While downtown San Jose is the center of nightlife in the South Bay, Santa Clara County has other downtown scenes. Especially attractive and welcoming are the West Valley’s local hubs. While the city of Campbell parties late, downtown Los Gatos pours its share of beer, wine and cocktails in some iconic spots. The PruneYard center and walkable stretches along Campbell Avenue are good places to start out, as are Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, but there are other worthy drinking establishments along the boulevards that crisscross the surrounding suburbs.
New in Town
Gardenia Los Gatos
115 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
669.294.4498 | gardenialosgatos.com
The lovely Victorian that was home to The Palms has a new tenant. Entrepreneur Carol Wang launched Gardenia Los Gatos first as a coffeehouse in August 2024 and then added fine dining later that year. In addition to some very serious coffee drinks (rosemary cappuccino, orange cold brew, espresso tonic), Gardenia also offers cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine by the glass.
Lira Restaurant
368 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408.628.4090 | lirarestaurant.com
This buzzy restaurant opened in December 2024 with a menu designed by celebrity chef Tucker Ricchio of Next Level Chef fame, a native of San Jose. Ricchio just departed right before press time, co-owners Zachary Smith and Faisal Gowani are planning to debut a fresh menu and cocktail program on June 5. “The oysters and the mussels are to die for,” they shared, and the bar manager shared that there’s a new drink coming: the Caprese Martini, with fresh tomatoes, basil, champagne vinegar wasabi oil and Grey Goose vodka. Marinated overnight, it’s like “caprese salad in a liquid form.”
Second Story
15 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
408.320.6013 | secondstorylg.com
There is indeed a new narrative for this venerable two-story night spot formerly known as Mountain Charley’s. The club encourages “cocktail chic” attire and follows through on that look with its own sleek appearance. Drinks flow from 6pm to midnight on Thursdays and Sundays and 6pm to 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
7 Stars Bar and Grill
400 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408.412.0792 | 7starsbarandgrill.com
In September, the former LvL Up space on Campbell Avenue got a new tenant: 7 Stars, a sci-fi themed bar that was formerly in the Burbank neighborhood in San Jose.
Tessora’s Wine Bar
234 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408.626.7711 | tessorawinebar.com
This spot in downtown Campbell has been under new management since April, when local business owner Adelia Douglas took over. In addition to a glow-up in the interior, the focus has shifted subtly. Tessora’s focuses on several points of interest, including wines from California and Mexico, women-owned wineries, organic wines and “bubbles from around the world.” Seasonal small plates are available as well. For info on occasional DJ nights, follow on Instagram: @tessoras.winebar.
West Valley Highlights
The Bank
14421 Big Basin Way, Saratoga | 408.483.7252
A designated landmark (circa 1912) with its own plaque, this Classic Revival brick building did indeed once house a bank, but since 1971 it’s been pouring shots (especially Jameson) and providing a haven for local tipplers. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; call for hours on other days.
Black Watch
141 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.2200
A Los Gatos mainstay, the Black In business since 1959, the Black Watch appeals to patrons of all ages with its Scottish vibe and free-flowing kamikaze pitchers. Open daily from 11am to 2am.
Be.Steak.A
1887 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
408.963.2092 | besteaka.com
Food is front and center at Jeffrey Stout’s Michelin Guide steakhouse with an Italian accent (it’s pronounced bistecca). But for the purposes of a bars and clubs guide, it’s more important to note that the wine list is jaw-droppingly comprehensive and the drinks are mindblowingly well crafted. And it’s OK to just stop by for a cocktail. Waygu Week is coming up June 18, offering samplers of beef from Japan, Australia and the U.S. And every Sunday features a posh Bubbles & Brunch buffet with “Fun-Day” cocktails, such as the BSTKA Bellini and the Coffee Negroni. Dinner is served Sunday–Thursday 5–9pm and Friday–Saturdaay 5-10pm, and lunch is Friday–Saturday 11:30am-2pm Sunday 10am–2pm.
Cardiff & Cocktails
260 E Campbell Ave, Campbell | 408.340.3830 | cardifflounge.com
Another reason to party in downtown Campbell, Cardiff & Cocktails brings in live DJs every Tuesday-Sunday, spinning house music, hip hop, R&B and classics.
Carry Nations
8 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.1771
Named as a backhanded tribute to the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union activist whose “hatchetations” led to the failed Prohibition of 100 years ago, it was founded by Pet Rock inventor Gary Dahl in the 1970s. We stopped by recently and found Carry’s to be welcoming as always. The plaques from purchased house rounds are still on its brick walls and the Rick Tharp-designed axe logo still defines the decor.
The Cats
17533 Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos | 408.354.3060 | thecatslosgatos.com
Under new ownership for the past two years, this landmark roadhouse is open Friday through Sunday for dinner and live music from 5-10pm, serving Texas and Filipino barbecue accompanied by blues and rock. And in brand-new news, the Cats just started opening for brunch from 11am to 3pm.
Cedar Room
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
408.717.4715 | cedarroomlive.com
Another bright spot on the entertainment map is the PruneYard shopping center, in no small part due to the presence of the PruneYard Cinemas and this adjacent bar and restaurant. The Cedar Room is a genuine nightlife destination that offers food, cocktails and entertainment, including live local bands, karaoke, Queen Bingo and Culinary Cinema (combining dinner with a classic movie).
Effie’s
331 W Hacienda Ave, Campbell
408.374.3400 | effiesrestaurantandbar.com
This popular restaurant had a change of ownership toward the end of 2024, resulting in some general upgrades to the decor: new doors, fresh paint and new booths and bar stools. Some specials and desserts were added as well, but the popular Bloody Mary is still on the menu. But most important, the restaurant’s cozy bar draws a crowd Wednesday through Sunday for a lively karaoke scene.
