When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
The Emerald Hour
Why The Emerald Hour is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Emerald Hour is a sophisticated cocktail bar located inside the Shashi Hotel in Mountain View, California. Open daily from 3pm to 11pm, it is renowned for its fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers' markets and purveyors, which form the foundation of its handcrafted cocktails. The Emerald Hour emphasizes high-end clear spirits enhanced with in-house-made bitters, tinctures, infusions, and syrups rather than typical cordials and liqueurs, delivering a flavorful punch in every drink. Alongside an extensive wine list featuring both classic and natural wines from California and around the world, they also provide craft beer and tantalizing non-alcoholic options. Guests can also enjoy exceptional cuisine from Broma, a sister restaurant located down the hall, led by Michelin-starred Chef Jarad Gallagher and Executive Chef Aubree Arndt. Their cuisine is inspired by the flavors of Spain and Portugal, complementing the bar’s inventive cocktail list. The Emerald Hour offers an inviting indoor/outdoor environment perfect for gathering with friends, featuring attentive, high-end service and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Its unique blend of culinary and mixology expertise makes it a standout destination for cocktail lovers seeking quality, creativity, and an elevated experience in Mountain View.
Here's what people think of The Emerald Hour
As of recent, The Emerald Hour holds a 4.4-star rating based on 144 reviews.
Visitors praise The Emerald Hour for its inventive cocktails and high-end atmosphere nestled within the Shashi Hotel. Many reviewers highlight the creativity behind the drink menu, including unique ingredients like purple potato, and the passionate craft that goes into each cocktail. The attentive and friendly service is frequently noted as elevating the overall experience. Additionally, guests appreciate the opportunity to explore an extensive wine list featuring a diverse range of California and international bottles. Positive reviews often focus on the seamless blend of a modern cocktail bar with the sophistication and culinary excellence of Broma’s Michelin-starred cuisine, creating a perfect balance between food and drink. On the other hand, some critiques mention that the establishment remains unclaimed on certain platforms, possibly limiting detailed customer interaction and information availability. A few guests find the setting a bit formal or upscale for casual hangouts, suggesting it is better suited for special occasions or refined outings. Overall, customer sentiment leans favorably towards The Emerald Hour, applauding its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails, and a welcoming, stylish ambiance. The blend of expert mixology with top-tier food from Broma consistently makes it a recommended spot for those seeking quality and innovation in Mountain View’s bar scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Francesca Gutierrez
I had a really decent old fashioned here. The menu had some really creative drinks, but as a whiskey drinker, I was hoping for a few more options. Based on the reviews, I was hoping that that bartender could recommend something new, but the old fashioned was all he could come up with. I also wish I realized this was a hotel bar before going. I had requested a food menu, but my bartender never came to ask if I was ready to order, I had to flag down another gentleman to order. Overall, pretty okay experience.
Tony D'Antonio
Modern, kinda swanky, hotel bar/restaurant with lots of seating options. More intimate comfy chairs and loveseats in the back. More informal high tables and TVs in front. Near the fireplace and/or out by the pool are nice too. Consistently good craft cocktails. Small plates pricey, but delicious. Excellent service.
Jeenhee Chun
Highly recommend! They opened recently. I am so happy to share their food. Cocktails are so good, very tasty and high quality. Foods are also very good. They have a lot of small bites for drink but there’s dinner plate as well. (Steak, salmon and fish) Cozy, clean, comfortable mood. I want to visit again for drink and small bites!!
Anna G
This is a newly opened stylish restaurant with amazing food and cocktails! Highly recommended! Service is great and food is delicious. Cocktails are high quality! We tried oysters, beef tartar, octopus, charcuterie, wague burger and pork cheeks(sooo tender).
Ana Reed
A hidden gem. Would have never known about this spot if it weren't from a recommendation and I live less than two miles away. Old fashioned, craft cocktails with a modern twist in well designed indoor/outdoor space. Limited menu for the time being, but plans for expansion are in the works and what they have current are solid choices. Quality ingredients all around as well as attentive, knowledgeable, and amiable staff.
