Mangetsu Japanese Cuisine
We have eaten at Mangetsu probably four or five times over the past two or three years. Initially we loved the place: terrific food and wonderful service. However, on our last visit in May, we were very disappointed. The sushi was decidedly small (they used to serve especially generous portions), the prices seemed higher, and the wait staff almost ignored us the entire time we were there. (They weren't busy.) We spent $120 for five people, no alcohol, and left still feeling a bit hungry. Because they were so good before, we may try one more time--just in case the last time was a fluke.
Skipolini's Pizza
Skipolini's offers good old-fashioned pizza in a fun atmosphere. The building looks like a converted single family home. You can dine in one of several rooms indoors with peanut shells covering the floors, or opt for picnic benches in the backyard among the trees. A large adjoining outdoor play area (within view of the benches) helps entertain those little ones with too much energy to sit still in a restaurant. The pizza is very good--better than most--but it's the atmosphere that makes it special. A favorite when the kids were small, and ever since.
Leonardi's Pizza
This pizza place is inside WinCo, take-out only. Of course, the quality can't touch a real pizzeria, but for those nights when time is short, and tempers are wearing thin, it can be a real lifesaver. You can buy either bake at home, or already baked; the price difference is just a dollar or two. They offer just the basics, but for a quick meal and a good value, it is hard to beat.
Aladino's Pizza
If you're looking for pizza with a chewy crust and fresh ingredients, Aladino's may be for you. We've eaten here way more times than I'd like to admit (many times with sports teams for season-ending parties). Eating in can get pretty noisy, and the room fills up pretty quickly ion weekday evenings. Take out is pretty quick, prices are reasonable, but sometimes the quality is rushed & we've had a few substandard pizzas from time to time. Overall though it's our first choice in Brentwood for your basic pizza.
Tao San Jin
TSJ in Slatten Ranch is more than a cut above the usual Chinese restaurant. The food is top-notch, and the decor is lovely (white and lavender cloth table linens). The wait staff is consistently helpful, attentive and friendly, even when the restaurant is crowded (which is most nights). Highly recommend!
Nines Restaurant
We loved the food and service back when this restaurant was Bunkers. We recently returned for a family celebration and found ourselves thrust in the middle of someone else's wedding reception. The party was in the banquet room, but the walls are thin, and we were hard pressed to hear each other across the table. The wait staff was so inattentive, our simple meal took over two hours! The food was unimpressive, and rather pricey. I doubt we'll bother going back.
Jalisco's Restaurant
It would be easy to miss Jalisco's, especially with so many Mexican restaurants in town, but we've had the best luck with them. We eat there about once every two months or so. Their food is consistently well-prepared and delicious. We often order the super burritos and quesidillas. (The shrimp fajita burrito is especially good.) The servings are HUGE, so we almost always have leftovers to enjoy the next day. The wait staff is very friendly and provides excellent service. We highly recommend Jaliscos.
Geddes Music Brentwood
We have rented instruments from Geddes Music for many years. They have always provided good service, even when the instrument needed repair. The store is cramped, but less so now that they've rearranged the display counters. Also, John did a good job tuning our piano at home. Emil Geddes has been involved in music education and the community for many years. He deserves your business, and has earned our support.
Budget Rent A Car Sears Auto Center
Though Sears Auto has good products (tires and batteries especially), I can't recommend the service at this location. Twice we drove the 30 minute drive in the evening, arriving to a near-empty shop an hour or two before closing, only to be told they couldn't fit us in. We were especially put off by the snottiness of the clerk. We thought the first time was maybe a fluke. After the second time, we decided never to come back.
Vornhagen Body & Paint
For unfortunate reasons, we have needed Vornhagen's services three times in the past few years. Each time they have done absolutely beautiful job. My husband is pretty picky, but he just raves about the quality of their workmanship. Two repairs were covered by our insurance, and Vornhagen's made the process effortless. They handled most of the coordination with the insurance companies, and everything went smoothly. The owner is very friendly, and we always get a very nice thank you card in the mail afterwards. We highly recommend Vornhagen's!
