Though there’s no date for the rollout yet, San Jose will soon be one of the early cities in the United States where Waymo driverless cars will cruise its boulevards, whisking nightcrawlers along to destinations quietly, with no unwanted chitchat or annoying music. Could this usher in a new chapter in the valley’s nightlife? As we compile this year’s annual Bars & Clubs issue, we were intrigued by this vision. And we present here a guide to South Valley nightlife, organized by region, to help plan epic bar crawls.
Where outsiders perceive a sea of suburbia, insiders know that there are real neighborhoods in Silicon Valley. With the aid of a mechanical designated driver who won’t complain no matter how late you stay out, this could be a brave new world for night owls.
See more in Metro Silicon Valley’s 2025 Bars & Clubs Survey: On the Peninsula | Midcounty | West Valley | San Jose Neighborhoods |South County
Downtown San Jose
The undisputed center of Silicon Valley nightlife, downtown San Jose offers an entertainment district that’s actually walkable by anyone but those in the highest heels. One starting place is San Pedro Square—highlights include O’Flaherty’s, District, Olla Cocina and Sushi Confidential—followed by a stroll along Santa Clara Avenue, with stops at spots like MiniBoss, San Pedro Social, Five Points and now, The Pressroom. Or start in what’s known as the ever broadening boundaries of the SoFA District, centered around 1st and San Carlos streets. Live music can be found at San Jose Improv, the SJZ Break Room and the Ritz; dance music rules at the Loft; the Guildhouse caters to gamers. LGBTQ clubs Mac’s and Splash flourish in downtown: Renegades is a couple of miles away on Taylor Street. And besides that, there are many more DJ-driven nightclubs, late-night eats, and bars dedicated to different types of alcohol (Goodtime Bar), craft beer (Good Karma), whiskey (Cash Only) tropical drinks (Dr. Funk) and craft cocktails (Haberdasher, 55 South and Paper Plane). Venture a few blocks north to explore Japantown. Finally, just one more thing: Those in search of live music should also follow these Instagram accounts of promoters who book shows at multiple clubs: @heavylemonsj, @crossthread_sj, @rnrgpresents and @stopdropandrollshow.
New in Town
Bitterbuck
30 Fountain Alley, Suite 170, San Jose | bitterbucksj.com
Cache Bouren—the man behind Haberdasher and Cash Only—continues to innovate and expand the horizons of the downtown scene. His next venture, Bitterbuck, will focus on the bitter delights: coffee and bitter spirits such as amaro. Instagram posts (@bitterbucksj) promise it is “coming soon to DTSJ,” and also reveal that in addition to Bouren, the team behind Bitterbuck includes bar designer Notch Gonzalez, bartender Tomoyo Yoshinaga (a partner at Haberdasher and Cash Only), and mixologists Perry Hewitt and Saul Palomera.
The Pressroom
189 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | pressroomsj.com
The Pressroom made its debut in March 2025, an offshoot of the Nuvo Hospitality Group, which is responsible for nearby night spots Five Points Cocktail Lounge, O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub and Dr. Funk Rum House. Read more in Jeffrey Edalatpour’s dining review this week.
Eos & Nyx
201 S 2nd St, Suite 120, San Jose
408.831.6880 | eosnyxsj.com
A two-level restaurant with lively bars on both levels with a double-height liquor carousel, Eos & Nyx debuted in late 2024. The latest from MO Hospitality Group (the folks behind MiniBoss, PaperPlane and Still O.G./Alter Ego), Eos & Nyx serves Mediterranean-inspired fare with a cocktail menu that includes such inventive drinks as the Jean Claude Pandan and Neon Medusa. Open most nights until 10pm (3pm Sunday; closed Monday).
Era Lounge
386 S 1st St, San Jose
408.709.6586 | eralounge.com
A new incarnation for this active club space, Era Lounge features inviting banquette seating around a dance floor, but the beats will keep patrons out of their seats. DJs spin reggaeton, EDM and more, plus LinkUp on Fridays, a “hip hop, R&B and throwback function.”
Kaizen Lounge
33 E San Fernando St, San Jose
408.502.7093
This dance club with indoor and outdoor spaces (in the old Gordon Biersch restaurant space, for those who remember) opened its doors in September 2024. The man behind the club is Freddie Jackson, who built a following at the now-shuttered Enso. Entertainment comes courtesy of DJs with some live music; follow on instagram.com to stay current.
Mas Loco Cantina
98 S 2nd St San Jose, CA 95113
408.770.5249 | maslococantina.com
Open just since March 2025, this Mexican restaurant also mixes in proven bar-friendly classics like wings, loaded tots, pizza and burgers. Or stick with the Mexican theme and pair a Latin Lover or a Chorizo Sour with birria, fajitas or carne asada. Open until 1:30am Thursdays through Saturday and 10pm Sundays.
DTSJ Highlights
The Brit
173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.278.1400 l thebritsj.com
Fish and chips, beer and flat-screen TVs for watching soccer are the obvious attractions, but there’s a lot more on the menu—including Brit Tacos and a welcoming patio—that make the Brit a big downtown draw, from afternoon drinkers to evening crowds.
Caravan
98 S Almaden Ave, San Jose
408.995.6220 | caravanloungesanjose.com
Caravan pours out a mix of karaoke, open-mike nights, comedy shows, DJ nights and—most important of all—live music. This quintessential urban dive bar, which opens daily at 2pm, has been a midwife at the birth of many a punk band.
Cash Only
78 E Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.288.5252 | cashonlysj.com
Cash Only’s whiskey-forward craft cocktail menu is offered for cash only—and it’s Cash only on the soundtrack in this West Coast honky tonk.
Dr. Funk
29 N San Pedro St, San Jose | drfunksj.com
This tiki bar adorned with bamboo and palm fronds serves tropical cocktails like the Siren’s Song and Fog Cutter. Bar-food standards get a dusting of tropical flavors too.
55 South
55 S 1st St, San Jose
408.288.6000 | The55south.com
A deep shelf of whiskeys sets 55 South apart, but lovers of other forms of alcohol will be well served—and also well fed by a menu designed to complement the creative cocktails.
Five Points
169 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.982.5816 | fivepointssj.com
Inspired by 19th-century New York, this bar features a Gangs of New York theme with vintage decor and a cocktail list named after historical bad guys.
Fox Tale Fermentation Project
30 E Santa Clara St #120, San Jose
408.216.0158 | foxtalefermentationproject.com
Fox Tale carries fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, kombucha, various beers and creative nonalcoholic options, such as the Ruthless Palmer (fermented meyer lemon and vanilla syrup and black tea).
Good Time Bar
30 Fountain Alley, Suite 160, San Jose
408.256.1266 | goodtimebarsj.com
Since launching in the spring of 2023, Goodtime Bar has attracted wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike with a selection of natural wines and creative cuisine. Wines range from reds and whites to oranges and bubblies.
Guildhouse
420 S 1st St, San Jose | guildhouse.gg
A grown-up playground with board games, consoles, card tournaments and more, plus sandwiches, snacks and libations to keep the gamers going.
Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose
408.792.7356 | haberdashersj.com
A speakeasy-style bar located underground in a 100-year-old building, offering classic cocktails in an intimate, underground setting. Open Wednesday-Thursday and Sunday from 5pm to midnight, and Friday and Saturday until 1am.
Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose
408.295.5414 | henryshilife.com
Though Henry’s Hi-Life has been in business only since 1960, the building itself warrants its own historical marker. Premium pours fuel the cocktails, flavored by the aroma of sizzling ribs and steaks.
The Improv
62 S Second St, San Jose
408.280.7475 | improv.com/sanjose
Much laughter and liquor has been served up here since the Improv took over the historic Jose Theatre. All the up-and-coming comedians come through, as well as big-name stars (Ali Wong, Damon Wayans, Russell Peters and Pete Holmes all have upcoming dates).
ISO Beers
75 E Santa Clara St, Suite 120, San Jose
408.298.2337 | isobeers.com
Established in 2014, this minimalist beer bar and bottle shop features a curated craft beer selection with 40 taps and also by the bottle. Guests must be 21 or older; there’s no kitchen, but any sort of takeout food is welcome.
Jack’s
167 E Taylor St, San Jose
408.287.5225
Two bars in one: Inside, Jack’s is a classic corner bar, dark, crowded and just the right atmosphere for a shot and a game of liar’s dice. Outside, it’s a beer drinker’s heaven. Either way, it’s one of several things that makes the small Japantown neighborhood, just a few blocks from downtown, a nightlife magnet.
Jtown Pizza
625 N 6th St, San Jose
408.326.2910 | jtownpizza.com
More than a dozen beers on tap, and aside from the titular pizza, Jtown also serves salads, appetizers and baked pastas. Open 11am to midnight; pies can be delivered to the pizzeria’s sister companies, Jack’s and 7 Bamboo.
The Loft Bar & Bistro
90 S Second St, San Jose
408.291.0677 | loftbarandbistro.com
The party continues at this well-loved upstairs dance club, which opened up in 2005. Action spills across three levels, including the rooftop space. The club also often hosts private events.
Mac’s Club
39 Post St, San Jose
A welcoming outdoor patio and friendly regulars make this inclusive gay dive bar a regular spot for downtown nightcrawlers. It’s also a fun hangout on holidays and during Pride season.
Miniboss
52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.520.4909 | sjminiboss.com
Combining a video arcade with a full-service bar, MiniBoss offers classic games alongside creative cocktails in a nostalgic atmosphere. Miniboss serves as a monument to arcade history, with more than 30 arcade cabinets and 12 pinball machines. Closed Mondays.
O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub
25 N San Pedro St, San Jose
408.947.8007 | oflahertyspub.com
A traditional Irish pub with a convivial atmosphere, extensive beer list and live music performances.
Olla Cocina
17 N. San Pedro St, San Jose
408.606.7999 | ollacocina.com
The bar menu offers more than a dozen drinks with a Latin spin—and the margaritas come in multiple flavors—prickly pear, spicy, cucumber and tradicional.
Paper Plane
72 S. First St, San Jose
408.713.2625 | paperplanesj.com
With an extensive selection of spirits and innovative cocktails, Paper Plane earned recognition as a destination for handcrafted drinks in the Bay Area. Descriptors applied to each libation on the menu make it easier to choose just the right drink for every mood. Last call for food is 11pm.
Poor House Bistro
317 W. Saint John St, San Jose
408.292.5837 | poorhousebistro.com
Read more in this week’s Silicon Alleys column Gary Singh.
Rec Room
1 E San Fernando St, San Jose | recroomsj.com
This upstairs bar opened in 2020 and has maintained a loyal following thanks to its well-designed interior, appealing cocktails and regular DJ nights.
The Ritz
400 S 1st St, San Jose
408.982.3784 | theritzsanjose.com
The Ritz books a mix of entertainment, from touring acts to local bands to creative DJ concepts.
San Pedro Social
163 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.222.1100 | sanpedrosocial.com
Order a drink with a side of entertainment from a wide menu that includes bowling, arcade games, corn hole, basketball hoops, pool, shuffleboard and karaoke.
7 Bamboo
162 Jackson St, San Jose
408.279.9937 | 7bamboolounge.com
A Japantown landmark, 7 Bamboo pours scores of Japanese whiskeys as well as more unusual Asian spirits. But the real focus here is karaoke. Mondays are themed nights: June is Swifties Month, July focuses on Y2K acts and August celebrates country stars. Make a reservation to ensure a spot.
Splash
65 Post St, San Jose | splashsj.com
Two full stories of dance floors, live shows, drag performances and ever-changing themed club nights make Splash a perennial winner as Silicon Valley’s top LGBTQI+ night spot.
Still O.G. and Alter Ego Cocktail Club
66 S 1st St, San Jose
408.703.2084 | stillog.bar
Two bars in one: Still O.G. is a vinyl listening lounge where cocktails come with music played on high-fidelity audio equipment amid shelves filled with vinyl records. Alter Ego has a speakeasy vibe, its creative dishes serve with a wide selection of cocktails and spirits.
Teske’s Germania
255 N First St, San Jose
408.292.0291 | teskes-germania.com
Locally beloved Teske’s Germania was serving obscure bottles of German beer well before the first modern-day craft brewers set up shop in downtown San Jose. Owned by the Baumann family since 1990, Teske’s has standing as San Jose’s top spot for Oktoberfest revels. And those classic German dishes and Teutonic liqueurs are available all year.
Trials Pub
265 N First St, San Jose
408.947.0497 | trialspub.com
An original Victorian circa 1894 is home base for this British-style pub with plenty of UK culinary classics, plus UK brews on tap: Guinness, Bass and Harp, of course, but also Smithwick’s Ale, Boddingtons Cream Ale, Dragon Slayer IPA and Strongbow Cider. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
Urban Putt
201 S 2nd St, San Jose
408.352.5403 | urbanputt.com
A mini golf emporium where all the holes are replicas of such locally significant sights as the San Jose skyline, the Electric Light Tower at History Park and the Winchester Mystery House. Fluorescent colors and geometric shapes surround patrons as they consume appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, local beers, cocktails and mocktails.
Other DTSJ and Nearby
Aji Bar & Robata | Inside Signia by Hilton San Jose, 170 S Market St, San Jose | 408.998.1900
Aura Lounge | 389 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.838.0393
Club Caribe | 1001 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.290.2061
The Club on Post | 43 Post St, San Jose | 408.352.5286
District | 65 N San Pedro St, San Jose | 669.292.5252
Farmers Union | 151 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | 408.277.0545
The Fountainhead | 387 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.642.5270
Fuze Lounge | 58 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.564.0488
Hukilau | 230 Jackson St, San Jose | 408.279.4888
Hyde Park Lounge | 1070 N 4th St San Jose | 408.275.1681
Italian Cellar Speakeasy Bar | 323 W Saint John St, San Jose
Last Round Tavern | 354 E Santa Clara St, San Jose | 408.286.9710
Liquid Lounge | 32 S 3rd St, San Jose | 408.293.3800
Littlest Little Italy | 320 W Saint John St, San Jose | 408.709.1212
Little Wine House | 350 W Julian St, Bldg. 4, San Jose | 408.471.8039
Miami Beach Club | 417 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.242.9621
Mosaic Restaurant and Ultra Lounge | Inside Four Points by Sheraton, 211 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.282.8800
Nomikai | 48 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.287.7199
Nova | 83 S 2nd St, San Jose
Old Wagon Saloon & Grill | 73 N San Pedro St, San Jose | 408.971.9346
Original Joe’s | 301 S First St, San Jose | 408.292.7030
Petiscos | 399 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.320.2884
Rollati Ristorante | 181 E Santa Clara St, San Jose | 408.444.4080
Rookies Sports Lodge Downtown | 99 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.292.4300
San Jose Bar & Grill | 85 S 2nd St, San Jose | 408.286.2397
San Pedro Square Market | Home to four bars: San Pedro Square Market Bar, Market Beer Company, Three Sisters, and Alma Tequileria | 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose
SJZ Break Room | 310 S First St, San Jose | 408.288.7557
Skewers and Brew | 65 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.931.6830
Sushi Confidential | 26 N San Pedro St, San Jose | 408.913.8080
SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant | 72 N Almaden Ave, San Jose | 408.333.9267
Strike Brewing Co. | 2099 S. 10th St, San Jose | 669.342.6480
Temple Bar and Lounge | 52 S 1st St, San Jose | 408.712.6127
Teske’s Germania | 255 N First St, San Jose | 408.292.0291
Tiki Pete | 23 N Market St, San Jose | 408.713.2900