Francesca Gutierrez
I had a really decent old fashioned here. The menu had some really creative drinks, but as a whiskey drinker, I was hoping for a few more options. Based on the reviews, I was hoping that that bartender could recommend something new, but the old fashioned was all he could come up with. I also wish I realized this was a hotel bar before going. I had requested a food menu, but my bartender never came to ask if I was ready to order, I had to flag down another gentleman to order. Overall, pretty okay experience.
Tony D'Antonio
Modern, kinda swanky, hotel bar/restaurant with lots of seating options. More intimate comfy chairs and loveseats in the back. More informal high tables and TVs in front. Near the fireplace and/or out by the pool are nice too. Consistently good craft cocktails. Small plates pricey, but delicious. Excellent service.
Jeenhee Chun
Highly recommend! They opened recently. I am so happy to share their food. Cocktails are so good, very tasty and high quality. Foods are also very good. They have a lot of small bites for drink but there’s dinner plate as well. (Steak, salmon and fish) Cozy, clean, comfortable mood. I want to visit again for drink and small bites!!
Anna G
This is a newly opened stylish restaurant with amazing food and cocktails! Highly recommended! Service is great and food is delicious. Cocktails are high quality! We tried oysters, beef tartar, octopus, charcuterie, wague burger and pork cheeks(sooo tender).
Ana Reed
A hidden gem. Would have never known about this spot if it weren't from a recommendation and I live less than two miles away. Old fashioned, craft cocktails with a modern twist in well designed indoor/outdoor space. Limited menu for the time being, but plans for expansion are in the works and what they have current are solid choices. Quality ingredients all around as well as attentive, knowledgeable, and amiable staff.
How to reach The Emerald Hour
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Website: None
Why rally at The Emerald Hour with your friends?\ When you’re looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, The Emerald Hour in Mountain View offers a unique blend of ambiance, quality, and inviting experiences that make it stand out. This stylish cocktail lounge, located inside the Shashi Hotel, is renowned for its sophisticated, yet approachable vibe that strikes a balance between upscale and comfortable. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying an evening out, The Emerald Hour’s carefully curated environment encourages relaxed socializing and memorable moments. Its reputation for inventive cocktails crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients makes every drink feel like a discovery, not just a beverage. Beyond drinks, the partnership with the nearby Michelin-star-level Broma restaurant ensures a top-tier food experience is always within reach, so groups craving both refined cocktails and elevated cuisine are well-catered to. The attentive, highly professional staff enhance every visit, ensuring your group feels valued and served with care. Combined with occasional live jazz performances that add a soothing soundtrack to your gathering, the venue transforms a simple meetup into a vibrant celebration. Thus, The Emerald Hour is an ideal rallying point where every detail works to elevate your group’s time together.
What activities can you enjoy at The Emerald Hour that make it ideal for group meetups?\ At The Emerald Hour, activities revolve around the rich culinary and mixology experience, alongside a cozy yet energized atmosphere perfect for socializing. First and foremost, the cocktail program is a standout attraction. Their bartenders use premium clear spirits and fresh ingredients from local farmers markets to reinvent classic cocktails and create innovative signature drinks, offering guests a sophisticated tasting adventure. This makes it easy to bond over favorite flavors or explore new concoctions together. For groups that include guests who prefer not to drink alcohol, there is a thoughtfully curated selection of delightful non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring everyone can participate in toast-worthy moments. Food-wise, while The Emerald Hour itself is a lounge, guests have access to exquisite fare from Broma, the hotel’s sister restaurant. Broma’s menu, inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, delivers a mouthwatering culinary complement to your drinks, perfect for shared plates or full meals. This combination draws groups that want to mix quality dining with a relaxed drinking environment. Moreover, the venue occasionally features live jazz performances, lending a lively and sophisticated soundtrack to your meetup without overwhelming conversation, ideal for jazz lovers and those who appreciate cultural ambiance. Finally, the comfortable lounge layout, designed with a modern and stylish touch, offers intimate seating arrangements conducive to lengthy conversations and group bonding, making it both a visually attractive and functionally excellent space for meetups.
