOD ORANGE DRINK - Very tasty. It did help with a spike of cherry vodka (umm, how did this flask get into my purse). I wished I brought my English bullies to enjoy the front area. Good cafe. RECOMMEND.
(4)
Lily R.
3.5 STARS!!! I waited until I came here 2x to review. Here it goes. First time, I was CHARMED. Adorable little cafe. Great menu with delicious sandwich choices artfully chalked on the board on the wall. Staff was super friendly. Down below, I noticed a treat bowl full of scooby snacks for the pups waiting for their masters outside. My breakfast croissant with egg, cheese and sausage was delightfully delicious. Couldn't ask for anything more. My friend had the Turkey thai sandwich that looked amazing. She loved it. Second time, I was not so charmed. What happened to the menu? Only the sandwich names were scribbled on the chalk board. No descriptions. My Thai basil turkey was just turkey on a cold roll. hmrphh. I would have liked to read about the other sandwiches...but oh well. Each time I chose a pellegrino drink and an espresso drink making my total bill to be $18-20 for lunch. I think for the prices you pay here, you should have fantastic mind blowing sandwiches each time.
(3)
Connie C.
While I'm not a fan of raw purple onions, I am definitely a fan of this great little cafe in downtown Los Gatos. Their sandwiches are creative and use only the freshest ingredients. They have a nice variety, so there's something for every taste bud. I really enjoy their Thai Turkey sandwich with brie. If you don't want a big greasy spoon breakfast, come here for one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches (on croissant, bagel or muffin). There's also a delectable selection of baked goodies, and they serve Illy coffee - their mochas are yum. On beautiful LG days, you can sit out on their side patio, which is perfect for people with dogs. They've got free dog biscuits on hand for your furry friend.
(4)
Alice J.
A nice cafe with a wide selection of coffee, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. I wasn't very impressed with the proscuitto press sandwich because the bread lacked flavor and was a bit thick. It was also $10 which is a tad expensive for the quality and amount. However their sausage croissant sandwich was very tasty. It was perfectly toasted, the sausage had a kick, and it was more reasonably priced at $6.75. There might be better places to go, but Purple Onion does offer decent food and is a good spot if you're looking for something quick and casual.
(3)
Payal P.
Love this cafe..... especially their hot chocolate
(5)
Daniella S.
Meh. Overpriced chi-chi cuisine. Can't beat the ambiance for a cafe or ice tea with a friend on a warm afternoon.
(3)
Katharine A.
Food was good. I got a breakfast burrito to go. I ordered chorizo--- got a veggie. Line was pretty long, but there seemed to be a lot of regulars here. When I asked for help choosing what I wanted to eat the counter person said they had never had either of the sandwiches I asked about---which is never a good sign at a place where breakfast selections can be counted on one hand. Service was slow----I waited a long time for a simple burrito and was pretty annoyed when I got home and had the wrong item. Good thing for them it was good and didn't have anything I didn't like on it.
(3)
Elise G.
Sandwiches, salads, coffee, and pastries. Outdoor seating too! Casual dining, where you order at the counter, get a number, and a barista brings you your dish when it's ready. Closes at 4 P.M. The Niçoise Salad is mouth watering! The ahi tuna slices are seared, yet ice cold, firm, and fresh. The lettuce is mixed with field greens and spinach and lightly drizzled with vinaigrette. The egg and potatoes are sliced thin so there is some for every bite, and the small pieces make it taste less heavy. The Kalamata olives add saltiness and the goat cheese adds creaminess. It was so refreshing on a hot day. I highly recommend this dish! Don't get the Steak Spinach salad or the Cafe Salad. They sound good, but aren't that great. The Steak Spinach Salad was actually disgusting. The dressing was thick and mixed with the goat cheese, it made a paste. The meat was well done and cubed and tough. The only thing good were the corn and croutons. But really, the combination and texture were so off. The Cafe Salad was something you could put together at home, and was as if you took stuff from a sandwich and stuff for your oatmeal, and put it together. The cheese was just cut up squares of monterey jack cheese slices. The chicken was cubed and dry. The dried apricots and cranberries didn't fit well. It was just a weird salad. The blood orange lemonade was thirst quenching and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I just wish there was more. It was so packed with ice, that I was done in about seven sips. Cute little place with fairly fast service. If you have a dog, you can sit outside in the front or side patio. I would come back again just for that salad! It was reasonably priced too for all you get. Only $14.
(4)
Heather K.
I have been in here multiple times with friends and have loved everything I have gotten! I had the spinach quiche and fresh fruit salad. Lots of delicious spinach! The veggie sandwich is delicious with balsamic dressing and grilled asparagus. The chicken taco salad is much lighter than any I have had before and not laden down with too many chips. Get the lattes! Yummy. Only down side is this place is popular and it can be difficult to find seating.
(5)
Christina D.
Been a loyal customer for a long time as a special treat after the damn trail.. Last time i went in was craving there chicken thai salad that i believe was 14 $ got to work and it was a spinach salad with alot of spinich! Very dissapointed! I will still come in for the thai salad but will check my order everytime before i leave!
(4)
Mercy B.
Busy bistro with wonderful, fresh lunch time eats! I ordered the spinach salad with steak. I expected a small salad with a few slices of steak on top - but when it arrived at my table - WOW! The large plate was overflowing with spinach, ample slices of steak, sprinkled with blue cheese and tomato slices on the side. Although I ate my fill, it didn't even look like I touched my plate. Service is polite and efficient. Street parking can be a challenge - especially on the weekend. I'll be returning with my doggie as I also understand that they're doggie friendly!
(4)
Michelle P.
Finally, a cafe that serves Illy coffee!!!!!! I tried the yogurt/fruit/granola bowl. Portion was small for the price but tasted good.
(4)
Paddy O.
Fresh and clean. Great place for lunch.
(5)
C. Y.
This cafe is definitely one of our FAVORITE lunchtime options...we come all the time. Everything on their menu is REALLY good...I get the Thai Turkey Basil sandwich and it has brie on it....TO DIE FOR. The only bummers are they're quite expensive, and the parking situation is tricky...but that won't keep me from coming back time and time again!
(4)
Christine P.
My husband and I went on a mini getaway this weekend and decided to stop by Los Gatos on the way back home. We were starving and thanks to YELP we were able to find this cute place. I LOVED that they have dry lavender soda which is my ultimate fave. I am a true fan of all things lavender. Today was a gorgeous day so tons of people were at the Purple Onion Cafe & Catering enjoying their lunch. I opted for the tuna melt and my husband ordered the blue steak baguette. All of their sandwiches are served with a wonderful green salad which has cute little flower petals. My tuna melt was wonderfully toasted to perfection and the cheese was melted perfectly. I loved it.
(4)
Jaime O.
Good service, nice location. The prices are decent, but portions tiny.
(4)
Sheeva G.
I'd give it a solid 3.5 because the food is pretty decent. I've been here a few times and it's really nice to sit outside and grab a bite to eat. I love the blood orange lemonade because it's not overpowering. Definitely a cute spot in lg.
(4)
Chun L.
Walked by this cafe in the afternoon and we decided to have a cup of tea and some cookie. Their lemon bar is very nice. We had a special raspberry lemonade to come with it. Chocolate chunk cookies are also wonderful treats. Overall, a nice and relaxing experience.
(4)
Aimee R.
Fresh food! From the outside it looks like a regular coffee shop, with seating both inside and out. They do sell coffee but they also sell sandwiches, soup, salads and pastries. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy but there were still tables open. We ordered: -The soup of the day: Tomato Basil (Not too creamy, it retained the fresh taste of tomato) -Egg Salad sandwich: The egg salad was great. I enjoyed the whole grain bread, it was very tasty. -Tuna melt: It was also good. (The sandwiches here are not that big, it gets you full) -Apricot Bar: Delicious!! Packed with apricots and it has huge chunks of crumble topping. -Lemon Bar: The crust was very buttery and flaky. It wasn't too tart. We enjoyed it.
(4)
John S.
This was my first trip to Purple Onion...and...albeit not easy to please..this place did it right! I enjoyed the Cafe Salad which was delicious with very liberal amounts of chicken to complement the greens, cheeses, cranberries, walnuts, etc..The tuna salad sandwich remains I swiped from my daughter were great and I envied the fruit granola being consumed by my other girl. Ambiance is nice even though tables for more than 2 are in short supply. My only disappointment was when I asked the kid who brought our food about our silverware and he pointed to an area in the cafe to go pick it up. Even though he saw that we didn't get up to secure our utensils, he just drifted away without helping us.
(4)
Caroline H.
Great Illy coffee. Nice interior. Cool feel to it. Lovely outside area to hang in. Only had coffee so can't comment on food. Will be back for coffee after another LG creek run.
(4)
Paula G.
This place is very neighborhood friendly! They are always busy for lunch time. I always call my orders in and when I get there it's ready and all I have to do is find a seat! I always order their meatloaf press. It's divine! It's juicy and it's the best warm sandwich to have on a cold day. Their tomato basil soup is made perfectly. There's enough basil where you don't just taste the tomato. Their blood orange lemonade is a must! It's free refills also! It's not too sour and it's not too sweet. The people here are very friendly and very accommodating to anything that you need. It's definitely a nice place to have lunch. You can even bring your dogs and sit outside!
(5)
Audrey G.
I cannot adequately express how impressed I am with the quality, service, and variety that is offered at The Purple Onion. I am eager to share my overall satisfaction that I always receive at The Purple Onion - it's superb! I live in Sacramento, and always make it a priority to dine at this fine establishment every time I am anywhere near Los Gatos. The staff is extremely friendly and always accommodating. I recommend this gourmet and affordable restaurant to anyone looking for a comfortable place to eat with friends, family, a date, or even solo. I can't wait for my next excursion to this little slice of heaven :)
(5)
Gary J.
There is a rumor going arond that the Steelhead Chowder here is amazing. Chef Steve Angelo may have done it again. I can't get by this Friday but you can be assured in the coming weeks it will happen. Love this place for the coffee and excellent food. The people watching is pretty good too. Keep your eyes open for a former Apple computer luminary and me from time to time. I'm the ole f-t in the corner reading the times or wading through Pillars of the Earth; will that book every end? If you are considering an event I highly recommend the catering services of the Purple Onion. I went to an event they did a year ago and loved it. Follow up to original review from Chef Steve: "I do a fresh fish chowder every Friday, next Friday halibut. We feature two soups everyday a Tomato-Basil that's veg. and daily special yesterday was rosemary chicken, barley and butternut squash."
(5)
Loren g.
ps "David R." seems like a very angry person full of rage. Not sure what vibe he was putting out into the world that day but I have been here 100 times and have never encountered rudeness from the staff (the owner gal seems stressed sometimes but never rude!). Plus I always think it's funny when you click on someones review history and they ARE ALL NEGATIVE. Keep up the good work guys, you will always have these one off unhappy customers.
(5)
Alice L.
Dropped by Purple Onion Cafe to get some illy coffee. Mmm. Their prices are extremely reasonable from their coffee to breakfast pastries. Anyone know of any other place where you can get a pastry and a good cup of coffee under $5? Exactly! Purple Onion will be my place moving forward!
(4)
Brian B.
This place is alright. It's a quaint little cafe with not enough seating in Los Gatos, near the high school. The prices for items are high and the food is alright, but not amazing. I got a big salad (should be for $12) with mediocre flavour. It's not that I won't go back to this place, just that I'll be much more inclined to go any number of other places first.
(3)
Vince M.
Honestly, I have tried this place several times wanting to like it, but the food does not live up to the menu, and man, those prices! Last straw was the Thai Turkey sandwich. Here are my negatives; Sandwich was on the smallish side, for $10.95, I expected more. The baguette bread was not the best, the turkey (described as oven-roasted) did not taste that fresh or home-made quality. The sandwich tasted like it was heated in a micro-wave - i.e. warm, but with an off-taste. The side salad while OK, was very underwhelming for the price. The sandwich and a small bag of Kettle Chips (no drink) set me back $13.50!!! I've walked thru most of the menu (including soups), I can say my experience has been pretty much the same, the food tastes blah compared to what the menu says and the prices are other-worldly high. Unless you go to downtown Campbell, there really are no good choices for this area for a decent lunch. Sadly, I have to give up on the Purple Onion as well.
(2)
Melanie F.
One of my LG favorites and great for a casual lunch with friends. The food is fresh and yummy. My favorites are their tomato bisque and steak salad. Try their s'mores square. So dangerously delicious. Service is always terrific. The staff is personable and friendly.
(5)
Pauline L.
3.5 What a cute and friendly little lunchtime spot near downtown Los Gatos. I ordered a half soup and half salad combo, which consisted of their tomato basil soup and choice of house or cold pasta salad. While I loved my soup, it was the perfect blend of creamy and tomato tart flavor, I felt my lemon and pesto pea pasta salad could have used a bit more flavor. I did love my blood orange lemonade, which also includes refills! The spot is bright with plenty of seating and the service is friendly and I would love to come and sample some of their other popular salads. Illy coffee is also served here, which is another bonus. A nice casual place to lunch, catch up with friends, or read a book on a weekend afternoon.
(3)
Deena W.
Purple Onion is located in an awesome active area by trails, local shops and near the heart of downtown Los Gatos. It has comfortable atmosphere! It's my usual morning stop after my hike, before I start the day or my lunch spot. It has excellent service, friendly staff, and yummy food with delightful presentation. Sign-up for their wine pairing dinner events. They are fun and informative. And they cater too! What's not to like-:)
(5)
Susan M.
Went there for lunch today for the first time. Staff was friendly, helpful and very willing to make it a great experience. I had the cafe salad, and it was by far one of the best salads I have ever eaten....
(5)
Nicole W.
We finally made it over to the Purple Onion. After sampling a wonderful selection of their eats at a friends party we knew we had to check it out. We arrived on a Friday just after noon and it was fairly full. We actually bumped into my husbands mom who was just finishing her lunch. I immediately knew we were going to like the food because his mom has a discerning pallet -- so if she is a regular it's gotta be good. I ordered the turkey sandwich and my husband chose the tuna melt. Each came with a side salad. When it arrived it looked like a work of art. The salad was so colorful. I took a bite of my sandwich and it was amazingly fresh. The bread was warm and a bit crispy like it had been taken straight from the oven. Delicious. The tuna was good too. We will be back to try out the rest of the menu.
(4)
Jamie S.
Great neighborhood cafe. Purple onion has a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. They have delicious quick breakfast options as well including breakfast burritos and a croissant sandwich the size of your head! Staff is friendly and the best part is you can watch them whip up your order just behind the pastry case. You'll find many locals stopping in for a quick relaxing bite. Grab an espresso and sweets while you're there if the mood strikes. Their cookies, crumb cakes, and bread pudding are baked daily.
(4)
Lindsay A.
I LOVE this place! Try the Mediterranean Chicken sandwich!!!
(5)
Serena C.
I reallllllly like this place. I got introduced by my trainer and fell in love with their Greek salad and awesome outdoor downtown seating. However the second time I came, I was meeting a girlfriend to catch up. I believe I had a very nervous new girl but she had no support around her while we were cashing out. We went outside to sit and realized we had to go inside for silverware. . She forgot my blood orange lemonade ( which deserves a few stars on its own!!). Bottom line, worth checking out, but I guess you have to be patient.
(3)
Kirstin B.
I have been here on many visits - it is cute and the food is good. On my latest excrusion we had a veggie burrito and it was the best menu item I've had there over all my visits. (I've had their salads, sandwiches and breakfast scones/muffins). Their coffee is good, too (I've had lattes and cafe au laits). I agree with other reviewer/s that the food can be kind of plain, salads light on "fixings". It is somewhat pricey as well but then again you are in LG. Wish they had a few/better kid friendly options - it is a struggle to find something appealing to a 4 year old. Service is medium to slow, but staff is nice. The inside is so cute and nice to have outdoor seating - I keep thinking there must be a better layout/furniture to make it work better and mange crowding. But what do I know? Definitely worth adding to your list of cute places in the Los Gatos downtown area.
(3)
Matt C.
This is the type of place I wish I had in walking distance of my house. The cafe is clean, has good food and coffee, and is very friendly. They are extremely dog friendly which is important to me. They have dog bones in the store just to make the pooches feel more welcomed. The store has a lunch menu but I have only had breakfast. The granola is solid but is like most granolas. The egg sandwich is a classic with great bread, a good cheese and some bacon. The breakfast burritos are also good. They are not super greasy and come with a good sauce. The vegie burrito has lots of good veg in it and if split makes for a great lighter breakfast. The place has quality products and even better service.
(5)
Yasmin R.
Cute little gem in downtown Los Gatos! I love it here, and if the weather is nice and sunny - ask to sit outside and enjoy people watching, freshly baked scones and some sunlight! I especially like the service and decor. it's a must try if you're in the area and like fresh food and good atmosphere. The prices aren't bad either. :]
(5)
Ben A.
Some of their food is good, but they are night and day from when they first opened, and not in a good way. They used to always have a great selection of fresh muffins, everyone that worked there was happy, you always saw the same faces who recognized you were regulars, the Thai Turkey Basil sandwich USED to be spectacular... Then, they opened up another location and I think that's when it all started down hill. They don't make the sandwich right anymore, the same selection of baked goods is no longer, things just don't taste as fresh as they used to and this was not a one time bad experience. We have been here hundreds of times as it's walking distance from home, but not so sure we'll be back, or not nearly as much. So sad.
(3)
Taylor B.
Really nice shop...bright and airy. I had the prosciutto press, which was good but could have used more prosciutto. Seriously, one thin slice? I could barely taste it. The flat bread and mozzarella cheese was delicious though. The side salad that came with it was very fresh. I'd come back but will try something a bit more hefty - like the meatloaf press. Sounds yum!
(4)
Kim N.
Cool cafe with high quality eats and beverages. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to hang out in the patio area but got some food and a blood orange lemonade togo. I like that they bake a lot of things on prem and use fresh ingredients. Will definitely have to come back when I have more time. Wished they were open later than they are as it would be great place to hang out.
(4)
Neal T.
I have wanted to try this place for a long time. Stopped by with my mom on Sunday morning after a stroll through the Farmers Market. It was crowded for 11:00am, but we did not have to wait very long for a table. My mom ordered the Turkey Sandwich and I ordered the Meatloaf Press. A mixed salad also came with the sandwich. This was nice and lite. We both loved our food. Steve and his staff gave excellent service. I highly recommend this place. Can't wait to come back and sit out front with my dog.
(5)
Denise S.
I can't say enough good things about this place! First the food is beyond excellent. -- everything is very fresh and tasty. The atmosphere is very social since it is near the trail. In the mornings you have a nice mix of folks walking their dogs, stopping in and finding friends. I have even run into my neighbors and friends here unexpectedly. It is the perfect place for the Los Gatos community to mingle. And, the service is very good as well. They know how to SMILE and say thank you. If you haven't been here yet, you are really missing out! (And they have several tables/seating areas outside if you have your dog with you!)
(5)
Chrystal Z.
I LOVED this quaint little cafe in downtown Los Gatos. Came here for a quick lunch with my mom during a day of shopping and strolling downtown. Nicoise salad - arguably one of the best salads I have ever tasted. All of my favorite things: tuna, fresh greens, asparagus, hard boiled eggs, potatoes, potatoes... mmmmmmm. The tuna was PERFECT - tender texture was set off by crisp lettuce and the potatoes. You could literally taste everything they put in the salad, and the tarragon dressing pulled it together nicely. Definitely order a blood orange lemonade as well. It went awesome with my salad. Took off a star because I think I could have done without the panini my mom and I shared - I forgot which one we got, but it wasn't that memorable. And because, as much as I loved my salad and lemonade, it was a little pricey - salad, sandwich, and lemonade came out to almost 30 bucks for a lunch.
(4)
Kien M.
I randomly stopped by for lunch. Seems like a cool place if they are advertising Illy coffees. I ordered the pressed prosuitto with the tomato soup and the wife had the egg salad sandwich. My was small. I was bothered that it barely had a prosuitto and the meat doesn't taste right cooked. It felt more like a grilled cheese sandwich. The soup was slightly on the salty side and too rich for my liking. The egg salad sandwich felt heavy on the mustard. The sandwiches are all around $10 which is kind of steep. Last but not least, I had the Illy's cappuccino. This was actually the best thing from the place and it was decent.
(3)
Jane Ann M.
Great food!
(4)
Thoms M.
There is nothing better than hiking Jones Trail and ending up at the PO for an amazing late' and something yummy. It's my go-to spot on the weekends. The staff is super friendly and they have a lot of great breakfast and lunch choices. Baked goods are also worth the splurge. Roberto and Shannon do a great job and I appreciate how they always remember what I like to order. Go PO !!
(5)
Jem G.
I love purple and finding a purple cafe, I should give it a try even though I'm not hungry. I ordered lox plate which is a good choice. A bagel, smoked salmon, capers, thinly sliced onions, cucumbers, two types of cream cheese. It delicious and perfect. My best bet is the blood orange lemonade. It's a must although quite pricey. I wish it's refillable. I'll come back here because of the lemonade plus staff are wearing a cute shirt and they were very friendly!
(4)
Jimmy L.
A friend took me here, so it was kind of a surprise to see this hidden jewel that is ever-so-slightly off the beaten path in downtown Los Gatos. Though they're on the "secondary" main drag of downtown, I really appreciate that fact, and most of their windows and outdoor seating face the residental side of the corner, and kind of made a difference to me aesthetically from the standpoint that this makes the vibe it bit more "chillaxed". Ambience is bistro style. Though it can get crowded, the space is also bright and airy. Food seems super fresh and super good. This is one of the few instances to me in which you notice the taste difference in "fresh". I am a fan of grilled cheese, so naturally, I had this - Three Cheese Tomato Melt provolone, brie, manchego, tomato and basil on sliced sourdough cheddar 12.95 I was in hog-heaven! Everything was excellent, and exactly how I would've prepared it. All the ingredients put together lends itself to a really well-balanced flavor profile.
(5)
T. C.
Service : Not so great guy at the registered seemed to hate his job or life I am not sure. Food: Lame salad too much dressing .. cold ..tough to chew chicken. Veggie burrito umm pretty basic.. just not a fan of this place first and last time.
(3)
Jennifer Y.
I came here again yesterday to get some take out. Los gatos is pretty dog friendly, but make sure you don't come in here with your pet! I went in with my 3 lb dog and was immediately told to go outside. They took my order outside brought my food outside. Pulled pork sandwich: BBQ flavor was lacking a bit. The cheese with grilled onions was good. Bread was soaked up with orange grease. Overall 3.5/5 Hero sandwich: had salami and other deli meat with some kind of aoli. Boyfriend rates it 3.5/5. The bread looked hard! Chicken cabbage salad: the dressing was yummy! It's flavored with soy sauce and basil. Large serving! 5/5 I would get it again. Butterscotch cookie: thin and chewy. Amazing!!!!!!! 5/5 Slim chip cookie?: it was almost like a muffin. Not a fan of dense cookies or dark chocolate. 1/5 Blood orange lemon aid: good as always, but I wish they would add some blood orange pulp or something. 4/5
(3)
Jennifer W.
This place was packed for brunch and lunch. It's simple and very chill and it's on the corner of Main. Parking is limited and will need to be found on the street. It seemed like people were just strolling in with their doggies or friends. The cafe's food was just ok. 1. Tomato basil soup-average tomato soup 2. Zucchini bread-pretty yummy 3. Lattes and Tilly coffees-can't go wrong with these! 4. Spinach Quiche-average, and not warm 5. Tomato and 3 cheese sandwich-this was the best tasting out of everything. It better be for $11.95. Hmm... 6. Brocolli salad-was just ok. I can get this at Whole Foods. Next time, if I do stop in here, it would just be for coffee and/or pastry.
(3)
Tyler K.
I heard this place had really good sandwiches so my girlfriend and I came here post workout. Don't worry. We're not one of those douche-couples that says "couples that workout together, stay together." We just like to make room for food. I had the Mediterranean Chicken sandwich. It was very flavorful and, in a way, reminded me of pizza without being nearly as fatty. My girlfriend had the Thai Turkey and it was okay but sort of on the bland side. A nice place to have lunch but not a must have
(4)
Christie B.
