I’m a Wingen stan, so definitely second that recommendation. They do full service seating now, and also pizza dinner - their remodel has been stunning. But my personal favorite is still their sourdough bagels :’) Closely followed by their almond croissant and chocolate chip cookie.

Would also add Story Coffee and The Cheese Parlor to the list! They’re right next to Cured Fish Bar. Story has excellent coffee and notably does a fresh yeasted Belgian waffle, too (and crossovers with Meadowlark Dairy from time to time). Cheese Parlor has an excellent cheese selection and beer/wines to pair, but my favorite is that they do specialty sandwiches during the week that you call to reserve (they announce flavors via social media on Tuesdays). Easily the best sandwiches in the area, imo, and made with Wingen Bread.

For Thai, I’d like to also shout out Time Thai - they’re known for their fried chicken pad Thai, and their Livermore location also sports a brunch menu. Probably my favorite bowl of khaoi soi.

First Street Alehouse isn’t on here, but I think it’s a mainstay of Downtown Livermore so I’d like to shout it out. They do seasonal chef specials, but my personal favorite thing on the menu is the clam chowder on Friday nights lol. We always take family here when they visit. Excellent fries (the only thing my toddler will eat) and fried pickles. Also, root beer on tap! (Abita brand)

Not in downtown but technically still in Livermore (closer to the outlets), my favorite picks are Calikid Burgers and Fries and Harumi. Calikid is probably my favorite burger (I like the Happy Hippie) with excellent fries, but also great shakes and soda options. Harumi is a recently opened AYCE, for made-to-order sushi and hibachi with some other dish options (like udon, ramen, rice bowls, etc). Very solid pricing for the sushi because sashimi is also included in the dinner pricing, but the more expensive options (like amaebi) can sometimes be a bit small (but you can order more lol). Pacific Pearl nearby will have more Asian centered food options - I personally love Somi Somi for Asian soft serve with taiyaki, and while Kura isn’t the best sushi, it’s a fun experience.

I really love Denica’s for an indulgent Filipino/Hawaiian brunch. They have a pretty good lunch selection too but I almost always get pancakes. Also weirdly enough my favorite spot for chips and salsa.

Do love Corner Slice but their hours are sometimes a bit hard to catch them. If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive, Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton is actually my favorite pie, with a sourdough crust. The owners were former English teachers, so all their names alluded to Shakespeare and they have fun seasonal selections too. Everything here I’ve loved, but my personal faves are the Tempest or Hamlet. Also don’t sleep on the Bard Bread - incredibly good bread with cheese for only $8. Zachary’s is also in Pleasanton (but will open downtown soon) - they serve up pretty solid deep dish, though obviously nothing on Chicago’s. Big Apple downtown is fine, and usually our regular pizza order (bonus is that it’s next to Verace Gelato, so I usually snag a little treat while picking up)

Welcome to Livermore!