When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
Roger Bar and Restaurant
Why Roger Bar and Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Roger Bar and Restaurant, located inside the Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View, California, is an exceptional place to gather with friends thanks to its unique blend of vibrant atmosphere, sustainably focused cuisine, and welcoming social spaces. The restaurant features a spacious and beautifully designed interior with an oversized bar and garage-style doors that open to a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy fire pits, heat lamps, and lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga, making it perfect for casual hangouts or special occasions. The menu showcases a hyper-seasonal, low-waste approach focusing on fresh, regional ingredients with a Mediterranean slant, offering shareable small bites, hearty mains, and creative cocktails. Notably, guests appreciate the flavorful Brussels sprouts and broccolini appetizers as well as a solid cheeseburger. Roger’s ambiance is enhanced by occasional live music, making the venue lively without overwhelming conversation. Ample free parking for the first three hours adds to the convenience, and the dedication to sustainability is reflected not only in the cuisine but also in reclaimed furniture and supporting local artists, wineries, and farmers. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, casual brunch, or après-work drinks, Roger Bar and Restaurant provides a memorable setting to connect with friends.
Here's what people think of Roger Bar and Restaurant
As of recent, Roger Bar and Restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating based on 523 reviews.
User reviews highlight Roger Bar and Restaurant's excellent food quality, fun and creative cocktails, and top-notch ambiance. Many reviewers praise the spacious setting, both indoor and outdoor, as well as the friendly service and thoughtful attention to detail such as dog-friendly seating and outdoor heaters. Positive feedback frequently mentions the flavorful appetizers, like the Asian-inspired Brussels sprouts and broccolini, and the overall satisfying dining experience which makes it a great spot for groups and special gatherings. The outdoor lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga are also popular among guests for a casual and entertaining time. On the other hand, some reviews point out occasional crowding due to the restaurant's popularity and note that the large space can sometimes feel busy. A few guests desired more variety in the menu or found certain dishes less memorable compared to others but these remarks are less common. Overall, the consensus is strongly favorable, with most visitors recommending Roger for casual dinners, brunches, and social events, citing it as a trendy and comfortable venue that balances good food, great drinks, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Douglas Carey
We went to a comedy show there on Thursday night. The show was okay, but you could tell they were new comedians, still working through material. Very nice bar and hotel lobby. The food was pretty good. Didn't think to take a picture before we ate. I did take a couple of pictures of the bar and the comedians.
Sally
Love this hotel restaurant. We visit it so often for weekend brunch and stop by spontaneously for dinner as well. The staff are friendly and are generally quick. I love their Jazz night on Friday, which is a great opportunity for couples and friends to grab drinks together and chill. Their breakfast sandwich is so yummy.
Ameet Kamath
Good solid basic hotel bar. The beer selection was extraordinary. Great cocktails too. Good for sharing and oh people watching too, like the business traveler types and a few locals. Free Parking for 3 hours. Go, enjoy!
Ricki Wax
Great experience. Our waitress was so kind and very accommodating. Food was decent. Great selection just needed a bit more seasoning. Love the restaurant and mock tails.
Vlad
Bar choices and mixologists behind the bar are great! Very friendly, professional,and know their craft. The waiter at our table was a little lost. We had to remind him a few times about orders, drinks, etc. Very cozy outside area. Live music is a great addition to Friday and Saturday nights. Food is good, it's not mind blowing but it's very good. Simple menu to cater for different tastes. I wish they would have at least one steak cut available. That would definitely complete the menu. 01/02/2025 Update: We attended the 2024 Roaring 20s dinner, and I must say it was a fantastic setup. It wasn’t cheesy and was very well-organized. The photo booth was a fun and thoughtful addition. The service provided by Anna was exceptional—truly beyond excellent. The three-course meal was fairly priced, and everything was delicious, except for the prime rib, which fell a bit short. It was oversalted, likely due to brining before roasting, as even the inside was excessively salty. While it was still a quality cut of meat, it would have been better seasoned only on the outside. The cocktails were, as always, excellent. Thank you for a great evening!
