36 minutes in Concord

Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord at dusk. Photo courtesy of Visit Concord.

With the tagline "Put a Little Play in Your Stay", Concord is a perfect spot for a BARTable 36-minute visit. Just northeast of the shopping mecca of Walnut Creek sits the historic downtown of Concord. With beautiful surroundings and an "old-town" vibe, you may just find a new favorite place where their tagline rings true for the abundant options of food, entertainment, and fun that awaits! 

As for its history, did you know that Concord is over 150 years old? Did you know that Concord was home to jazz great Dave Brubeck? You can find out about those things and more on the Concord Historical Society's self-guided walking tour. Visit here for the tour and take a step back in time as you take in the current sites.  

Let's go.

To see more features in our 36 minutes series, click here.

Todos Santos Plaza in Concord can be found in the heart of town. Photo courtesy of Felicia Kieselhorst.

Truly BARTable and in the heart of town, Todos Santos Plaza, named after the original township that became Concord, is just an eight-minute walk from Concord station. There you will find a wonderful park where Farmer's Market finds its home on Saturdays from May through October and festivals are hosted throughout the year. If it's a few minutes to unwind that you're looking for on an event-free day, grab a Bubble Tea from Sharetea around the corner and find your way there to sit and enjoy a few minutes of reprieve. As an extra bonus, you will find free wi-fi plaza-wide!

Grab a taco (or two) from Taqueria Los Gallos on Taco Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Visit Concord.

There are a few good choices for Mexican fare if that's what you're hankering for. You can find La Pinata just a block down on Willow Pass Rd or directly across from the Plaza is Taqueria Los Gallos. Both offer authentic dishes for dining in or taking out and if you visit on a Tuesday, head to "Taco Tuesdays" when for $1 you can indulge in your choice of Al Pastor, Carnitas, Shredded Chicken, Grilled Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Chorizo, or Chile Verde tacos - you may want to try one of each! 

Grab a libation and enjoy some time at Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden. Photo courtesy of Side Gate Brewery.

If after you grab some take-out you're up for a libation, you will be happy to find Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden is just around the corner. Offering exclusive craft beer and seltzers brewed on-site, this family-friendly taproom and expansive beer garden is your stop to grab a drink where they welcome food brought in from their neighbors. Food trucks are on-site six days a week which almost never disappoints as a good food option. And don't forget, the entry is through the side gate!

Find a craft beer at The Hop Grenade Tap Room & Bottle Shop. Photo courtesy of The Brewing Network.

Another great option for food and drink is The Hop Grenade just across the street on the northside of the Plaza. This taproom and bottle shop offers craft beers from San Diego to Germany with a food menu that will pair well with whatever your drink choice. The owners are self-proclaimed "beer nerds" who first founded "The Brewing Network," a radio show that turned into a network of podcasts, videos, blogs, etc., all about, you guessed it... beer. Eventually, they turned up the volume by taking all that beer knowledge they grew popular for by opening their own establishment.

Enjoy a delicious pizza pie at Skipolini's. Photo courtesy of Skipolini's Pizza.

This writer would be remiss if Skipolini's Pizza didn't make it onto this list. A tried and true local East Bay haunt, originally started by Bev and "Skip" Ipsen in 1974 in Clayton (a town next door to Concord), provides some of the yummiest pizza and pasta in a family-friendly environment. Having expanded their locations to include this one just off the Plaza, it's a great place to go with or without the kids. In fact, speaking of kids, they've become somewhat known for their "Prego" pizza which has a reputation for inducing labor for those who are ready for "that day to finally come!"

The Don Francisco Galindo home in Concord. Photo courtesy of the Concord Historical Society.

If learning more Concord history is up your alley, the Concord Historical Society makes its residence just a hop, skip, and a jump from Concord BART and Todos Santos Plaza and would make a good stop on your way into town or on your way out. Either way, if you're a history buff, you'll be mesmerized by all there is to learn about the town and its history there.

You'll find all things good at Alpine Pastry & Cakes. Photo courtesy of Yelp.

It would be bad form if we didn't include a place to pick up some sweet treats. And, not just any old sweet treats, Alpine Pastry & Cakes sweet treats! This landmark bakery has graced Concord for more than five decades by serving up goodness to generations of Concord-ians and beyond. Stop by on your way out of town to take some goodies home but please remember, no nibbling on the train!

Serious fun can be had at Q-Zar. Photo courtesy of Yelp.

By now, 36-minutes will have been well spent in Downtown Concord and it'll be time to head back to the station and to your next destination on BART. But before you go, you're sure to have noticed a number of entertainment options to choose from. Brendan Theaters with 14 screens and reservable luxury reclining seats sits just a block west of the Plaza and Q-Zar, offering indoor laser tag and arcade games, sits just east. Clearly, you'll need to revisit soon!

Let's connect. 

What's your favorite BARTable spot in Concord? Have a suggestion for our next 36 minutes feature? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable and SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.