Saint Michael's Alley

About the Business

Specialties

Dinner now being served on the patio! Proper social distancing observed. Menu also available for take-out, with wine bottles to-go at 50% off. Our seasonal menus include fresh dishes created by our award-winning chef. The dinner menu changes every three months. Brunch and lunch will be returning soon. On evenings and weekends, there is ample parking beneath the restaurant. Entrance is on High St.

History

Established in 1959.

St. Michael's Alley was started in 1959 by Vernon Gates on University Avenue in Palo Alto. It was the first coffeehouse on the peninsula and featured live music in a laid back, european atmosphere. Many of the musicians and customers went on to become famous. These include the Grateful Dead, Joan Baez, Ken Kesey, Neil Cassidy, Grace Slick, Tuck and Patti etc. Jenny Youll and Mike Sabina bought the cafe in 1993 and created what you see today. We serve lunch, brunch, and dinner at 140 Homer Ave, near the Whole Foods Market in downtown Palo Alto. We designed and built the place ourselves, with the help of many friends and family. It took almost 3 years. The new location has a full bar, and patio seating. Many of our wonderful employees have been with us for more than 20 years. We are dedicated to providing you with fresh, delicious food in a casual neighborhood atmosphere.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Mike and Jenny S.

Business Owner

Mike and Jenny both came to the west coast to attend Stanford.  Mike is from Cape Cod, MA and Jenny is from Greenwich, CT.  Mike graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1986, and Jenny with degrees in Economics and Psychology in 1991.  They bought St. Mike's in 1993 as a hobby and so that Jenny could pursue her love of baking.  Over the years, they became more and more dedicated to the restaurant and now spend full time developing the business. They and their staff do their best to offer you the most pleasurable dining experience possible. Sometimes, you will see Milo and Maggie roll up their sleeves to help out too!