Shop Local - Gift the Gift of Great Local Eats

The , held the day after , has more shoppers thinking about buying gifts from locally owned shops.

The idea behind Small Business Saturday is to boost communities by keeping money in town and spreading it around. Not only do you help the business you patronize, you also help the accountants they hire to do their taxes, the suppliers who deliver goods, and any number of other local jobs. Plus, the money deposited by local business owners in local banks is lent to homeowners and businesses, further stimulating the economy.

Before Thanksgiving, we published . Continuing that thread, we’ve put together a sampling of local restaurants that  all sell gift certificates - another great gift idea for the local friends, family members and co-workers on your list this year. Enjoy!

36 S. Abbott Ave. / 408-946-4337

For good, ol’ American food, you can’t beat Mil’s Diner. Mil’s serves up coffee shop favorites in heaping portions, with a smile and a small check. Known especially for its breakfasts, Mil’s serves up eggs, bacon, sausage, ham (huge ham steaks), toast, amazing hash browns, waffles, pancakes and eggs Benedict. If that’s too much for someone in your party, fresh fruit is always available. Lunch brings out the classics, from burgers and other sandwiches, to chicken-fried steak. The atmosphere is straight out of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! This mom-and-pop operation is only open for breakfast and lunch, so the owners can get some rest.

761 E. Capitol Ave. / 408-262-8633

Pizza fans flock to this unassuming hole-in-the-wall from all over the Bay Area to get their fix of authentic, New York-style pizza. Dino and Tony craft perfect, thin crusts, topped with spiced-just-right sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings. While pizza is their name, some patrons come here for amazing cheesesteak sandwiches. Add Stromboli, salads, garlic knots, and cannoli for a menu that’s sure to satisfy any Italian craving. One tip—if you’re too full for dessert, order a cannoli to go.

20 N. Abel St. / 408-946-0466

This authentic, Mexican food restaurant will put a smile on your face before you even order your meal. Munch on complimentary chips and salsa, while sipping a margarita, sangria or frosty beer from the full-service bar. Specialty plates and combination plates come with soup or salad. The soups are homemade and hearty. Combo plates offer the usual shredded chicken tacos, cheesy enchiladas, and shredded beef chimichangas. Their specialty plates are also worth trying, including the garlic shrimp. The waiters have been there for years and are always attentive.

103 N Milpitas Blvd. / 408-946-8020

This popular, local restaurant has been serving Chinese favorites for so long that adults who grew up eating here now take their own children for pot stickers, Mongolian beef and Honey Walnut Prawns. Mandarin and Szechwan dishes are served. If you love soup, both the Won Ton and Hot and Sour will leave you satisfied.

756 E. Calaveras Blvd. / 408-942-6972

It’s sheer heaven to walk into Mikonos Grill when they’re taking spanakopita out of the oven. The enticing aroma leads you to phyllo layers that are golden and crispy, with feta cheese, spinach and spices that are steamy perfection. Pair the spanakopita with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a brilliant melding of flavors and textures in your mouth.  Mikonos Grill serves everything that you’d expect to see in a Greek restaurant, including souvlaki, gyros, dolmathes and Greek salads. Vegetarian plates are offered, along with American choices and a kids menu. Mikonos Grill also has locations in Campbell and Cupertino.