Douglas Carey
We went to a comedy show there on Thursday night. The show was okay, but you could tell they were new comedians, still working through material. Very nice bar and hotel lobby. The food was pretty good. Didn't think to take a picture before we ate. I did take a couple of pictures of the bar and the comedians.
Sally
Love this hotel restaurant. We visit it so often for weekend brunch and stop by spontaneously for dinner as well. The staff are friendly and are generally quick. I love their Jazz night on Friday, which is a great opportunity for couples and friends to grab drinks together and chill. Their breakfast sandwich is so yummy.
Ameet Kamath
Good solid basic hotel bar. The beer selection was extraordinary. Great cocktails too. Good for sharing and oh people watching too, like the business traveler types and a few locals. Free Parking for 3 hours. Go, enjoy!
Ricki Wax
Great experience. Our waitress was so kind and very accommodating. Food was decent. Great selection just needed a bit more seasoning. Love the restaurant and mock tails.
Vlad
Bar choices and mixologists behind the bar are great! Very friendly, professional,and know their craft. The waiter at our table was a little lost. We had to remind him a few times about orders, drinks, etc. Very cozy outside area. Live music is a great addition to Friday and Saturday nights. Food is good, it's not mind blowing but it's very good. Simple menu to cater for different tastes. I wish they would have at least one steak cut available. That would definitely complete the menu. 01/02/2025 Update: We attended the 2024 Roaring 20s dinner, and I must say it was a fantastic setup. It wasn’t cheesy and was very well-organized. The photo booth was a fun and thoughtful addition. The service provided by Anna was exceptional—truly beyond excellent. The three-course meal was fairly priced, and everything was delicious, except for the prime rib, which fell a bit short. It was oversalted, likely due to brining before roasting, as even the inside was excessively salty. While it was still a quality cut of meat, it would have been better seasoned only on the outside. The cocktails were, as always, excellent. Thank you for a great evening!
How to reach Roger Bar and Restaurant
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Website: None
Rallying at Roger Bar and Restaurant with your friends is an experience that goes beyond just great food and drinks; it’s about embracing a vibrant, sociable atmosphere designed to nurture good, healthy relationships. Nestled inside The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View, this establishment stands out for its warm, inviting vibe and innovative approach to dining. Whether you’re meeting for a laid-back brunch, an energetic happy hour, or a celebratory dinner, Roger provides the perfect backdrop. Their commitment to sustainability and genuine human connection sets the tone for a gathering filled with meaningful interactions. The diverse menu that features playful California cuisine caters to all tastes, ensuring everyone in your group finds something delicious to enjoy. The spacious indoor and outdoor settings, combined with entertaining amenities like a Wing Bar and interactive games, offer something for every mood and preference. With a rating of 4.4 from over 500 reviews, Roger has proven to be a reliable destination that delights groups looking to bond over food, drink, and shared moments.
What makes Roger Bar and Restaurant perfect for group meetups?
Roger Bar and Restaurant’s design and service are centered around the experience of connection—making it an excellent venue for group gatherings. Firstly, the venue offers distinct spaces both indoors and outdoors, allowing groups to find the perfect setting based on their occasion. The Airstream bar offers a unique and casual vibe for friends who want to unwind with handcrafted cocktails and beers. For those who prefer a quieter or more formal ambiance, the elegant dining areas provide comfortable seating with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Moreover, Roger’s menu is optimized for sharing, with an array of small bites, salads, and main dishes crafted to be both approachable and exciting. This shared dining culture encourages communal enjoyment, sparking lively conversations and bonding. The staff’s attentive and friendly service ensures groups are well cared for, accommodating dietary preferences and helping navigate the menu. The overall combination of space, food, and energy makes Roger highly suited to a variety of group sizes and functions, from casual catch-ups to celebratory dinners.
What activities can groups enjoy at Roger Bar and Restaurant?
