Small Biz Saturday: Support Gilroy's Locally Owned Restaurants

For Small Business Saturday, held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Patch went searching for some unique gifts nearby, and asked a few Gilroy businesses which other small, local businesses they support. You can read what they had to say, below.

You can purchase gift cards at any of the listed eateries, and can read about the small businesses local retail owners love, too. Be sure to check out our .

LIZARRAN TAPAS RESTAURANT

Located in the Old City Hall Building, 7400 Monterey Street

Joe Walton said, “In no particular order, I like Garlic City Café, First Street Coffee, Nine Lives, Los Pericos, and O.D.’s. I also want to put Lizarran in the list, because I think our patio is one of the best places to share a bottle of wine with friends.”

Gary Walton, who may be downtown Gilroy's biggest advocate, said this about supporting Gilroy's small businesses, "We used to build places that mattered, places that were worth caring about. Places like the Old City Hall, the Carnegie Library, or Wheeler Hospital. People take the time to stop, admire and photograph these places all the time. But caring about places, means also caring about those local businesses that are owned by local people that you know and who are always there for the community."

"Our local businesses, much like our historical buildings, are the unique markers that define one's community versus the placeless, faceless impact that corporate chain stores have on a community, who in the end always change someplace into anyplace."

"For example, take Brad Jones and Cinda Meister who recently opened BookSmart Kids [downtown]. Besides having a lot of unique items you can't find in the chain stores, I personally know and like them, and they have always shown a genuine concern for me. I plan on doing all my Christmas shopping there for my new grandson, not just because I know the owners, but because I like the feeling of being loyal. I hope that the community does the same this year and shows its support for all the local small businesses who provide the majority of jobs in this country."

FIRST STREET COFFEE

Located at 1211 First Street

After Thanksgiving, First Street Coffee will offer a wide variety of gift baskets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and mugs. Gift cards are available year round.

Owner Konni Thomas said, “We love Stubby’s and go there every Sunday after church. We like Westside Café and we always have fantastic food at , too. And for gifts I like Amoretto.”

Her daughter, Kassi Swalboski agrees, adding “They have beautiful things at Amoretto and the people there are so nice.”

GARLIC CITY CAFE

Located at 7461 Monterey Street

The food turned out in a tiny kitchen by is legendary. Want to give someone a bowl of Diego’s famous Cream of Garlic Soup? Margarita will write a gift certificate that can be used at any time.

Margarita Diego says on their days off they like to go out for great seafood at El Michoacano.

MILIAS RESTAURANT

Located at 7393 Monterey Street

Owner says she plans to give almost everyone on her list wines from local wineries this Christmas.

VICTORIAS

Located at 757 First Street

Yes, you can buy gift cards and treat your loved ones to great Mexican food in the New Year, but you can also give the most unusual gift on our list: Hire Gilroy’s Elvis, Donald Prieto, to sing Christmas carols at your holiday gathering. Call 848-1052.

We couldn’t list every small business that we love, but you can add to the list in the comment section, below. Which small business in Gilroy is your favorite?