Spread out across the valley floor, scattered in strip malls and shopping centers and tucked into hotels and high rises, one can find places to settle in, relax and enjoy the company of others while ingesting a social lubricant. The most active scenes are along Willow Glen’s Lincoln Avenue and the Santana Row/Valley Fair complexes. Some classic dive bars survive—though San Jose lost a popular one this year when Branham Lounge in Blossom Valley poured its last drink, the end of a run that began in 1969. Go exploring before it’s too late.
New in Town
Adega
1614 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose
408.926.9075 | adegarest.com
One piece of good news for the South Bay cuisine scene in November 2024 was the return of Adega, which shuttered in 2023 while the owners focused on their Petiscos casual dining group. The original Adega is back, drawing diners to Little Portugal with its reputation as San Jose’s first Michelin-starred eatery.
Augustine
377 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose
408.785.7700 | augustinerestaurant.com
The newest restaurant on Santana Row comes courtesy of the Bacchus Management Group, which got its start with Woodside’s Village Pub. Food is the focus here, with a full bakery next door, but drinkers will be more than well served in the bar. This is a heady list with all spirits well represented; most notable, a page devoted to bubbles alone, two pages of top-dollar reserve wines, and 15 different Rochelt eau de vie selections.
Blossom & Bourbon
632 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose
408.818.8444 | blossomandbourbon.com
When it opened last spring, Blossom & Bourbon drew plaudits for its blend of casual comfort and sophistication. Patio seating, a vibrant atmosphere, great service and a diverse menu (both food and drink) have cemented those first impressions. Open until 10pm nightly.
Burma Roots
1100 Lincoln Ave, Suite 101, San Jose
669.242.7954 | burmarootssj.com
Taking over the space formerly occupied by Opa, this newly opened Burmese restaurant is part of a local restaurant group. Regional specialties are accompanied by themed cocktails (Burma Dream, Burma Breeze, Burmese Shipwreck…), but are only poured until closing time at 9:30pm.
Le Bubble Wine Bar & Cafe
820 Willow St, Ste 100, San Jose
669.230.4048 | lebubblesj.com
Filling the void that opened up when the Cider Junction closed in December, Le Bubble Wine Bar & Cafe opened in the space this spring. Focused on natural wines and specialty drinks, this bright and cheery eatery serves brunchy fare—egg dishes, salads, lobster brioche—in the heart of Willow Glen until 9pm most nights (7pm Sundays, and closed Tuesdays). In addition to wine, Le Bubble also serves beer, a few cider choices and nonalcoholic options (including a decadent Tiramisu Latte, with espresso, mascarpone, milk and cocoa).
San Jose Highlights
Art Boutiki
44 Race St, San Jose
408.971.8929 | artboutiki.com
Part community center, part cafe, part artsy boutique and part concert venue, Art Boutiki creates a scene all on its own just outside the downtown core. The live music calendar is eclectic; the mood is welcoming. A highlight this month: On June 20, Americana singer/songwriter Ren Geisick will appear at Art Boutiki to celebrate the release of her second full-length album, The Place I Planned To Go.
Britannia Arms Almaden Valley
5027 Almaden Expressway, San Jose
408.266.0550 | britanniaarms.com
This South San Jose favorite is beloved for its Brit cuisine and comfortable lounging spots—both indoors and outdoors—and also the nightly activities: karaoke, trivia, bingo, DJ sessions and live bands. This month, for example, the Brit hosts a series of summer jams featuring the students of San Jose’s School of Rock.
Burbank Bites & Billiards
398 S Bascom Ave, San Jose
408.661.7615 | instagram.com/burbanksbnb
Coming up on its first anniversary, this bar in San Jose’s Burbank neighborhood is open from 10am to midnight daily. Ordering drinks to accompany the bar’s generously portioned entrees is entertaining because many of the concoctions have back stories about friends, historical figures and the bar’s mascots (both canine and feline).
Copita Tequileria y Comida
1098 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
408.600.0810 | copitarestaurant.com
Bay Area chef Joanne Weir’s first restaurant in Silicon Valley serves lunch and dinner in the main dining areas and a taqueria menu in the Rooftop Bar. In addition to the intriguing mixed drinks, diners can get airborne on flights of tequila, mezcal and bourbon, or fuel up on zero-proof libations.
Hop & Vine
1435 The Alameda, San Jose
408.977.0111 | hopandvinesj.com
With a wine club and now frozen rosé, Hop & Vine serves up impressive charcuterie and cheese boards and veggie platters in Midtown, along with a well curated selection of ales and well priced vinos. On Wednesdays, the happy hour stretches to closing.
Jack’s
Westgate Shopping Center, 1502 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
408.680.2684 | ilovejacks.com
Located at 1502 Saratoga Ave in the Westgate Shopping Center, Jack’s has sister restaurants in Pleasant Hill, San Bruno, San Mateo, and Newark; their popularity is based on American comfort food with Greek touches, served all day, with accompanied by a well-stocked bar.
