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Bars in Ballbach and SOFA, San Jose

A bar where you can settle in for a drink without feeling like you are just taking up space for the next group.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
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Cocktail bar

Underground speakeasy boasts intimate atmosphere with dark lighting and red walls. Soft jazz music supports a quiet vibe perfect for conversation. Enjoy classic cocktails served by themed staff in comfortable booths.

A quiet basement speakeasy offers an intimate atmosphere with a chic vibe and a great selection of cocktails. The bar stays consistently good and captures the classic prohibition feel well.

People are saying

"The cocktails are creative, well-balanced, and thoughtfully put together."

"It's a cozy spot with a really nice atmosphere."

"The cocktails here are creative, well-balanced, and expertly crafted."

Good to know

1

The bar tends to fill up around 7-8 PM, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is conveniently available right across the street.

3

They offer daily drink specials and around 300 cocktail options.

02
Trials Pub image 1

Low key pub with a relaxed vibe and no TVs for focused chats. Friendly bartenders serve Smithwicks and Guinness on tap. Enjoy shepherd's pie and Canadian chips in an intimate setting with darts on request.

A low key, intimate bar with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly bartenders. It offers a great selection of drinks and tasty food like shepherd's pie and Canadian chips.

People are saying

"I found this bar to be a great, cool, and funky place."

"I found the pub to have amazing food and a great selection of drinks."

"I found the atmosphere to be really relaxed and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Parking might be available on nearby streets.

3

The pub is open late, after 8:00 PM.

03
The Caravan Lounge image 1

Dive bar buzzes with live garage bands and punk decor creating an intense vibe. Friendly locals enjoy open-mic comedy nights and amazing drinks from skilled bartenders. Cash-only spot features a pool table and jukebox for laid-back fun.

A punk dive bar with stickers and kitsch on the walls offers a safe and friendly atmosphere. The bartender crafts amazing drinks and the place hosts open-mic comedy nights and live music without cover charges.

People are saying

"It's a fun place with good music and a welcoming crowd."

"This dive bar has a jukebox, pool table, and live music."

"The bar has awesome live music and cool vibes."

Good to know

1

The lounge accepts only cash payments.

2

Karaoke is available on Tuesdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

There are no cover charges for entry.

04
Alma Tequileria image 1

Bar shines with friendly bartenders like Dany offering polite, attentive care. Vibrant social setting blends with a bustling marketplace full of diverse culinary choices. Crowd enjoys pairing drinks with food, creating a lively and excellent service atmosphere.

Bar service stands out with friendly bartenders like Dany who provide polite and attentive care. Drinks come with excellent service in a lively marketplace setting.

People are saying

"The bartender Dany is amazing and makes fantastic drinks."

Good to know

1

The bar is part of a vibrant marketplace with diverse food options.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with many nearby dining choices.

3

The marketplace is popular, so plan for potential crowds during peak hours.

05
55 South image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar shines with extraordinary flavors and a knowledgeable staff. Mexican-themed decor and holiday touches create a cozy, lively atmosphere. Live DJs and bands fuel energy, perfect for dancing and enjoying standout tacos and ribs.

Craft cocktails stand out with extraordinary flavors and a knowledgeable bar staff ready to suggest drinks for any taste. The bar offers a visually pleasing and beautifully lit setting.

People are saying

"You'll find great, delicious cocktails here."

"I thought the food here was delicious and well-executed."

"The craft cocktails here are extraordinary and expertly made."

Good to know

1

The parking lot across the street costs $20 flat rate on Sunday evening.

2

Expect crowds on Fridays and Saturdays when a DJ is present.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesdays with discounted drinks.

06
SoFA Market image 1
Food court

Food court buzzes with varied food options and cafeteria seating. Fountainhead Bar shines with live music and a well-stocked bar offering basics. Outdoor covered seating provides a comfortable space away from indoor crowds.

A well-stocked bar anchors the space with a limited selection that covers basics. Fountainhead Bar offers live music and both indoor and outdoor seating.

People are saying

"I found the food options here to be great and authentic."

"I appreciated the great bar for drinks."

"It's a nice chill place to go and grab food."

Good to know

1

SoFA Market features a variety of food options from multiple restaurants under one roof.

2

Parking may be an issue; consider walking a block to find better options.

3

Self-ordering kiosks are available to skip the line at food stalls.

07
Five Points image 1
Cocktail bar

Old saloon style bar features an intimate dance floor and a hidden speakeasy with cozy vibes. Friendly staff serve unique cocktails quickly in a lively spot where live music and DJs keep energy high. Separate music areas offer distinct atmospheres for every mood.

Busy atmosphere with quick service and friendly staff keeps the bar lively. Drinks are available even when nearby spots close, and a separate area plays different music for a distinct vibe.

People are saying

"The Harry Potterโ€“inspired cocktails were all on point."

"The Harry Potter theme and hidden speakeasy make this place really cool."

"This bar had a fun Harry Potter theme with cool details."

Good to know

1

Cocktails are 50% off on Wednesdays.

2

Jazz night happens every Monday, featuring live performances.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on Friday nights with live music.

08
Dr. Funk image 1
Tiki bar

Vibrant tiki bar offers world-class rum cocktails in a lively setting with elaborate decor that transports guests. Friendly staff enhance the intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating and a cozy fireplace. Perfect spot to unwind and enjoy unique drinks.

Vibrant Tiki bar with fun decor and a friendly staff creates a lively spot to unwind with friends.

People are saying

"This tiki bar has a really fun and unique atmosphere."

"The holiday cocktails here have a fun, spooky Nightmare Before Christmas theme."