Katie Blooms
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell | 408.379.9687
When this night spot in downtown Campbell gets too busy, there’s always the outdoor patio. Since this is an Irish pub, one expects bangers and mash and sausage rolls—and one will not be disappointed. Plus, there’s the Irish Car Bomb (Jameson Irish Whiskey and Baileys Irish cream dropped into a half-pint of Guinness). DJs start spinning at 10m on Friday and Saturday, and the dance floor stays busy late. Doors open at 3pm during the week and 11am on weekends, and they stay open at least until midnight (usually closer to 2am). Closed Mondays.
Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Suite 101, Campbell
408.379.6340 | khartoumlounge.com
DJs pack the place with the young and beautiful on weekends, carrying on a party tradition that began back in 1973 (Atari’s founder met his wife there). And Khartoum has the 50th-anniversary swag to prove it, including shirts emblazoned with a Jimbo cartoon showing an animated Water Tower character, eyes bugging out while quaffing a beer.
Los Gatos Soda Works
21 College Ave, Los Gatos
408.402.5111 | losgatossodaworks.com
The name references this historic building’s original function as a beverage bottler (1907-1937), and the work of quenching thirst continues on. Specialty drinks informed by the rich history of cocktail culture are served along with small plates and appetizers, and reservations are encouraged. Doors open daily except Monday at 4pm; open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S. Bascom Ave, Suite 190, Campbell
408.340.5285 | orchardcitykitchen.com
For more than a decade, chef Jeffrey Stout’s Orchard City Kitchen has been a place to share small plates made with quality ingredients in a casual setting. The cocktail program ranges widely through global drinking traditions, using unique ingredients and limited-edition bottles. The current menu of Urban Legend Cocktails offers delightfully quirky concoctions, such as The Kracken Unleashed (tahini rum, tangerine yuzu, falernu, licor 43) and On the Yeti’s Trail (cognac, creme de cacao, white chocolate, creme de mure. Open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Out of the Barrel
201 Los Gatos Saratoga Rd, Los Gatos | 408.827.4090
1875 S. Bascom Ave, Suite 560, Campbell | 408.963.6089
outofthebarrelbeer.com
Draft, canned, bottled—but all the options have one thing in common: they’re crafted from independent breweries, because Out of the Barrel likes to support “the smaller guys as much as possible, not only for the good of the local economy, but mostly because they are making really good beer.”
Tasting House
368 Village Ln, Los Gatos
408.348.1807 | tastinghouse.com
Tired of limited choices on by-the-glass wine lists? No such concern at Tasting House, where more than 60 wines are on the list—with sommeliers on hand to help patrons craft food and wine pairings. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5–10pm.
Teléferic Barcelona
50 University Ave, B270, Los Gatos
408.827.4162 | telefericbarcelona.com/los-gatos
One in a group of eight Spanish restaurants that grew out of Barcelona (there’s also one in Palo Alto), Teléferic serves tapas and tempting tipples until 9:15 on weeknights and 10:15pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Water Tower Kitchen
201 Orchard City Dr, Campbell
408.502.9550 | watertowerkitchen.com
Named after Campbell’s iconic landmark, this restaurant and bar serves brunch, lunch and dinner daily. The doors are open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, but the kitchen closes an hour earlier. Amenities include 19 TVs, indoor and outdoor dining, and a Beer of the Month that raises money for local youth sports and community programs.
Wild Rose Eatery and Bar
200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408.340.5136 | wildroseeatery.com
In addition to being a natural habitat for seafood towers and tomahawk steaks, Wild Rose also offers a lively bar scene, with drinks served until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Other West Valley Watering Holes
Aqui | 201 E Campbell Ave, Campbell | 408.374.2784
Brew City Grill | 651 W Hamilton Ave, Suite 1070, Campbell | 408.963.6991
The Bywater | 532 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.560.9639
Coach’s Sports Bar & Grill | 2240 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell | 408.379.2654
Courts Lounge | 2425 S. Bascom Ave, Campbell | 408.559.9880
Double D’s | 354 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.402.3407
Flowers Saratoga | 14577 Big Basin Way, Saratoga | 408.647.2727
Gardino Fresco Ristorante Italiano | 51 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.8788
Hapa’s Brewing Company | 114 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.963.3942
The Heid | Inside the Inn at Saratoga, 20645 Fourth St, Saratoga | 408.867.5020
The Hook Sports Bar & Grill | 2369 Winchester Blvd, Campbell
Lexington House | 40 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.1600
Loma Brewing Co. | 130 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.560.9626
Los Gatos Parkside | 145 W Main St, Los Gatos | 408.560.0099
Luna Mexican Kitchen | 1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 570, Campbell | 408.963.6681
ManyFriends Brewing Company | 14482 Big Basin Way, Saratoga | 669.232.3585
Number One Broadway | 102 S Santa Cruz Ave, No. B, Los Gatos
Oak & Rye | 303 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.395.4441
107 Bistro and Wine Bar | Inside Testarossa Winery, 300 College Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.6150
Pisco Bar | 14486 Big Basin Way, Saratoga | 408.898.3117
Shepherd & Sims | 15970 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos | 408.414.5312
Sushi Confidential | 247 E Campbell Ave, Campbell | 408.596-5554
Rootstock Wine Bar | 217 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.354.7668
VinoVero | 326 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos | 408.442.5913
See more in Metro Silicon Valley’s 2025 Bars & Clubs Survey: On the Peninsula | Midcounty | West Valley | San Jose Neighborhoods | South County
