Alpine Inn, the second oldest tavern still operating in California, recently completed renovations which have led to customers old and new pouring in to enjoy food and a good time with friends and family. Although the Portola Valley tavern was first built in 1852, it has never seen a time as busy and profitable as now according to management. It managed to be one of the most profitable restaurants in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, due in large part to the huge outdoor dining area that was expanded. Now, the restaurant seats over 250 people outdoors and QR codes on each table and socially distanced tables and staff create a COVID-19 safe space.
Although the tavern changed names and owners numerous times since 1852, much of the area is original. By 2019, it was in need of a renovation, a major one that would take a year to complete and is still ongoing.
“The old structure was dilapidated, we wanted to make it more 21st century and bring nature into the dining area,” said Executive Chef Sean Agoliati.
Since the restaurant is running on the same amount of power as a small house, cooking food for 250 people can be a challenge.
So, the restaurant bought a vintage style truck and slapped a wood fired pizza oven in the back. It has become an icon and opens for firing at 4 p.m.
“We call this place the camping kitchen,” said Agoliati.
A power and gas upgrade will be coming in December 2021.
Some locals were worried when news of renovations came, fearing the tavern would lose its history. However, it is still full of historical trinkets and plaques. Framed the back wall of the tavern is a letter dated September 12, 1895 in which Joe Buelna of the Buelna family, former owner, informs his wife that he is leaving with a donkey and their three kids. A second plaque commemorates the first internet communication, which took place where the outdoor dining area is now.
Directly inside the tavern to the right of the back entrance is the license plate wall, which includes a 1951 Wyoming plate and an ex prisoner of war plate.
The indoor dining area consists of wooden tables and historical pictures that fill the walls. It is not available to customers at this time due to COVID restrictions and an inability to space the tables apart more than six feet. The right wall is filled with beverages and beers. The indoor tavern is only accessible to staff at this time.
Years of connection with the community can be seen through baseball photos of little league teams sponsored by Alpine Inn over the years. There is a wall dedicated to the tavern’s connection with Stanford University.
Still a local favorite, weekends at Alpine Inn are busy. Cars pour out of the parking lot into extra parking on the side of Arastradero Road. There is a table limit time of 30 minutes to ensure as many guests as possible can enjoy the inn.
For more information, visit the Alpine Inn’s website.
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