36 minutes in Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre

Just steps away from the station is Parada New Peru. Photo courtesy of Parada New Peru.

In this segment we head to Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre in the East Bay. Jump on BART on a pretty day to this destination and take in the newly-renovated area with lovely outdoor seating areas. Enjoy some fare from a nearby haunt - we share two great options for you here. If you’re looking to stay a little longer than 36 minutes, perhaps to even have an overnight "staycation", there is an Embassy Suites just across the street from the station that is open and safely welcoming visitors.

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Try one of Parada's delicious Peruvian sandwiches. Photo courtesy of Parada New Peru.

Just two blocks of the station is a Peruvian restaurant that has taken the Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek communities by storm. Imagine walking into an energetic outdoor produce market in Lima, Peru with brightly colored vegetables, a gleaming array of freshly caught seafood and succulent aromas of the region’s renowned rotisserie chicken. Parada New Peru is warm, approachable and offers just that from the Michelin-star garnering chef, Carlos Altamirano. With onsite dining options (adhering to CDC safety guidelines) and available take-out, this is a great place to experience something downright yummy and out of the ordinary.

A one-minute walk from BART takes you to Hops & Scotch. Photo courtesy of Hops & Scotch.

If it's craft beer and whiskey you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Hops & Scotch is just a one-minute walk from the station. A tap room, whiskey bar and wine bar with a craft food menu, this place is a hidden cocktail gem. Currently open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4-9pm with safe seating and take-out options, you will find a place built on the love of drinking by a couple of dreamers who have made their dream a reality. With a pleasant atmosphere, abundant outdoor seating and a plethora of drink options to choose from, it’s touted as a great place to relax and enjoy good conversation or to pick-up and take it with you.

Have a little fun visiting the new Short Edition story kiosk at Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre station. Photo courtesy of Seung Lee.

Before exiting and upon entering the station, make a quick stop at the new Short Edition story kiosk for a little fun. There are currently three of these little beauties placed inside BART stations and Pleasant Hill was lucky to be one of them. The kiosks are like vending machines for creative writing, dispensing stories on eco-friendly recyclable, receipt-like paper. Being touchless, hovering a finger over the button is all it takes to create a story. Stories are suitable for all ages and can be shared and compared with your traveling companions. Look for it just inside the fare gates. Enjoy!

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Did you head to Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre to check out these places? Have a suggestion for our next 36 minutes feature? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.