How does the ambiance at The Emerald Hour enhance group gatherings?\ The Emerald Hour’s ambiance is carefully crafted to offer guests a luxurious yet inviting environment that enriches every social interaction. Situated in the boutique Shashi Hotel, the lounge boasts an upscale interior with contemporary décor featuring rich emerald tones, plush seating, and tasteful lighting that sets a warm, inviting mood. The decor combines a modern aesthetic with cozy elements that make it easy for groups to settle in and stay a while without feeling rushed. Guests often describe a “higher end feel” that is approachable and not pretentious, encouraging a friendly atmosphere that suits both casual meetups and more formal gatherings. Staff attentiveness contributes heavily to this ambiance; their professional yet personable service makes guests feel truly cared for, which can be critical when organizing group events where smooth, attentive service helps things run seamlessly. The space also provides quieter corners for intimate conversations as well as more open areas for mingling, accommodating groups of different dynamics and sizes. Jazz evenings add a cultural and sophisticated layer to the experience, with live music filling the room with elegant, unobtrusive sounds that encourage relaxation and connection. This unique ambiance mix ensures that every meetup at The Emerald Hour feels special and tailored to the group’s mood and preferences.
What food and drink options at The Emerald Hour create a perfect group experience?\ The Emerald Hour excels at providing a diverse and exquisite menu that caters brilliantly to groups. Its cocktail list is the centerpiece, featuring classic drinks reimagined through a creative lens by expert mixologists who emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and premium spirits. The menu is both adventurous and accessible, allowing every guest to find delights that suit their taste — from refreshing light cocktails to more complex, full-bodied creations. For non-drinkers, the inclusion of thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic options ensures everyone can join in the enjoyment. Food-wise, The Emerald Hour is joined by Broma, an adjoining Michelin-starred restaurant whose chefs bring a deep well of culinary expertise inspired by their travels in Spain and Portugal. This collaboration means groups can enjoy anything from small plates perfect for sharing to sophisticated entrees, making it ideal for those who want to combine social drinking with an impressive food experience. This pairing allows meetups that might shift from casual cocktail hour to dinner to feel seamless and elevated without sacrificing quality at any stage. Additionally, the venue’s wine and craft beer selections offer alternatives beyond cocktails for the varied preferences of group members. This rich and diverse menu ecosystem helps make every gathering at The Emerald Hour feel thoughtfully catered and satisfying to all palates.
What makes The Emerald Hour suitable for different types of group meetups?\ One of the most compelling reasons to choose The Emerald Hour for a group meetup is its versatility across different social occasions and group types. Whether you’re planning a casual after-work cocktail gathering, a celebratory family dinner, a romantic double date, or even a small corporate event, the venue’s atmosphere and offerings adapt smoothly to the occasion. The combination of elegant décor and high-quality service lends itself well to more formal meetups, while the relaxed lounge vibe keeps it from feeling stuffy or inaccessible. Groups who enjoy live music will appreciate the jazz performances scheduled multiple times a week, which add an enriching experience without overwhelming the social dynamic. The location inside the Shashi Hotel also means that guests traveling from out of town have convenient accommodations nearby, making it easier to plan multi-day celebrations or reunions. Furthermore, the carefully crafted drink and food options ensure that diverse tastes and dietary preferences within groups can be happily accommodated. The Emerald Hour’s flexibility and commitment to excellence in atmosphere, food, and drink make it well suited to a wide array of group gathering needs, creating memorable experiences regardless of the meetup’s focus.
