Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant

Fine dining restaurant · SoFA

3

@atlasobscura

"At most restaurants, music is a mere garnish. But at the Orchestria Palm Court in downtown San Jose, diners can enjoy a buffet of marvelous musical instruments along with their meal. As part of Silicon Valley, San Jose is no stranger to amazing technology. At the Orchestria Palm Court, that technology happens to be 100 years old. Before Steve Jobs and his Apple engineers in nearby Cupertino ever dreamed up an iPod, people still turned to machines for music. Engineer Mark Williams, Orchestria Palm Court’s owner, collected a wide array of such machines and has put them on display in a refurbished auto showroom from 1910. There’s the Coinola electric piano, which can play the hits of the early 20th century. Then there are the restaurant’s two orchestrions. An orchestrion (also the namesake for the restaurant) is a machine that can mimic the sounds of an entire orchestra. Along with piano, mandolin, and various percussion instruments, the establishment’s Coinola X Orchestrion will even play the triangle. Also featured are two early jukeboxes (1926 and 1928) and, perhaps, the most wonderful machine of them all: the Violano-Virtuoso Player Violin. If the magic of a self-playing violin isn’t enough, the machine also accompanies itself with a piano, all using an electric motor and electromagnets. On holidays from Bastille Day to Christmas, along with the birthdays of famous composers, the machines are set up to play the appropriate tunes. While music from the various machines plays, diners can sample a farm-t0-table menu, of which the Austrian goulash and chicken breast saltimbocca are favorites. Orchestria Palm Court also has an old-fashioned soda menu, including malted milks, phosphates, and drinks with names such as Poppy Dew and Raspberry Ambrosia. But if you want to listen to some old-time music and sip an old-school soda, be sure to keep an eye on your calendar. Orchestria Palm Court is open only on Friday and Saturday, from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m., and reservations are heartily recommended." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

7 Curious Collections Hiding in Restaurants and Bars
Courtesy of Orchestria Palm Court

27 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112 Get directions

orchestriapalmcourt.com
@orchestriapalmcourt

3 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Dynasty Chinese Cuisine

Chinese restaurant · Little Saigon

At Dynasty Chinese Seafood, dim sum reigns supreme with traditional cart service and a bustling atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for weddings and family gatherings.

1 Postcard

FITOOR

Modern Indian restaurant · Santana Row

Fitoor at Santana Row serves up a chic blend of innovative Indian cuisine and live music in a stunning, upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for any celebration.

8 Postcards

Adega

Portuguese restaurant · Little Portugal South

In the heart of Little Portugal, this relaxed spot dishes out delightful Portuguese tapas in a rustic setting, making it perfect for casual sharing with friends.

11 Postcards

Augustine

Restaurant · Santana Row

Augustine, the latest gem from Bacchus Management Group, combines coastal Californian cuisine with French and Italian flair in a chic, inviting space featuring a stunning U-shaped bar.

1 Postcard

Curry Up Now

Indian restaurant · Crescent Village

Curry Up Now is a lively spot serving inventive Indian street food, like tikka masala burritos and delightful small bites, all in a colorful, casual ambiance.

2 Postcards

Momosan Santana Row

Japanese restaurant · Santana Row

Momosan in Santana Row offers a stylish twist on Japanese cuisine, serving up standout ramen and unique fusion dishes like duck tacos and popcorn shrimp.

3 Postcards

T-T Deli

Deli · Garden Alameda

Nestled in an office park, T-T Deli is a vibrant gem serving crave-worthy Vietnamese street food like bánh mì and strong, refreshing coffee.

1 Postcard

Nirvana Soul Coffee

Coffee shop · SoFA

Nirvana Soul is a vibrant coffee shop in downtown San Jose, offering unique drinks, delicious waffles, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates local art.

3 Postcards

Mango Garden

Malaysian restaurant · Joaquin Miller

Mango Garden is a lively Thai and Malaysian hotspot where friendly service and hearty portions meet a buzzing atmosphere perfect for friends and families.

1 Postcard

Taco Bell Cantina

Fast food restaurant · Westfield Oakridge

Taco Bell Cantina brings a fresh twist to the fast-food scene with tacos and nachos, a lively atmosphere, and even alcoholic beverages in a stylish mall setting.

1 Postcard