Bites Nearby: Eddie Papa's American Hangout in Pleasanton

When you realize at some point during your meal that you are going to be treated to fresh cotton candy, you know that Eddie Pappa's American Hangout is going to be a unique experience. 

Owner Eddie Westmoreland explained that after 12 years in the restaurant business he realized that there was a need for a restaurant that made dishes from scratch and that catered to families with children and that is how Eddie Pappa's came to fruition.

This restaurant really is a wonderful mix of all things American. The menu is like visiting all of our great states. You can try anything from a West Coast crab Louie to a Memphis pulled pork sandwich to some San Antonio chili to a Coney Island hot dog. 

Not only is the menu filled with options from around the country but it also features a different region each month, so is ever-changing. Recent months have included food from the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest and this month, the Great Lakes. 

You can try a Milwaukee bratwurst with Jalapeno beer mustard for $8.95 or a Michigan trout with honey sage grilled peaches for $17.95. July will feature the New York area, so think meatball sliders, cheesecake, and a Primanti sandwich. What is a Primanti sandwich you ask? Picture roast beef, french fries, cole slaw and more piled into one gi-normous sandwich. 

Although the menu at Eddie Pappa's features dishes from around the country, Eddie is set on using local products to support local businesses. He utilizes Terra Bella family farms in Pleasanton for produce. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar come from Olivina Ranch in Livermore, and the fruit is purchased in places like Sunol and Brentwood. It was really wonderful to know that dining in this restaurant also was supporting other businesses in the community. 

On a recent visit I had the Monterey crab and artichoke sandwich. Two open-faced sourdough slices were piled with Dungeness crab, artichoke and jack cheese melted to perfection. I opted to have mine with Dalton's bacon cheddar garlic fries (yes my diet is going well, thanks for asking). These fries were packed with Parmesan, garlic, parsley, bacon and melted cheddar and came with homemade ranch dressing for dipping. This sandwich cost $14.95 and was a little bit more for the fry option I had. 

My companion had the small version of the Hollywood Cobb salad — plenty of ham, chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado and egg. She passed on the  crumbled bleu cheese. We couldn't get over the slice of fresh bread that came with the salad. It was delicious! The small Cobb ran $8.95. 

Everyone can find a little treasure for their palate at Eddie Pappa's — cocktails and appetizers, salad or sandwich, a burger, dog or  more substantial entree. 

Starters range from $2.75 for a Kansas slider or a pulled pork slider to $16.95 for a cross-country combo that includes pork sliders, toasted ravioli, jalapeno poppers and buffalo chicken wings. 

You can try a cup or bowl of soup or chili for $4.50-$8.50. There are eight salads ranging from a simple side salad for $4.95 to a West Coast crab Louie for $21.95 (entree size). 

There are 10 sandwich choices, including  a grilled veggie for $8.95. Three burger choices and five hot dog varieties pay homage to different parts of our country. For entrees you can have anything from a Little Italy spaghetti and meatballs for $11.95 to a Texas chicken fried steak for $22.95. The menu includes "lighter options" and gluten-free options.  

There is a children's menu with more than 10 items for "smaller kids" at prices from $2.50 to $5.50. The "bigger kids" menu is a little more sophisticated and substantial, with dishes costing $4.95 to $7.50. 

We mustn't forget brunch at Eddie Pappa's. Keeping in mind eating habits across the nation, you can try New York lox and a bagel, a Hawaiian loco moco or Alaskan sourdough pancakes ,among other choices. There is a brunch menu for the kiddies, too. 

Desserts are fun. Who wouldn't love to toast marshmallows tableside to make indoor s'mores? You might want to try some French Quarter beignets with raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces. YUM! There are ice cream fountain choices and more, too. 

The restaurant has a nice wine list and cocktails are fresh, not made from mixes. It makes the syrups and juices, so everything is fresh, with a unique flavor. 

Eddie Pappa's offers takeout and catering. Add the restaurant as a Facebook friend and you'll be privvy to a "secret menu item freebie."

Eddie Pappa's American Hangout, 4889 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. 925-469-6266. Mon-Thu 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Bar until 10 p.m.); Fri 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Bar until 11 p.m.); Sat 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Bar until 11 p.m.); Sun 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Bar until 10 p.m.); Brunch Sat & Sun 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.