I'm in Los Gatos every Sunday morning, so I've passed Purple Onion Cafe alot but have never stopped in. This past weekend I was wanting to try something different so in I went. Cute little cafe with indoor as well as patio seating. Since it was a tad chilly, I opted to grab a seat inside with a window view of the patio (best of both worlds?). As you walk in, there are chalkboard menus over head and display cases with sandwiches, salads and sweets. Since it was still morning, I opted for breakfast. Their menu offers breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and quiche. I love quiche and theirs looked delicious so I ordered the ham quiche which comes with a baby green salad. I also ordered a triple mocha. The total was a little over $13 which I think is pretty pricey but then again it's Los Gatos so I guess it's average. My order was brought to my table pretty quickly. Since it was my first time here, I didn't realize I needed to grab my own silverware and napkins. So when my quiche came, it would have been nice for the server to let me know where these items were. Luckily I found them along with some Tabasco. Mocha was uninspiring. Cute little creamy design on top but tasted watery and not nearly hot enough. Quiche was great. Light, fluffy and the crust was delicious. The only thing I was bummed about was that since the slice was pretty thick, the center didn't get warmed so four bites into this slice of eggy goodness I got a fork full of cold ham. Other than that, I'd totally order this again. Side baby green salad was not good. The greens were fresh but boring. The dressing literally tasted like straight olive oil with zero seasoning. I would opt for another of their salads (fruit, pasta, etc.) for an additional charge I'm sure. The lunch options looked delicious and the blood orange lemonade sounds amazing so ill be back to try those for sure.
(3)
Michelle D.
A cool cafe in downtown Los Gatos. My friend and I ordered the mediterranean chicken sandwich with mozzarella, red peppers, sun-dried tomato mayo on a francese roll. It came with an arugula and carrot side salad. The sandwich contents were yummy, the only complaint I had about it was the roll. The francese roll itself was soft and light but it had a lot of powdery flour on it making me want to wipe my hands all the time. My other friend liked the three cheese tomato melt and it looked a lot less messy than the mediterranean chicken. Overall it's a nice place to relax on a weekend and enjoy good food. I would come back and try the blood orange lemonade I hear so much about and maybe some of their baked goods.
(4)
Jay N.
We came by here on a nice sunny weekday for brunch prior to a sailing trip so my review is obviously biased by the general elation surrounding me. The shop is a bit on the smaller side and oddly laid out so if you're sitting in front you're going to have people brush by you on the way to the registers. They are cheerful and the service reflects that. I ordered a coffee and a egg o muffin with chicken which did not disappoint. The price was higher than other run of the mill places but it's Los Gatos so what did you expect with a lamborghini showroom right opposite you?
(4)
Rosie C.
This little cafe attracts all the dogs and dog owners. We brought our pup here to join us for lunch and we were comfortably seated outdoors next to so many other dogs :) The service and food were equally good. We had their: - Three Cheese Tomato Melt (hot sandwich; $12.95) - Hero Sandwich (cold sandwich. great for meat lovers; $11.95) - blood orange lemonade (with FREE refills!) I'd definitely come back for their sandwiches & to explore other menu items but I'll probably ask them to substitute something else for their free side salad. Even though it comes complimentary w/every sandwich, that dressing didn't do it for me. That'd be my only complaint.
(4)
Lisa M.
This is my fav lunch spot in Los Gatos. The reasons: quality ingredients. Healthy. Friendly. Bustling energy. Parking always seems pretty easy. Lovely selection between hot and cold sandwiches. The salads are amazing. My favorite being he salmon salad. Tomato soup is off the hook. The portions are generous without being too much. Lovely little assortment of pastries/ cookies.
(5)
Yann M.
I really like their lox plate, two kinds of cream cheese with plenty of lox to put on top of my bagel~ Green salad is awesome too, they grill the corn kernels, and the char and sweetness totally combine all the flavor together, dressing is light, not fatty! the steak salad was great too! they serve illy coffee!
(4)
Vivian H.
This place has been in my bookmarks forever so my friend and I came here for a nice catchup session during lunch ! It was such a nice, warm sunny day around 1pm, we decided to park our car and walk there. When we walked in, the first thing you notice is the ambiance! Everyone is so cheerful, nice and it has a very laid back relaxed feel to the air. You order first t the register and they bring it to you. I heard it gets pretty busy during lunchtime, but we were able to snag an indoor seat close to the register and then later we moved to the outside patio to relax in the great weather. I got the thai turkey sandwich which comes with salad with very light dressing, blood orange lemonade, and a latte (for my friend). The thai turkey sandwich comes on a baguette with a few cucumbers, some type of spread and LOTS of turkey! I was kind of disappointed in the sandwich, as the bread was pretty hard (not stale though), and the turkey overwhelmed a lot of the flavors. The salad with barely any dressing was okay, maybe they just wanted to keep it health-conscious so the dressing was very skimpy. The best was the blood orange lemonade! super refreshing -- tangy sweet and delicious! They give you free refills and if you eat inside, they will give you a to-go cup when youre done and you can fill that up too before you leave! I feel like I may have ordered the wrong thing, so I'll probably end up giving this place another chance in the future. Stars are for the cherry customer service we got, the ambiance and the lemonade!
(3)
Jeff C.
Ok food, but overpriced...but the real killer is the service. They can't tell the difference between sesame seed and something clearly other than sesame seed bagel....and insist they are are right and the customer is wrong. Learn how to respect your customers!!!!!
(1)
Scott F.
2/5: The blood orange lemonade is over-rated: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… Or, maybe, it was just too diluted today. 4/5: The 7 layer bar is very sweet, but good, and addictive: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… The dominant sweets that come through are the coconut, butterscotch chocolate chips, and cookie dough. 4/5: The croissant sandwich is very good: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… The croissant is fantastic, and the savoriness really comes through. Comes with your choice of meat: but don't get the chicken apple sausage: that was dry and flavorless. Just go with the bacon. 4/5: the top crust of the pumpkin bread pudding is fantastic, with an awesome sauce and whipped cream: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… But, the rest of the bread pudding itself is just a flavorless blob of calories.
(4)
Brian O.
We stopped by after a run for a quick lunch. Great food, quick service, and relaxing environment (outdoor and indoor seating). We'll be back!
(4)
Ron L.
Have been coming here for years, but sad to say the service has deteriorated over the last few months. Have not seen the owner around much lately, so I'm guessing there is a correlation here. Today, the girl serving (one with big ear inserts) gave particularly poor service with no smile and poor manner. To top it off, she gave me a peanut butter cookie instead of a ranger one (just as well there was no allergy involved). Lots of staff turnover - the only long-time staff member seems to be Roberto who always gives a cheerful smile and good service. A great location, but definitely needs management attention... and a tastier selection of cookies and pastries. p.s. glad to hear that a prior reviewer was told to take their dog outside!!!
(2)
Kathy R.
Second time trying this place. I ordered the Steak sandwich which was overcooked in the microwave. Came to me overcooked like rubber. It had potential if they had not stuck in the microwave. At $13 with tax I can not recommend it
(2)
Lalu B.
This looks like a popular place but I'm always disappointed b/c there is never anything gluten free or wheat free here to eat. C'mon purple onion, get with the times.
(3)
Melissa S.
I like to stop here for coffee after my Sunday morning hikes on the trail. They serve illy coffee which is delicious. Great selection of pastries as well as savory breakfast items. I recommend the chorizo breakfast burrito. They also serve lunch but I've never tried it. 4 stars only because it's a bit in the more expensive side.
(4)
Mina C.
The cold prosciutto sandwich was delicious and had the perfect proportion of meat, cheese, lettuce and bread. Wasn't too salty as sometimes these can be. One star off for the steep price, but this was a grade A sandwich!
(4)
Kenny P.
I always always pass by this place but never ate here for the longest time. Went for the first time on whim with a local friend who said good things about it. I knew they've become a strong installment in town and liked a LOT of the menu choices they had. Extremely busy... all the young and cool hip kids seems to hang out here. Chose the Thai Turkey sandwich and my friend got the HERO sandwich. I ate half of mine and then asked to eat half of my friends sandwich HAHA. My friend happily obliged and I was AMAZED at how delicious it was. The hero is the sandwich to get for me here. SO DAMN DELICIOUS with the quality of cut meat they have. That prosciutto though mmmmmmm with the brie cheese wow. The sandwich was actually ordered WITHOUT the ITALIAN HAM which i think is smart because it would have too much with it in. I have yet to try the Blood Orange Lemondate but I will when I get back to eat at this place again. Might just go next week actually now that I'm thinking about the HERO sandwich haha. The HERO is better than the THAI Turkey for me. Although the Thai Turkey maybe a healthier option.
(4)
Amy W.
Pretty disappointing overall. We took my bf's mom and son here for a Christmas eve lunch. I was looing for a 1-2 $'s with 4 Yelp stars, and this place (at 3.5) was as close as I could come. I always find it interesting when the reviews on Yelp are mixed between high and low (with very few 3's) Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised and today was the opposite. I ordered the meatloaf sammy - too greasy - literally sitting in a pool of grease. And the menu does not tell you that you get a side of salad (which I might have tried to sub for soup since my bf was getting a salad.) The salad dressing was all oil and no vinegar. My bf's son got the turkey reuben, which he liked and I tried, but it too was greasy and unevenly grilled. My bf got the black and blue salad. I gotta say all the salad here LOOKED really delish (another table had 2 salads, and they are all chopped like I prefer them, BUT, there was no blue cheese in it and it was under-dressed, and the dressing had zero acid. (on the plus side, there was a bunch of steak.) There was plenty left over and we took it home for dinner, when I added feta cheese and a bunch of balsamic it improved 100% (and that's after sitting in the car for 4 hours.) The only person who liked there meal was my bf's 91 year old mother, who got the loaded baked potato soup of the day. i didn't try it, and let's just say she does not have a very discriminating palate. Her choice would have been Carrow's - so take her review with a heavy grain of fleur de sel! But hey we made an old lady happy with a bowl of soup, so that's a plus. She even mentioned the soup again a few days later and her memory is not the best. I also ordered a cookie of the day - a white chocolate chip with peppermint - now how could this be bad? it looked big and crispy chewy, but it was TOO crisp with little flavor and guess what - also greasy. (and before you judge me on the greasy - I rarely mind greasy, my fav meal is a cheesesteak sandwich!) Lunch for the 4 of us was in the $55 range.
(2)
Christina R.
This place is YUM YUM YUM! My husband and I especially enjoy their salads and coffee! They offer some organic, fresh ingredients and have fun food creations. We are definitely fans of the decor and outside seating!
(5)
R. C.
I enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich, it was delicious! My BF enjoyed his roasted turkey sandwich as well. The salad dressing on the greens was a little weak. Also enjoyed the blood orange lemonade (free refills).
(4)
Ocee D.
Not impressed.... Got the Cuban Sandwich (2 1/2 stars) that came w/ a Side Salad (2 1/2 stars). My sandwich showed up w/ the top piece of the "Cuban roll" missing and had something in it that tasted a little weird... and the salad was basically shredded cabbage and tomatoes w/ a few DROPS of dressing yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… Some of the other things on the menu look/sound good, so I'll probably be back to give it another shot
(2)
Jennifer C.
This establishment changed the bread I loved on their egg salad sandwich to a light and fluffy bread that does nothing to the sandwich and actually makes it taste too mushy and texturally off. Sadly I won't be in again to have it, but their menu and quality keep me from taking any stars away! its still a great place to grab a bite in Los Gatos.
(4)
Niki H.
I'm really torn. Their sandwiches deserve 5 stars. The salad I had a 2 since I have had much better. I guess a 3.5? The people working here are very courteous and nice. They deserve a 5+. We headed here after discovering Nick's Next door was closed until 1/19. The bad: I ordered a california salad. This salad consists of organic greens, roasted chicken breast, tomato, cucumber, carrot, shaved red onion, fresh berries and whole grains (it was quinoa) and tossed with greek yogurt dressing. It was bland. I could see the dressing but it was so bland. I got only a few pieces of the best strawberries I have ever had. The chicken was dry. There was no moisture left in that poor guy. The plating was wonderful and it did make me full for the rest of the day but I wasn't satisfied. I am not sure why it was as bland as it was. I'm kind of surprised onion was listed since my salad barely had any and it also had only a few strawberry slivers. I would totally skip this salad. For 13.95 it was kind of a rip off. Although the quality of the ingredients were good, which justified it's price, it should have had more flavor to it. My husband tried some and agreed it was bland. The good: My husband ordered the pulled pork. It is described as braised pork shoulder, sweet espresso bbq sauce, confit onion, brie, sriracha mayo and sour cabbage on francese roll. This was so good I can't even find the words to describe it. I admit I considered guilting him into trading since I am pregnant and it was my anniversary but I settled for the two bites I had. Even remembering this sandwich is making my mouth water. The bread was toasted to perfection. The brie was melted. The pork was moist and the BB sauce was not overwhelming. It was really an amazing sandwich. It came with a side salad that tasted bland and like it was dressed mostly with olive oil. Even so the sandwich was enough to fill my husband for HOURS and it was just the most divine thing. I would love to give this place another try. My instinct is to only try their soups and sandwiches but I am willing to try another salad just to see if maybe it was an off day or if another salad would have had more of a flavor profile.
(3)
Patrick K.
Very nice and scenic location, nice lil brunch date spot. Food was pretty good and priced at what you would typically expect in Los Gatos. The Blood Orange Lemonade was pretty good.
(4)
Jess B.
My review probably doesn't carry that much weight-- I've been here once, for about an hour and a half, and only got a sandwich. That being said, I went for brunch this morning, around 10:45. It was busy but not crowded-- I didn't have to wait in line at all. It's in a really cute area in Los Gatos and had ample seating for the crowd. Mostly 2-person tables, but you could also pull some together, and there was a little bar at the window so you could look out. I got the croissant sandwich with bacon as the meat. I have to say, it was really good. It was big and filling, and the flavors were really nice. They had a variety of pastries in the window that I resisted! Some others' eats and their thoughts: - salted caramel mocha: good - latte: decent - blood orange lemonade: delicious - cobb salad: huge, pretty good I would likely go again if I was in the area, but it will also be easily forgotten.
(4)
Jason D.
Just stopped in for a coffee, so this isn't a very thorough review by any means. Nice, clean, friendly place. Made me a quick triple espresso. Clean condiment area. Will return!
(4)
Cassie S.
An great place to get a alas in Los Gatos. I had the Greek said and it was very tasty and a good sized portion. The chocolate pastry was just average.
(4)
Mark L.
Great place for breakfast or brunch for breakfast sandwiches and coffee. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Forking A.
I typically only write a negative review if a place really blows on customer service, and this Purple Onion consistently blows. It's too bad because it's in a great location for over-priced food and it's close to home, but it has failed on customer service too many times so they need to be called out. Usually it's just a lackluster attitude by a handful of some of the younger staff members (the "I am above this kind of work" Millennials epidemic). But, there have been some specific instances worth noting like the time I called to place my order because I was walking with my two toddlers and dog and decided on a whim to have breakfast there and called in the order to make it easier. You could feel how annoyed the girl was through the phone. If you don't take orders over the phone, please just politely inform me instead if making me feel like I'm ruining your day. Today I got reprimanded in front of my family and other customers for bringing two chairs from inside because our four person table outside was short two chairs. Apparently, this is a HUGE no no! The kid said I needed to ask him next time because bringing chairs outside is not allowed. Really? That's not just bad service, it's lack of common sense. Shaming your customers is not good for business! By the way, there were many open tables inside at the time, the two chairs were not missed. The real shame is that we're actually a nice, polite, decent family that used to be Purple Onion regulars, recommended the place to many friends and relatives, and after a long hiatus decided to give the Purple Onion yet one more chance today -- and they failed miserably. I noticed today that a lot of other people have experienced horrible service here.
(1)
D L.
Never been here before today. Haven't written a review lately but today's lunch prompted one for sure! I called ahead for two Pulled Pork and one Mediterranean Chicken sandwich. I was shocked when she said it would be $41.50!! Not cheap. In fact, crazy expensive for three sandwich's. No fries, no potatoes, no drink. Just a green salad on the side. Anyways, I figured it must be good. And it didn't disappoint! The pulled pork sandwich was incredibly tasty and delicious. Certainly worth the price I would venture to say. I didn't try the Med Chicken but my friend pretty much agreed with how I felt about my sandwich. At these prices I can't justify eating here too often, but I will come back for sure every once in a while just to treat myself!
(4)
Nicole J.
Really nice salads, and generous portions, and they have delicious fresh made lemonades. It can get rather loud when it gets crowded, but they do have nice outdoor seating and it's close to the park so you can always get your food to go and do an impromptu picnic.
(4)
Catie B.
disgusting!!! the owner need to review the health codes with the employees, and so called manager, breaking local health violation by handling food (bagel) with his bare hands. not sure I'll be coming back or recommending my friends to come here any more....
(1)
Jocelyn F.
Well unfortunately the food is decent but the prices are truly insane! If you have money and want people to treat you like a sucker, definitely patronize this establishment. I went in today with my 2 year old (keep in mind this is in the center of Downtown Los Gatos, a family-friendly place). I asked them to make a turkey sandwich for him. They said for kids they only had grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly. My response, "so, it's basically like they're not real people?" The MANAGER'S response, "yeah". Seriously??? Of course my son was intent in a turkey sandwich and why shouldn't he be able to have that so I ordered the adult portion at $11!! Even after that conversation, I came home to find my child's sandwich made with SPICY mustard!!! Really?? These people don't have two brain cells to rub together. In the end, my salad wasn't nearly what I had remembered from months prior and his sandwich was sub par at best. $25 later we were disappointed and will never return.
(1)
JP M.
Cold espresso and service with an attitude. They could not even figure out how to serve us a cut of low fat milk. i had to tell them to mix whole and skim milk. There are much better places in LG.
(1)
Haley B.
The food was not great. The only thing that was worth it was the donut muffin. Was hoping this place would be good, but it was not.
(2)
ali s.
Love their food...however, a bit expensive and good luck trying to find a seat! Also, they are famous for their blood orange lemonade which I enjoy. You are supposed to get free refills on them but you hardly can get service once you finally do find a seat so rarely do you get a refill. I think they should hire more workers! The service is the only thing that is poor because they are so busy! Other then that, I would be a die hard fan!
(3)
Alesha E.
New to Los Gatos and needed something quick that I could bring back to my office. Purple Onion was recommended, and certainly did not disappoint. I came in around 12:30, and while all the tables were full, the line was short for that time of day. Service was friendly and quick. I ordered the blue steak baguette, chips, and the blood orange lemonade on a whim. The sandwich was great! Served warm with a surprise side salad in my togo box, the bread was crispy/crunchy where is should be, soft where it should be, and definitely not chewy! The meat was lean, and also not chewy, which is a hazard with the flank cut. Dressing the sandwich was a too-mild horseradish dressing, a red cabbage slaw that added a nice crisp crunch, fresh tomato, and crumbled bleu cheese that was creamy and provided a nice tang. Matched with sea salt chips, the sandwich was a hearty, but not overly filling meal. I am sucker for blood orange anything, and was hesitant to order the lemonade for fear of it being too sweet. But seeing how many people were drinking it as I waited, I went for it. So glad I did! Sweet, but not cloying so, with the bite of blood orange this fan wants. Could easily spend a hot afternoon sipping on this; would be worth sitting at a table for the free refills! Pricing was what I assume is normal for Los Gatos, but steep for my budget ($17, including the small change I put in the tip can - next time you guys get the singles!). Looking forward to my next visit to try the breakfast!
(4)
MaryFran L.
Went with three friends and two dogs to enjoy the wonderful weather and celebrate the fact that Los Gatos is just a great place to live. We sat on the patio and took turns watching the dogs and ordering. All the sandwiches ordered were awesome. My prosciutto panini had he right balance of meat and melted cheese. My friend said of his meatloaf sandwich with caramelized onions and cheese, "It doesn't get any better than this." The turkey pastrami sandwich was very much enjoyed. The tomato soup was, well, tomato soup, but the salmon chowder was deliciously salmony but not overly creamy. We didn't have dessert but the illy coffee was a sufficiently rich cup. Sitting outside, enjoying a wonderful lunch, with great friends, and watching the world go by, I knew life is good.
(4)
Sistrsprkl S.
I go here often for their excellent coffee and occasionally for lunch. Their two vegetarian sandwiches are delightful as is their seasonal, fresh lemonade. However, even for Los Gatos, it is over-priced. On one visit we spent over $80 on lunch for 4, that's a bit much but I'll be back for a reasonably priced cup of coffee.
(4)
brewgirl b.
Nice outside seating, food okay. The greek salad was very good, but the breakfast croissant was a little dry. I love all bacon, even bad bacon, and these strips were dry as well. Might give the sweets a chance next time around.
(3)
Jeff V.
excellent food. superior service. just make sure you get there early or plan accordingly b/c sometimes difficult to get a table otherwise. overall, great place.
(4)
Danica Z.
This place has AMAZING salads. So fresh and flavorful. The ambience is great, too, and the prime location in the middle of downtown Los Gatos can't be beat. My only complaint is that they're not open longer. I think they close at 4pm.
(5)
Jay M.
Great fresh scones. Nice and flaky.
(4)
Susan R.
Got the turkey reuben this time, and a cup of tomato basil soup. The soup was good, but not a rock star like the chowder was last time. The reuben was excellent, though, with thick slices of real turkey, a yummy sauce, saurkraut and swiss on toasted rye bread.
(4)
V R.
Great sandwiches and coffee.
(4)
Anne H.
I went here out of curiosity because I was planning on going to Cafe Sienna. God do I miss that place! They had Graffeo coffee there, but this place has Illy, which is really fantastic, but I still miss Graffeo. Got to tell you to have the heirloom tomato salad with fresh herbs. It's worth every penny, whoops, I mean multiple dollars it cost to purchase. I had it on a very hot day and felt satisfied. I am curious to try some of the other things on the menu, but have got to say I have a yen for that creamy tomato soup that Cafe Sienna used to have and I cherished so much.
(4)
Sarah F.
I think I had a latte here once. It was good! I just wish you had internets so I could hang out here and browse the web.
(3)
Ashley G.
I am such a fan of this place! Yummy food and treats! I ordered the Thai sandwich, and a Chai Tea Latte and both were fabulous! My husband and mom were with me and both raved about their food as well! We also picked up the Apricot and Pecan Bar to go, just as fabulous as the rest of their food!
(5)
Claude G.
My wife and I went for brunch. It was fairly busy but we were seated quickly. She had a croissant sandwich with bacon, egg, cheese. I had the cafe salad which has chicken, blue cheese, pistachios, dried cherries. The salad was delicious and filling. We'll go back..
(4)
hilary s.
Love this cafe ..... the food is awesome. In particular could eat the Thai chicken salad every day. It is huge and delicious. Sad part is I can eat the whole think. Also a big fan of the their tomato soup -- its the best ever. Staff is very friendly and like the bright feel of the restaurant and the outside tables which are great way to enjoy Los Gatos when the weather is nice.
(5)
Jan C.
Love everything I've tried there. From breakfast foods to fresh lunch sandwiches and salads it is a great place to try. Not far from the Los Gatos creek trail we often bike there.
(5)
Jane J.
i love this place. it reminds me of urth cafe in the LA area. the atmosphere was very chill. the place was clean. service was excellent. food was delicious and healthy. i got the lux plate with has smoked salmon. the friend got spinach quiche. both were very yummy and pictures are uploaded. i wanted to try the whole menu, but unfortunately i was only in the area for a short time. i think they even had free dog treats.. definitely will come back if i'm in the area again!!
(5)
Katie I.
Seriously obsessed with their Thai Chicken Chopped Salad. its amazing. i love the outdoor seating . i only wish they stayed open later so i could grab dinner if needed.
(5)
Heather L.
A little pricey but worth it for the people watching a fresh ingredients. Best place to watch some of Los Gatos' major player hashing it out over a latte or hikers fresh off the trail fueling up. Great staff. Very crowded on the weekends. If you don't order a blood orange lemonade you'll be sorry. Stick around until you're done and they'll offer a free refill. Yumm!
(3)
Kevin D.
This past Sunday Purple Onion catered our annual holiday party. It was the first time we have used them, and since we had read good things about them were expecting good things. They put together a great menu for us, and the food looked beautiful. Price-wise they were reasonable. But in the end the menu proved to be uneven. Some items were delicisous, and our guests cleaned the plates. Others items were passed over after a few tastes.
(3)
James C.
Yesterday we took a hike up the Los Gatos Creek Trail, headed to Lexington Reservoir. Upon our return, we checked our vehicle for meter-maid activity and decided to grab a bite at the PO. You could eat here in a Tux or in shorts, sandals and a T, and you would be perfectly comfortable. The meat is real (real cuts of real meat), served with delicious bread and fresh greens. The pricing was what you'd expect in LG, but not over-the-top. The service impeccable! We will return, hike or no hike!