How does the location and accessibility of The Emerald Hour enhance its appeal for group meetups?\ Located at 1625 N Shoreline Blvd in Mountain View, The Emerald Hour’s placement inside the boutique Shashi Hotel makes it quite accessible and convenient for groups. Mountain View, with its blend of tech-savvy and cultural vibrancy, is easy to reach whether guests are local or coming from adjacent Silicon Valley hubs. The hotel setting provides parking and other guest services, making logistics easier, especially for larger or mixed groups who may require seamless transportation and accommodations. Additionally, being situated within a hotel enriches the ambiance to a degree, offering an upscale feel that elevates the standard for casual lounges or bars. The area around Shoreline Blvd is well serviced by public transit, and rideshare options abound, which helps groups avoid parking headaches and improves overall accessibility. For those coming from out of town, the convenience of nearby lodging means conversations and celebrations can continue without a rushed end. This strategic location enhances group meetups by removing common barriers of access and providing an environment that feels both special and smoothly navigable.
Why is the service at The Emerald Hour important for an enjoyable group gathering?\ Service quality is a crucial factor in making any group gathering enjoyable and The Emerald Hour stands out for its highly attentive and professional team. Guests often highlight the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, who ensure orders are timely, preferences are remembered, and special requests are accommodated with ease. When organizing a meetup, especially with larger groups, smooth service helps prevent delays and frustrations and allows the group to focus on socializing and enjoying their time together rather than logistical hassles. The staff’s expertise in cocktails and menu knowledge also adds an educational element to the visit, helping guests select drinks and pairings that enhance their overall experience. This high level of care is part of what elevates The Emerald Hour from a simple bar to a full-service lounge where groups feel well looked after. Good service also contributes to a relaxed atmosphere, especially when the group wants to linger through multiple rounds of drinks or transition into dining. Reliable, personable service makes the group feel prioritized, which is a subtle but essential ingredient for hosting successful meetups.
How do live music and cultural events at The Emerald Hour create a distinctive group experience?\ Live music at The Emerald Hour is a defining feature that creates a unique and memorable atmosphere for group gatherings. The venue regularly hosts jazz performances, including by notable musicians such as Eric Shifrin, who adds a layer of sophisticated, ambient entertainment a few nights a week. This careful curation of live music provides a cultural enrichment that enhances the social vibe without overpowering conversation, striking an ideal balance for meetups where guests want to listen, relax, and engage with one another. Regular live shows give groups an additional reason to choose The Emerald Hour, offering a dynamic experience beyond food and drink alone. This makes the lounge a destination for those who appreciate artful music as part of their night out. The presence of live music also makes celebrations feel more special, turning an ordinary meetup into an event and leaving lasting impressions. For groups interested in arts and culture, these performances complement the culinary excellence of Broma and the cocktail craftsmanship seamlessly.
What do customer reviews say about the overall experience at The Emerald Hour?\ With a strong rating around 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews, The Emerald Hour receives widespread praise for its cocktails, ambiance, and service. Customers appreciate the inventive and expertly crafted drinks, often highlighting unique ingredients and creative presentations as major draws. The food from the adjoining restaurant receives high marks for quality and sophistication, making the venue a well-rounded destination. Many reviews note the attentive, friendly staff and the comfortable yet upscale environment as key reasons for returning. Some guests also appreciate the live music offerings, which add to the venue’s appeal. Occasional criticisms sometimes mention booking or availability constraints, but overall, the reviews reflect a positive consensus that The Emerald Hour is a reliable choice for social groups looking for quality and atmosphere. Its mix of innovation in cocktails, culinary excellence, music, and service contributes to a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back.
Why should you consider The Emerald Hour for your next friends or family meetup?\ For your next gathering with friends or family, The Emerald Hour offers an exceptional blend of factors that make it an excellent choice. Its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel special without pretension. The inventive cocktail menu, backed by fresh local ingredients and expert bartenders, ensures drinks start conversations and create shared experiences. Access to Michelin-starred dining from the nearby Broma restaurant means your group can enjoy gourmet food without moving locations. The attentive service and supportive staff help your event run smoothly, freeing you to focus on enjoying your company. The addition of live jazz music adds an elegant cultural touch that enhances the ambiance and makes your meetup feel like a genuine occasion. Conveniently located in the heart of Mountain View with easy access and accommodations, The Emerald Hour offers not just a place to meet but a complete sensory experience that enriches your time together. Choosing this lounge means choosing quality, comfort, and a memorable backdrop for your special moments.