The Spirit Guide to Nourishment
At BayCon, staying hydrated and fueled is essential to fully immerse yourself in all the exciting programming and activities. Whether you’re hopping between panels, networking with fellow fans, or exploring new creative realms, proper nourishment keeps you energized and ready for every adventure. This helpful guide is designed to lead you through a diverse culinary landscape that ensures you never miss a beat.
The Santa Clara Marriott offers a range of on-site dining options to suit every taste. Guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant (Bosc+Bartlett, pictured above) serving contemporary Californian cuisine, an incredibly delectable breakfast buffet at the Orchard Restaurant, a casual coffee bar ideal for a quick snack or leisurely cup of coffee within the hotel’s lobby, and a self-service convenience store near hotel registration. Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant meal or a relaxed bite between events, the hotel’s culinary offerings are designed to enhance your stay.
Concession Stand (Fri-Sun)
During the first three days of the convention, once the buffet closes at noon, the hotel offers to BayCon attendees a low-cost concession stand inside the Orchard Restaurant. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, chili, pizza, soups & salads, along with a wide variety of drinks from juice to soda pop—all without making your wallet weep (especially after you visit our amazing Marketplace)!
More Options Are Just A Short Walk or Drive Away…
Beyond the Marriott, the local area boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, all within easy reach. For those looking for a quick bite or a casual dining experience, you can take a short walk to local favorites (links open to order pages or menus):
- Starbucks: Across the street from the hotel – a convenient stop for coffee, pastries, and light fare.
- McDonald’s: About 0.1 miles away – a reliable option for a quick, familiar meal.
- Panera Bread: About 0.2 miles from the hotel, offering soups, salads, and freshly made sandwiches.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Across US101 south of the hotel – perfect for customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos.
- Subway: Also around 0.3 miles away, ideal for a quick, satisfying sandwich or salad.
- Jack in the Box: Across US101 south of the hotel – offering a variety of fast-food options.
- Curry Champ: Catty-corner from the hotel – Japanese eatery specializing in curry dishes (On DoorDash)
- Iguanas: Catty-corner – The San Jose-native burrito shop; home of the Burritozilla!
- House of Bagels: Catty-corner – The San Francisco-born New York-style bagel chain; get yourself a schmear!
- Wingstop: Catty-corner – Known for its bone-in & boneless chicken and sauces.
- Pizza My Heart: Catty-corner – a Bay Area original, known for its gourmet pizza selections.
- Fremont Afghan Kabobs: Catty-corner – 100% Halal menu featuring a wide variety of Afghani dishes.
- Banh Mi & Bowl: Catty-corner – Vietnamese-fusion eatery offering sandwiches, bowls, and snacks. (On DoorDash)
- HinoNori: Catty-corner – Michelin Guide-featured Japanese shop serving bowls of “craft ramen.”
- Smoke Eaters: Around 0.2 miles away – a Santa Clara native, celebrated for its spicy chicken wings.
- Tomatina: Approximately 0.4 miles away – a local favorite for hearty Italian dishes.
- Pedro’s: About 0.7 miles away – A 15-minute walk down Freedom Circle for authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Sizzler: About 0.3 miles away – a classic spot for steak, seafood, and salad buffets.
- Indian Sizzler: Across the street from the hotel – serving flavorful Indian cuisine in a casual setting; a BayCon favorite.
If you’re in the mood to explore further, a short drive (typically 5–10 minutes) will bring you to a host of other dining options. BayCon staffers often visit family-owned Mikayla’s Cafe (about 2 miles away) for a classically delicious American breakfast experience. Enjoy a nationally-famous Californian fast-food experience at In-N-Out Burger (about 0.7 miles away), indulge in Halal gourmet burgers at iniBurger (approximately 4 miles away), or opt for a more upscale American fare at a chain establishment like Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (8 miles away). Finally, for those who like to bet the bank on a world-class dining experience, head over to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, located roughly 1–2 miles from the hotel, on the other side of US-101.
In need of a grocery store? There’s a Walmart Neighborhood Market (1.5 miles away at the Mercado Shopping Center), a Whole Foods (2.3 miles away, across US101, south from the hotel), and a Safeway (2 miles away at the Rivermark Plaza Shopping Center). Should you have a membership to Costco Wholesale, the nearest store is 4.5 miles southeast on Coleman Ave & Brokaw Road, located near the San Jose International Airport. All four stores have delivery options if you’re in need.
Most of the above options are available on your favorite food delivery apps (DoorDash, GrubHub, etc.). Check their websites to confirm before ordering.
Whether you choose to dine on-site or explore the vibrant local culinary scene, you’ll find that the Santa Clara area offers delicious options just steps or a short drive from BayCon.