(4)
Laura B.
I was reluctant to try this place since I was such a fan of Cafe Siena. We were regulars there and I hadn't been back since they moved so suddenly--until two weeks ago. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The food here is really good even with the even higher prices than Cafe Sienna. The prices do seem a little ridiculous even for Los Gatos, but it's still good food and a cozy place to eat eat breakfast or lunch. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, good homemade soup, tasty pastries and a good egg sandwich. Plus, they have some good carbonated beverage options--not your typical soda. The staff were friendly and service was good. It is pretty packed here on the weekend, so finding a table is tricky, but not terrible. This place will definitely be in my regular Los Gatos lunch rotation with Los Gatos Roasting and Mr. Pickles.
(3)
Olivia L.
Really good sandwiches. All the food is fresh and tasty. The coffee and pastries are good too. Definitely recommend coming here for lunch or to grab coffee with a friend. And the service as always been very friendly.
(4)
Joey C.
Don't let anyone fool you this place is a gem. They accomplish exactly what they intend to very respectably. The owner Steve Angelo is very personable and super passionate about food. Outstanding sandwiches!
(5)
Shenzhen S.
A more upscale coffee shop with some pretty good eat options. Not a great place to bust out your laptop. The espresso drinks are generally consistent and good, but sometimes a bit too strong.
(3)
Mary P.
Twice I've eaten at the Purple Onion and found the staff to be friendly and the food good to great. Prices are high for what you get (about $15 per person for lunch if you have food and a beverage) and unfortunately it's an "order at the counter" place (which would be OK if the prices were lower). Restaurant prices in downtown Los Gatos tend to be high, so although it hit me as expensive, I bet if I did a survey of restaurants and sandwich shops within a half mile, it would be in the same range. For that reason, I'm not holding the prices against them. I liked it well enough to do a piece on it in my Live in Los Gatos blog.
(4)
Jessica C.
I found myself here twice this weekend. On Saturday, I came here for a chai tea and almond croissant. My tea was SUPER hot!! So hot that I couldn't even hold it for the first 15 minutes. My croissant was heated, flaky, and perfect! On Sunday, I came here to grab a quick bite after my race. I didn't realize the prices were so high when I came in a day earlier. $10 for a sandwich with no side salad our soup. $6.50 for a tiny breakfast sandwich on an english muffin, plus a small drink comes out to nearly $10. For a pastry and a coffe this is a good spot, otherwise, I'd dine at another local establishment for breakfast/lunch.
(2)
MR E.
Purple Onion has taken over where Cafe Sienna once was. The new management is friendly, nice and curteous. I went there for lunch and ordered a tuna melt. The tuna was good, not too wet, not too dry and with capers. Would have been better if it was larger and filled me up. Good: - clean decor - food was tasty Bad: - limited selection on food - expensive (10 bucks for a small sandwich, with no fries or a salad at least)
(2)
Anosha S.
I love this little sandwhich shop, it reminds me of my fav in Santa Monica called Huckleberry. They have a deliscious ham and cheese sandwhich with rosemary. I also love that it comes with a little salad. I have to try something else the nect time I go for sure!!
(4)
Carole P.
The location was enjoyable. We were traveling through with our two dogs and this came up as "dog friendly" and it was. Once you place your order at the counter the server will bring the food to your table, In our case an outside table, one of five. The food was fine. We split the Thai chicken salad which consisted of about 80% cabbage, 10% chicken, the balance almonds and dressing. While it tasted clean and certainly we got our money's worth of cabbage it just didn't knock our socks off. Pretty basic stuff. Yes it was fresh but I expect that from most anywhere I eat, don't you? Friendly staff, nice location, and good fresh 3 star food. Very good Arnold Palmer.
(3)
Steph P.
Food on site is really good but catered food is outrageously great and creative! Much more vision when they cater.
(4)
Tara M.
absolutely love this place! i've driven by here so many times, but never bothered to try it until my friend brought me. i love paninis, so i ordered the mediterranean chicken press. it was so delicious and flavorful, and you could tell they used fresh ingredients. the blend of fresh mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes added so many different levels of flavor, to such a simple chicken sandwich. i also ordered the blood orange juice, since i heard they're well known for it, and i can see why. definitely refreshing with any meal you get at this cafe. i can't wait to come back and try more of their sandwiches and pastries.
(4)
Goumada S.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients+menu of everything you'd want for brunch and then some+attentive staff+child friendly+reasonable prices-any pretentiousness=my new favorite place for brunch.
(5)
M C.
Nice little cafe in downtown LG, good atmosphere, the food is a little above average but the wait is always waaaaay too long. Even for just a drink!
(3)
Mark S.
I've only ever had the breakfast items but everything was really good. Friendly staff.
(4)
Nic M.
Good for breakfast. Bacon (extra crispy by request) and egg croissant with a cup of illy coffee is about one of the best combos possible. I don't understand Serena's amazement at the price of the Sunday NYT. The restaurant doesn't set the price, the companies bringing the newspaper set the price.. what's wrong with you? Anyways that aside, finally got good brewed coffee THAT'S STRONG!!! Most places just serve a watered down version of what coffee should taste like. Good food, good service, and don't punish the restaurant for newspaper prices when it's beyond their control.
(5)
Lynn R.
What a great place to hang out for lunch and chat with a friend! Great little patio for outdoor seating. You can even bring your dogs! I've eaten here twice now with friends and have always enjoyed the food, service and ambiance.
(4)
ashley w.
It's a shame this place is only open till 4! The Mediterranean chicken sandwich is divine. I went back two days later after ordering it the first time, so in love was I. And they put rose petals on the salad-how cute is that? I also love the assortment of quirky sodas. I tried one of the wine sodas and one of the lemongrass sodas. I've never seen these anywhere else so they were worth a try if only for the experience. Of course, they are a bit pricey, but they were good! Just like the sandwich! On top of the that, both times I went the workers were very friendly. Purple Onion will definitely be getting my patronage again.
(5)
Liv H.
I am so happy that we chose The Purple Onion to cater our party. We had over 50 people come for a 50th bday party, and the food won rave reviews from our guests. Before the event, the owner sat with me and we went over the party menu and the prices, then he came over to see our house and helped me make decisions concerning where to put rented chairs and tables, how many to order, and many other details to make for a successful party. Steve, the owner and Lisa his associate are full of good ideas. I highly recommend them for catering! Also, their coffee drinks are amazing, and the cafe food is super fresh, and totally different from the catering menu.
(5)
Meenu A.
my regular spot after a good hike. my favorites are the soup and the dessert. YUMMY!!!!!!
(5)
Eclectic E.
Great cafe. My friend suggested the meat loaf "press" (panini grilled) sandwich and it was wonderful. Jealous of those who work in the area and can try all their specials.
(5)
Emily Y.
Super cute little deli - the food is NOT traditional: it's unexpected, which makes it a perfect, little spot to find a great Thai Chicken Salad or an amazing Mediterranean Sandwich. Great coffee, fresh fruit, yummy lemonade.
(4)
Barbara W.
We love this place and go every weekend after a hike on Saturday and Sundays. The service is excellent. The yogurt, granola and fruit bowl are yummy. We have had Veggie Burittos, Chicken Salads and different sandwiches and have enjoyed them all. Roberto is what we call Mr. Purple Onion, he is always helpful and remembers the customer. The lattes and mochas are also Great!
(5)
Euge R.
Location is great. Serves ILLY Coffee, enough said to warrant a four star as this Grade A+ quality of espresso coffee is hard to come by in the bay area and all over the US. Can easily attain a four if focused on a true international cafe food quality price/presentation with deserts, authentic panini's, croissants etc.
(3)
Paul C.
Good point : has a great outdoor seating and the place is great. Bad point: 12$ for a sandwich that takes 20 minutes to prepare. The staff was friendly and kept me up-to-date, but obviously, I'm not yet in the target demographics for this place.
(2)
City D.
NO BUENO! Ordered a pricy salad which was mediocre at best. Sat at the one table that was open, which was dirty. When the bus girl/food runner came out to drop off the coffee didnt offer to clean the table but proceeded to clean all other tables around. When I asked her if she would clean the table she reluctantly did, but did not wipe all the excess crap from the people before us off the table. I went back inside, yet again to ask her to wipe the table. She comes out, obviously in a huff and starts wiping the table down very quickly smashing the towel into the side of the cup of coffee which then spills, and she walks away. When the salad comes I let the manager (i think) know. He non chalantly says he will handle it (not too interested). With the cleanliness (or lack of), the not so welcoming service, and the 'eh' food, this would not be a stop for lunch in the future. This was my first time in Los Gatos and it looks as if there are lots of awesome restaurants there, try a different one!
(1)
Ron O.
Central location is great for people watching while enjoying a cup of breakfast tea.
(4)
Mae M.
As purple onions are one of my favorite foods (no, really) I was pretty sure this place and I were going to get along just fine. I ordered the Mediterranian Chicken sandwich with a side salad. Both were served in under ten minutes, along with the orders of my friends as well. It was warm, tasty, and fresh. We were all pleased! I ordered water and lemon with my meal (very refreshing and served as soon as we ordered) and my portion of the lunch turned out to be $10. $10 for a flavorful sandwich, salad, and drink-I approve! As does my tummy, which was very full during my last few bites (but I finished everything anyway, because I likes food). I'll definitely be returning and I'd recommend Purple Onion to anyone. Hell, I'll be their unofficial spokesperson.
(5)
Juliana M.
Lots of super healthy options and lots of hearty options so sure to satisfy everyone. I always get the salmon salad or the nicoise salad, both are delicious, satisfying, fresh and healthy. I also recommend the chicken panini, the meatloaf sandwich, and the tomato bisque but you really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Roxanna P.
This cafe brings Paris memories back to me. It is such an adorable cafe in the heart of LG. What I ordered: Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich w/ Blood Orange Lemonade. The chicken sandwich was not the best thing I've had in the world, but very fresh tasting which is always a plus. My brother (below), ordered the Turkey Reuban and that is probably what I will order second time around (actually thinking of going in today!). The blood orange lemonade is probably the best drink I have ever had. I am a HUGE fan of blood oranges and I could probably drink 3-4 glasses of this if had the chance. Can't wait to go back!!! =)
(5)
Ben P.
Awesome food with friendly service. Definitely one of my favorite new cafes in Los Gatos. Had the chicken sandwich and espresso. It gets busy so come early.
(4)
amy c.
as far as sandwich places go, this one is spot-on. clean, fresh ingredients, interesting and everything is good. I've had a few different sandwiches there (the blue cheese steak one being my favorite) - and I have also split a few different salads there too. The place is like a casual french bistro, the seating outsides are a doll if the weather is nice. the price is a bit high for 'lunch' but they make up for it in my opinion by offering really tasty, really fresh flavors. great little casual place to hang, and yummy food.
(5)
Shanna N.
C'est très chic et rappelle de l'Europe! (My knowledge of French is slowly diminishing.. but to translate - It is chic & reminds me of Europe) Great cafe food! Salads are all amazing & great coffee. This place gets pretty busy on the weekends, but it is worth the wait. The flavors are clean & sophisticated. Cafe Salad, Thai Turkey Basil Sandwich, & Spinach Quiche are my favorites on the menu. I had a great Blood Orange Lemonade there before too, but I generally will order some illy coffee. Such a cute place. I would definitely give it a try. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth it. There aren't many cafes like this around.
(4)
Adrienne V.
The Purple Onion's whimsical name was what enticed me to have a gander at their menus and reviews. Their inventive menu, replete with a changing selection of specials was what sold me on this little cafe. Having tried an assortment of their staple sandwiches as well as a few specials in my visits, I can say that I have not yet been disappointed. The bottled beverages go beyond your usual selection, offering occasional gems like sparkling lavender water. Not one to miss out on dessert, I can assure you that their brownies are delicious. The people behind the counter are very attentive and accommodating, though your interaction with them is somewhat limited to your purchase at the cash register since it is a cafe-style establishment. I have never experienced less than a warm smile when it was my turn in line. As an added bonus there is complimentary wireless internet access for customers. With large windows facing a quaint little bend of street and outdoor tables available on sunny days, it seems like a good spot to bring your laptop and write or catch up on emails. *** I found other reviews that I had read in regards to the pricing of The Purple Onion's menu were slightly misleading. You pay for the quality of ingredients, customer service, ambiance, and unique menu. If you're looking for a good bargain deli sandwich to scarf down during lunch there are other places that better suited to that niche. Try Los Gatos Meats & Smoke House up on University Avenue!
(4)
Archie J.
Been here twice for breakfast. Great little relaxed Saturday morning breakfast place. Had a breakfast bagel with egg and sausage, the bagel was super fresh! Illy coffee is great. Met here for the first time with a friend, was so good I brought my wife back and had the same thing. Parking is a little tricky but once you find a spot, it's a great place to sit in their little indoor/outdoor cafe feel and enjoy the day.
(5)
Christine K.
Very good for a nice brunch, breakfast or a nice cup of coffee. Order their Cappuccino if you are feeling like espresso! One of the best! Delectable salads too! Enjoy!
(4)
Lily Y.
Good spot for people watching or if you want to stop for something to drink while walking your dog. Interior is smallish, so it does get crowded, with 2 person tables which you can put together for additional seating. There's also seating outdoors. Order at the counter and they will bring the items to your table. My girlfriend and I came for lunch around 2pm on a Saturday and the place was packed. She ordered a salad and I had a sandwich. There was a long line waiting to order/pay and they only had one person handling the register. The food is decent, but nothing to write home about and pricey for what you get (salad $12, turkey sandwich $10, can of Diet Coke 2.25, bottle of essence water 3.50 = $30 for lunch, ouch!). That's downtown Los Gatos.
(3)
Scott P.
Had a phenomenal salad here: the Cafe Salad... every part of the salad seemed like it would have been tasty on its own (dried cherries, blue cheese, pistachios, especially the chicken), but when everything was together on my plate, my taste buds were jump started. The dressing had a little extra dijon bite, which I liked. They were extremely packed for lunch, but still very friendly. Anti-kudos for their convoluted website which does not seem to contain a menu. That being said, the food was great and will be back.
(4)
Angela W.
I've driven my a million times, always thinking, that looks like a cute little place to have brunch on Sunday... So this Sunday that's just what B and I decided to do! After visiting the Mustard Faire in Saratoga (an experience that was kind of like watching the air deflate slowly out of a pool toy-kind of sad and boring), we headed over to LG for some early lunch. The place was suuuuuuuper crowded so we were kind of forced to get it to go. The menu on the wall doesn't have any descriptions but you can pick up a copy on the counter that tells you what's up. All of the sandwiches sounded good but we went with the Reuben for me and the Mediterranean for B. When our order came up like half an hour later (no joke) we were starving and couldn't wait to get home and eat! The drive home took it's toll on our sandwiches which were made slightly soggy by the sauces but they were still darn good. Big thick pieces of chicken and no skimping on the other ingredients. They also give you a huge portion of mixed green salad with a little container of dressing. The dressing was like a tangy Italian- pretty simple but good. Can't wait to go back in the summer and dine at one of the little tables outside!!
(4)
Linda C.
Everything here is delicious, top notch, and served with excellent presentation. I love the location because it's away from the hustle and bustle of downtown on the quieter side of LG. I think this is the only coffee house that has outdoor seating, too. I only wish they were open later and had WiFi so I could stay all day.
(5)
sheila s.
This is my go to place after a nice hike with friends or my dog. We hit up LG trails and end up in Downtown LG. Great location right on corner with shade and some sun. The town doggie friendly and always has doggy bowls with water for my little friend and yummy cup of coffee for me. a win win situation!
(4)
Laurie G.
Awesome locations for a bite to eat after walking the Dam trail, and no I don't mean the damn trail but the dam trail. First time I went I got a coffee and shared a coffee cake with a friend. Both were excellent. Next visit, we went for lunch and the tomato and cheese melt and spinach quiche were reported to be really good and my turkey melt was really great. Toasted just right! The only downfall was the accompanying salad which was weak at best. Just plain old boring. A small dollop of one of their pasta salads would have been soooo much better. Good thing the sandwiches and quiche were so good. The staff is really friendly, service was good and even though this is a counter type- no waiter cafe when they brought out our sandwiches they offered to refill our drinks. Side benefit, another great Los Gatos location for people watching. Business type man reading the paper at a nearby shop never said a word to the people walking by but would bark at all the dogs. Hmmmm.
(4)
Ross B.
Dont' bother eating here if you're a vegetarian. I ordered the seasonal vegetable mix sandwich, and they were a few onion slivers, two tiny pieces of asparagus, and a couple other small pieces of veggie in there. There was barely anything in between the bread. The bread was good, and the side of fresh fruit was great. And the service was actually really good--super friendly and accommodating. This sandwich would have been great if they had replaced the meat with something like portobello or eggplant. But instead, I got the veggies that top the meat sandwiches (in the same quantity, for the same price).
(2)
A N.
came here after a short morning stroll with a couple of buddies. this place was packed. it's a really great location and nice atmosphere both inside and outside in their outdoor eating area. had the lox plate and smores bar, both were delicious. Would definitely come here again.
(4)
Tri N.
I came here for some coffee. It was a very pleasant experience. I like this place a lots.
(5)
Mary R.
Love this place. Great location- right next to the trail. Love the sandwiches- the bread is so fresh and amazing. Would definitely have this more often if it wasn't as pricey.
(4)
Serena L.
I came here for a mini reunion with a group of my close high school friends... the line was about 15 people long and the tables were about 3/4 filled. While waiting in line the first thing I saw was a sunday NYT selling for $6!! I didn't want to look up to see the prices of the food, but I had to look up to decide what to order...it was quite a dilemma. Lattes were about $5, sandwiches around $9, and salads around $10..pricey for the pretty generic meal. The place was a cute spot in los gatos and a great atmosphere to catch up with friends. The dishes were very average and hardly the topic of any of our many topics of conversation we cycled through. We did talk about the dried ramen that was in my asian chicken salad though.. definitely an interesting choice for the obligatory crunch in asian salads.
(2)
Nathaniel M.
What a sharp American deli. I showed up one morning in search of a great sandwich shop so that I could have a packed lunch for C on her lunch break. I walked all over downtown Los Gatos without being captured by any of the other options. When I crossed the bridge and found Purple Onion I was impressed. The shop is clean and well designed. the boards are cleverly chalked and their cases are attractively arranged. Each item read as a tasty, yummy delight and I had trouble choosing the perfect sandwich. The gentleman behind the counter was polite and helpful and seemed genuinely interested in helping. I ended up choosing a Turkey Thai sandwich with brie. C was super complimentary on the choice later that day. She was really stoked on the truffle (from Purple Onion's chocolatier case) I was able to include in her lunch sack. It was packaged nicely and they seemed to be an excellent representation of the style and quality of Los Gatos culture.
(4)
Evan S.
Quiet little place with some outdoor seating. Not overpriced, not overcrowded. "Nice" covers it pretty well.
(4)
Yennie S.
This little cafe is the perfect place to spend a quiet morning or afternoon. My family and I have been huge fans of this place for a while now, and they never fail to deliver great coffee, food, and wonderful customer service. Must have food: Veggie burrito, blueberry scones Overall, a great place to relax, get away from technology (no internet offered), and maybe get to know some locals. Bring your dog along, there are treats outside the door!
(5)
A.L. S.
Service is nit the friendliest but it's a really cute coffee house and cafe. The sandwiches are delicious and fresh. Illy coffee is the best! Love their breakfast sandwiches and the chorizo breakfast burritos are delicious!!
(5)
Lawrence B.
Another place my daughter discovered on Yelp with lots of favorable reviews and we happened to be walking by it. I had the grilled veggie sandwich and the salmon chowder: both were really good.
(4)
Yesi O.
I absolutely love the Purple Onion Cafe breakfast offerings; by far the best cafe in Los Gatos. Looking for the perfect Sunday morning? Go for a stroll, hike or jog along the Los Gatos Creek Trail (entrance is right next to the cafe) and then enjoy a Purple Onion's non-fat ice latte with a warm Bacon Egg Press Sandwhich (my favorite combo). If you're looking for something lighter, try their fruit salads or pastries; fresh and delish. Indoor seating is intimate and casual. The outdoor sitting is great if you're looking to enjoy the sun or if you bring along a pet.
(5)
Sue R.
LOVE these sandwiches! The Thai Turkey Basic sandwich is AMAZING! Best sandwich I've ever had - very high quality (Thanksgiving dinner quality) turkey, Brie cheese, a miraculous spread. But this place is definitely not cheap. That amazing sandwich set me back nearly $10. The atmosphere inside is very nice too. A nice place to eat. I must eat here at least once every week or two.
(5)
Scott J.
After looking at exotic cars down the street I was hungry! So had capacchino and Mediterranean chicken sandwich. Service was fast and friendly. Food was yummy! Coffee excellent. Definitely a great spot for brunch. Busy and hard to find a table on weekends.
(3)
Michael H.
Fellow yelper KittyM is always giving me the lowdown on the next new lunchtime place to try in downtown Los Gatos. Only trouble is, I'm such a creature of habit, it takes some kind of massive upheaval in my working day to venture out and try something new. Last Wednesday was that day. My friends and their 3 month old dropped by for lunch and they really wanted to try the Italian place, I-Gatti. We walked over there only to find it well and truly locked up... right across the road we spied a cute little cafe... And that's how we ended up in the Purple Onion. First impressions as we waited were good. Large selection of fresh produce, good variety of salads, soups and sandwiches. Cakes and desserts looked particularly yummy. I ordered the hot Mediterranean Chicken Press. It came with a delicious side salad sprinkled with a few fresh flower petals. Seriously. The presentation was excellent. Gordon Ramsey would have been proud. The pressed sandwich was filled with chicken, juicy sun dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. It was really tasty! We then went back & ordered large lattes and three different cakes from the display. The coffee cake was my favorite. Mega fresh and tipped with tons of sugar. Nice. The staff were also very helpful and sociable. The cafe had a real nice relaxed European feel to it. In the coming months I'm sure I could easily spend an afternoon sitting outside on their patio, drinking a great big latte and watching the world go by... But I'm sure my boss would be over soon enough to knock me back into shape. Harrumph. Give it a go. You deserve it.
(4)
Arthaey A.
WOW, I wish I had tried this cafe earlier! The butter croissant was good, and the chicken pot pie was phenomenal. I wish they were open later!
(4)
Kitty M.
O to the M to the G just read: on the special board "pork tender" sandwich - ordered - what I ate was magical - tender pork that tasted like steak, sliced thin and piled on a soft ciabatta roll with carmelized onions and melted on top, camembert cheese....served along side a little greens with flowers. heaven, truly madly deeply heaven. it will depress me to know that this is a special because I could see myself eating this everyday. and the best part of this place - for every holiday and special occasion - this time Superbowl, they have a great menu of to go party food for you to order. If their cocktail weenies are half as good as that damn sandwich I will weenie myself in a week , no doubt.
(5)
E F.
I'd like to go back (and will) to likely give this place more stars. Ordered the Thai chicken salad which I enjoyed flavor wise and was generous in portion BUT the pieces if chicken were sooooo rubbery. They were perfect little squares of rubbery slimy fake chicken. Gross fake chicken?? I was very surprised and only had a few bites of the chicken. This is something I would expect in a school cafeteria. Even Panera has real chicken. My bf's steak sandwich was....ok. Small and a little strange on flavor. Some of the other sandwiches look awesome so we will be back to try different stuff. The desserts were aaaaaamazing. The gluten free peanut butter cookie was hands down one of the best cookies I've ever eaten, let alone it being gluten free. It was large, thick, warm, and just amazing. Could not tell it was GF and just thinking about it, I want another. Other people in our party got the banana bread, crumb cake and muffin which were sugary and amazing. We'll be back to try other things. I would come back for the desserts alone. I hope the other sandwiches are better than the steak, and I'll have to ask about that nasty chicken.
(3)
Liaty Z.
Once again, I forewarn the reader with a 3 and a half star review. Here is how I feel about this place. They make a delicious turkey sandwich on ciabatta with greens. Unfortunately, it is about the size of a hockey puck for ten dollars. I had the bagel with lox, and it was priced well-enough for a breakfast (with the lox included) and it came with home-made sundried cream cheese. Not outstanding, but not terrible. This place is good for a quick casual breakfast (and is also very close to the Los Gatos Trail and has nice outdoor seating). Bonus points for remaining open during a power outage. If not for the prime location (and real-estate), they would probably be cheaper. However, finding the right reasonably priced items is not too difficult for breakfast, and they seem to have a wide variety of delectable pastries. Scones here are made with real blueberries, and lots of shortening.
