Bridges: A Danville Legacy

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By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident Since 2010

It often feels as though restaurants open and close their doors with the changing of the seasons. The hottest pizza place in town can go out of business in a matter of months if they’re not careful. Maintaining a consistently regular clientele while still keeping up with the latest food trends can be trickier than people realize. However, some restaurants have managed to stand the test of time in Danville. Bridges is one of them.

Considered a landmark of Danville, Bridges opened its doors in 1987 and has been going strong ever since. Owner, Randy Negi has been running Bridges since 2004 and opened its sister restaurant The Vine in 2008. “We are always evolving,” says Negi. “But, we still want to remain familiar and consistent.” Bridges used to be associated with ‘special occasion’ dining, often considered the place you went for your birthday or took Mom for Mother’s Day. Negi felt that the time had come to present its patrons with a more casual option.

Live music in the patio brings a charming and fun energy on the days that get hot, and people just want to relax outside with a glass of wine. The Vine is currently undergoing renovations in an effort to raise the bar......literally. They plan to install a kitchen for small plate service and add spirits to the menu. The Vine has grown popular among the young weekend crowds looking for something a little more dark and hip. Another unique trait of Bridges that keeps the bar packed is its $10 Blue Plate Special, which is featured Monday-Friday evenings. Carefully crafted by their talented chefs, this Asian\European inspired dish changes month to month and playfully coincides with the season or any up-and-coming holiday. For example, in October, when the World Series is approaching, the $10 special might be gourmet bratwurst with chipotle slaw, or a spicy cajun dish during Mardi Gras.

Of course, any movie buff is familiar with the famous Danville eatery because it was featured in the blockbuster hit film Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams. Fans anxiously gathered outside of the restaurant for weeks on end in 1993 hoping to catch a glimpse of the mega-stars filming inside. Bridges was featured in Diablo Magazine in 2006 and is a popular pre-show hot spot for anyone attending a performance at the Village Theater. It is a brief 25 step walk to the theater’s front door just in time for curtain.

Bridges Restaurant

44 Church St., Danville CA 94526

925-820-7200

Stephanie Seaberg has been a resident of Danville since 2010, has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumna. Steph is a play writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing.