The 10 Best Bars of San Jose

San Jose is a vibrant city in the heart of Silicon Valley, famous for its technology, culture, and nightlife. San Jose is home to a diverse range of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes and preferences, from chic cocktail lounges to lively sports bars.

If you’re looking for a night out in San Jose, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the 10 best bars in San Jose:

1. Paper Plane

Paper Plane is a trendy cocktail bar located in the heart of San Jose’s downtown. The bar boasts a mix of classic cocktails and unique creations crafted by expert bartenders. If you’re a whiskey lover, be sure to ask for their notable whiskey selection.

2. Cinebar

Cinebar is a no-frills dive bar that’s popular among the locals. The bar is adorned with eclectic decorations, including movie posters and Christmas lights. But the best part of Cinebar is the live music, which ranges from rock to reggae, almost every night of the week.

3. Haberdasher

Haberdasher is a speakeasy-style bar located beneath the popular Hedley Club Lounge. To enter, you must enter an unmarked door and descend down a flight of stairs through a long hallway. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a stylish, dimly lit space, and an extensive menu of craft cocktails.

4. The Brit

The Brit is a British-style pub located in downtown San Jose. The bar features a large selection of beer, cider, and pub fare, including their famous fish and chips. The pub has a cozy atmosphere perfect for watching sports matches, live music, or enjoying a pint with friends.

5. AFK Gamer Lounge

The AFK Gamer Lounge is a unique bar that combines the love of gaming with the thrill of socializing. The bar features gaming consoles, arcade machines, and board games available for patrons to enjoy while they sip on a cocktail or a beer.

6. Cafe Stritch

Cafe Stritch, located in the heart of downtown San Jose, is a hybrid between a jazz club and a cocktail bar. The venue features a live jazz band almost every night and serves up an array of delicious cocktails, selected wines, and beers.

7. Original Gravity Public House

Original Gravity Public House is a cozy, rustic gastropub that serves a broad selection of unique beers, including rare and hard-to-find brews. They also offer a full food menu of pub fare and host several events, including trivia nights and beer festivals throughout the year.

8. 55 South

55 South is a trendy lounge that serves up Southern-style cuisine and a broad selection of handcrafted cocktails. The venue features large windows for people-watching and has an impressive selection of whiskies and bourbons.

9. The Pour House

The Pour House is a casual sports bar located in downtown San Jose. The bar features a wide array of beers on tap and a delicious pub-menu that includes burgers, fries, and wings. The Pour House is famous for its nightly happy hour specials.

10. The Branham Lounge

The Branham Lounge is a neighborhood bar located in South San Jose. The lounge has an extensive drink menu and is particularly famous for its flavorful martinis. The Branham Lounge has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes it an excellent place to catch up with friends.

In conclusion, San Jose is a city bustling with nightlife, and these ten bars are just a taste of what it has to offer. Be sure to check them all out and have a memorable night out in the city.

The Insider’s Guide to San Jose, California

San Jose, California is a vibrant and bustling city located in the heart of Silicon Valley. With numerous tech companies calling this city home, San Jose boasts a diverse and multicultural atmosphere with a range of attractions, dining options, cultural experiences, and hidden gems to explore. In this insider’s guide, we will share the 10 best bars in San Jose, as well as other must-visit locations and activities to help you make the most of your trip.

Top Attractions in San Jose

San Jose has a rich history and a variety of attractions, making it a great place to visit. Here are some of the top attractions to check out:

– The Tech Museum of Innovation: This interactive museum showcases the evolution of technology through hands-on exhibits and activities, perfect for visitors of all ages.
– Winchester Mystery House: This historic mansion is known for its unusual architecture and its strange, offbeat features.
– Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: This family-friendly attraction features a petting zoo, playground, and a variety of animals.
– Municipal Rose Garden: This beautiful garden boasts over 3,500 rose bushes and is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers.

Best Dining Spots in San Jose

San Jose is home to a diverse range of dining options, offering something for everyone. Here are some of the best dining spots to check out:

– Original Joe’s: This classic American-style diner has been serving delicious food for over 60 years and is a favorite among locals.
– La Foret: This fine dining French restaurant is a great spot for a special occasion and features an extensive wine list.
– Falafel’s Drive-In: This casual Middle Eastern spot serves up delicious falafel sandwiches and other tasty Mediterranean fare.
– Zona Rosa: This popular Mexican restaurant offers a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes, including tacos, ceviche, and guacamole made tableside.

Cultural Experiences in San Jose

San Jose is a multicultural city with a rich history, and there are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy. Here are some must-visit cultural locations:

– Mexican Heritage Plaza: This cultural center offers exhibits, performances, and educational programs that celebrate Mexican culture.
– San Jose Museum of Art: This museum features works from both local and international artists and is a great place to explore contemporary art.
– Japanese Friendship Garden: This serene and peaceful garden celebrates Japanese culture and features a variety of different plants, bridges, and a koi pond.
– Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: This unique museum features exhibits on ancient Egypt and houses an authentic Egyptian tomb.

Local History in San Jose

San Jose has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to the early Spanish settlers. Here are some historical spots to check out:

– Peralta Adobe: This adobe structure is the oldest building in San Jose and dates back to 1797.
– The Alameda: This street features a variety of Victorian homes and mansions and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
– Winchester Mystery House: As mentioned earlier, this mansion has a unique story and a fascinating history.
– Mission Santa Clara de Asis: This historic Spanish mission was founded in 1777 and is a great spot to learn more about the early days of San Jose.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in San Jose

In addition to more well-known destinations, San Jose has a variety of hidden gems worth exploring. Here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– The Vesper – Craft Cocktails & Kitchen: This cozy speakeasy-style bar serves up carefully crafted cocktails and offers a unique ambiance.
– San Pedro Square Market: This bustling marketplace offers a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, as well as live music and entertainment.
– Santana Row: This outdoor shopping area features high-end retailers, restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options, including a movie theater and a bowling alley.
– Emma Prusch Farm Park: This tranquil park offers a glimpse into San Jose’s agricultural roots and features a variety of farm animals, as well as a Victorian house.

The 10 Best Bars in San Jose

Without further ado, here are the 10 best bars in San Jose, in no particular order:

1. Haberdasher: This upscale speakeasy-style bar features a range of carefully crafted cocktails in a cozy, vintage atmosphere.

2. O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub: This popular Irish pub is known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of Irish whiskey.

3. Paper Plane: This stylish bar is a great spot for creative cocktails, as well as a variety of beer and wine options.

4. Trials Pub: This traditional Irish-style pub boasts a large variety of beers on tap and a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Five Points: This industrial-style bar serves up a variety of craft beers and features an outdoor patio with a fire pit.

6. Cinebar: This dive bar features a jukebox, pool tables, and TVs, as well as an extensive selection of beer and affordable drink specials.

7. The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio: This trendy bar features a variety of cocktails, a large outdoor patio, and frequent live music and events.

8. Singlebarrel: This intimate speakeasy-style bar serves up a variety of handcrafted cocktails and has an extensive whiskey selection.

9. The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill: This historic saloon has been serving drinks for over 100 years and boasts a western-themed atmosphere and live music.

10. Jack’s Bar & Lounge: This upscale lounge features a variety of signature cocktails, well-stocked bar, and a modern and chic atmosphere.

In conclusion, San Jose is a city full of unique attractions, delicious dining spots, cultural experiences, and hidden gems. Be sure to check out these top 10 bars and other must-visit destinations to have an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city.