(4)
Melissa T.
I've come here twice to grab coffee. They use illy coffee and it's great! I ordered the Americano and have been quite satisfied both times. They always have a weekly special for food. They have a nice outdoor sitting area to the side. There are tons of dogs and their owner hanging out there. The restaurant owners and staff are very nice and friendly. It's a very local business feel. They've shorten their hours to close at 4pm. I highly recommend their coffee here!
(4)
Jordan P.
I like these guys! They're next to my work. So I eat there often. Try the Chicken press sandwich. It's super filling & tasty!!
(4)
Emily O.
I work right down the street from the purple onion, and has always been intrigued to try it but never had the time to stop by. Well today, on the way to work, I realized I had forgotten my lunch on the counter at home(I know... bummer), and had to get something for lunch later. It did n't take me very long to decide and went straight for the purple onion! Since I had 20 min to spare, i ordered a quick egg sandwich and coffee, and waited at the pickup counter to receive my food.........ended up being for 20 minutes!!! I was very close to walking out (because now I had only five minutes to left before work) but just as i made my first step, the owner (it seemed) said to me "hey, you been here a Long time, haven't you?". I told him yes, and he apologized and went to go check on my food. Apparently a call-in order held back the chef a bit, and my food was on its way. He then said "can I please get you more coffee? I'm really sorry" I said it was fine and he apologized again and handed my food to me graciously and I walked out with a smile on my face. That one guy totally saved my experience!! All in all I hope they are successful and stay there because I would go here anytime!
(4)
Douglas S.
OMG OMG OMG...This place is such good knowledge. I just ate "the best tuna melt" and it was seriously the BEST I have ever had in my life. The people were very very nice, and the service was good as well. This is defiantly going to be one of my new spots for lunch. Next time I'm going to try the espresso (illy espresso), and see if they can make it short and thick euro style.
(5)
Jean L.
A friend and I randomly found this place roaming downtown Los Gatos and we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the food is there. I ordered a flank steak sandwich and the steak was so tender and flavorful on a soft baguette. My friend ordered a thai chicken salad. I'm normally not a raw cabbage salad coleslaw fan, but this salad really impressed me so much my fork kept finding it's way over to my friend's plate to gobble up her salad. It was a thin sliced green and red cabbage combo with big chunks of chicken and a good sprinkling of black sesame seeds. The dressing isn't mayo based but definitely along the lines of a soy sesame oil asian fusion type dressing. It was delicious and I'm craving it so much I can't wait to head over that way soon so I can have an entire plate of that salad for myself. Can't wait to try the other salads and sandwiches if I ever get over this thai chicken salad craving.
(4)
Jane P.
i had their house-made blood orange lemonade this afternoon. it was really refreshing. i like the look and feel of the place. very clean and airy.
(4)
R W.
I really like the food here. Everything is tasty and I always want more but that is the problem. Not a lot of food for a lot of money. The people who work here are great. The owners are great. Very clean and outdoor seating. The food is yummy but the price makes my wallet hurt and my tummy is still empty.
(3)
Glen F.
A favorite weekend brunch spot for my wife and I. They have excellent sandwiches, salads and pastries. My wife is a big fan of their coffee and lattes.
(4)
K S.
Been in here a few times, and walked out both times. First time - we'd been at the food court of the LG wine and art festival and loved Purple Onion's sandwiches. So we went down there for a late lunch one Saturday afternoon, around 3PM. We walked in and there were several people bustling about behind the counter, but no one looked at us. We walked further in and a woman shouted across the restaurant "We're closed, special event." And went on sweeping. No other explanation, nothing. So, we left. I felt the doors could have been locked or at least put up a sign on the door or something, rather than make people feel like assholes for wanting a sandwich. Take two - we had come off the LG trail and wanted a quick bite. So we walked over and the place had a bunch of people inside. It was pretty chaotic, people standing around a woman and her baby stroller at the counter, ordering coffee, between the counter and an oddly placed table. We stood at what we thought was the end of the line, by the baby stroller lady. But, people started standing on the other side of Baby Stroller Lady, and the counter people didn't really make an effort to establish order. So we were stuck behind a baby stroller and counter people who didn't seem to look our way. Ever. I was beginning to think that we had somehow become invisible once we came up the trail. That's the only explanation I could think of. We're pretty normal looking people, we don't have cloven hooves or horns - I'd wait on me. But no one at Purple Onion seemed to want to wait on us. So, like the last time we were there, we left. And the entire 10 min or so we were in there - not one counter person or employee acknowledged our existence. Weird. Sooo, I don't think we'll be back. Unless I'm wearing some kind of scary mask or something. Then, maybe, someone will notice us.
(2)
Susan G.
A friend and I went to Purple Onion today when we were driving through Los Gatos. I was really excited about their "feature" salad - the Cafe Salad, which was greens, chicken, berries, cheese, pistachios, and a honey-mustard dressing. First impression was not so good: one counter person was very friendly, another very un-smiling and curt. It took 1/2 hour for friend and I to get our two salads, and it wasn't that busy. And then I bit into my salad and there were bits of pistachio shells throughout the salad. Ugh. The berries were dried (which was not on the menu) and the dressing was like a spicy Chinese mustard like you get in a packet. Wish I'd returned it, but it took so long to get it in the first place that I didn't want to wait for a replacement. And yes, the prices were more California Cafe than counter-order cafe. Despite some of the good reviews for breakfast, I will NOT be going back.
(1)
Anne C.
I find it really hard to find Illy coffee and was thrilled to find it at the Purple Onion. I've gone on two occasions and ended up having the both the breakfast sandwich on sourdough and a scone. The blueberry scone was the best I've ever had in my life and the sandwich was delicious. While I think the place is spendy and can only go there occasionally, this is my favorite coffee spot.
(5)
Lauren G.
i will write more on this shortly, but i love love love the purple onion. i miss cafe siena, but am more than satisfied with the new place :)
(5)
Maria A.
This place is genius! It's a perfect blend of contemporary mixed with small town European charm. Steve, the chef and co-owner is AMAZING and you will not be disappointed with anything on the menu...trust me. I was just there last Sunday and had the tastiest sandwich called the "Mediterranean Chicken Press"- it came with a delish salad and I can't stop thinking about it (I may have even dreamt about it last night in fact). It took me about 10 mins to decide what I wanted b/c everything on the menu looked so appetizing. I was also really impressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant, everything from the floors to the tables to the windows were spotless! The menu is unpretentious and perfectly priced, not too expensive while you can tell with each bite that they use only the freshest of ingredients. The staff is genuine and prompt (I love the cute perky barista- she makes the best double cappuccino). I plan on making a trip to Los Gatos this weekend just for Purple Onion. This is definitely the place to go for a tasty satisfying quality meal and altogether enjoyable experience. 5 stars!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Catalina L.
Very Weak Chai. A waste of $4.00. However, the granola yogurt fruit & honey is yummy. It cost $4.75
(2)Holley S.
If I could give this cafe more stars- I would. Every single thing on their menu is to die for. It is my go to for breakfast and lunch and instantly makes me feel better on a bad day. They have a salmon salad that is out of this world along with bagel sandwiches and ham quiche that melts in your mouth. These are just a few of my favorite menu items but honestly I have never had anything I didn't love.
(5)Rebecca W.
Yummmmm!!! I am so happy I found this place! First of all, let's point out that they make all their foods from scratch daily, including the breads and baked goods. Ummm, Panera who?? My eyeballs almost fell out of my head after looking over the dessert case. Omg, S'mores bars & doughnut muffins, what??!!? I ordered the roasted vegetable sandwich, which came on a perfectly soft & flavorful chive-roll with a fresh salad. I also got a cup of the Tomato soup & the fingerling potato cold salad. The sandwich & the fingerling potato salad were definite highlights, probably one of the best vegetable sandwiches & THE BEST potato salad I've ever had. The place was quaint & clean with plenty of seating. I love the outdoor patio, so that everyone's furry friends are welcome! Very good location with lots of shops you could walk around to after and plenty if street parking. The staff was very courteous & helpful. I will definitely be returning my next trip to Los Gatos.
(5)Kimberly L.
I really... really... really... don't want to give you guys 5 stars. It's just not fair to me. The more stars I give, the more people will go there. It won't be "my" spot anymore! Nevertheless... I am here every Sunday for the Mediterranean Chicken Press and either a Limonata or special Lemonade. I can't stop -- I'm addicted and I'm not willing to change. Sometimes the sandwiches lack the amount of cheese, and sauce to bread ratio-- but if you go during non peak hours the MCP is like.. heaven, melting on the tip of your tongue. Hey-- owners. Can you open a location in SF? I'll work there for free. Only if I can have unlimited MCP's. Cole Valley is the place to be. SO HOT RIGHT NOW! Thx :)
(5)Charlotte A.
Purple Onion Cafe is a great little place for lunch. I like that it's a little out of the way from the busy part of LG, and there's also good outdoor seating. Everything on the menu looked delicious, and I settled on the taco salad, which was absolutely delicious!! It seemed a little pricey for a salad, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I also got a cappuccino which was great as well. Overall, I would definitely come back for either breakfast or lunch.
(4)Jane L.
Dry, overcooked, microwaved eggs - terrible. The Lox plate was good. Service was average.
(2)Scott H.
Nice little place with a comfortable little patio. Nice kids working there, too.
(4)Jen S.
LOVE the food here! Everything is top quality ingredients and tastes incredibly fresh. I've enjoyed their soups, salads, and sandwiches. I never hesitate to try something new because it's always mouth watering! The portions are a great size and the atmosphere is open and airy. Also, great place to stop for a bite with your four legged friends. Decent amount of outdoor seating.
(5)Cindy T.
Blood orange lemonade was refreshing. Thai salad was huge, full of chicken and delicious. Pork burrito with salsa was healthy and light. Salmon chowder was a bit too creamy.
(4)Anitha C.
Maybe I went on a wrong day or maybe I ordered the wrong thing... I had a burrata and heirloom tomato sandwich and a drop coffee ( set me back $13). The sandwich wasn't mind blowing nor was it filling. The coffee was good but not great... Yelp you let me down.. Or did you?!
(3)Ron D.
Locals favorite cafe especially for morning coffee , breakfast brunch and lunch. Food are great and just the right portion. Food is is presented to you just the way the menu described. Good honest food nothing fancy. I loved both variation of the breakfast burrito. One is the regular burrito which has chorizo , beans and rice..the other healthier option is the egg white burrito wrap in whole grain tortilla which my favorites after a long morning run of 10 miles. Seasoned right and just simply deliscious. You see a lot runners hikers and passersby meeting here for a cup of coffee and enjoying breakfast, brunch or lunch. Place gets pack and you just have to wait for the next available sit or pack your food to go.
(4)Tram N.
Started my Saturday morning w/ a rigorous workout and watched the Sharks practice at HP Pavilion. Already my day was going great. I had to pickup my contacts in South San Jose and then I looked at my bookmarks to see what's in store for lunch. Off I go, driving on 3 different freeways to get to Los Gatos. After I snuck in a prime parking spot across Sur la Table, I started my trek. Icing on the Cake was first and then there... on the corner of Main St. and College Ave. lies what could be very well the best and most expensive salad I have ever had! There are plenty of tables inside and a few tables outside however, finding a vacant one is difficult if you come during the lunch rush. Fortunately, I was able to grab a seat outside overlooking Main St.; enjoyed the nice and sunny weather - despite that the forecast called for rain and it didn't happen until the late evening. Grrrr!! A single form line made it difficult to enjoy the atmosphere of the cafe because the line did not move fast enough and because the tables were scattered and closely to the line, I felt boxed in. The girl at the register was quick and brief, not genuinely friendly but I'm here for the food and adequate service and that's what I received. The sandwiches are cheaper than the salads. I was astounded! Normally I would go w/ the cheaper option but I have been on this "health" kick so I wanted to abide by it. OK- I lied. I didn't order the salad because I wanted to be on par w/ my diet, it was because I wanted a protein-style burger w/ pastrami and pork belly for dinner at Steins Beer Garden in Mountain View (review for that later but good god, skip it). Salads all range between $11.95 and $12.95. I ordered the Taco Salad ($12.95) because I was enticed by the picture plus I love goat cheese. The salad contains: shredded cabbage, tortilla strips, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, radish, choice of meat (chicken or steak) for which I chose steak, goat cheese, and spicy crema dressing. I also got the all-butter croissant for the little one and a glass of water. My total bill came out to nearly $20. EXPENSIVE. The girl gave me the iced water and my #. The salad took less than 5 minutes to deliver. The guy was nice enough to grab utensils and napkins for me seeing as how if I do, I would need to lug the kiddo i so he saved me the time and headache. This salad goes w/ the saying, "You get what you pay for". The cabbage was fresh and crisp, the radish was crispy, the tortilla strips were crunchy, the tomatoes and corn was evenly distributed and did not make the cabbage soggy whatsoever. The steak cubes were tender, a little bland, and cooked medium rare. The goat cheese and the spicy crema dressing was the "icing on the cake". I LOVED it. I didn't think a salad would give me this much satisfaction. The only salads I've gone crazy for is the Heavenly Salad at Loving Hut and the tri-tip side salad from Pluto's. This particular salad had me crave it the following day. The all-butter croissant was buttery and flaky. I would not order it again because I would rather consume my calories in a sandwich or cupcake format however, if you like croissants in general and don't mind paying over $4 for one then this is the place. I had 2 bites out of it and was OK w/ just that. Getting a box for my salad was stressful as the line to get to the register was utterly long and there was no way for me to slip in to just ask for a box. The same girl that rung me up gave me the box but did not offer to box it for me; I had the plate w/ me. The bathrooms were clean, one for men and one for women, no changing station, and the lighting was dim which made freshening my makeup a tad complicated. Other than the price, this place is awesome!
(5)Scott P.
Good for breakfast/coffee if you are hiking the Los Gatos Trail. Also the smoothies look good, although I am always a spectator, as I forget to order it when I am there.
(4)Farrah H.
Coffee was fantastic and the food was outstanding! Loved the grilled cheese, apple turnover, quiche, prosciutto and turkey. It was a little pricey- $60 for 4 sandwiches, 3 coffees and a Pastry but it was worth it. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Daniel R.
Great espresso. I am the ultimate espresso snob. The illy coffee pressed correctly made a most excellent espresso.
(5)Tiffany Rose M.
Purple Onion is me and my boyfriend's GO TO spot every week. Roberto pours, hands-down, the best espresso drinks in town. The attention to detail is what makes all the difference. The staff is friendly and in two years, my order has never been wrong or taken long to be ready. Also, the food is fresh, bright and healthful. The fruit salad has berries in it. (Fruit salad lovers, you know what I mean.) Not just mellon for days. Also, a great spot for vegetarians. Offerings like spinach quiche and greek yogurt bowls are my usuals. My man loves the breakfast sandwiches. If you are in the mood for something a bit naughtier, I recommend there Almond Croissants. Recently, they started make the filling in house with a mixture that includes a bit of Bourbon. They are divine!!! I recommend going early to avoid the rush. ENJOY!
(5)Christi G.
Love this little place. Anyone that serves Illy coffee makes me happy. Great place to stop in the am or during errands for a quick bite.
(5)Paige B.
Great food. The end. Fresh, tasty, well thought out flavor combinations, and naughty treats to indulge in. I would order anything from the menu. My salmon salad was fantastic, and everything else appeared to be equally delicious. A see and be seen place in LG.
(4)Lg G.
We stopped in after a hike. It was a Saturday, but not crowded. We got the Thai chicken salad, Cuban pork sandwich, and a blood orange lemonade. All were excellent. The prices are reasonable for Los Gatos. The staff is super friendly and the good was made almost before we finished ordering it. The servings were plentiful and all the food was great! I highly recommend it!
(5)Lenore H.
The tuna melt is so delicious with the melted cheese on top! I love how the bread is toasted so it's very warm & soft when you bite into it. The blood orange lemonade is good too..
(4)Joseph S.
Think Cheers the T.V. show. I really appreciate the friendly staff, Roberto, Shannon and the rest of the crew. Always greeted on a first name basis and with a smile. They staff knows what my wife and I order which tells me just how much they pay attention to detail. The food is good and very reliable. The serving size of the salads is very generous and for the price it is hard to beat. And, this Thanksgiving we used their catering services and were amazed at the high quality of food. For me living in a small town, I love walking into a place seeing familiar faces and being treated with a smile and like a friend or family member! The staff is a large part of why I come in almost daily for my cup of coffee.
(5)Jenna S.
I adore onions. They're up there with my favorite vegetables, but unfortunately there is one onion that just doesn't agree with me: Purple Onion. I ordered the tomato basil soup, because it was pretty much my only option as a gluten-free vegetarian. I had seen some positive yelp reviews praising the soup so I had high hopes. They were quickly shot down. I'm all for honesty, so from now on I'm going to refer to the "soup" as what it really is: tomato water. It was so thin, had absolutely zero texture and zero flavor. I immediately grabbed salt, pepper, and sugar (haters gonna hate, it needed it). It was then at least palatable but still not enjoyable. It might have been a little more exciting if I could've sopped it up with the baguette but I had to pass mine along to my lucky, gluten-tolerant cousin. The one, almost-saving grace was the potato salad that I got as a side instead of the green salad. It was actually quite a nice, hearty blend of fingerling potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, red onions, and arugula in a honey-dijon dressing. Good mix of textures (potatoes were cooked properly) with just the right amount of sweetness. I wish I had ordered a bowl full of that instead of the tomato water. If it had been a cheap meal I wouldn't be complaining. Ok I'm lying, I would definitely still be complaining, but not quite as much. It was far overpriced for the quality ($14 for the soup/salad combo). It is a cute location though and nothing seems to be too gentle on the wallet in Los Gatos. I will admit, since I had such a limited selection because of my food restrictions, I really can't judge the cafe as a whole. I can only judge my experience. Some guy at the table next to me had a croissant sandwich that looked like it might be worth suffering the horrible stomach ache it would have caused me. Just heed my warning and don't fall for the tomato water.
(2)Christine T.
What a great bowl of soup today.. and the egg salad was fantastic on amazing bread. Thank you for the great service too.
(5)K T.
The pastries are pretty good but the sandwiches are really bad. I've ordered 2 types of turkey sandwiches, yuck. The turkey was SO dry and they put this disgusting horse radish mustard on the bread. I ended up eating the cheese for lunch.
(2)Carrie S.
We hosted a small open house style wedding reception with POC, and it was fantastic. The food was absolutely amazing, and my guests enjoyed the tapas style menu and Spanish wine. The servers were also super friendly, particularly Shannon, who helped us make sure we had everything set up. My husband and I do enjoy coming here for breakfast or lunch. Its always busy, but the food is so good! I love the breakfast sandwich and steak salad. I brought my BFF here, and she loved the lox breakfast plate. Service is always great.
(5)LESLI D.
i was excited about trying this place. We ordered the Cafe Salad which sounded amazing..and it was...UNTIL I ALMOST ATE A GRASSHOPPER! Yep, a huge bug in my salad...it might have even been moving. I took my plate inside with the grasshopper and piece of chicken on the fork and showed to to the woman at the counter, (who I believe was the manager or owner). Her response was, "well it's organic"...Really? She offered to make me another salad, which I let her, all the while thinking, "I'm kinda scared to eat it!" I went back to my table and my girlfriend was kinda freaked out too. We were sharing the salad. I decided to go back inside to ask her about this again. I asked her if they washed their salad making before serving them and she said no, they're organic and triple washed...Really? Because they missed a huge grasshopper! It doesn't happen often, she told me...isn't once enough? I'm not real big on organic specifically for this reason. Is it that difficult to rinse the salad before making it and selling it to your customers? I wash all my fruits and veggies at home, organic or not! Needless to say, I won't go back...EVER!
(1)Chuck K.
The taco salad is great. $15 after tax, but it was really good.
(5)Allison C.
I readily admit that I am a picky coffee drinker. I want it to taste like it does in Italy - and that is often hard to find. Purple Onion with their Illy coffee has it and they have quickly become my first stop on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It isn't the fastest service in the world, but hot damn the coffee is good. I stick with a latte or cappuccino and can't speak to their drip, but based on the espresso - I can't imagine that it would suck. If I had one complaint about the place (and the reason for the 3 stars) is the food. Unnecessarily over-priced, bland and tiny portions. They really need to step-up their game in this area.
(3)Anastasia B.
This place just got one more happy regular customer! The food is delish and lovely. EVERYTHING I've tried is wonderful (maybe the coleslaw was a bit off). Apple Blueberry bar - awesome! (This is what got me started in the first place here) Tomato soup is so lovely and refreshing unlike the 'ol generic tomato soup that you can get at any place (the tomato paste kind) Chicken Salad sandwich - yummy! Rocky road bar - very good! I appreciate the fact that great care is taken into which products are used for cooking and the laid back modern atmosphere. I must say that before I would look for my "little special something" for lunch at Whole Foods. Now that the Whole Foods deli food quality had been consistently going down, I am VERY HAPPY to find this PURPLE ONION place. Thank you, dear owners! Please keep doing what you are doing :)
(5)Ankita K.
There wasn't anything particularly bad, but neither was anything particularly rememberable. Stopped by this place when in the area based on other yelp reviews, but I found the food to be rather bland. Good atmosphere though - cute set-up. I ordered the bowl of tomato basil soup with baguette and a blood orange lemonade. The soup was disappointing - more tomato sauce, couldn't taste any basil. Tried to improve it with pepper-- which was marginally better. Baguette was fairly good in comparison. Not something I will likely come back to.
(3)Cynthia H.
ordered the pork belly chopped salad and it's very dry and not very interesting. today's special german pork belly chopped. very disappointed
(3)Karen Z.
In need of a good, not particularly speedy salad or sandwich? This is your spot. I've eaten here three times, and the service and quality are consistent. It takes about ten minutes to get your order, which I don't entirely understand. They have some seating inside, plus another seven or so tables outside. A sandwich is around ten bucks, plus your chips and beverage. Their sweets always look great. There's some street parking, plus a small lot nearby.
(4)Miki S.
Very nice atmosphere and excellent & exciting food! Service is great and fast. Slightly expensive but considering the quality of the food and location, it's understandable. Outside seating is nice too. I had salmon salad - it's $14 or so but a mountain of greens topped with a decent size yummy salmon, so it fills you up. I also had quiche - slightly small, but yummy; comes with side salad. My friend had chicken salad sandwich and that looked yum too (that's what I'm trying next). We also had doughnut muffins (?) and were good.
(4)Stephanie W.
Grabbed a couple of salads and blackberry lemonades to go - both were super tasty! It is fairly pricy, and service came with a side of attitude - but the food was super fresh and it was hard to decide from all of the menu's yumminess. I will definitely go back when I am down that way.
(4)le n.
I have been here several times and plan to return again soon! I ordered the Mediterranean Chicken. For some reason, I was expecting it to taste more like a Greek Salad (my fault for not reading the description). Nevertheless, it was delicious! Kind of like a bruschetta with chicken? I also ordered a lemonade. It is made in-house and is refreshing and delicious!
(4)Donna B.
I LOVE this place. The Cafe Salad is my absolute favorite for sure. They have gluten free and dairy free options as well because everything is made to order. Everything is FRESH! Really Fresh. I just love it. Plus the Blood Orange Lemonade is the best!
(5)Antonea C.
I've been here a couple of times and have good experiences, so this review is just for this one time experience. We ordered the veggie sandwich knowing the mix changes with the seasons. This season's "fresh veggies" were pretty disappointing. It was a basic mix of overcooked broccoli and cauliflower on a tough piece of bread. The coffee is great and so are the fresh baked goods, so as long as you steer clear of the summer season veggies then you're good.
(3)Ari R.
Tomato Bisque... BOMB Mixed Green Salad ... BOMB. Their Little Baguette.... I think you know.. BOMB!!!! Love the purple onion! Some may think its a little pricy, but its sooooooo goood! you get what you pay for here!!! Steamy hot soup, cold fresh salad and bread perfect for dipping, great on a summer day or rainy day! Also the meatloaf sandwich is darn tasty, but huuuuuge! I need it now.
(5)Dave B.
Nice place for a nosh and a coffee! Roberto pulls great Illy shots and gives us good service, even when the place is jumping.
(4)Kim W.
