Lounges, Clubs and Bars in San Jose
Nightlife in Downtown San Jose is a mix of lounges, clubs, and bars which, according to locals, have either greatly improved the scene or marked the beginning of its decline. Santana Row has a number of upscale clubs and bars and has been the new hotspot since 2005.
- Goosetown Lounge,
1172 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 292-4835.
9PM-2AM daily.
Willow Glen's neighborhood bar and cocktail lounge; if you're into a late night pops and enthusiastic renditions of 'YMCA', this karaoke hotspot may be for you. $5-10.
- Agenda Lounge,
399 S First St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 287-3991.
W-Sa 5:30PM-2AM, Su 9PM-2AM.
A three-level club with pounding house music on Fridays and Saturdays. Hip-shakers come for the salsa dancing on Wednesdays. $10-20.
- The Lobby Lounge,
170 S Market St. (in the Fairmont), San Jose, ☎ +1 408 998-1900.
Noon-midnight daily.
An upscale piano bar inside the Fairmont Hotel, with an impressive wine list, over 500 different cocktails and martinis, and an array of single malt scotches. They offer weekly wine tastings, live jazz and piano nightly, and free dance lessons on Fridays. $10-20.
- Smoke Tiki Lounge,
152 Post St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 292-4266.
M-Sa 11AM-2AM.
Tropical tiki cocktails in a casual lounge atmosphere. Caters to a younger, college-age crowd. There's a full barbecue menu as well as DJs and live music. $5-10.
- Mission Ale House,
97 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 292-4058.
M-Sa 11AM-2AM.
A downtown dive bar with a young crowd, a huge selection of beers on tap, and a patio that's been voted the city's best. They have live bands on Fridays and a weekly open mic. $5-10.
- The Vault,
81 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 298-1112.
Th-Sa 9PM-2AM.
This hot spot for dancing and drinking is inside a renovated 1920s bank building, mixing historical architecture with a very contemporary club scene. Bottle service, pounding music, and usually a $20 cover on weekends. $10-30.
- San Jose Bar & Grill,
85 S 2nd St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 286-2397.
M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa 1PM-2AM, Su 5PM-2AM.
Since one Happy Hour just isn't enough, the Grill offers all kinds of specials on wings, burgers and drinks throughout the week. It's a good place to watch sports, especially Sundays during football season. Weekly karaoke and DJs on weekend nights. $5-10.
- VooDoo Lounge,
14 S 2nd St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 286-8636.
M-F 5:30PM-2AM, Sa-Su 6PM-2AM.
This dance club also hosts live local bands as well as bigger name acts. There's often a cover charge. $5-50.
- Toon's,
52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 292-7464.
8PM-2AM daily.
Calls itself a piano bar, but isn't. DJs on most nights and live local music on others. Possibly the first place you've been that has both a pool table and a dress code. Cash only. $5-10.
- The Caravan Lounge,
98 S Almaden Ave, San Jose, ☎ +1 408-995-6220.
6AM-2AM daily.
A dive bar of a dying breed, the Caravan is neighbor to (and was once a tenant of) a Greyhound bus station. When there isn't live music or a DJ, there's a good jukebox. There's always cheap beer, and there's NEVER a cover. Cash only. $5-10.
- Hookah Nites,
371 S First St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 286-0800.
Su-W 6PM-1AM, Th 6PM-1:30PM, F-Sa 6PM-2AM.
Coffees, teas, snacks and hookahs. The sweet smells of tobacco and fruit smokes float into the street as patrons enjoy hookahs at sidewalk tables each evening.
- JJ's Blues,
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 243-6641.
M-Sa 5:30PM-2AM, Su 4PM-2AM.
One of the most popular places in the Bay Area to hear live blues music, and one of the few San Jose clubs with live music every night of the week. JJ's has been around for two decades and hosts jam nights, unsigned acts and big names. There's a vintage Steinway that's up for grabs during intermissions, so you too can get the blues. $5-10.
- Splash,
65 Post St, San Jose, ☎ +1 408 993-0861.
Th-Sa 9PM-2AM.
San Jose's downtown gay video bar, nightclub and lounge is friendly to people of all persuasions. $5-10. - Tanq,
301 S. Market Street, San Jose, ☎ 408-280-1300.
11:30AM-Midnight.
Downtown San Jose's newest hip bar with a great aquatic theme,located on the corner of Market and San Carlos. Great drink menu (try their signature "Kiss the Fish")and to die for small plate menu. Must trys are the Ahi Tuna Poppers and the Angus Beef Slider. Tanq is also open for lunch and has some really great dishes, the Skirt Steak Salad is a favorite.