Mike’s Place
5837 Camden Ave, San Jose
408.723.9981
Beer is the drink of choice, and the array of big-screen TVs grab much of the attention. But regulars also spend time on karaoke, pool and darts. Happy hour is weekdays 3–7pm.
Willow Den Public House
803 Lincoln Ave, San Jose | 408.891.0212
This neighborhood bar generates good will with fair prices and pours and a lived-in look that feels welcoming. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights; other nights, resident DJs keep up a soundtrack that ranges from rock to hip hop to big band.
Other San Jose Watering Holes
Acopio | 399 S 24th St, San Jose | 408.293.5241
Armando’s Restaurant & Bar | 2223 Business Circle, Suite 10, San Jose | 408.320.2021
Alex’s 49er Inn | 2214 Business Circle, San Jose | 408.279.9737
Aqui | 1145 Lincoln Ave, Willow Glen | 408.995.0381 | Other locations: 5679 Snell Ave, San Jose | 503 W Capitol Expwy, San Jose
Bay 101 | 1788 N 1st St, San Jose | 408.451.8888
The Bears Cocktail Lounge | 1872 W San Carlos St, San Jose | 408.998.3425
Bora Bora Sports Bar | 1615 McKee Rd, San Jose | 702.955.1578
Bowlero Valley Fair | 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 1005, Santa Clara | 408.533.4147
Cielo Rooftop Bar | Inside Hotel Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose | 408.551.0010
Club Rodeo Rio | 610 Coleman Ave, San Jose
Cuetopia Billiards Cafe | 4700 Almaden Expy, San Jose | 408.266.7665
Doghouse Sports Lounge | 1336 N 1st St, San Jose | 408.453.5326
El Bolero | 990 N 17th St, San Jose | 408.605.0861
El Jardín Tequila Bar | 368 Santana Row, Suite 1050, San Jose | 408.320.2411
Encanto | 2988 Almaden Expy, San Jose | 408.613.2018
Final Score Sports Bar | 1126 Saratoga Ave, San Jose | 408.296.9591
Fitoor | 377 Santana Row, Suite 1140, San Jose
408.705.2233
G6 Lounge and Restaurant | 3860 Monterey Rd, San Jose | 408.677.4993
Goosetown Lounge | 1072 Lincoln Ave, San Jose | 408.292.4835
Hapa’s Brewing Company | 460 Lincoln Ave, Suite 90, San Jose | 408.982.3299
Lamella Tavern | 1109-10A Lincoln Ave, Willow Glen | 408.343.8530
LB Steak Santana Row | 334 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose | 408.413.3939
Left Bank Brasserie | 377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose | 408.984.3500
Lily’s Bar & Night Club | 2021 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose | 408.251.8186
Luna Mexican Kitchen | 1495 The Alameda, San Jose | 408.320.2654
Mr. Mojito Bar & Grill | 5925 Almaden Expressway, San Jose | 408.300.1021
Narrative Fermentations | 101 E Alma Ave, San Jose | 408.288.5181
The Office | 2306 Almaden Rd, San Jose | 408.266.2415
Park Lane Lounge | 5152 Moorpark Ave, Suite 20, San Jose | 408.300.6009
Pearl Lounge | 414 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose | 408.225.5060
The Plex | 800 Embedded Way, San Jose | 408.225.1843
Pour Decisions Craft Coffee Craft Beer | 5700 Village Oaks Dr, Suite 20, San Jose
The Province | 1788 N 1st St, Suite 10, San Jose | 408.796.1699
Redi Room | 4340 Moorpark Ave, San Jose | 408.257.7770
Renegades Bar | 501 W Taylor St, San Jose
Rookies Sports Lodge Willow Glen | 1535 Meridian Ave, San Jose | 408.445.2121
Sideline Sports Bar & Grill | 7028 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose | 408.226.2226
Stevie’s Bar and Grill | 2705 Union Ave, San Jose | 408.559.0904
Straits Restaurant | 333 Santana Row, No. 1100, San Jose | 408.246.6320
Strike Brewing Co. | 2099 S 10th St, Suite 30, San Jose | 669.342.6480
Thirsty.Bar | 1031 Monroe St, Santa Clara | 408.985.7201
Topgolf | 10 Topgolf Drive, San Jose | 408.404.6436
20Twenty Cheese & Wine Bar | 1389 Lincoln Ave, San Jose | 408.293.7574
Vahl’s | 1513 El Dorado St, Alviso | 408.262.0731
VBar | Inside Hotel Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose | 408.551.0010
Vintage Wine Bar | 377 Santana Row, Suite 1135, San Jose | 408.260.1115 |
Zone 8 Sports Bar & Grill | Inside Casino M8trix, 1887 Matrix Blvd, San Jose | 408.244.3333
See more in Metro Silicon Valley’s 2025 Bars & Clubs Survey: Downtown San Jose | On the Peninsula | Midcounty | West Valley | San Jose Neighborhoods |South County