I LOVE this cafe!! I've eaten here many times and I have not once been disappointed. It is so cute, the food is awesome, and everyone that works here is so friendly and nice. Items I've tried over the several times I've been here: - Hot and iced lattes - Blood orange lemonade (free refills!) - Lox plate (my fav!) - Quiche - Breakfast bagel - Meatloaf sandwhich (another fav!) - Cafe salad - Blue steak baguette - Prosciutto Press This is a great place when you want something fresh, light, and delicious! Yum...can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu :)
(5)Grace G.
I wandered in on a Saturday around noon, and was delighted to find the variety of offerings - cookies, pastries, sandwiches, melts, salads, desserts, a variety of coffees and lemonade. You could eat here for breakfast, lunch, and even grab a snack before dinner. The service was great, there was no wait to order, and the ambiance was perfect with the surround windows, small cafe tables, and Christmas decorations. I only had a few items, but will definitely be back to try more, especially the lemonade! Mediterranean Chicken Press - The amount of sauce and cheese was slightly overwhelming compared to the amount of chicken, but understandable considering the thickness of the focaccia. The side salad was overly drenched in dressing, so I would suggest getting the dressing on the side or ask for less of it. Croissant Bread Pudding - Buttery, soft, cinnamon, vanilla, and not overly soggy. Perfect! Latte - No pretty pictures on top, but a perfect latte.
(4)Janine K.
Came here again this past week. I ordered the Thai Chicken Salad and my friend got the Thai Chicken Sandwich. We sat outside to wait for our food, which normally doesn't take too long here.. maybe 5-10 minutes. After 20 minutes had passed we were getting really hungry! I asked one of the waitresses how much longer our food would be and she said she'd go in and check. Almost instantly the manager/owner/whoever was in charge came out to sincerely apologize and explain that they had just received a huge to go order. He even offered us free coffees and pastries! After that, our food was out within seconds. The Thai Chicken Salad was delicious! Just enough flavor yet still light and fresh tasting. I'll definitely be ordering this one again.
(4)Andrew R.
Great cafe located in DT LG. The cafe serves illy coffee which is pretty clutch; I ordered the iced Americano and loved it. They do provide added flavor shots for a small fee. Plenty of small snack items for breakfast/lunch. All the items looked delicious but I opted for the classic sausage croissant. It was good not great. The croissant was hard in places due to it being refrigerated. Definitely a good spot to meet friends and grab a cup of Joe.
(4)Sal E.
Very disappointed yesterday when we visited Purple Onion Cafe. At first the table was dirty. Then the bathroom was dirty. We ordered a Salmon Salad and a Tuna Melt. The Tuna Melt was fine but the Salmon was raw. When I asked the girl at the counter if she could have it cooked a bit more she appeared distraught. I said to her that I didn't even mind if they put it in a microwave for a minute. I just didn't want to see slimy peach color. She once again said nothing and reluctantly took it from me. It then took a good 7 minutes later when she returned with a SMALLER piece of fish than I had originally received on my salad, it was cold, and still half raw!!! Ok, so I'm turned off from the salad incident, overlook the table's dirty, the bathroom's mess, the floor's dirty, why don't I simply end off the meal with a case salad that is advertised on the chalk board. The sign reads : Case Salads - $4.75 or $1.50 with sandwich. Remember we ordered the Tuna Melt? When I asked for the side case salad (baked potato salad) to supplement our Tuna Melt the person "in charge" said to the cashier - no since it was not ordered at the same time as the sandwich!! Are you kidding me?? Thinking this through as I was gathering my thoughts - this place has taken a nose dive - I'm changing my 2 stars down to a one and I won't return here. It's too bad since they really had some quality food. One of the best quality and taste for lunch until now.
(1)Liz H.
I don't know what they put in their egg salad, but it's delicious! My husband made sweet, sweet love to his meatloaf sandwich as well. We'll definitely be back.
(5)David R.
I stopped in this morning after church for a bite to eat with my wife and daughter. So I asked a young lady behind the counter if you have Nova Lox for the bagels. She said "Yes, and you can get it with the Nova Lox Plate as well" and she told me the items that it will come with. When I got to my turn to order there was a young man at the register and he said "What do you want? " very rude, not what I expected. Nevertheless I blew it off and ordered the Bagel Plate, and one toasted bagel, not the plate. The young man replied, and with a smart aleck antidote, " What, no plate, what the heck do you want me to put it on"? I was stunned, and I had to think for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. Was he serious, just being rude, or does he really not understand I want the bagel plate with one, and just the bagel without the extras that come with the "Bagel Plate" with the other? So I said "just ring it up". He stared at me and said he didn't like me asking him to just ring it up, like he wanted to push some kind of confrontation. I thought what the heck?, I'm not eating here and called him rude, smart aleck, and some other names that make me the bad guy, even though he talked to me like crap. I asked my family to depart. Then, of all things, he chased me and my family out as we attempted to leave, and continued to antagonize, me asking me to keep arguing with him. Is that how you train your employees to treat an unhappy customer when they are trying to leave? Keep antagonizing them??? I couldn't believe it. I think he wanted it to turn violent there as he kept chasing me out the door. Don't worry, I will never be back
(1)Alex F.
This is another Yelp referral, and it was a great one. I live close to this cafe, so it was a no-brainer. It's really hard to find a great lunch spot in West San Jose, so the Purple Onion is a sweet find in the heart of Los Gatos. The cafe is located on the corner, so it's clearly visible. The exterior is painted white, and there is a seating area with red tables and chairs; it's cute. There is parallel parking on the street, so it can be a little tough to squeeze into a space. Luckily, I didn't have any trouble finding a spot at 3:30pm on a Thursday. Inside, there is plenty of comfortable seating in the sunbathed shop. The menu is written on a chalkboard affixed to the wall. I decided to ask the cashier for a recommendation. She was very pleasant and helpful, making me feel as though I were a regular. Per her recommendations, I ordered a Blackberry Lemonade and Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich with a salad. My total was $14. I chose to sit outside on the patio, since it was such a lovely day. The cafe is on the edge of Main Street's curve, so it is very quiet. The seating area is in a corridor right next to Nick's Next Door, which I've been hoping to try soon. The cashier brought my food out to my table along with utensils, and even asked if I needed anything else. Five stars for customer service here. Immediately biting into the chicken sandwich, my mouth started watering--delicious. The Blackberry Lemonade is circumspect yet refreshing. Both were exactly what I needed. I would give the food 4.5 stars for a cafe. Even though I stayed twenty minutes past closing, I never felt rushed by the staff to leave. I was a little shocked how nice they were. This place is almost heaven. I will definitely be coming back :)
(4)Rcd M.
I Like there blood orange lemonade.. which is pretty good.. I get that every time I come to this spot. I enjoy trying almost everything they got there. Haven't really found what I like there yet. I try mediterranean chicken sandwiches which was ok. Then the turkey reuben, wasn't to fond of the pickled cabbage & special sauce. The meatloaf sandwiches, the meatloaf was too dry for my taste. The thai chicken salad was alright. I'm not much a fan of Thai basil dressing. Today I try their steak salad, which was pretty good then again i like my steak hot an not cold. "Till next time my food lover.. till next time."
(3)Ryan L.
My book club and I met here the other day. We got a nice table outdoors and some great food. This is a cute little cafe in Downtown Los Gatos. They serve sandwiches, salads and soup. I got the Thai Chicken sandwich with cucumber and brie cheese. It was very good. It was on a real crunchy french baguette. The side salad was ok too. The salads looked really good, especially the mexican inspired one. I would gladly come back here for another sandwich if I was in the neighborhood.
(4)Diana C.
I really liked this place. I'm not usually a huge fan of sandwiches except for banh mi ones but this place had really good warm sandwich selections. You order at the counter and they deliver the food to your table. Hubby ordered the blue steak sandwich and I ordered one of the daily specials - Thai BBQ chicken meatball sub. They were each served on warm toasted baguette bread with a small side salad. I loved my meatball sandwich. It had a delightful blend of spices. I also had some of the blue steak sandwich - not that much blue cheese but the meat was very tender and still pink. I would definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Alex B.
this place da bomb dot com, come here for sunday brunch, whenever i can make it, good prices for best quality food and housing
(5)An D.
People love this place it seems. Good for them I guess? I had a macchiato which tasted like burnt cardboard. I also had a breakfast burrito which wasn't bad but certainly didn't live put to the price or the ratings. My girlfriend had a breakfast sandwich with sausage. She ended up pulling out the sausage (which I admittedly ate) and finished off the rest. Friendly staff though!
(2)Kat T.
I moved back into Los Gatos about a year ago and discovered this gem of a place due to it being directly across the street from my new apartment. Purple Onion is one of the reasons I love living in this little town. Excellent service...I am actually shocked to see some of the posts people have written saying the opposite, I go here every morning and have never had anything but the most pleasant experience. All the the staff is friendly but I give extra credit to Roberto and Shannon for always going out of their way to make me feel not just taken care of but special. It is noticed, appreciated and I thank you!! As for the food....Fresh, Flavorful, and Delicious!
(5)Kevin C.
First time here. Loved it!!! Great food, coffee and service. Loved the energy. Will be back!! Save me some quiche!!
(5)Sam W.
Holy steak sandwich, batman; this place is awesome. Seriously. If you are in the area, and you feel like not being a crazy person, stop by and get the blue steak baguette. Crunchy bread, great steak, and tons of bleu cheese. It's absolutely fantastic. The salads are good also, and people say they have great coffee. I'll have to try that next time. There a lot of good restaurants in this area, but I will have trouble not going to the Purple Onion Cafe every time I'm nearby.
(4)Azizi M.
My husband loves loves this place but when I tried it I thought it was ok. The sandwiches and salads are good but I don't understand everyone else's rave. I have a few other friends who eat here daily. I have tried some great food made from the owner here at a special event which I completely loved (turkey leg and an amazing sauce with it) but I havent seen the same items at the cafe. I think the chef is talented here and would love to see him make some more items like that on his menu. I will come back and try it out again and see if I fall in love too! Lol
(3)Jake L.
My wife and I love coming here for a quick breakfast sandwich and a wonderful people watching experience! We come here about every weekend and get the best breakfast sandwich in town before a beautiful hike in Los Gatos! Highly recommend the breakfast bagel sandwich with their awesome tomato aioli spread!
(4)Real D.
EVERYTHING they do at the Purple Onion is very well done... the food is fabulous!! They serve breakfast and lunch (I think they're open 7am - 4pm?) For breakfast they offer so many tasty items, here are a few of my favorites: 1) bacon & egg sandwich (scrambled egg, bacon, swiss cheese & mayo on sour cheddar bread), 2) breakfast burrito (scrambled egg, potato, black beans, blistered corn, cheddar cheese, spicy crema & chorizo or roasted vegetables.. or made with egg whites & chicken sausage!) 3) granola & yogurt with fresh fruit, organic yogurt & honey. Do not skip the baked items...everything is home made! The pastries, cupcakes and cookies are super tasty! Love their scones!! For lunch, try one of the home made soups or a yummy salad! The Thai chicken salad is my absolute favorite ... They offer at least a dozen delicious sandwiches but my favorites are the homemade MEATLOAF (with beef and pork, provolone cheese, confit onions & sun dried tomato mayo on a francese roll), the CUBAN (pulled natural chicken, ham, provolone cheese, pickle, tomato, dijon mustard & roasted garlic mayo on a cuban roll) and the MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN (chicken breast, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil & sun dried tomato mayo on a francese roll). Note: This is not a place where you order traditional eggs w/ bacon and toast... that's totally boaring and you can get that anywhere else in town! Note: There are two locations in Los Gatos - both are great, but I normally go to the one downtown b/c it's closer to my house and the LG trail.
(5)Mary A.
We walked in to the Purple Onion (great name) and were greeted warmly by 2 different people. We ordered the Cuban sandwich to share and sides of tomato basil soup and green salad. After a short wait our food was delivered. The sandwich was very flavorful and sides were tasty too. Prices are a little high for lunch but for good food I won't complain.
(5)van t.
It a cute cafe that have inside and outside sitting. I usually get the Thai salad pretty fresh n good n different they add uncool ramen on there also. I also get a chance to try the blood oj lemonade. The salad cost around $10 dollar.
(4)Vivian J.
I have been wanting to go here FOREVER and finally made it there. It is a cute lunch/coffee house with indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu has tons of yummy sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and yummy sweets! Prices are not cheap but the quality of the food is YUM with huge size portions with fresh ingredients! They have plenty of seating inside and outside and service was very quick. Tons of folks had theIr dogs and kids there while they hung out. I can't wait to go back and try some fresh baked desserts!!
(4)Heather O.
I've heard a lot of good things about this so I decided it was finally time to give it a try.. honestly I think I just ordered the wrong thing because the people next to me had a bunch of hot deliciously yummy looking sandwiches. I ordered a cold chicken sandwich and a fruit cup.. the fruit cup was WAY too small for $5 and the sandwich was horrible.. cold, hard, dry, and old tasting. I think they should specify better what sandwiches are cold and which are hot. Like I said though the table next to me looked like they chose all the right things.. so because of this I will be back soon for something toasted!
(2)Christina W.
I have been here twice. The first time, I got the Spa Salad. It was amazing! Lots of texture, color, and flavor; but I'd get the dressing on the side next time. The second time, I had a mozzarella/basil/tomato sandwich. It was a hot sandwich, which I wasn't expecting, but I LOVED it! It was really tasty and savory and reminded me of a margherita pizza. The salad that came on the side with this sandwich wasn't my favorite, though. It seemed like it was just spring greens coated with olive oil; I would have liked some vinegar to cut the oil flavor. My husband had the steak and blue cheese sandwich, which was also hot. We absolutely loved the flavors in that one as well. The strong cheese went really well with the tender steak. I will return and try more things!
(4)John Paul P.
After hearing coworkers rave about the place and the sandwiches, and given I had planned on throwing a picnic for Valentine's day, seemed like the perfect solution. Besides, if the weather went bad (it didn't, beautiful sunny in the 70s California kind of day) there was Nick's Next Door well ... next door. We split the blue steak baguette which was deliciously crunchy yet chewy baguette with slices of steak mixed with blue cheese and cabbage. Wonderfully simple, just wished I had more (especially for the price). The blood orange lemonade was well ... bloody brilliant. Could drink that all the time. Also wish we had the chicken pot pies but they ran out just as we were up to order. Had the purple potato salad instead, large halves of the fingerling potatoes with purple onion, mustard seeds, and not too much mayo. It's all about the potatoes. Side salad was pretty good too, with spinach and shaved cheese and apples. Successful V-Day lunch? Not bad, but just wanted a little more for the money.
(4)Nike M.
Love this place...the salads are addicting. :) I wish they provided curb side delivery because parking is a pain. As for the food delious!
(4)Rachel M.
Horrible horrible service. We went in to have brunch and they were out of French toast. By the time we spent the 2 minutes and figured out what else my 2 year old would eat, it was 12:01 and they wouldn't let us order breakfast. Awful service, very pretentious
(1)paristu f.
Super cute cafe! I go here about twice a week and its the perfect spot to have a latte and something yummy for lunch. All organic, free range, great ingredients which is important these days. Lovely service and really cozy atmosphere.
(5)Shanna K.
Meatloaf sandwich is pretty good... a thick slice with plenty of flavorful tomato confit but it was a bit greasy (I had to eat it with a knife and fork or else get oil all over me) and the meatloaf itself could have used a bit more flavor. Definitely enough to share though. We split that and the tomato basil soup which was lovely. I would definitely have the soup again. The salads looked quite enormous and good to share as well.. and the baked goods were fresh. Maybe not a destination restaurant but we would definitely stop in again. Nice patio and window seating for people watching. :-)
(3)Nancy L.
If your ordering food to go check it before you leave. We ordered two breakfast sandwiches with no meat and both were covered in bacon. Very disappointing since we were several miles down the road and planned to eat the sandwiches on our road trip. Really frustrating since we waited in a line several people deep with only one register open on a Saturday. $20.00 later we were better off going to McDonald for an egg McMuffin with no canadian bacon.
(1)D T.
Walked in with my granddaughter and daughter at 3:40 pm on Saturday. Manager: You know we close at 4:00? Me: Would it be best if we ate outside? Manager: No, we breakdown the outside first. Me: So we should eat inside? Manager: Only if you want dirt in your food 'cause we have to sweep. Me: So, you don't close at 4:00, you close at 3:40. Manager: Look, you can stay until 4:20. Me: I'd like to see the manager. Manager: You're looking at him. Me: Then I will talk with the owner. Manager: You do that. I called the Winchester location and spoke with the manager there. She apologized for the Los Gatos manager adding, He's had a lot on his plate." I left my name and phone number and was assured the owner would be calling me right away. Three days later, nothing. I've been a frequent customer since the opening, but I won't be going back. Update: The owner called 10 days after I left her a message. Too little, too late.
(1)Jason W.
Food was sub par. Service was worse. Roberto was horrible and just downright rude. He is the sole reason for the negative review & I hope the owner takes note that he is not helping the reputation of this restaurant.
(1)Carl W.
The owner asked me, a while ago, to try some more sandwiches (so demanding! I kid, I kid) so I finally gave it a shot (hey, if I lived nearby I probably would've tried everything by now) and I was happy with what I experienced. The vegetarian sandwich is good because it is filling (always a challenge if you are not a vegetarian yourself) and flavorful. The Thai turkey sandwich has some great brie, but if I got it again, I would take out the "extra" slice of turkey so that I could taste the brie more (the girl at the counter says she does the same thing!). There was also this great cobbler dish that they got rid of way too quickly! Bring that back!! Blue cheese steak is still my favorite, though, if you were wondering!
(5)Betty N.
**DOG FRIENDLY CAFE IN LOS GATOS** Nice cafe in Los Gatos which served predominantly breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and soup. They offered full service catering as well. ORDERED: *THAI TURKEY BASIL ($9.75) - Turkey, brie, basil, thai mayo and cucumber on tasted baguette. It tasted fresh and healthy. I loved the huge brie chunk. The baguette was very good toasted. Nicely textured. *BLOOD ORANGE DRINK - Very tasty. It did help with a spike of cherry vodka (umm, how did this flask get into my purse). I wished I brought my English bullies to enjoy the front area. Good cafe. RECOMMEND.
(4)Lily R.
3.5 STARS!!! I waited until I came here 2x to review. Here it goes. First time, I was CHARMED. Adorable little cafe. Great menu with delicious sandwich choices artfully chalked on the board on the wall. Staff was super friendly. Down below, I noticed a treat bowl full of scooby snacks for the pups waiting for their masters outside. My breakfast croissant with egg, cheese and sausage was delightfully delicious. Couldn't ask for anything more. My friend had the Turkey thai sandwich that looked amazing. She loved it. Second time, I was not so charmed. What happened to the menu? Only the sandwich names were scribbled on the chalk board. No descriptions. My Thai basil turkey was just turkey on a cold roll. hmrphh. I would have liked to read about the other sandwiches...but oh well. Each time I chose a pellegrino drink and an espresso drink making my total bill to be $18-20 for lunch. I think for the prices you pay here, you should have fantastic mind blowing sandwiches each time.
(3)Connie C.
While I'm not a fan of raw purple onions, I am definitely a fan of this great little cafe in downtown Los Gatos. Their sandwiches are creative and use only the freshest ingredients. They have a nice variety, so there's something for every taste bud. I really enjoy their Thai Turkey sandwich with brie. If you don't want a big greasy spoon breakfast, come here for one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches (on croissant, bagel or muffin). There's also a delectable selection of baked goodies, and they serve Illy coffee - their mochas are yum. On beautiful LG days, you can sit out on their side patio, which is perfect for people with dogs. They've got free dog biscuits on hand for your furry friend.
(4)Alice J.
A nice cafe with a wide selection of coffee, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. I wasn't very impressed with the proscuitto press sandwich because the bread lacked flavor and was a bit thick. It was also $10 which is a tad expensive for the quality and amount. However their sausage croissant sandwich was very tasty. It was perfectly toasted, the sausage had a kick, and it was more reasonably priced at $6.75. There might be better places to go, but Purple Onion does offer decent food and is a good spot if you're looking for something quick and casual.
(3)Payal P.
Love this cafe..... especially their hot chocolate
(5)Daniella S.
Meh. Overpriced chi-chi cuisine. Can't beat the ambiance for a cafe or ice tea with a friend on a warm afternoon.
(3)Katharine A.
Food was good. I got a breakfast burrito to go. I ordered chorizo--- got a veggie. Line was pretty long, but there seemed to be a lot of regulars here. When I asked for help choosing what I wanted to eat the counter person said they had never had either of the sandwiches I asked about---which is never a good sign at a place where breakfast selections can be counted on one hand. Service was slow----I waited a long time for a simple burrito and was pretty annoyed when I got home and had the wrong item. Good thing for them it was good and didn't have anything I didn't like on it.
(3)Elise G.
Sandwiches, salads, coffee, and pastries. Outdoor seating too! Casual dining, where you order at the counter, get a number, and a barista brings you your dish when it's ready. Closes at 4 P.M. The Niçoise Salad is mouth watering! The ahi tuna slices are seared, yet ice cold, firm, and fresh. The lettuce is mixed with field greens and spinach and lightly drizzled with vinaigrette. The egg and potatoes are sliced thin so there is some for every bite, and the small pieces make it taste less heavy. The Kalamata olives add saltiness and the goat cheese adds creaminess. It was so refreshing on a hot day. I highly recommend this dish! Don't get the Steak Spinach salad or the Cafe Salad. They sound good, but aren't that great. The Steak Spinach Salad was actually disgusting. The dressing was thick and mixed with the goat cheese, it made a paste. The meat was well done and cubed and tough. The only thing good were the corn and croutons. But really, the combination and texture were so off. The Cafe Salad was something you could put together at home, and was as if you took stuff from a sandwich and stuff for your oatmeal, and put it together. The cheese was just cut up squares of monterey jack cheese slices. The chicken was cubed and dry. The dried apricots and cranberries didn't fit well. It was just a weird salad. The blood orange lemonade was thirst quenching and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I just wish there was more. It was so packed with ice, that I was done in about seven sips. Cute little place with fairly fast service. If you have a dog, you can sit outside in the front or side patio. I would come back again just for that salad! It was reasonably priced too for all you get. Only $14.
(4)Heather K.
I have been in here multiple times with friends and have loved everything I have gotten! I had the spinach quiche and fresh fruit salad. Lots of delicious spinach! The veggie sandwich is delicious with balsamic dressing and grilled asparagus. The chicken taco salad is much lighter than any I have had before and not laden down with too many chips. Get the lattes! Yummy. Only down side is this place is popular and it can be difficult to find seating.
(5)Christina D.
Been a loyal customer for a long time as a special treat after the damn trail.. Last time i went in was craving there chicken thai salad that i believe was 14 $ got to work and it was a spinach salad with alot of spinich! Very dissapointed! I will still come in for the thai salad but will check my order everytime before i leave!
(4)Mercy B.
Busy bistro with wonderful, fresh lunch time eats! I ordered the spinach salad with steak. I expected a small salad with a few slices of steak on top - but when it arrived at my table - WOW! The large plate was overflowing with spinach, ample slices of steak, sprinkled with blue cheese and tomato slices on the side. Although I ate my fill, it didn't even look like I touched my plate. Service is polite and efficient. Street parking can be a challenge - especially on the weekend. I'll be returning with my doggie as I also understand that they're doggie friendly!
(4)Michelle P.
Finally, a cafe that serves Illy coffee!!!!!! I tried the yogurt/fruit/granola bowl. Portion was small for the price but tasted good.
(4)Paddy O.
Fresh and clean. Great place for lunch.
(5)C. Y.
This cafe is definitely one of our FAVORITE lunchtime options...we come all the time. Everything on their menu is REALLY good...I get the Thai Turkey Basil sandwich and it has brie on it....TO DIE FOR. The only bummers are they're quite expensive, and the parking situation is tricky...but that won't keep me from coming back time and time again!
(4)Christine P.
My husband and I went on a mini getaway this weekend and decided to stop by Los Gatos on the way back home. We were starving and thanks to YELP we were able to find this cute place. I LOVED that they have dry lavender soda which is my ultimate fave. I am a true fan of all things lavender. Today was a gorgeous day so tons of people were at the Purple Onion Cafe & Catering enjoying their lunch. I opted for the tuna melt and my husband ordered the blue steak baguette. All of their sandwiches are served with a wonderful green salad which has cute little flower petals. My tuna melt was wonderfully toasted to perfection and the cheese was melted perfectly. I loved it.