"The outdoor seating here feels like a hidden oasis."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made on OpenTable for a guaranteed spot.

2

Happy hour runs all day on Tuesday with discounted drinks.

3

Expect a crowded atmosphere on weekends; arrive early to secure a seat.

09
Teske's Germania image 1
German restaurant

Old historic building offers authentic German atmosphere with rustic decor and traditional architecture. Open-air Biergarten features live German music and a lively vibe. Bar serves a wide selection of beers in an inviting, authentic setting.

Offers a wide selection of beers in a setting that feels like an authentic German bar. The atmosphere is inviting and the bar itself stands out as one of the best looking around.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and authentic German fare."

"I was thrilled with the impressive beer selection and seasonal offerings."

"The bar has an authentic German atmosphere and great beers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large events to ensure space availability.

2

Oktoberfest celebrations occur annually in October with special food and drink offerings.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

10
Shisha SJ image 1
Hookah bar

Lounge features extremely comfortable couches and a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilling or working. Music blends well with smooth, flavorful hookah service. Impeccable cleanliness and outstanding service make it a top spot for hookah lovers.

Impeccable cleanliness stands out in this lounge, creating a very nice atmosphere. The service is outstanding, making it a solid spot for hookah.

People are saying

"It's a great spot to chill with friends."

"The Night Lounge staff, especially Odai, are so attentive and friendly."

"The bar staff's attentiveness makes every visit enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable for hookah and drinks.

2

The cleanliness of the lounge is impeccable.

3

Expect a comfortable atmosphere perfect for chilling with friends.

11
Market Bar image 1

Outdoor courtyard buzzes with live music and multiple bars offering craft beers and cocktails. Food court serves diverse cuisines like Asian and Peruvian with casual patio seating. Energetic crowd enjoys social vibes and great drink variety for a perfect night out.

Tons of taps and a great selection of bottled beer come at reasonable prices. Live bands perform regularly, and the bar offers a wide variety of drinks and eats, making it a solid spot for a weekend bar crawl or a casual night out.

People are saying

"I loved the live music in the outdoor space."

"This market has so many great food stalls with diverse cuisines."

"The bartenders here are amazing and share fascinating stories."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes and costs $1 for every 15 minutes afterward.

2

Market Bar is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

3

They offer free dance classes every Wednesday, perfect for beginners.

12
District image 1
Restaurant

Modern industrial space offers high ceilings and spacious seating indoors and outdoors. Signature cocktails and oysters shine alongside live Sunday music at a comfortable volume. Bar area features comfortable seating and a semi-private lounge for groups.

High ceilings create an open, airy vibe around the comfortable bar seating. Drinks come from a well-stocked bar or attentive servers, with a semi-private lounge available for group events.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"You have to try the happy hour oysters; they're delicious."

"The vibe here is really cool and inviting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 5 to 6 pm with discounted menu items.

2

Live music occurs every Friday at 10 pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, due to limited seating.

13
The Brit - Sports Pub & Patio image 1

Huge space with lots of TVs shows American football and EPL. Full bar serves Guinness with fast service. Outdoor covered seating with heaters offers a chill atmosphere during games and turns energetic on Fridays.

Big TVs and decent sound make it a solid spot for watching sports. The bar offers a full bar with Guinness and handles large crowds with fast service.

People are saying

"The bar staff, especially Levi, offered top-notch, friendly service."

"You've got to try the pub fries; they're perfectly salted."

"It's a top spot for watching live sports, especially the Niners."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Fridays and Saturdays feature a DJ starting at 10 PM, turning off TVs.

3

Reservations are recommended for the patio as it fills up quickly.

14
The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio image 1

Space offers a private upstairs area and a comfortable patio with dim lighting. Music shifts from melodic techno to reggaeton, creating a vibe that moves from relaxed to pumped. Dance floor energizes the crowd, making it feel more like a club than a bar with good music after 11pm and fun dancing.

Vibes feel more like a club than a bar with good music after 11pm and fun dancing. The atmosphere stays chill and fun with good vibes throughout the night.

People are saying

"They collaborated with us to create fun, themed cocktails for our event."

"This place felt like a fun, chill nightclub."

"The dance spot here is super fun and has good vibes."

Good to know

1

The venue has a strict policy banning Bay Area sports attire.

2

Non-Bay Area sports attire is allowed.

3

There is no menu provided for cocktails, making choices difficult.

15
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Wood and brick building creates a spacious saloon vibe with outdoor games like cornhole. Laid-back atmosphere blends lively music and friendly crowds. Multiple TVs show football, making it a great spot to watch games with courteous service at the bar.

The bar offers a good old bar feeling with courteous service from the bartender. Multiple TVs make it a great spot to watch games, though the screens sit a bit high above the bar.

People are saying

"The patio is nice and has games like cornhole."

"The BBQ here is tender and flavorful."

"The barbecue here is great, especially the ribs and pulled pork."

Good to know

1

Thursdays feature line dancing lessons with DJ Shivers at 7pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with drink specials.

3

DJ Mike Verba performs live music every Saturday night.

16
SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant image 1
New American restaurant

Open floor plan and large outdoor deck create a spacious setting with a lively crowd. Friendly staff serve high-quality food that pairs well with drinks during a solid happy hour. Weekend DJs keep the energy high with live music, making it a great spot for dancing and watching games.

Spacious bar offers a lively night vibe with a DJ and solid happy hour. Staff stays friendly even when busy, and the food served is high-quality and complements the drinks well.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"The bar staff here always takes care of you with a smile."

"I was shocked at how good the food was for brunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Street parking is available within a 5-10 minute walk.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

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Ballbach and SOFA, San Jose

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