Groups at Roger Bar and Restaurant can engage in an eclectic mix of activities that enhance the social experience. Beyond dining, the venue often hosts special events such as comedy nights and themed dinners, adding an entertaining twist to your meetup. The bar’s Wing Bar stays open late, offering an ideal spot for those who want to keep the evening going with flavorful wings paired with a wide selection of drinks. The restaurant also provides games like cornhole on the Ameswell Hotel field, which adds outside fun and friendly competition to your gathering—perfect for keeping the energy high and the group connected. For wine lovers, Roger’s wine bar delivers a chance to explore global flavors, turning a simple drink into a tasting adventure. Attendees can also enjoy Happy Hour daily from 3 PM to 4 PM, providing a budget-friendly window for group drinks and appetizers. These multifaceted options give any meetup a dynamic and inclusive feel.
How does Roger cater to different group occasions and sizes?
Roger Bar and Restaurant’s flexible dining options make it an excellent choice no matter the size or type of your group event. Whether you are organizing a birthday party, a work after-hours celebration, a family brunch, or a casual friends’ night out, Roger can accommodate comfortably. Their private dining services offer tailored experiences allowing groups to host events with personalized menus and dedicated service. Indoor and outdoor spaces can be reserved and customized based on the occasion, empowering hosts to create anything from formal sit-down dinners to casual cocktail parties. Their team works closely with guests to ensure smooth event execution, from décor to dietary needs. Additionally, the restaurant’s location inside The Ameswell Hotel means groups coming from out of town can combine dining with convenient accommodations, making multi-day meetups seamless. This adaptability in space, service, and menu ensures that every group leaves with a memorable and satisfying experience.
Why is the menu at Roger Bar and Restaurant ideal for groups?
Roger’s menu is crafted with versatility and shared enjoyment in mind, making it particularly well-suited for groups. The cuisine is rooted in innovative California flavors, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients with a sustainable ethos. This focus means the dishes are not only flavorful but also thoughtfully prepared to delight a variety of palates and dietary restrictions. The menu features a variety of small plates designed to be shared, encouraging a communal dining style where dishes pass around the table and conversations flow naturally. Salads, hearty mains, and eclectic sides provide options for all hunger levels and preferences. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, craft beers, and signature cocktails, allowing the group to customize the beverage experience from casual to celebratory. This adaptable and well-curated menu nurtures a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly complementing group dynamics and making dining a collaborative, joyful affair.
How does Roger ensure a safe and inviting atmosphere for groups?
Safety and comfort are paramount at Roger Bar and Restaurant, critical considerations especially when planning group meetups. The venue maintains high standards of cleanliness and health protocols, ensuring that guests feel secure whether dining inside or enjoying the outdoor spaces. The spacious layout allows for social distancing without compromising the intimacy or conviviality that groups seek when gathering. Staff are well-trained to manage group needs efficiently while fostering a welcoming, approachable environment. This attentiveness makes it easier for organizers to relax and focus on the social aspects of the event. Furthermore, Roger’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu to include eco-friendly practices in service and operations, reflecting a conscientious approach that many guests appreciate. This combination of safety, hospitality, and ethical responsibility creates a setting where groups can fully enjoy themselves with peace of mind.
What additional amenities and perks enhance the group experience at Roger?
Beyond food and activities, Roger Bar and Restaurant elevates the group experience through several thoughtful amenities and special offerings. The daily Happy Hour creates a perfect entry point for groups looking to enjoy quality drinks and appetizers at a great value. The venue’s "Wing Bar" is a fun and unique feature that keeps the night lively with a menu focused on wings and late-hour drinks, ideal for casual, extended gatherings. For those who appreciate live entertainment, the scheduled comedy nights and other happenings bring an engaging social element that encourages interaction and laughter. The presence of The Flyby, Roger’s café counterpart, means groups can start their day together with expertly crafted coffee, breakfast, or lunch in a relaxed environment. And for larger or more formal group events, the private dining and event booking options offer a bespoke experience grid for celebrations or corporate meetings. Combined, these amenities ensure every group visit to Roger is not only delicious but also dynamic and memorable.