One
of downtown San Jose's most established districts, San Pedro
Square has a storied past and a bright future. Once you've
entered through the historic arch, you'll find yourself
in downtown San Jose's 'Restaurant Row.' New restaurants
stand side by side with veteran eating establishments; European-style
café seating beckons. One of the most significant historic
sites in downtown San Jose is right around the corner, juxtaposing
with the newest in high-rise housing towers nearby.
History
is alive in San Pedro Square. One of Spanish California's
oldest settlements, the Peralta Adobe, was built in 1797
and is the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San
Jose de Guadalupe. Across the street, early San Jose mayor
Thomas Fallon built an impressive abode in 1855. San Pedro
Street is lined with historic buildings dating from the
turn of the century. San Pedro Square has been a gathering
place for centuries.
In
more recent times, downtown patrons enjoy walking, dining,
and relaxing at one of San Pedro Square's abundant restaurants.
In close proximity to the HP Pavilion, San Pedro Square
serves as a pre- and post- game / event hangout. For 50
nights of the year, a sea of teal jerseys packs the restaurants
and bars. The socializing continues each Friday from May
to December when shoppers pick up their fresh fruit and
veggies at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
The
Tabard Theatre is tucked away, but entices performing arts
fans and plans an outdoor "Shakespeare on the Square" fest
for the 2008 summer season. Movie fans bring lawn chairs,
munch popcorn, and enjoy outdoor classics shown on the big
screen in the summertime. And for those who might want to
have a cocktail, a variety of bars and pubs offer a place
to meet friends and unwind.
In
1972, the first restaurant to put down stakes in San Pedro
Square opened. The Old Spaghetti Factory took up residence
in, appropriately enough, the former site of the Ravenna
Pasta Company. As downtown's development continued, more
restaurants followed suit to cater to the burgeoning office
worker crowd and the increasing numbers of arts, theater,
and nightlife patrons. Today, San Pedro Square's culinary
offerings include tapas, Middle Eastern, Continental, brewpub
fare and retro American. While the Old Spaghetti Factory
is celebrating it's 36th year downtown, the Tied House has
been a denizen of the Square for 16 years, and 71 Saint
Peter has been serving for 14 years. Newcomers include the
San Pedro Square Wine Bar and Bistro and Sabor Tapas Bar.
The street buzzes with energy.
In
1972, the first restaurant to put down stakes in San Pedro
Square opened. The Old Spaghetti Factory took up residence
in, appropriately enough, the former site of the Ravenna
Pasta Company. As downtown's development continued, more
restaurants followed suit to cater to the burgeoning office
worker crowd and the increasing numbers of arts, theater,
and nightlife patrons. Today, San Pedro Square's culinary
offerings include tapas, Middle Eastern, Continental, brewpub
fare and retro American. While the Old Spaghetti Factory
is celebrating it's 36th year downtown, the Tied House has
been a denizen of the Square for 16 years, and 71 Saint
Peter has been serving for 14 years. Newcomers include the
San Pedro Square Wine Bar and Bistro and Sabor Tapas Bar.
All
of this activity is proving to be a marketable asset for
the new wave of downtown housing - the high-rise condo.
San Pedro Square is welcoming their new neighbors from Axis'
slick mirrored walls a block over, and more high rises planned
within a few blocks. Former suburbanites who seek urban
accessibility and amenities will be on a treasure hunt to
find their new favorite downtown places and spaces. With
the mix of history, culture, dining, and entertainment,
they'll be sure to find it at San Pedro Square.
