Taste of Hayward offers bites, sips at 15-plus downtown restaurants

The inaugural Taste of Hayward event Oct. 9 invites foodies downtown to explore the city’s restaurant scene, with its many cuisines.

From 4 to 8 p.m. that Thursday, attendees can stroll through downtown and stop at more than 15 establishments for bites and sips. The event, sponsored by the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association, will be a self-guided walking tour.

“We’re proud to launch the first-ever Taste of Hayward as a new way to celebrate the incredible diversity of our city’s food scene,” the organization’s Nick Yoo said in announcing the event.

The participants range from Hayward classics to newcomers and hidden gems. Among those already scheduled are Acqua e Farina, Buffalo Bill’s, Golden Safari, The Bistro, Craft Pizzeria, Mujiri, Casa del Toro, Gurkha Kitchen, Erik’s DeliCafe, Khao Hom, Metro Taquero, Once Tea, Rockit Char Grill, Snappy’s Cafe, Susie Q’s and Tang Jip.

Expect pasta, sliders, ceviche, tacos, wings, momos, noodles and more among the samples.

Tickets, $35, may be purchased online at https://downtownhayward.com/events/taste-of-hayward. Starting at 3:45 p.m. on the day of the event, ticketholders should check in with their QR code or printed ticket near the fountain at City Hall, 777 B St., to receive an event “passport” with map and addresses.