(4)Jaime O.
Good service, nice location. The prices are decent, but portions tiny.
(4)Sheeva G.
I'd give it a solid 3.5 because the food is pretty decent. I've been here a few times and it's really nice to sit outside and grab a bite to eat. I love the blood orange lemonade because it's not overpowering. Definitely a cute spot in lg.
(4)Chun L.
Walked by this cafe in the afternoon and we decided to have a cup of tea and some cookie. Their lemon bar is very nice. We had a special raspberry lemonade to come with it. Chocolate chunk cookies are also wonderful treats. Overall, a nice and relaxing experience.
(4)Aimee R.
Fresh food! From the outside it looks like a regular coffee shop, with seating both inside and out. They do sell coffee but they also sell sandwiches, soup, salads and pastries. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy but there were still tables open. We ordered: -The soup of the day: Tomato Basil (Not too creamy, it retained the fresh taste of tomato) -Egg Salad sandwich: The egg salad was great. I enjoyed the whole grain bread, it was very tasty. -Tuna melt: It was also good. (The sandwiches here are not that big, it gets you full) -Apricot Bar: Delicious!! Packed with apricots and it has huge chunks of crumble topping. -Lemon Bar: The crust was very buttery and flaky. It wasn't too tart. We enjoyed it.
(4)John S.
This was my first trip to Purple Onion...and...albeit not easy to please..this place did it right! I enjoyed the Cafe Salad which was delicious with very liberal amounts of chicken to complement the greens, cheeses, cranberries, walnuts, etc..The tuna salad sandwich remains I swiped from my daughter were great and I envied the fruit granola being consumed by my other girl. Ambiance is nice even though tables for more than 2 are in short supply. My only disappointment was when I asked the kid who brought our food about our silverware and he pointed to an area in the cafe to go pick it up. Even though he saw that we didn't get up to secure our utensils, he just drifted away without helping us.
(4)Caroline H.
Great Illy coffee. Nice interior. Cool feel to it. Lovely outside area to hang in. Only had coffee so can't comment on food. Will be back for coffee after another LG creek run.
(4)Paula G.
This place is very neighborhood friendly! They are always busy for lunch time. I always call my orders in and when I get there it's ready and all I have to do is find a seat! I always order their meatloaf press. It's divine! It's juicy and it's the best warm sandwich to have on a cold day. Their tomato basil soup is made perfectly. There's enough basil where you don't just taste the tomato. Their blood orange lemonade is a must! It's free refills also! It's not too sour and it's not too sweet. The people here are very friendly and very accommodating to anything that you need. It's definitely a nice place to have lunch. You can even bring your dogs and sit outside!
(5)Audrey G.
I cannot adequately express how impressed I am with the quality, service, and variety that is offered at The Purple Onion. I am eager to share my overall satisfaction that I always receive at The Purple Onion - it's superb! I live in Sacramento, and always make it a priority to dine at this fine establishment every time I am anywhere near Los Gatos. The staff is extremely friendly and always accommodating. I recommend this gourmet and affordable restaurant to anyone looking for a comfortable place to eat with friends, family, a date, or even solo. I can't wait for my next excursion to this little slice of heaven :)
(5)Gary J.
There is a rumor going arond that the Steelhead Chowder here is amazing. Chef Steve Angelo may have done it again. I can't get by this Friday but you can be assured in the coming weeks it will happen. Love this place for the coffee and excellent food. The people watching is pretty good too. Keep your eyes open for a former Apple computer luminary and me from time to time. I'm the ole f-t in the corner reading the times or wading through Pillars of the Earth; will that book every end? If you are considering an event I highly recommend the catering services of the Purple Onion. I went to an event they did a year ago and loved it. Follow up to original review from Chef Steve: "I do a fresh fish chowder every Friday, next Friday halibut. We feature two soups everyday a Tomato-Basil that's veg. and daily special yesterday was rosemary chicken, barley and butternut squash."
(5)Loren g.
ps "David R." seems like a very angry person full of rage. Not sure what vibe he was putting out into the world that day but I have been here 100 times and have never encountered rudeness from the staff (the owner gal seems stressed sometimes but never rude!). Plus I always think it's funny when you click on someones review history and they ARE ALL NEGATIVE. Keep up the good work guys, you will always have these one off unhappy customers.
(5)Alice L.
Dropped by Purple Onion Cafe to get some illy coffee. Mmm. Their prices are extremely reasonable from their coffee to breakfast pastries. Anyone know of any other place where you can get a pastry and a good cup of coffee under $5? Exactly! Purple Onion will be my place moving forward!
(4)Brian B.
This place is alright. It's a quaint little cafe with not enough seating in Los Gatos, near the high school. The prices for items are high and the food is alright, but not amazing. I got a big salad (should be for $12) with mediocre flavour. It's not that I won't go back to this place, just that I'll be much more inclined to go any number of other places first.
(3)Vince M.
Honestly, I have tried this place several times wanting to like it, but the food does not live up to the menu, and man, those prices! Last straw was the Thai Turkey sandwich. Here are my negatives; Sandwich was on the smallish side, for $10.95, I expected more. The baguette bread was not the best, the turkey (described as oven-roasted) did not taste that fresh or home-made quality. The sandwich tasted like it was heated in a micro-wave - i.e. warm, but with an off-taste. The side salad while OK, was very underwhelming for the price. The sandwich and a small bag of Kettle Chips (no drink) set me back $13.50!!! I've walked thru most of the menu (including soups), I can say my experience has been pretty much the same, the food tastes blah compared to what the menu says and the prices are other-worldly high. Unless you go to downtown Campbell, there really are no good choices for this area for a decent lunch. Sadly, I have to give up on the Purple Onion as well.
(2)Melanie F.
One of my LG favorites and great for a casual lunch with friends. The food is fresh and yummy. My favorites are their tomato bisque and steak salad. Try their s'mores square. So dangerously delicious. Service is always terrific. The staff is personable and friendly.
(5)Pauline L.
3.5 What a cute and friendly little lunchtime spot near downtown Los Gatos. I ordered a half soup and half salad combo, which consisted of their tomato basil soup and choice of house or cold pasta salad. While I loved my soup, it was the perfect blend of creamy and tomato tart flavor, I felt my lemon and pesto pea pasta salad could have used a bit more flavor. I did love my blood orange lemonade, which also includes refills! The spot is bright with plenty of seating and the service is friendly and I would love to come and sample some of their other popular salads. Illy coffee is also served here, which is another bonus. A nice casual place to lunch, catch up with friends, or read a book on a weekend afternoon.
(3)Deena W.
Purple Onion is located in an awesome active area by trails, local shops and near the heart of downtown Los Gatos. It has comfortable atmosphere! It's my usual morning stop after my hike, before I start the day or my lunch spot. It has excellent service, friendly staff, and yummy food with delightful presentation. Sign-up for their wine pairing dinner events. They are fun and informative. And they cater too! What's not to like-:)
(5)Susan M.
Went there for lunch today for the first time. Staff was friendly, helpful and very willing to make it a great experience. I had the cafe salad, and it was by far one of the best salads I have ever eaten....
(5)Nicole W.
We finally made it over to the Purple Onion. After sampling a wonderful selection of their eats at a friends party we knew we had to check it out. We arrived on a Friday just after noon and it was fairly full. We actually bumped into my husbands mom who was just finishing her lunch. I immediately knew we were going to like the food because his mom has a discerning pallet -- so if she is a regular it's gotta be good. I ordered the turkey sandwich and my husband chose the tuna melt. Each came with a side salad. When it arrived it looked like a work of art. The salad was so colorful. I took a bite of my sandwich and it was amazingly fresh. The bread was warm and a bit crispy like it had been taken straight from the oven. Delicious. The tuna was good too. We will be back to try out the rest of the menu.
(4)Jamie S.
Great neighborhood cafe. Purple onion has a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. They have delicious quick breakfast options as well including breakfast burritos and a croissant sandwich the size of your head! Staff is friendly and the best part is you can watch them whip up your order just behind the pastry case. You'll find many locals stopping in for a quick relaxing bite. Grab an espresso and sweets while you're there if the mood strikes. Their cookies, crumb cakes, and bread pudding are baked daily.
(4)Lindsay A.
I LOVE this place! Try the Mediterranean Chicken sandwich!!!
(5)Serena C.
I reallllllly like this place. I got introduced by my trainer and fell in love with their Greek salad and awesome outdoor downtown seating. However the second time I came, I was meeting a girlfriend to catch up. I believe I had a very nervous new girl but she had no support around her while we were cashing out. We went outside to sit and realized we had to go inside for silverware. . She forgot my blood orange lemonade ( which deserves a few stars on its own!!). Bottom line, worth checking out, but I guess you have to be patient.
(3)Kirstin B.
I have been here on many visits - it is cute and the food is good. On my latest excrusion we had a veggie burrito and it was the best menu item I've had there over all my visits. (I've had their salads, sandwiches and breakfast scones/muffins). Their coffee is good, too (I've had lattes and cafe au laits). I agree with other reviewer/s that the food can be kind of plain, salads light on "fixings". It is somewhat pricey as well but then again you are in LG. Wish they had a few/better kid friendly options - it is a struggle to find something appealing to a 4 year old. Service is medium to slow, but staff is nice. The inside is so cute and nice to have outdoor seating - I keep thinking there must be a better layout/furniture to make it work better and mange crowding. But what do I know? Definitely worth adding to your list of cute places in the Los Gatos downtown area.
(3)Matt C.
This is the type of place I wish I had in walking distance of my house. The cafe is clean, has good food and coffee, and is very friendly. They are extremely dog friendly which is important to me. They have dog bones in the store just to make the pooches feel more welcomed. The store has a lunch menu but I have only had breakfast. The granola is solid but is like most granolas. The egg sandwich is a classic with great bread, a good cheese and some bacon. The breakfast burritos are also good. They are not super greasy and come with a good sauce. The vegie burrito has lots of good veg in it and if split makes for a great lighter breakfast. The place has quality products and even better service.
(5)Yasmin R.
Cute little gem in downtown Los Gatos! I love it here, and if the weather is nice and sunny - ask to sit outside and enjoy people watching, freshly baked scones and some sunlight! I especially like the service and decor. it's a must try if you're in the area and like fresh food and good atmosphere. The prices aren't bad either. :]
(5)Ben A.
Some of their food is good, but they are night and day from when they first opened, and not in a good way. They used to always have a great selection of fresh muffins, everyone that worked there was happy, you always saw the same faces who recognized you were regulars, the Thai Turkey Basil sandwich USED to be spectacular... Then, they opened up another location and I think that's when it all started down hill. They don't make the sandwich right anymore, the same selection of baked goods is no longer, things just don't taste as fresh as they used to and this was not a one time bad experience. We have been here hundreds of times as it's walking distance from home, but not so sure we'll be back, or not nearly as much. So sad.
(3)Taylor B.
Really nice shop...bright and airy. I had the prosciutto press, which was good but could have used more prosciutto. Seriously, one thin slice? I could barely taste it. The flat bread and mozzarella cheese was delicious though. The side salad that came with it was very fresh. I'd come back but will try something a bit more hefty - like the meatloaf press. Sounds yum!
(4)Kim N.
Cool cafe with high quality eats and beverages. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to hang out in the patio area but got some food and a blood orange lemonade togo. I like that they bake a lot of things on prem and use fresh ingredients. Will definitely have to come back when I have more time. Wished they were open later than they are as it would be great place to hang out.
(4)Neal T.
I have wanted to try this place for a long time. Stopped by with my mom on Sunday morning after a stroll through the Farmers Market. It was crowded for 11:00am, but we did not have to wait very long for a table. My mom ordered the Turkey Sandwich and I ordered the Meatloaf Press. A mixed salad also came with the sandwich. This was nice and lite. We both loved our food. Steve and his staff gave excellent service. I highly recommend this place. Can't wait to come back and sit out front with my dog.
(5)Denise S.
I can't say enough good things about this place! First the food is beyond excellent. -- everything is very fresh and tasty. The atmosphere is very social since it is near the trail. In the mornings you have a nice mix of folks walking their dogs, stopping in and finding friends. I have even run into my neighbors and friends here unexpectedly. It is the perfect place for the Los Gatos community to mingle. And, the service is very good as well. They know how to SMILE and say thank you. If you haven't been here yet, you are really missing out! (And they have several tables/seating areas outside if you have your dog with you!)
(5)Chrystal Z.
I LOVED this quaint little cafe in downtown Los Gatos. Came here for a quick lunch with my mom during a day of shopping and strolling downtown. Nicoise salad - arguably one of the best salads I have ever tasted. All of my favorite things: tuna, fresh greens, asparagus, hard boiled eggs, potatoes, potatoes... mmmmmmm. The tuna was PERFECT - tender texture was set off by crisp lettuce and the potatoes. You could literally taste everything they put in the salad, and the tarragon dressing pulled it together nicely. Definitely order a blood orange lemonade as well. It went awesome with my salad. Took off a star because I think I could have done without the panini my mom and I shared - I forgot which one we got, but it wasn't that memorable. And because, as much as I loved my salad and lemonade, it was a little pricey - salad, sandwich, and lemonade came out to almost 30 bucks for a lunch.
(4)Kien M.
I randomly stopped by for lunch. Seems like a cool place if they are advertising Illy coffees. I ordered the pressed prosuitto with the tomato soup and the wife had the egg salad sandwich. My was small. I was bothered that it barely had a prosuitto and the meat doesn't taste right cooked. It felt more like a grilled cheese sandwich. The soup was slightly on the salty side and too rich for my liking. The egg salad sandwich felt heavy on the mustard. The sandwiches are all around $10 which is kind of steep. Last but not least, I had the Illy's cappuccino. This was actually the best thing from the place and it was decent.
(3)Jane Ann M.
Great food!
(4)Thoms M.
There is nothing better than hiking Jones Trail and ending up at the PO for an amazing late' and something yummy. It's my go-to spot on the weekends. The staff is super friendly and they have a lot of great breakfast and lunch choices. Baked goods are also worth the splurge. Roberto and Shannon do a great job and I appreciate how they always remember what I like to order. Go PO !!
(5)Jem G.
I love purple and finding a purple cafe, I should give it a try even though I'm not hungry. I ordered lox plate which is a good choice. A bagel, smoked salmon, capers, thinly sliced onions, cucumbers, two types of cream cheese. It delicious and perfect. My best bet is the blood orange lemonade. It's a must although quite pricey. I wish it's refillable. I'll come back here because of the lemonade plus staff are wearing a cute shirt and they were very friendly!
(4)Jimmy L.
A friend took me here, so it was kind of a surprise to see this hidden jewel that is ever-so-slightly off the beaten path in downtown Los Gatos. Though they're on the "secondary" main drag of downtown, I really appreciate that fact, and most of their windows and outdoor seating face the residental side of the corner, and kind of made a difference to me aesthetically from the standpoint that this makes the vibe it bit more "chillaxed". Ambience is bistro style. Though it can get crowded, the space is also bright and airy. Food seems super fresh and super good. This is one of the few instances to me in which you notice the taste difference in "fresh". I am a fan of grilled cheese, so naturally, I had this - Three Cheese Tomato Melt provolone, brie, manchego, tomato and basil on sliced sourdough cheddar 12.95 I was in hog-heaven! Everything was excellent, and exactly how I would've prepared it. All the ingredients put together lends itself to a really well-balanced flavor profile.
(5)T. C.
Service : Not so great guy at the registered seemed to hate his job or life I am not sure. Food: Lame salad too much dressing .. cold ..tough to chew chicken. Veggie burrito umm pretty basic.. just not a fan of this place first and last time.
(3)Jennifer Y.
I came here again yesterday to get some take out. Los gatos is pretty dog friendly, but make sure you don't come in here with your pet! I went in with my 3 lb dog and was immediately told to go outside. They took my order outside brought my food outside. Pulled pork sandwich: BBQ flavor was lacking a bit. The cheese with grilled onions was good. Bread was soaked up with orange grease. Overall 3.5/5 Hero sandwich: had salami and other deli meat with some kind of aoli. Boyfriend rates it 3.5/5. The bread looked hard! Chicken cabbage salad: the dressing was yummy! It's flavored with soy sauce and basil. Large serving! 5/5 I would get it again. Butterscotch cookie: thin and chewy. Amazing!!!!!!! 5/5 Slim chip cookie?: it was almost like a muffin. Not a fan of dense cookies or dark chocolate. 1/5 Blood orange lemon aid: good as always, but I wish they would add some blood orange pulp or something. 4/5
(3)Jennifer W.
This place was packed for brunch and lunch. It's simple and very chill and it's on the corner of Main. Parking is limited and will need to be found on the street. It seemed like people were just strolling in with their doggies or friends. The cafe's food was just ok. 1. Tomato basil soup-average tomato soup 2. Zucchini bread-pretty yummy 3. Lattes and Tilly coffees-can't go wrong with these! 4. Spinach Quiche-average, and not warm 5. Tomato and 3 cheese sandwich-this was the best tasting out of everything. It better be for $11.95. Hmm... 6. Brocolli salad-was just ok. I can get this at Whole Foods. Next time, if I do stop in here, it would just be for coffee and/or pastry.
(3)Tyler K.
I heard this place had really good sandwiches so my girlfriend and I came here post workout. Don't worry. We're not one of those douche-couples that says "couples that workout together, stay together." We just like to make room for food. I had the Mediterranean Chicken sandwich. It was very flavorful and, in a way, reminded me of pizza without being nearly as fatty. My girlfriend had the Thai Turkey and it was okay but sort of on the bland side. A nice place to have lunch but not a must have
(4)Christie B.
I'm in Los Gatos every Sunday morning, so I've passed Purple Onion Cafe alot but have never stopped in. This past weekend I was wanting to try something different so in I went. Cute little cafe with indoor as well as patio seating. Since it was a tad chilly, I opted to grab a seat inside with a window view of the patio (best of both worlds?). As you walk in, there are chalkboard menus over head and display cases with sandwiches, salads and sweets. Since it was still morning, I opted for breakfast. Their menu offers breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and quiche. I love quiche and theirs looked delicious so I ordered the ham quiche which comes with a baby green salad. I also ordered a triple mocha. The total was a little over $13 which I think is pretty pricey but then again it's Los Gatos so I guess it's average. My order was brought to my table pretty quickly. Since it was my first time here, I didn't realize I needed to grab my own silverware and napkins. So when my quiche came, it would have been nice for the server to let me know where these items were. Luckily I found them along with some Tabasco. Mocha was uninspiring. Cute little creamy design on top but tasted watery and not nearly hot enough. Quiche was great. Light, fluffy and the crust was delicious. The only thing I was bummed about was that since the slice was pretty thick, the center didn't get warmed so four bites into this slice of eggy goodness I got a fork full of cold ham. Other than that, I'd totally order this again. Side baby green salad was not good. The greens were fresh but boring. The dressing literally tasted like straight olive oil with zero seasoning. I would opt for another of their salads (fruit, pasta, etc.) for an additional charge I'm sure. The lunch options looked delicious and the blood orange lemonade sounds amazing so ill be back to try those for sure.
(3)Michelle D.
A cool cafe in downtown Los Gatos. My friend and I ordered the mediterranean chicken sandwich with mozzarella, red peppers, sun-dried tomato mayo on a francese roll. It came with an arugula and carrot side salad. The sandwich contents were yummy, the only complaint I had about it was the roll. The francese roll itself was soft and light but it had a lot of powdery flour on it making me want to wipe my hands all the time. My other friend liked the three cheese tomato melt and it looked a lot less messy than the mediterranean chicken. Overall it's a nice place to relax on a weekend and enjoy good food. I would come back and try the blood orange lemonade I hear so much about and maybe some of their baked goods.
(4)Jay N.
We came by here on a nice sunny weekday for brunch prior to a sailing trip so my review is obviously biased by the general elation surrounding me. The shop is a bit on the smaller side and oddly laid out so if you're sitting in front you're going to have people brush by you on the way to the registers. They are cheerful and the service reflects that. I ordered a coffee and a egg o muffin with chicken which did not disappoint. The price was higher than other run of the mill places but it's Los Gatos so what did you expect with a lamborghini showroom right opposite you?
(4)Rosie C.
This little cafe attracts all the dogs and dog owners. We brought our pup here to join us for lunch and we were comfortably seated outdoors next to so many other dogs :) The service and food were equally good. We had their: - Three Cheese Tomato Melt (hot sandwich; $12.95) - Hero Sandwich (cold sandwich. great for meat lovers; $11.95) - blood orange lemonade (with FREE refills!) I'd definitely come back for their sandwiches & to explore other menu items but I'll probably ask them to substitute something else for their free side salad. Even though it comes complimentary w/every sandwich, that dressing didn't do it for me. That'd be my only complaint.
(4)Lisa M.
This is my fav lunch spot in Los Gatos. The reasons: quality ingredients. Healthy. Friendly. Bustling energy. Parking always seems pretty easy. Lovely selection between hot and cold sandwiches. The salads are amazing. My favorite being he salmon salad. Tomato soup is off the hook. The portions are generous without being too much. Lovely little assortment of pastries/ cookies.
(5)Yann M.
I really like their lox plate, two kinds of cream cheese with plenty of lox to put on top of my bagel~ Green salad is awesome too, they grill the corn kernels, and the char and sweetness totally combine all the flavor together, dressing is light, not fatty! the steak salad was great too! they serve illy coffee!
(4)Vivian H.
This place has been in my bookmarks forever so my friend and I came here for a nice catchup session during lunch ! It was such a nice, warm sunny day around 1pm, we decided to park our car and walk there. When we walked in, the first thing you notice is the ambiance! Everyone is so cheerful, nice and it has a very laid back relaxed feel to the air. You order first t the register and they bring it to you. I heard it gets pretty busy during lunchtime, but we were able to snag an indoor seat close to the register and then later we moved to the outside patio to relax in the great weather. I got the thai turkey sandwich which comes with salad with very light dressing, blood orange lemonade, and a latte (for my friend). The thai turkey sandwich comes on a baguette with a few cucumbers, some type of spread and LOTS of turkey! I was kind of disappointed in the sandwich, as the bread was pretty hard (not stale though), and the turkey overwhelmed a lot of the flavors. The salad with barely any dressing was okay, maybe they just wanted to keep it health-conscious so the dressing was very skimpy. The best was the blood orange lemonade! super refreshing -- tangy sweet and delicious! They give you free refills and if you eat inside, they will give you a to-go cup when youre done and you can fill that up too before you leave! I feel like I may have ordered the wrong thing, so I'll probably end up giving this place another chance in the future. Stars are for the cherry customer service we got, the ambiance and the lemonade!
(3)Jeff C.
Ok food, but overpriced...but the real killer is the service. They can't tell the difference between sesame seed and something clearly other than sesame seed bagel....and insist they are are right and the customer is wrong. Learn how to respect your customers!!!!!
(1)Scott F.
2/5: The blood orange lemonade is over-rated: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… Or, maybe, it was just too diluted today. 4/5: The 7 layer bar is very sweet, but good, and addictive: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… The dominant sweets that come through are the coconut, butterscotch chocolate chips, and cookie dough. 4/5: The croissant sandwich is very good: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… The croissant is fantastic, and the savoriness really comes through. Comes with your choice of meat: but don't get the chicken apple sausage: that was dry and flavorless. Just go with the bacon. 4/5: the top crust of the pumpkin bread pudding is fantastic, with an awesome sauce and whipped cream: yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… But, the rest of the bread pudding itself is just a flavorless blob of calories.
(4)Brian O.
We stopped by after a run for a quick lunch. Great food, quick service, and relaxing environment (outdoor and indoor seating). We'll be back!
(4)Ron L.
Have been coming here for years, but sad to say the service has deteriorated over the last few months. Have not seen the owner around much lately, so I'm guessing there is a correlation here. Today, the girl serving (one with big ear inserts) gave particularly poor service with no smile and poor manner. To top it off, she gave me a peanut butter cookie instead of a ranger one (just as well there was no allergy involved). Lots of staff turnover - the only long-time staff member seems to be Roberto who always gives a cheerful smile and good service. A great location, but definitely needs management attention... and a tastier selection of cookies and pastries. p.s. glad to hear that a prior reviewer was told to take their dog outside!!!
(2)Kathy R.
Second time trying this place. I ordered the Steak sandwich which was overcooked in the microwave. Came to me overcooked like rubber. It had potential if they had not stuck in the microwave. At $13 with tax I can not recommend it
(2)Lalu B.
