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Anyone on the hunt for a happening scene in Palo Alto should follow the scent to Chef Robbie Wilson's Bird Dog, where the décor is sleek and the cocktails flow freely.

The food is ambitious, and while it may misstep here and there, it gets points for a modern approach. Delicious options abound; start with a wood-grilled avocado filled with ponzu and a dab of fresh wasabi before tucking in to the KFC, three bone-in Jidori chicken thighs coated in a thick, crunchy batter and served with a kicky chickpea gochujang. House-made sodas, with flavors like blueberry lemon, banana lime and ginger cinnamon-chai, are especially refreshing. Finish with the doughnuts and coffee, a trio of warm and dainty coffee-glazed, sugar-dipped and chocolaty delights.