Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. That seems to be the guiding principle of The Creek Eatery, a San Jose bar and grill that pairs Instagram-friendly atmosphere with a straight-forward menu centered on its wood-fired grill and craft beer offerings.

The interior is understated, and rustic, with reclaimed wood tables and cast iron fixtures. A copper-sided pizza oven looms over the open kitchen, and a bar with twenty rotating taps sits in the corner. A communal table for large groups of friends (or soon-to-be friends) stands nearby, with a heated patio just outside. The menu draws on local and sustainably sourced ingredients, with farm-to-table standards like burrata with roasted cherry tomatoes, beet and mixed green salads, and home-style burgers, ribs, and fried chicken. Pizzas remain the house specialty, however, with the prosciutto pie serving as a particular standout. Beer lovers should keep an eye on the website and social media profiles for tap takeover announcements.

Public Domain/Photo by Cathal Mac an Bheatha on Unsplash