Ava's Downtown Market
About
Ava's Downtown Market is a family-friendly grocery store and casual eatery combo in the heart of Mountain View's Castro Street. Parents love the fresh, wholesome food options including build-your-own sandwiches and salads, plus the outdoor patio seating that gives kids room to move around while you enjoy a relaxed meal or pick up quality groceries for the family.
Highlights
- βFresh, customizable sandwiches and salads that accommodate picky eaters
- βOutdoor patio seating perfect for families with active kids
- βHigh-quality butcher counter with family-friendly cuts and meal ideas
- βFresh fruit and veggie selection for healthy snacking
- βCasual, no-pressure atmosphere where kids can be kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the butcher counter for high-quality meats to grill at home - staff are helpful with family meal planning suggestions
- 2.Grab sandwiches to-go and walk two blocks to Pioneer Park for an impromptu picnic with the kids
- 3.The outdoor patio is first-come, first-served and fills up fast during lunch on weekdays - arrive before 11:30am or after 1:30pm
- 4.Let kids pick out fresh fruit from the produce section as a healthy snack while you shop
- 5.Street parking on Castro can be tricky; use the public parking garage on Evelyn Avenue just a block away
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11am) or weekend afternoons offer the most relaxed shopping and dining experience. Avoid the lunch rush (noon-1pm) when downtown workers crowd the area. The outdoor patio is most pleasant during spring and fall.
What to Know
Moderately priced with most sandwiches and meals in the $10-15 range. Street parking requires meters, but the nearby Evelyn Avenue garage offers more family-friendly options. The casual market setting is stroller-accessible.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor patio is a major draw in pleasant weather (spring and fall are ideal). Summer can be warm, so request a shaded table. Winter dining is still available but may be chillier outdoors. No specific holiday closures noted.
More Activities Near Mountain View
Stevens Creek Trail
Stevens Creek Trail offers families a safe, scenic escape for outdoor adventures right in the heart of Mountain View. This well-maintained paved trail is ideal for teaching little ones to ride bikes, taking leisurely stroller walks, or letting energetic kids burn off steam while surrounded by nature. The flat, easy terrain and multiple access points make it stress-free for parents with children of varying ages and abilities.
Cuesta Park
Cuesta Park is Mountain View's beloved community playground that offers far more than just swings and slides. This expansive park combines a large, well-maintained playground with a community center, swimming pool, sports fields, and organized summer camp programs, making it a one-stop destination for families. It's the kind of neighborhood gem where local parents regularly meet up and kids make lasting friendships.
Computer History Museum
The Computer History Museum in Mountain View offers an surprisingly interactive journey through tech history that captivates curious kids and parents alike. With hands-on coding activities, a fascinating self-driving car exhibit, and the Revolution gallery showcasing vintage computers and robots, even non-techie families find themselves engaged for hours exploring how the digital world evolved.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park is a sprawling 425-acre waterfront paradise where families can enjoy everything from flying kites along the bay to exploring miles of scenic trails. With multiple playgrounds, wide open green spaces perfect for picnics, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, this Mountain View gem offers endless opportunities for outdoor family fun without the crowds of bigger regional parks.