Taste of the Town
Tulare eateries offer bountiful menus and unique ambienceWhen dining out in Tulare, you won’t be disappointed. The area is known for having a wide variety of eateries and cuisines to sample. Here you’ll find cafes, fine dining and themed restaurants, unique menu specials and so many options, it may be hard to decide where to go for dinner.
Three Tulare eateries have been touching the hearts and soothing the appetites of locals and travelers for decades with their individual flare and offerings ranging from western rustic to California fresh to traditional old-world Italian.
Bravo Farms
With two other restaurants under its wings and a 12-year history in Tulare, Bravo Farms is no newcomer in the restaurant arena. Jonathan Van Ryn, the owner and creator of Bravo Farms said his family’s farming roots run deep and influence not only the freshness of the food at the eatery, but also his ethics.
“My family has been farmers for generations, and they have taught me the value of hard work, faith, and community, “Van Ryn said. “When my customers leave Bravo Farms, my deep hope would be that they would leave feeling more joy than when they first walked in.”
That joy begins the moment one approaches the restaurant and spots the welcoming outdoor, green space seating with cozy fire pits. Once through the doors an effortless blend of rustic farm and modern decor await diners of all ages. And although the decor is inviting, it’s the food that Van Ryn said makes them shine.
Striving to create a farm-to-table menu with only the freshest ingredients, their specialties include handcrafted salads and smoked, barbecued meats, including California tri-tip, pulled pork, brisket and chicken.
Further raising the joy-quota, a delightful shop within the eatery offers custom gourmet gift baskets, perfect as hostess gifts and a thoughtful array of favorite, handpicked, culinary gifts from local businesses.
La Piazza
In Italy, neighbors, friends and family traditionally meet in three places: the home, the church and the square known as “la piazza.” “Being that place,” is just why husband and wife restaurateurs Camillo Danh and Melina Maack launched La Piazza 16 years ago, to welcome community, to share and break bread.
“We wanted to be that third place,” said Maack, whose artistic flare inspired the interior. “It is like you are experiencing Italy without leaving town!”
La Piazza is charmingly decorated like an Italian square within a square, where made-to-order dishes with the freshest possible ingredients are used in everything from daily breads, gnocchi, the seasonal signature crème brulee and tiramisu. Raised in a farming family, as well, Chef Camillo, a native of Vietnam, takes no shortcuts understanding the importance of farm fresh produce.
“The interior draws them in,” Maack said, “but the food keeps them coming back!”
Cool Hand Luke’s
Cool Hand Luke’s is so much more than a steakhouse, offering its signature entrees at affordable prices, like its “Legendary” 19-hour, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Fire-Grilled Western Ribeye and Northern Atlantic Jim Beam Bourbon Salmon. Walk through the doors and you feel you’ve been transported to the rustic west. It is an experience for the senses from the mingled scent of leather and charbroil in the air to a fun stagecoach and saloon doors.
“Our goal is to treat you as a friend on your very first visit; our promise is to provide one-of-a kind dining experiences,” said Reem Fahoum, vice president of marketing, who noted the restaurant is a franchisee of Heritage Restaurant Brands.
And what has been luring newcomers and regulars to this tried and true establishment since 2008 besides the experience? Fahoum said it’s also entree values like their Early Dinner Menu for $11.95, $12.99 Steak and Bake served with Campfire Beans, fresh Sourdough rolls, or the $3.99 Happy Hour and $5 Saloon Sippers that keep them coming. And for busy families they offer family-style meals to-go.
All restaurants are following COVID guidelines and mandates by the state to ewnsure safety.