This looks like a popular place but I'm always disappointed b/c there is never anything gluten free or wheat free here to eat. C'mon purple onion, get with the times.
(3)Melissa S.
I like to stop here for coffee after my Sunday morning hikes on the trail. They serve illy coffee which is delicious. Great selection of pastries as well as savory breakfast items. I recommend the chorizo breakfast burrito. They also serve lunch but I've never tried it. 4 stars only because it's a bit in the more expensive side.
(4)Mina C.
The cold prosciutto sandwich was delicious and had the perfect proportion of meat, cheese, lettuce and bread. Wasn't too salty as sometimes these can be. One star off for the steep price, but this was a grade A sandwich!
(4)Kenny P.
I always always pass by this place but never ate here for the longest time. Went for the first time on whim with a local friend who said good things about it. I knew they've become a strong installment in town and liked a LOT of the menu choices they had. Extremely busy... all the young and cool hip kids seems to hang out here. Chose the Thai Turkey sandwich and my friend got the HERO sandwich. I ate half of mine and then asked to eat half of my friends sandwich HAHA. My friend happily obliged and I was AMAZED at how delicious it was. The hero is the sandwich to get for me here. SO DAMN DELICIOUS with the quality of cut meat they have. That prosciutto though mmmmmmm with the brie cheese wow. The sandwich was actually ordered WITHOUT the ITALIAN HAM which i think is smart because it would have too much with it in. I have yet to try the Blood Orange Lemondate but I will when I get back to eat at this place again. Might just go next week actually now that I'm thinking about the HERO sandwich haha. The HERO is better than the THAI Turkey for me. Although the Thai Turkey maybe a healthier option.
(4)Amy W.
Pretty disappointing overall. We took my bf's mom and son here for a Christmas eve lunch. I was looing for a 1-2 $'s with 4 Yelp stars, and this place (at 3.5) was as close as I could come. I always find it interesting when the reviews on Yelp are mixed between high and low (with very few 3's) Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised and today was the opposite. I ordered the meatloaf sammy - too greasy - literally sitting in a pool of grease. And the menu does not tell you that you get a side of salad (which I might have tried to sub for soup since my bf was getting a salad.) The salad dressing was all oil and no vinegar. My bf's son got the turkey reuben, which he liked and I tried, but it too was greasy and unevenly grilled. My bf got the black and blue salad. I gotta say all the salad here LOOKED really delish (another table had 2 salads, and they are all chopped like I prefer them, BUT, there was no blue cheese in it and it was under-dressed, and the dressing had zero acid. (on the plus side, there was a bunch of steak.) There was plenty left over and we took it home for dinner, when I added feta cheese and a bunch of balsamic it improved 100% (and that's after sitting in the car for 4 hours.) The only person who liked there meal was my bf's 91 year old mother, who got the loaded baked potato soup of the day. i didn't try it, and let's just say she does not have a very discriminating palate. Her choice would have been Carrow's - so take her review with a heavy grain of fleur de sel! But hey we made an old lady happy with a bowl of soup, so that's a plus. She even mentioned the soup again a few days later and her memory is not the best. I also ordered a cookie of the day - a white chocolate chip with peppermint - now how could this be bad? it looked big and crispy chewy, but it was TOO crisp with little flavor and guess what - also greasy. (and before you judge me on the greasy - I rarely mind greasy, my fav meal is a cheesesteak sandwich!) Lunch for the 4 of us was in the $55 range.
(2)Christina R.
This place is YUM YUM YUM! My husband and I especially enjoy their salads and coffee! They offer some organic, fresh ingredients and have fun food creations. We are definitely fans of the decor and outside seating!
(5)R. C.
I enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich, it was delicious! My BF enjoyed his roasted turkey sandwich as well. The salad dressing on the greens was a little weak. Also enjoyed the blood orange lemonade (free refills).
(4)Ocee D.
Not impressed.... Got the Cuban Sandwich (2 1/2 stars) that came w/ a Side Salad (2 1/2 stars). My sandwich showed up w/ the top piece of the "Cuban roll" missing and had something in it that tasted a little weird... and the salad was basically shredded cabbage and tomatoes w/ a few DROPS of dressing yelp.com/biz_photos/purp… Some of the other things on the menu look/sound good, so I'll probably be back to give it another shot
(2)Jennifer C.
This establishment changed the bread I loved on their egg salad sandwich to a light and fluffy bread that does nothing to the sandwich and actually makes it taste too mushy and texturally off. Sadly I won't be in again to have it, but their menu and quality keep me from taking any stars away! its still a great place to grab a bite in Los Gatos.
(4)Niki H.
I'm really torn. Their sandwiches deserve 5 stars. The salad I had a 2 since I have had much better. I guess a 3.5? The people working here are very courteous and nice. They deserve a 5+. We headed here after discovering Nick's Next door was closed until 1/19. The bad: I ordered a california salad. This salad consists of organic greens, roasted chicken breast, tomato, cucumber, carrot, shaved red onion, fresh berries and whole grains (it was quinoa) and tossed with greek yogurt dressing. It was bland. I could see the dressing but it was so bland. I got only a few pieces of the best strawberries I have ever had. The chicken was dry. There was no moisture left in that poor guy. The plating was wonderful and it did make me full for the rest of the day but I wasn't satisfied. I am not sure why it was as bland as it was. I'm kind of surprised onion was listed since my salad barely had any and it also had only a few strawberry slivers. I would totally skip this salad. For 13.95 it was kind of a rip off. Although the quality of the ingredients were good, which justified it's price, it should have had more flavor to it. My husband tried some and agreed it was bland. The good: My husband ordered the pulled pork. It is described as braised pork shoulder, sweet espresso bbq sauce, confit onion, brie, sriracha mayo and sour cabbage on francese roll. This was so good I can't even find the words to describe it. I admit I considered guilting him into trading since I am pregnant and it was my anniversary but I settled for the two bites I had. Even remembering this sandwich is making my mouth water. The bread was toasted to perfection. The brie was melted. The pork was moist and the BB sauce was not overwhelming. It was really an amazing sandwich. It came with a side salad that tasted bland and like it was dressed mostly with olive oil. Even so the sandwich was enough to fill my husband for HOURS and it was just the most divine thing. I would love to give this place another try. My instinct is to only try their soups and sandwiches but I am willing to try another salad just to see if maybe it was an off day or if another salad would have had more of a flavor profile.
(3)Patrick K.
Very nice and scenic location, nice lil brunch date spot. Food was pretty good and priced at what you would typically expect in Los Gatos. The Blood Orange Lemonade was pretty good.
(4)Jess B.
My review probably doesn't carry that much weight-- I've been here once, for about an hour and a half, and only got a sandwich. That being said, I went for brunch this morning, around 10:45. It was busy but not crowded-- I didn't have to wait in line at all. It's in a really cute area in Los Gatos and had ample seating for the crowd. Mostly 2-person tables, but you could also pull some together, and there was a little bar at the window so you could look out. I got the croissant sandwich with bacon as the meat. I have to say, it was really good. It was big and filling, and the flavors were really nice. They had a variety of pastries in the window that I resisted! Some others' eats and their thoughts: - salted caramel mocha: good - latte: decent - blood orange lemonade: delicious - cobb salad: huge, pretty good I would likely go again if I was in the area, but it will also be easily forgotten.
(4)Jason D.
Just stopped in for a coffee, so this isn't a very thorough review by any means. Nice, clean, friendly place. Made me a quick triple espresso. Clean condiment area. Will return!
(4)Cassie S.
An great place to get a alas in Los Gatos. I had the Greek said and it was very tasty and a good sized portion. The chocolate pastry was just average.
(4)Mark L.
Great place for breakfast or brunch for breakfast sandwiches and coffee. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Forking A.
I typically only write a negative review if a place really blows on customer service, and this Purple Onion consistently blows. It's too bad because it's in a great location for over-priced food and it's close to home, but it has failed on customer service too many times so they need to be called out. Usually it's just a lackluster attitude by a handful of some of the younger staff members (the "I am above this kind of work" Millennials epidemic). But, there have been some specific instances worth noting like the time I called to place my order because I was walking with my two toddlers and dog and decided on a whim to have breakfast there and called in the order to make it easier. You could feel how annoyed the girl was through the phone. If you don't take orders over the phone, please just politely inform me instead if making me feel like I'm ruining your day. Today I got reprimanded in front of my family and other customers for bringing two chairs from inside because our four person table outside was short two chairs. Apparently, this is a HUGE no no! The kid said I needed to ask him next time because bringing chairs outside is not allowed. Really? That's not just bad service, it's lack of common sense. Shaming your customers is not good for business! By the way, there were many open tables inside at the time, the two chairs were not missed. The real shame is that we're actually a nice, polite, decent family that used to be Purple Onion regulars, recommended the place to many friends and relatives, and after a long hiatus decided to give the Purple Onion yet one more chance today -- and they failed miserably. I noticed today that a lot of other people have experienced horrible service here.
(1)D L.
Never been here before today. Haven't written a review lately but today's lunch prompted one for sure! I called ahead for two Pulled Pork and one Mediterranean Chicken sandwich. I was shocked when she said it would be $41.50!! Not cheap. In fact, crazy expensive for three sandwich's. No fries, no potatoes, no drink. Just a green salad on the side. Anyways, I figured it must be good. And it didn't disappoint! The pulled pork sandwich was incredibly tasty and delicious. Certainly worth the price I would venture to say. I didn't try the Med Chicken but my friend pretty much agreed with how I felt about my sandwich. At these prices I can't justify eating here too often, but I will come back for sure every once in a while just to treat myself!
(4)Nicole J.
Really nice salads, and generous portions, and they have delicious fresh made lemonades. It can get rather loud when it gets crowded, but they do have nice outdoor seating and it's close to the park so you can always get your food to go and do an impromptu picnic.
(4)Catie B.
disgusting!!! the owner need to review the health codes with the employees, and so called manager, breaking local health violation by handling food (bagel) with his bare hands. not sure I'll be coming back or recommending my friends to come here any more....
(1)Jocelyn F.
Well unfortunately the food is decent but the prices are truly insane! If you have money and want people to treat you like a sucker, definitely patronize this establishment. I went in today with my 2 year old (keep in mind this is in the center of Downtown Los Gatos, a family-friendly place). I asked them to make a turkey sandwich for him. They said for kids they only had grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly. My response, "so, it's basically like they're not real people?" The MANAGER'S response, "yeah". Seriously??? Of course my son was intent in a turkey sandwich and why shouldn't he be able to have that so I ordered the adult portion at $11!! Even after that conversation, I came home to find my child's sandwich made with SPICY mustard!!! Really?? These people don't have two brain cells to rub together. In the end, my salad wasn't nearly what I had remembered from months prior and his sandwich was sub par at best. $25 later we were disappointed and will never return.
(1)JP M.
Cold espresso and service with an attitude. They could not even figure out how to serve us a cut of low fat milk. i had to tell them to mix whole and skim milk. There are much better places in LG.
(1)Haley B.
The food was not great. The only thing that was worth it was the donut muffin. Was hoping this place would be good, but it was not.
(2)ali s.
Love their food...however, a bit expensive and good luck trying to find a seat! Also, they are famous for their blood orange lemonade which I enjoy. You are supposed to get free refills on them but you hardly can get service once you finally do find a seat so rarely do you get a refill. I think they should hire more workers! The service is the only thing that is poor because they are so busy! Other then that, I would be a die hard fan!
(3)Alesha E.
New to Los Gatos and needed something quick that I could bring back to my office. Purple Onion was recommended, and certainly did not disappoint. I came in around 12:30, and while all the tables were full, the line was short for that time of day. Service was friendly and quick. I ordered the blue steak baguette, chips, and the blood orange lemonade on a whim. The sandwich was great! Served warm with a surprise side salad in my togo box, the bread was crispy/crunchy where is should be, soft where it should be, and definitely not chewy! The meat was lean, and also not chewy, which is a hazard with the flank cut. Dressing the sandwich was a too-mild horseradish dressing, a red cabbage slaw that added a nice crisp crunch, fresh tomato, and crumbled bleu cheese that was creamy and provided a nice tang. Matched with sea salt chips, the sandwich was a hearty, but not overly filling meal. I am sucker for blood orange anything, and was hesitant to order the lemonade for fear of it being too sweet. But seeing how many people were drinking it as I waited, I went for it. So glad I did! Sweet, but not cloying so, with the bite of blood orange this fan wants. Could easily spend a hot afternoon sipping on this; would be worth sitting at a table for the free refills! Pricing was what I assume is normal for Los Gatos, but steep for my budget ($17, including the small change I put in the tip can - next time you guys get the singles!). Looking forward to my next visit to try the breakfast!
(4)MaryFran L.
Went with three friends and two dogs to enjoy the wonderful weather and celebrate the fact that Los Gatos is just a great place to live. We sat on the patio and took turns watching the dogs and ordering. All the sandwiches ordered were awesome. My prosciutto panini had he right balance of meat and melted cheese. My friend said of his meatloaf sandwich with caramelized onions and cheese, "It doesn't get any better than this." The turkey pastrami sandwich was very much enjoyed. The tomato soup was, well, tomato soup, but the salmon chowder was deliciously salmony but not overly creamy. We didn't have dessert but the illy coffee was a sufficiently rich cup. Sitting outside, enjoying a wonderful lunch, with great friends, and watching the world go by, I knew life is good.
(4)Sistrsprkl S.
I go here often for their excellent coffee and occasionally for lunch. Their two vegetarian sandwiches are delightful as is their seasonal, fresh lemonade. However, even for Los Gatos, it is over-priced. On one visit we spent over $80 on lunch for 4, that's a bit much but I'll be back for a reasonably priced cup of coffee.
(4)brewgirl b.
Nice outside seating, food okay. The greek salad was very good, but the breakfast croissant was a little dry. I love all bacon, even bad bacon, and these strips were dry as well. Might give the sweets a chance next time around.
(3)Jeff V.
excellent food. superior service. just make sure you get there early or plan accordingly b/c sometimes difficult to get a table otherwise. overall, great place.
(4)Danica Z.
This place has AMAZING salads. So fresh and flavorful. The ambience is great, too, and the prime location in the middle of downtown Los Gatos can't be beat. My only complaint is that they're not open longer. I think they close at 4pm.
(5)Jay M.
Great fresh scones. Nice and flaky.
(4)Susan R.
Got the turkey reuben this time, and a cup of tomato basil soup. The soup was good, but not a rock star like the chowder was last time. The reuben was excellent, though, with thick slices of real turkey, a yummy sauce, saurkraut and swiss on toasted rye bread.
(4)V R.
Great sandwiches and coffee.
(4)Anne H.
I went here out of curiosity because I was planning on going to Cafe Sienna. God do I miss that place! They had Graffeo coffee there, but this place has Illy, which is really fantastic, but I still miss Graffeo. Got to tell you to have the heirloom tomato salad with fresh herbs. It's worth every penny, whoops, I mean multiple dollars it cost to purchase. I had it on a very hot day and felt satisfied. I am curious to try some of the other things on the menu, but have got to say I have a yen for that creamy tomato soup that Cafe Sienna used to have and I cherished so much.
(4)Sarah F.
I think I had a latte here once. It was good! I just wish you had internets so I could hang out here and browse the web.
(3)Ashley G.
I am such a fan of this place! Yummy food and treats! I ordered the Thai sandwich, and a Chai Tea Latte and both were fabulous! My husband and mom were with me and both raved about their food as well! We also picked up the Apricot and Pecan Bar to go, just as fabulous as the rest of their food!
(5)Claude G.
My wife and I went for brunch. It was fairly busy but we were seated quickly. She had a croissant sandwich with bacon, egg, cheese. I had the cafe salad which has chicken, blue cheese, pistachios, dried cherries. The salad was delicious and filling. We'll go back..
(4)hilary s.
Love this cafe ..... the food is awesome. In particular could eat the Thai chicken salad every day. It is huge and delicious. Sad part is I can eat the whole think. Also a big fan of the their tomato soup -- its the best ever. Staff is very friendly and like the bright feel of the restaurant and the outside tables which are great way to enjoy Los Gatos when the weather is nice.
(5)Jan C.
Love everything I've tried there. From breakfast foods to fresh lunch sandwiches and salads it is a great place to try. Not far from the Los Gatos creek trail we often bike there.
(5)Jane J.
i love this place. it reminds me of urth cafe in the LA area. the atmosphere was very chill. the place was clean. service was excellent. food was delicious and healthy. i got the lux plate with has smoked salmon. the friend got spinach quiche. both were very yummy and pictures are uploaded. i wanted to try the whole menu, but unfortunately i was only in the area for a short time. i think they even had free dog treats.. definitely will come back if i'm in the area again!!
(5)Katie I.
Seriously obsessed with their Thai Chicken Chopped Salad. its amazing. i love the outdoor seating . i only wish they stayed open later so i could grab dinner if needed.
(5)Heather L.
A little pricey but worth it for the people watching a fresh ingredients. Best place to watch some of Los Gatos' major player hashing it out over a latte or hikers fresh off the trail fueling up. Great staff. Very crowded on the weekends. If you don't order a blood orange lemonade you'll be sorry. Stick around until you're done and they'll offer a free refill. Yumm!
(3)Kevin D.
This past Sunday Purple Onion catered our annual holiday party. It was the first time we have used them, and since we had read good things about them were expecting good things. They put together a great menu for us, and the food looked beautiful. Price-wise they were reasonable. But in the end the menu proved to be uneven. Some items were delicisous, and our guests cleaned the plates. Others items were passed over after a few tastes.
(3)James C.
Yesterday we took a hike up the Los Gatos Creek Trail, headed to Lexington Reservoir. Upon our return, we checked our vehicle for meter-maid activity and decided to grab a bite at the PO. You could eat here in a Tux or in shorts, sandals and a T, and you would be perfectly comfortable. The meat is real (real cuts of real meat), served with delicious bread and fresh greens. The pricing was what you'd expect in LG, but not over-the-top. The service impeccable! We will return, hike or no hike!
(4)Laura B.
I was reluctant to try this place since I was such a fan of Cafe Siena. We were regulars there and I hadn't been back since they moved so suddenly--until two weeks ago. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The food here is really good even with the even higher prices than Cafe Sienna. The prices do seem a little ridiculous even for Los Gatos, but it's still good food and a cozy place to eat eat breakfast or lunch. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, good homemade soup, tasty pastries and a good egg sandwich. Plus, they have some good carbonated beverage options--not your typical soda. The staff were friendly and service was good. It is pretty packed here on the weekend, so finding a table is tricky, but not terrible. This place will definitely be in my regular Los Gatos lunch rotation with Los Gatos Roasting and Mr. Pickles.
(3)Olivia L.
Really good sandwiches. All the food is fresh and tasty. The coffee and pastries are good too. Definitely recommend coming here for lunch or to grab coffee with a friend. And the service as always been very friendly.
(4)Joey C.
Don't let anyone fool you this place is a gem. They accomplish exactly what they intend to very respectably. The owner Steve Angelo is very personable and super passionate about food. Outstanding sandwiches!
(5)Shenzhen S.
A more upscale coffee shop with some pretty good eat options. Not a great place to bust out your laptop. The espresso drinks are generally consistent and good, but sometimes a bit too strong.
(3)Mary P.
Twice I've eaten at the Purple Onion and found the staff to be friendly and the food good to great. Prices are high for what you get (about $15 per person for lunch if you have food and a beverage) and unfortunately it's an "order at the counter" place (which would be OK if the prices were lower). Restaurant prices in downtown Los Gatos tend to be high, so although it hit me as expensive, I bet if I did a survey of restaurants and sandwich shops within a half mile, it would be in the same range. For that reason, I'm not holding the prices against them. I liked it well enough to do a piece on it in my Live in Los Gatos blog.
(4)Jessica C.
I found myself here twice this weekend. On Saturday, I came here for a chai tea and almond croissant. My tea was SUPER hot!! So hot that I couldn't even hold it for the first 15 minutes. My croissant was heated, flaky, and perfect! On Sunday, I came here to grab a quick bite after my race. I didn't realize the prices were so high when I came in a day earlier. $10 for a sandwich with no side salad our soup. $6.50 for a tiny breakfast sandwich on an english muffin, plus a small drink comes out to nearly $10. For a pastry and a coffe this is a good spot, otherwise, I'd dine at another local establishment for breakfast/lunch.
(2)MR E.
Purple Onion has taken over where Cafe Sienna once was. The new management is friendly, nice and curteous. I went there for lunch and ordered a tuna melt. The tuna was good, not too wet, not too dry and with capers. Would have been better if it was larger and filled me up. Good: - clean decor - food was tasty Bad: - limited selection on food - expensive (10 bucks for a small sandwich, with no fries or a salad at least)
(2)Anosha S.
I love this little sandwhich shop, it reminds me of my fav in Santa Monica called Huckleberry. They have a deliscious ham and cheese sandwhich with rosemary. I also love that it comes with a little salad. I have to try something else the nect time I go for sure!!
(4)Carole P.
The location was enjoyable. We were traveling through with our two dogs and this came up as "dog friendly" and it was. Once you place your order at the counter the server will bring the food to your table, In our case an outside table, one of five. The food was fine. We split the Thai chicken salad which consisted of about 80% cabbage, 10% chicken, the balance almonds and dressing. While it tasted clean and certainly we got our money's worth of cabbage it just didn't knock our socks off. Pretty basic stuff. Yes it was fresh but I expect that from most anywhere I eat, don't you? Friendly staff, nice location, and good fresh 3 star food. Very good Arnold Palmer.
(3)Steph P.
Food on site is really good but catered food is outrageously great and creative! Much more vision when they cater.
(4)Tara M.
absolutely love this place! i've driven by here so many times, but never bothered to try it until my friend brought me. i love paninis, so i ordered the mediterranean chicken press. it was so delicious and flavorful, and you could tell they used fresh ingredients. the blend of fresh mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes added so many different levels of flavor, to such a simple chicken sandwich. i also ordered the blood orange juice, since i heard they're well known for it, and i can see why. definitely refreshing with any meal you get at this cafe. i can't wait to come back and try more of their sandwiches and pastries.
(4)Goumada S.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients+menu of everything you'd want for brunch and then some+attentive staff+child friendly+reasonable prices-any pretentiousness=my new favorite place for brunch.
(5)M C.
Nice little cafe in downtown LG, good atmosphere, the food is a little above average but the wait is always waaaaay too long. Even for just a drink!
(3)Mark S.
I've only ever had the breakfast items but everything was really good. Friendly staff.
(4)Nic M.
Good for breakfast. Bacon (extra crispy by request) and egg croissant with a cup of illy coffee is about one of the best combos possible. I don't understand Serena's amazement at the price of the Sunday NYT. The restaurant doesn't set the price, the companies bringing the newspaper set the price.. what's wrong with you? Anyways that aside, finally got good brewed coffee THAT'S STRONG!!! Most places just serve a watered down version of what coffee should taste like. Good food, good service, and don't punish the restaurant for newspaper prices when it's beyond their control.
(5)Lynn R.
What a great place to hang out for lunch and chat with a friend! Great little patio for outdoor seating. You can even bring your dogs! I've eaten here twice now with friends and have always enjoyed the food, service and ambiance.
(4)ashley w.
It's a shame this place is only open till 4! The Mediterranean chicken sandwich is divine. I went back two days later after ordering it the first time, so in love was I. And they put rose petals on the salad-how cute is that? I also love the assortment of quirky sodas. I tried one of the wine sodas and one of the lemongrass sodas. I've never seen these anywhere else so they were worth a try if only for the experience. Of course, they are a bit pricey, but they were good! Just like the sandwich! On top of the that, both times I went the workers were very friendly. Purple Onion will definitely be getting my patronage again.
(5)Liv H.
I am so happy that we chose The Purple Onion to cater our party. We had over 50 people come for a 50th bday party, and the food won rave reviews from our guests. Before the event, the owner sat with me and we went over the party menu and the prices, then he came over to see our house and helped me make decisions concerning where to put rented chairs and tables, how many to order, and many other details to make for a successful party. Steve, the owner and Lisa his associate are full of good ideas. I highly recommend them for catering! Also, their coffee drinks are amazing, and the cafe food is super fresh, and totally different from the catering menu.
(5)Meenu A.
my regular spot after a good hike. my favorites are the soup and the dessert. YUMMY!!!!!!
(5)Eclectic E.
Great cafe. My friend suggested the meat loaf "press" (panini grilled) sandwich and it was wonderful. Jealous of those who work in the area and can try all their specials.
(5)Emily Y.
