Hidden in the busy thoroughfares and suburban cul-de-sacs that stretch through the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara and Milpitas are some bright night spots. Brewpubs, sports bars and Anglophile pubs abound, with the most lively stretch running along Sunnyvale’s Murphy Avenue.
New in Town
Clara’s Junction
2221 Tasman Dr, Santa Clara
clarasjunction.com
Located near Levi’s Stadium, this indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar lies within what’s known as the Clara District, an area near Levi’s Stadium that is due to grow alongside the area’s planned residential highrises. Clara’s Junction offers Trivia and Social Sundays, game day watch parties, and a taco truck and barbecue on the patio, so patrons can nosh while playing lawn games or hanging around the fire pits.
Mid-County Highlights
Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub
1235 Oakmead Pkwy, Sunnyvale
408.736.2739 | laughingmonkbrewing.com
A picturesque place to dine and enjoy the house brews as well as many others. There’s a sister spot in Scotts Valley as well.
Quarter Note Bar
1214 Apollo Way, Suite 403, Sunnyvale
408.732.2110 | quarternote.com
Week after week, the Quarter Note brings the rock with five nights of live music, plus karaoke the rest of the nights—a real bright spot in town. An on-site kitchen sustains drinkers with pizza and burgers. A variety of bands take over the elevated stage on weekends, and the house band welcomes musicians on the other nights.
Pure Nightclub in Sunnyvale
146 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
408.732.2121 | purenightclub408.com
The place to see and be seen—preferably in a hot outfit. This upscale 21-and-over night spot books well-known DJs and live talent, usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets available in advance (some for early entry on a guest list)
Paul and Eddie’s Monta Vista Inn
21619 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino
408.252.2226
This Old West–style saloon brings a rare touch of the old Santa Clara Valley on busy Stevens Creek Boulevard. Expect a pool table and darts, and reasonable drink prices.
Paul & Harvey’s
130 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
408.736.5770
This decades-old bar provides all the essentials—darts, pool, pinball, jukebox—providing a neighborhood hangout in downtown Sunnyvale seven days a week. Add hours
Rocco’s Ballpark
2531 Newhall St, Santa Clara
408.564.0810
In keeping with the sports-friendly name, the Ballpark lures fans with 11 flat-screen TVs and 15 beers on tap. Those who don’t follow the major leagues come for the trivia (Wednesdays at 7pm), pool and darts. Open 11am-midnight.
Rooster T. Feathers
157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale
408.736.0921 | roostertfeathers.com
A full-time comedy club since 1984, Rooster T. Feathers provides an invaluable platform for local jokesters and also attracts touring comedians. Guests must be 21 and over, and there’s a two-drink minimum.
Off the Rails Brewing Co.
111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
408.773.9500 | offtherailsbrewing.com
Occupying this historic brewhouse since 2019, Off the Rails is particularly notable for its gorgeous back patio, which invites patrons to linger.
Sportsmen’s Lounge
2368 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara
408.244.4600
TV screens, pool tables, dartboards—the Sportsmen’s Lodge lives up to its name. Locals are the focal point for the barkeeps, who make them feel at home and keep the beer, shots and Bloody Marys coming.
Woodhams Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
408.244.2899
A beloved neighborhood joint, Woodhams offers live music, karaoke, Open Mic Monday, and a series of DJs (follow on Instagram for details), but just as important is who’s behind the bar—and Amanda Cunningham knows how to keep customers happy.
Other Mid-County Watering Holes
Aqui | 10630 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino | 408.996.1443
Bare Bottle Brewing Company | 2520 Augustine Dr, Santa Clara | 408.564.5722
Beefy’s Cabin | 693 Grape Ave, Sunnyvale | 408.736.7141
Birk’s Restaurant | 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara | 408.980.6400
Blue Max Sportsbar | 828 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale | 408.771.6022
Bogart’s Sports Bar | 1209 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale | 408.245.2800 |
Broncos Cocktail Lounge | 1251 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara | 408.248.4682
Duke of Edinburgh | 10801 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino | 408.446.3853
Fibbar MaGees | 156 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale | 408.749.8373
Evolution Restaurant & Bar | Inside Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara | PHONE
Fuego | 140 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale | 408.786.0434
The G | 134 S Main St, Milpitas | 408.507.5001
Garrett’s Bar & Grill | Sunnyvale Municipal Golf Course, 605 Macara Ave, Sunnyvale | 669.280.5400
Hongdae Pocha | 3450 El Camino Real #101, Santa Clara | 408.478.1091
IBU Taproom & Bottleshop | 1422 Dempsey Rd, Milpitas | 408.883.4284
Lucas Lounge | Inside Delta by Marriott Santa Clara Silicon Valley, 2151 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara | 408. 988.8411
946 Billiards | 946 W El Camino Real Sunnyvale | 408.542.9690
Normandy House Lounge | 30 Washington St, Santa Clara | 408.244.1937
The Note | 765 E Capitol Ave, Milpitas | 408.262.8363
Oxford Kitchen and Gastropub | 195 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
Patio Bar | 948 E El Camino Real Sunnyvale | 408.245.1250
Pocha K | 2340 El Camino Real, Santa Clara | 669.248.6103
The Stadium | 208 S Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale | 408.749.1080
Taplands | 1171 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara | 408.709.2990
Tequila Shots Bar & Grill | 38 N Main St, Milpitas | 408.262.7468
Tipsy Putt Silicon Valley | 301 W McKinley Ave, Suite 150, Sunnyvale | 408.420.6229
X Bar | Inside Homestead Bowl, 20990 Homestead Rd, Cupertino | 408.255.5700
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
