New Coffee Spots and Zoning Updates!

Learn more about 2 new coffee shops & a cocktail bar, plus your November lineup of events

Author

Greg Kemper
November 06, 2025

In partnership with

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the art exhibit teaching you to make use of lesser-known public spaces, plus a potential update to zoning laws designed to fill vacant storefronts. Also, preview upcoming events in November!

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

🔥 Wildfire Mitigation: Find out about the increased efforts across the city to reduce wildfire risk

🍷 New Drinks! A new cocktail bar and two new coffee shops launching

🍁 Fall fun: Preview upcoming events in November

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🔥 Wildfire Mitigation Efforts 

In Palo Alto, city officials are stepping up vegetation removal, power-line under-grounding and other critical measures to reduce wildfire risk in the hills and foothill zones. The multi-agency initiative includes clearing overgrown brush, thinning trees near evacuation corridors, and creating defensible space around high-risk homes.

The strategy reflects growing awareness that prevention and preparedness must be baked into everyday infrastructure and land-management decisions. For residents, this means a safer neighborhood environment and more visibility into what the city is doing to safeguard homes and open spaces. Read more here. 

👷🏽‍♀️ Retail & Zoning Changes

Palo Alto is exploring a loosening of its zoning rules to make the downtown and commercial corridors more welcoming for retailers and small businesses. By clarifying and updating longstanding codes, especially around ground-floor uses and mixed-use development, the city hopes to reduce barriers and help fill vacant storefronts.

The goal is to encourage a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly retail mix that supports local entrepreneurs and enhances the visitor experience. As the policy work advances, business owners and residents alike may see new opportunities emerge in the near term. Read more here. 

✈️ City Explores Airport Weather System Upgrade

The City of Palo Alto is hosting a community meeting to discuss the installation of a new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at the Palo Alto Airport. The system will provide real-time weather data to improve flight safety and airport operations. City staff will share project details, the installation timeline, and potential impacts on nearby neighborhoods. The meeting takes place Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback on this important airport upgrade. Read more here.

❄️ Sports Basement Annual Snowfest Event

Sports Basement (Redwood City & Mountain View) is hosting its annual Snowfest sale! Not only do they have great deals on snow gear, but they also offer door prizes, free drinks, snacks, and swag giveaways (think skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles, apparel, & so much more!) You can also get discounted lift tickets to Palisades Tahoe and talk to reps from over 50 snow brands. RSVPs are required but free.

☕️ Cuppucho Opens as Micro Coffee Roastery and Café

111 Elm St, Redwood City
Photo: Cappucho

A fresh, artisanal coffee spot has opened in downtown Redwood City: Cappucho, a micro-roastery and kiosk café that blends European coffee culture with local craftsmanship. This shipping-container-turned coffee spot features on-site bean roasting, spring-water pours, and a concise menu of espresso drinks and Swiss-Italian light fare. Owner Joe Witherspoon says the concept was inspired by Italian-Swiss “street-corner” cafés and emphasizes simplicity, quality and community over buzz. Whether you’re grabbing a quick brew or lingering with friends, Cappucho offers a warm, design-forward alternative to chain cafés on the Peninsula.

☕️ Goodthing Coffee Opens in Palo Alto  

532 Ramona St, Palo Alto
Photo: Goodthing Coffee

A fresh new café has recently opened a new location in downtown Palo Alto, offering a calm and inviting space to enjoy specialty coffee and desserts. At Goodthing Coffee you’ll find the signature Viennese-style “einspanner”, a rich espresso topped with whipped cream, paired with delicate, Japanese-inspired cheesecakes that melt almost like clouds. The minimalist interior and sunny patio create a relaxed environment perfect for catching up with friends or grabbing a solo cup of inspiration. If you’re looking for a sweet treat and quality brew just steps from the bustle, this spot is worth a stop.

🍸 The Grotto in Los Altos - Speakeasy Cocktails 

A stylish new speakeasy has quietly opened on 160 State Street in downtown Los Altos, inviting city dwellers into an intimate world of French-art inspirations and bespoke cocktails. At The Grotto, each drink is thoughtfully crafted, sometimes named after the cut-outs of famous modern artist Henri Matisse, and the ambiance blends subtle elegance with hidden-bar charm. Guests can expect rich, layered flavors and a setting that encourages slow, engaging conversation rather than rushed rounds. With its refined mixology and art-forward concept, The Grotto offers an inviting new option for a refined night out in the heart of the Peninsula.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

🇲🇲 Burma Love in Menlo Park is Now Serving Burmese Brunch 

1302 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Burma Love is an award-winning Burmese restaurant that has now introduced a vibrant weekend brunch alongside its lunch and dinner offerings. Named “Best Burmese Restaurant in the Bay Area” by SFGate’s 2025 Best-of Bay Area list, the restaurant brings bold flavors and inventive dishes to the Peninsula food scene. On the brunch menu you’ll find Burmese-inspired twists on classics, like tea-leaf salads, rich curries, and standout specials. There's also a Set Lunch option designed for sampling multiple dishes in one sitting. For anyone seeking a lively, flavour-rich meal in a relaxed yet stylish setting, this is a spot to savour and remember.

🎪 Zoppe Italian Family Circus | Parking Lot next to Downtown RWC Library | Redwood City | November 6-30 | More
Join the Zoppe Family circus for a night of acrobatics, clowns, & more 

🎭 Annie | Lucie Stern Community Center | Palo Alto | November 7-23 | More
Palo Alto Players continues its 95th season with the Broadway classic Annie!

🎄 Fantasy of Lights Ticket Sale | Vasona Lake County Park | Los Gatos | 11/7 | More
Get your tickets early for this annual holiday light display, a sparkling experience for the whole family.

🎨 Greenmeadow Artisan Fair | Greenmeadow Park | Palo Alto | 11/8 | More
Art, pottery, jewelry & more! Plus food trucks & live music

🛝 Art Project with Casa Circulo Cultural | Magical Bridge Playground | Redwood City | 11/8 | More
Free art project for children of all ages and abilities

🖼️ Celebrate the new Youth Art Installation! | Center for Creativity | Redwood City | 11/9 | More
Check out the new youth mural installation & scavenger hunt

🛍️ Holiday Stroll | Downtown | Los Altos | 11/14 | More
Celebrate the season with festive shopping, live music, and holiday cheer in the heart of downtown.

✨ Merry & Bright Preview Night | Filoli | Woodside | 11/21 | More
Experience Filoli’s gardens lit up for the holidays before the general public, with enchanting displays and festive ambiance.

🚂 Gilded, Thistlewyck, and Holiday Lights | Filoli | Woodside | 11/22 -1/11| More
Tiny trains, big cheer, and endless wonder await at Filoli’s holiday light display, running through Jan 11.

🍂 Thanksgiving Centerpieces | Filoli | Woodside | 11/24 & 25 | More
Create beautiful seasonal centerpieces in this hands-on workshop just in time for Thanksgiving.

🎆 Festival of Lights Parade | Downtown | Los Altos | 11/30 | More
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade, holiday floats, and family-friendly celebration.

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