Super cute little deli - the food is NOT traditional: it's unexpected, which makes it a perfect, little spot to find a great Thai Chicken Salad or an amazing Mediterranean Sandwich. Great coffee, fresh fruit, yummy lemonade.
(4)Barbara W.
We love this place and go every weekend after a hike on Saturday and Sundays. The service is excellent. The yogurt, granola and fruit bowl are yummy. We have had Veggie Burittos, Chicken Salads and different sandwiches and have enjoyed them all. Roberto is what we call Mr. Purple Onion, he is always helpful and remembers the customer. The lattes and mochas are also Great!
(5)Euge R.
Location is great. Serves ILLY Coffee, enough said to warrant a four star as this Grade A+ quality of espresso coffee is hard to come by in the bay area and all over the US. Can easily attain a four if focused on a true international cafe food quality price/presentation with deserts, authentic panini's, croissants etc.
(3)Paul C.
Good point : has a great outdoor seating and the place is great. Bad point: 12$ for a sandwich that takes 20 minutes to prepare. The staff was friendly and kept me up-to-date, but obviously, I'm not yet in the target demographics for this place.
(2)City D.
NO BUENO! Ordered a pricy salad which was mediocre at best. Sat at the one table that was open, which was dirty. When the bus girl/food runner came out to drop off the coffee didnt offer to clean the table but proceeded to clean all other tables around. When I asked her if she would clean the table she reluctantly did, but did not wipe all the excess crap from the people before us off the table. I went back inside, yet again to ask her to wipe the table. She comes out, obviously in a huff and starts wiping the table down very quickly smashing the towel into the side of the cup of coffee which then spills, and she walks away. When the salad comes I let the manager (i think) know. He non chalantly says he will handle it (not too interested). With the cleanliness (or lack of), the not so welcoming service, and the 'eh' food, this would not be a stop for lunch in the future. This was my first time in Los Gatos and it looks as if there are lots of awesome restaurants there, try a different one!
(1)Ron O.
Central location is great for people watching while enjoying a cup of breakfast tea.
(4)Mae M.
As purple onions are one of my favorite foods (no, really) I was pretty sure this place and I were going to get along just fine. I ordered the Mediterranian Chicken sandwich with a side salad. Both were served in under ten minutes, along with the orders of my friends as well. It was warm, tasty, and fresh. We were all pleased! I ordered water and lemon with my meal (very refreshing and served as soon as we ordered) and my portion of the lunch turned out to be $10. $10 for a flavorful sandwich, salad, and drink-I approve! As does my tummy, which was very full during my last few bites (but I finished everything anyway, because I likes food). I'll definitely be returning and I'd recommend Purple Onion to anyone. Hell, I'll be their unofficial spokesperson.
(5)Juliana M.
Lots of super healthy options and lots of hearty options so sure to satisfy everyone. I always get the salmon salad or the nicoise salad, both are delicious, satisfying, fresh and healthy. I also recommend the chicken panini, the meatloaf sandwich, and the tomato bisque but you really can't go wrong here.
(5)Roxanna P.
This cafe brings Paris memories back to me. It is such an adorable cafe in the heart of LG. What I ordered: Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich w/ Blood Orange Lemonade. The chicken sandwich was not the best thing I've had in the world, but very fresh tasting which is always a plus. My brother (below), ordered the Turkey Reuban and that is probably what I will order second time around (actually thinking of going in today!). The blood orange lemonade is probably the best drink I have ever had. I am a HUGE fan of blood oranges and I could probably drink 3-4 glasses of this if had the chance. Can't wait to go back!!! =)
(5)Ben P.
Awesome food with friendly service. Definitely one of my favorite new cafes in Los Gatos. Had the chicken sandwich and espresso. It gets busy so come early.
(4)amy c.
as far as sandwich places go, this one is spot-on. clean, fresh ingredients, interesting and everything is good. I've had a few different sandwiches there (the blue cheese steak one being my favorite) - and I have also split a few different salads there too. The place is like a casual french bistro, the seating outsides are a doll if the weather is nice. the price is a bit high for 'lunch' but they make up for it in my opinion by offering really tasty, really fresh flavors. great little casual place to hang, and yummy food.
(5)Shanna N.
C'est très chic et rappelle de l'Europe! (My knowledge of French is slowly diminishing.. but to translate - It is chic & reminds me of Europe) Great cafe food! Salads are all amazing & great coffee. This place gets pretty busy on the weekends, but it is worth the wait. The flavors are clean & sophisticated. Cafe Salad, Thai Turkey Basil Sandwich, & Spinach Quiche are my favorites on the menu. I had a great Blood Orange Lemonade there before too, but I generally will order some illy coffee. Such a cute place. I would definitely give it a try. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth it. There aren't many cafes like this around.
(4)Adrienne V.
The Purple Onion's whimsical name was what enticed me to have a gander at their menus and reviews. Their inventive menu, replete with a changing selection of specials was what sold me on this little cafe. Having tried an assortment of their staple sandwiches as well as a few specials in my visits, I can say that I have not yet been disappointed. The bottled beverages go beyond your usual selection, offering occasional gems like sparkling lavender water. Not one to miss out on dessert, I can assure you that their brownies are delicious. The people behind the counter are very attentive and accommodating, though your interaction with them is somewhat limited to your purchase at the cash register since it is a cafe-style establishment. I have never experienced less than a warm smile when it was my turn in line. As an added bonus there is complimentary wireless internet access for customers. With large windows facing a quaint little bend of street and outdoor tables available on sunny days, it seems like a good spot to bring your laptop and write or catch up on emails. *** I found other reviews that I had read in regards to the pricing of The Purple Onion's menu were slightly misleading. You pay for the quality of ingredients, customer service, ambiance, and unique menu. If you're looking for a good bargain deli sandwich to scarf down during lunch there are other places that better suited to that niche. Try Los Gatos Meats & Smoke House up on University Avenue!
(4)Archie J.
Been here twice for breakfast. Great little relaxed Saturday morning breakfast place. Had a breakfast bagel with egg and sausage, the bagel was super fresh! Illy coffee is great. Met here for the first time with a friend, was so good I brought my wife back and had the same thing. Parking is a little tricky but once you find a spot, it's a great place to sit in their little indoor/outdoor cafe feel and enjoy the day.
(5)Christine K.
Very good for a nice brunch, breakfast or a nice cup of coffee. Order their Cappuccino if you are feeling like espresso! One of the best! Delectable salads too! Enjoy!
(4)Lily Y.
Good spot for people watching or if you want to stop for something to drink while walking your dog. Interior is smallish, so it does get crowded, with 2 person tables which you can put together for additional seating. There's also seating outdoors. Order at the counter and they will bring the items to your table. My girlfriend and I came for lunch around 2pm on a Saturday and the place was packed. She ordered a salad and I had a sandwich. There was a long line waiting to order/pay and they only had one person handling the register. The food is decent, but nothing to write home about and pricey for what you get (salad $12, turkey sandwich $10, can of Diet Coke 2.25, bottle of essence water 3.50 = $30 for lunch, ouch!). That's downtown Los Gatos.
(3)Scott P.
Had a phenomenal salad here: the Cafe Salad... every part of the salad seemed like it would have been tasty on its own (dried cherries, blue cheese, pistachios, especially the chicken), but when everything was together on my plate, my taste buds were jump started. The dressing had a little extra dijon bite, which I liked. They were extremely packed for lunch, but still very friendly. Anti-kudos for their convoluted website which does not seem to contain a menu. That being said, the food was great and will be back.
(4)Angela W.
I've driven my a million times, always thinking, that looks like a cute little place to have brunch on Sunday... So this Sunday that's just what B and I decided to do! After visiting the Mustard Faire in Saratoga (an experience that was kind of like watching the air deflate slowly out of a pool toy-kind of sad and boring), we headed over to LG for some early lunch. The place was suuuuuuuper crowded so we were kind of forced to get it to go. The menu on the wall doesn't have any descriptions but you can pick up a copy on the counter that tells you what's up. All of the sandwiches sounded good but we went with the Reuben for me and the Mediterranean for B. When our order came up like half an hour later (no joke) we were starving and couldn't wait to get home and eat! The drive home took it's toll on our sandwiches which were made slightly soggy by the sauces but they were still darn good. Big thick pieces of chicken and no skimping on the other ingredients. They also give you a huge portion of mixed green salad with a little container of dressing. The dressing was like a tangy Italian- pretty simple but good. Can't wait to go back in the summer and dine at one of the little tables outside!!
(4)Linda C.
Everything here is delicious, top notch, and served with excellent presentation. I love the location because it's away from the hustle and bustle of downtown on the quieter side of LG. I think this is the only coffee house that has outdoor seating, too. I only wish they were open later and had WiFi so I could stay all day.
(5)sheila s.
This is my go to place after a nice hike with friends or my dog. We hit up LG trails and end up in Downtown LG. Great location right on corner with shade and some sun. The town doggie friendly and always has doggy bowls with water for my little friend and yummy cup of coffee for me. a win win situation!
(4)Laurie G.
Awesome locations for a bite to eat after walking the Dam trail, and no I don't mean the damn trail but the dam trail. First time I went I got a coffee and shared a coffee cake with a friend. Both were excellent. Next visit, we went for lunch and the tomato and cheese melt and spinach quiche were reported to be really good and my turkey melt was really great. Toasted just right! The only downfall was the accompanying salad which was weak at best. Just plain old boring. A small dollop of one of their pasta salads would have been soooo much better. Good thing the sandwiches and quiche were so good. The staff is really friendly, service was good and even though this is a counter type- no waiter cafe when they brought out our sandwiches they offered to refill our drinks. Side benefit, another great Los Gatos location for people watching. Business type man reading the paper at a nearby shop never said a word to the people walking by but would bark at all the dogs. Hmmmm.
(4)Ross B.
Dont' bother eating here if you're a vegetarian. I ordered the seasonal vegetable mix sandwich, and they were a few onion slivers, two tiny pieces of asparagus, and a couple other small pieces of veggie in there. There was barely anything in between the bread. The bread was good, and the side of fresh fruit was great. And the service was actually really good--super friendly and accommodating. This sandwich would have been great if they had replaced the meat with something like portobello or eggplant. But instead, I got the veggies that top the meat sandwiches (in the same quantity, for the same price).
(2)A N.
came here after a short morning stroll with a couple of buddies. this place was packed. it's a really great location and nice atmosphere both inside and outside in their outdoor eating area. had the lox plate and smores bar, both were delicious. Would definitely come here again.
(4)Tri N.
I came here for some coffee. It was a very pleasant experience. I like this place a lots.
(5)Mary R.
Love this place. Great location- right next to the trail. Love the sandwiches- the bread is so fresh and amazing. Would definitely have this more often if it wasn't as pricey.
(4)Serena L.
I came here for a mini reunion with a group of my close high school friends... the line was about 15 people long and the tables were about 3/4 filled. While waiting in line the first thing I saw was a sunday NYT selling for $6!! I didn't want to look up to see the prices of the food, but I had to look up to decide what to order...it was quite a dilemma. Lattes were about $5, sandwiches around $9, and salads around $10..pricey for the pretty generic meal. The place was a cute spot in los gatos and a great atmosphere to catch up with friends. The dishes were very average and hardly the topic of any of our many topics of conversation we cycled through. We did talk about the dried ramen that was in my asian chicken salad though.. definitely an interesting choice for the obligatory crunch in asian salads.
(2)Nathaniel M.
What a sharp American deli. I showed up one morning in search of a great sandwich shop so that I could have a packed lunch for C on her lunch break. I walked all over downtown Los Gatos without being captured by any of the other options. When I crossed the bridge and found Purple Onion I was impressed. The shop is clean and well designed. the boards are cleverly chalked and their cases are attractively arranged. Each item read as a tasty, yummy delight and I had trouble choosing the perfect sandwich. The gentleman behind the counter was polite and helpful and seemed genuinely interested in helping. I ended up choosing a Turkey Thai sandwich with brie. C was super complimentary on the choice later that day. She was really stoked on the truffle (from Purple Onion's chocolatier case) I was able to include in her lunch sack. It was packaged nicely and they seemed to be an excellent representation of the style and quality of Los Gatos culture.
(4)Evan S.
Quiet little place with some outdoor seating. Not overpriced, not overcrowded. "Nice" covers it pretty well.
(4)Yennie S.
This little cafe is the perfect place to spend a quiet morning or afternoon. My family and I have been huge fans of this place for a while now, and they never fail to deliver great coffee, food, and wonderful customer service. Must have food: Veggie burrito, blueberry scones Overall, a great place to relax, get away from technology (no internet offered), and maybe get to know some locals. Bring your dog along, there are treats outside the door!
(5)A.L. S.
Service is nit the friendliest but it's a really cute coffee house and cafe. The sandwiches are delicious and fresh. Illy coffee is the best! Love their breakfast sandwiches and the chorizo breakfast burritos are delicious!!
(5)Lawrence B.
Another place my daughter discovered on Yelp with lots of favorable reviews and we happened to be walking by it. I had the grilled veggie sandwich and the salmon chowder: both were really good.
(4)Yesi O.
I absolutely love the Purple Onion Cafe breakfast offerings; by far the best cafe in Los Gatos. Looking for the perfect Sunday morning? Go for a stroll, hike or jog along the Los Gatos Creek Trail (entrance is right next to the cafe) and then enjoy a Purple Onion's non-fat ice latte with a warm Bacon Egg Press Sandwhich (my favorite combo). If you're looking for something lighter, try their fruit salads or pastries; fresh and delish. Indoor seating is intimate and casual. The outdoor sitting is great if you're looking to enjoy the sun or if you bring along a pet.
(5)Sue R.
LOVE these sandwiches! The Thai Turkey Basic sandwich is AMAZING! Best sandwich I've ever had - very high quality (Thanksgiving dinner quality) turkey, Brie cheese, a miraculous spread. But this place is definitely not cheap. That amazing sandwich set me back nearly $10. The atmosphere inside is very nice too. A nice place to eat. I must eat here at least once every week or two.
(5)Scott J.
After looking at exotic cars down the street I was hungry! So had capacchino and Mediterranean chicken sandwich. Service was fast and friendly. Food was yummy! Coffee excellent. Definitely a great spot for brunch. Busy and hard to find a table on weekends.
(3)Michael H.
Fellow yelper KittyM is always giving me the lowdown on the next new lunchtime place to try in downtown Los Gatos. Only trouble is, I'm such a creature of habit, it takes some kind of massive upheaval in my working day to venture out and try something new. Last Wednesday was that day. My friends and their 3 month old dropped by for lunch and they really wanted to try the Italian place, I-Gatti. We walked over there only to find it well and truly locked up... right across the road we spied a cute little cafe... And that's how we ended up in the Purple Onion. First impressions as we waited were good. Large selection of fresh produce, good variety of salads, soups and sandwiches. Cakes and desserts looked particularly yummy. I ordered the hot Mediterranean Chicken Press. It came with a delicious side salad sprinkled with a few fresh flower petals. Seriously. The presentation was excellent. Gordon Ramsey would have been proud. The pressed sandwich was filled with chicken, juicy sun dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. It was really tasty! We then went back & ordered large lattes and three different cakes from the display. The coffee cake was my favorite. Mega fresh and tipped with tons of sugar. Nice. The staff were also very helpful and sociable. The cafe had a real nice relaxed European feel to it. In the coming months I'm sure I could easily spend an afternoon sitting outside on their patio, drinking a great big latte and watching the world go by... But I'm sure my boss would be over soon enough to knock me back into shape. Harrumph. Give it a go. You deserve it.
(4)Arthaey A.
WOW, I wish I had tried this cafe earlier! The butter croissant was good, and the chicken pot pie was phenomenal. I wish they were open later!
(4)Kitty M.
O to the M to the G just read: on the special board "pork tender" sandwich - ordered - what I ate was magical - tender pork that tasted like steak, sliced thin and piled on a soft ciabatta roll with carmelized onions and melted on top, camembert cheese....served along side a little greens with flowers. heaven, truly madly deeply heaven. it will depress me to know that this is a special because I could see myself eating this everyday. and the best part of this place - for every holiday and special occasion - this time Superbowl, they have a great menu of to go party food for you to order. If their cocktail weenies are half as good as that damn sandwich I will weenie myself in a week , no doubt.
(5)E F.
I'd like to go back (and will) to likely give this place more stars. Ordered the Thai chicken salad which I enjoyed flavor wise and was generous in portion BUT the pieces if chicken were sooooo rubbery. They were perfect little squares of rubbery slimy fake chicken. Gross fake chicken?? I was very surprised and only had a few bites of the chicken. This is something I would expect in a school cafeteria. Even Panera has real chicken. My bf's steak sandwich was....ok. Small and a little strange on flavor. Some of the other sandwiches look awesome so we will be back to try different stuff. The desserts were aaaaaamazing. The gluten free peanut butter cookie was hands down one of the best cookies I've ever eaten, let alone it being gluten free. It was large, thick, warm, and just amazing. Could not tell it was GF and just thinking about it, I want another. Other people in our party got the banana bread, crumb cake and muffin which were sugary and amazing. We'll be back to try other things. I would come back for the desserts alone. I hope the other sandwiches are better than the steak, and I'll have to ask about that nasty chicken.
(3)Liaty Z.
Once again, I forewarn the reader with a 3 and a half star review. Here is how I feel about this place. They make a delicious turkey sandwich on ciabatta with greens. Unfortunately, it is about the size of a hockey puck for ten dollars. I had the bagel with lox, and it was priced well-enough for a breakfast (with the lox included) and it came with home-made sundried cream cheese. Not outstanding, but not terrible. This place is good for a quick casual breakfast (and is also very close to the Los Gatos Trail and has nice outdoor seating). Bonus points for remaining open during a power outage. If not for the prime location (and real-estate), they would probably be cheaper. However, finding the right reasonably priced items is not too difficult for breakfast, and they seem to have a wide variety of delectable pastries. Scones here are made with real blueberries, and lots of shortening.
(4)Melissa T.
I've come here twice to grab coffee. They use illy coffee and it's great! I ordered the Americano and have been quite satisfied both times. They always have a weekly special for food. They have a nice outdoor sitting area to the side. There are tons of dogs and their owner hanging out there. The restaurant owners and staff are very nice and friendly. It's a very local business feel. They've shorten their hours to close at 4pm. I highly recommend their coffee here!
(4)Jordan P.
I like these guys! They're next to my work. So I eat there often. Try the Chicken press sandwich. It's super filling & tasty!!
(4)Emily O.
I work right down the street from the purple onion, and has always been intrigued to try it but never had the time to stop by. Well today, on the way to work, I realized I had forgotten my lunch on the counter at home(I know... bummer), and had to get something for lunch later. It did n't take me very long to decide and went straight for the purple onion! Since I had 20 min to spare, i ordered a quick egg sandwich and coffee, and waited at the pickup counter to receive my food.........ended up being for 20 minutes!!! I was very close to walking out (because now I had only five minutes to left before work) but just as i made my first step, the owner (it seemed) said to me "hey, you been here a Long time, haven't you?". I told him yes, and he apologized and went to go check on my food. Apparently a call-in order held back the chef a bit, and my food was on its way. He then said "can I please get you more coffee? I'm really sorry" I said it was fine and he apologized again and handed my food to me graciously and I walked out with a smile on my face. That one guy totally saved my experience!! All in all I hope they are successful and stay there because I would go here anytime!
(4)Douglas S.
OMG OMG OMG...This place is such good knowledge. I just ate "the best tuna melt" and it was seriously the BEST I have ever had in my life. The people were very very nice, and the service was good as well. This is defiantly going to be one of my new spots for lunch. Next time I'm going to try the espresso (illy espresso), and see if they can make it short and thick euro style.
(5)Jean L.
A friend and I randomly found this place roaming downtown Los Gatos and we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the food is there. I ordered a flank steak sandwich and the steak was so tender and flavorful on a soft baguette. My friend ordered a thai chicken salad. I'm normally not a raw cabbage salad coleslaw fan, but this salad really impressed me so much my fork kept finding it's way over to my friend's plate to gobble up her salad. It was a thin sliced green and red cabbage combo with big chunks of chicken and a good sprinkling of black sesame seeds. The dressing isn't mayo based but definitely along the lines of a soy sesame oil asian fusion type dressing. It was delicious and I'm craving it so much I can't wait to head over that way soon so I can have an entire plate of that salad for myself. Can't wait to try the other salads and sandwiches if I ever get over this thai chicken salad craving.
(4)Jane P.
i had their house-made blood orange lemonade this afternoon. it was really refreshing. i like the look and feel of the place. very clean and airy.
(4)R W.
I really like the food here. Everything is tasty and I always want more but that is the problem. Not a lot of food for a lot of money. The people who work here are great. The owners are great. Very clean and outdoor seating. The food is yummy but the price makes my wallet hurt and my tummy is still empty.
(3)Glen F.
A favorite weekend brunch spot for my wife and I. They have excellent sandwiches, salads and pastries. My wife is a big fan of their coffee and lattes.
(4)K S.
Been in here a few times, and walked out both times. First time - we'd been at the food court of the LG wine and art festival and loved Purple Onion's sandwiches. So we went down there for a late lunch one Saturday afternoon, around 3PM. We walked in and there were several people bustling about behind the counter, but no one looked at us. We walked further in and a woman shouted across the restaurant "We're closed, special event." And went on sweeping. No other explanation, nothing. So, we left. I felt the doors could have been locked or at least put up a sign on the door or something, rather than make people feel like assholes for wanting a sandwich. Take two - we had come off the LG trail and wanted a quick bite. So we walked over and the place had a bunch of people inside. It was pretty chaotic, people standing around a woman and her baby stroller at the counter, ordering coffee, between the counter and an oddly placed table. We stood at what we thought was the end of the line, by the baby stroller lady. But, people started standing on the other side of Baby Stroller Lady, and the counter people didn't really make an effort to establish order. So we were stuck behind a baby stroller and counter people who didn't seem to look our way. Ever. I was beginning to think that we had somehow become invisible once we came up the trail. That's the only explanation I could think of. We're pretty normal looking people, we don't have cloven hooves or horns - I'd wait on me. But no one at Purple Onion seemed to want to wait on us. So, like the last time we were there, we left. And the entire 10 min or so we were in there - not one counter person or employee acknowledged our existence. Weird. Sooo, I don't think we'll be back. Unless I'm wearing some kind of scary mask or something. Then, maybe, someone will notice us.
(2)Susan G.
A friend and I went to Purple Onion today when we were driving through Los Gatos. I was really excited about their "feature" salad - the Cafe Salad, which was greens, chicken, berries, cheese, pistachios, and a honey-mustard dressing. First impression was not so good: one counter person was very friendly, another very un-smiling and curt. It took 1/2 hour for friend and I to get our two salads, and it wasn't that busy. And then I bit into my salad and there were bits of pistachio shells throughout the salad. Ugh. The berries were dried (which was not on the menu) and the dressing was like a spicy Chinese mustard like you get in a packet. Wish I'd returned it, but it took so long to get it in the first place that I didn't want to wait for a replacement. And yes, the prices were more California Cafe than counter-order cafe. Despite some of the good reviews for breakfast, I will NOT be going back.
(1)Anne C.
I find it really hard to find Illy coffee and was thrilled to find it at the Purple Onion. I've gone on two occasions and ended up having the both the breakfast sandwich on sourdough and a scone. The blueberry scone was the best I've ever had in my life and the sandwich was delicious. While I think the place is spendy and can only go there occasionally, this is my favorite coffee spot.
(5)Lauren G.
i will write more on this shortly, but i love love love the purple onion. i miss cafe siena, but am more than satisfied with the new place :)
(5)Maria A.
This place is genius! It's a perfect blend of contemporary mixed with small town European charm. Steve, the chef and co-owner is AMAZING and you will not be disappointed with anything on the menu...trust me. I was just there last Sunday and had the tastiest sandwich called the "Mediterranean Chicken Press"- it came with a delish salad and I can't stop thinking about it (I may have even dreamt about it last night in fact). It took me about 10 mins to decide what I wanted b/c everything on the menu looked so appetizing. I was also really impressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant, everything from the floors to the tables to the windows were spotless! The menu is unpretentious and perfectly priced, not too expensive while you can tell with each bite that they use only the freshest of ingredients. The staff is genuine and prompt (I love the cute perky barista- she makes the best double cappuccino). I plan on making a trip to Los Gatos this weekend just for Purple Onion. This is definitely the place to go for a tasty satisfying quality meal and altogether enjoyable experience. 5 stars!
(5)