Concord

Benihana

Concord is one of the few Bay Area locations for the well-known chain of Japanese restaurants where the chefs cook and entertain at your table. The prices are somewhat on the pricey side — plan $6-14 for lunch and $15-40 for dinner — but it's good food and better fun. The "Hibachi Steak" dinner is griddle-fried beef served with shrimp appetizer, choice of rice and grilled vegetables.

Brenden Theatres Concord 14

Fourteen screens of movie magic with stadium seating, greasy popcorn, and thundering sound systems. Brenden Theatres was the anchor tenant of downtown Concord's rebirth in the late 1990s.

Concord Pavilion

A 12,500-seat amphitheatre that hosts dozens of major concerts each year. The amphitheatre is configured with approximately 8,000 reserved seats and, for the more frugal and potentially rain-tolerant music lover, 4,500 lawn seats. Upcoming concerts can be found on the pavilion's online calendar.

Diablo Creek Golf Course

An 18-hole golf course with a large practice putting green, pro shop, lighted driving range. It also has a sports bar and restaurant.

Digger's Diner

This is a family-run diner that got its unique name from the father of the family's unusual job digging graves. Although this is not his current occupation, there is a huge mural inside the establishment depicting a comical graveyard next to a bustling diner. Their friendly staff makes for a great atmosphere, and they are quick to serve and very good about special orders. The prices are usual for any diner; you could definitely get by eating lunch for under $10.

Don Francisco Galindo House

One of the few remaining Victorian homes left in the area, a 19th-century home built in 1856, open to the public for daytime use.

Guadalajara Grill # B6

The super chicken burrito runs about $7.95 for lunch and $8.95 for dinner, and when combined with the never-ending chips and salsa is guaranteed to leave you full. Super fast service and free Tootsie Roll Pops seal this establishment's top-notch reputation. Serving lunch and dinner from 11AM to 10PM.

Half Price Books

A Concord branch of the famous Berkeley bookstore, right on Todos Santos plaza.

Himalayan Cuisine

Excellent and wide-ranging Himalayan (Indian and Nepalese) lunch buffet with complementary teas and kheer (rice pudding). Fridays they have delicious momo, Himalayan dumplings, and probably the only place in Concord to have them.

11:30 AM - 8 PM·$10-$12

Kansai

Dedicated to Japanese sushi. Try the sushi rolls like 49er, Katie 2, Kansai, or Sweet Surrendor.

Legends & Heroes Sports Bar

For those wanting to get their football, basketball or baseball fix while downing a few brews, Legends offers the TV and taps necessary to help you out.

Naan 'n Curry

An alternate choice for Indian food in the center of the town. Don't miss the exquisite lamb and prawn biriyani.

$10-20 per person for lunch

Old Spaghetti Factory

Yes, it's a chain, but the food is decent and the prices aren't unreasonable. Besides, what other restaurants in Concord offer specials that include ice cream?

Pixieland Amusement Park

A small amusement park for children from toddlers to age 8, including a train, carousel, and other rides. Pack a picnic (no alcoholic beverages, outside pizza, or barbecue grills).

Admission is free; $2.25–$4.50 per ride

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

A waterpark featuring slides, pools, and other manner of devices meant to use the Bay Area's limited water supply.

Solano Drive-In

This drive-in is part of the West Wind chain and features digital projection and sound transmitted directly to the car stereo. The latest movies are shown, most as double features, with a 15-minute intermission between films to grab food at the snack bar, or you can bring your own food and tailgate (no alcohol is allowed). Tickets are not sold online, so arrive early for popular films to ensure a ticket and a good parking spot are available, and be sure to bring a blanket or jacket on cold nights.

$7.95 general admission ($5.25 on Tuesdays), $1.25 per child

Sunvalley Mall

Concord's lone mega-mall caters to all manner of teenage fashion fantasies, the appliance fetishes of middle-aged women, and shopping phobias of middle-aged men. The main area is two stories with escalators, stairs, and a large glass elevator. The mall includes a JC Penney and a Macy's. In front of the elevator is a lounge area which is also used for live entertainment and the annual Christmas Santa event.

Swagat Indian Cuisine

Excellent Indian restaurant. Great lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Friday and Saturday evenings. Food is served fresh and hot.

Taqueria Los Gallos

Try the carne guisada, a rare find in Mexican restaurants; this ranchero style beef is mildly spicy and majorly flavorful. A full salsa bar is a welcome plus.

Daily 8AM-11PM·Less than $10 per person

The Mediterranean

Tasty shawarma, kebab, falafel, dolmus, pita, hummus and fuul.

Willows Shopping Center

While not quite the labyrinth of Sunvalley, this mall features an REI Outdoor, Any Mountain Sports.