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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Ballbach and SOFA, San Jose

Cocktail bars

A well-made cocktail is the only way to properly transition from the workday to the evening.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Haberdasher image 1
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Cocktail bar

Underground speakeasy with dark lighting and red walls creates an intimate, stylish atmosphere. Jazz music plays softly, supporting a quiet vibe ideal for conversation. Comfortable booths and themed servers add to the authentic prohibition feel.

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.

Craftsmen cocktails stand out with top-shelf ingredients and unique, memorable flavors. The intimate speakeasy vibe pairs well with a great selection of consistently amazing drinks.

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
55 South image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with Mexican-themed decor and holiday decorations creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Live DJs and bands keep energy high, encouraging dancing and conversation in spacious yet intimate booths. Extensive whiskey selection and unique drinks complement a menu featuring 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.

Craft cocktails stand out with a great selection and extraordinary flavors. Bartenders offer knowledgeable recommendations and make drinks that satisfy any taste.

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.

03
Five Points image 1
Cocktail bar

Old saloon style bar offers an intimate dance floor and a hidden speakeasy with a cozy, exclusive vibe. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere where conversation requires leaning in. Unique cocktails and rustic decor add to the distinctive experience.

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.

An extensive cocktail selection offers creative cocktails with unique flavors like the Green Ray. Bartenders show vast knowledge and craft drinks to perfection in a cozy social setting.

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.

04
District image 1
Restaurant

Modern industrial space with high ceilings and spacious seating offers both indoor and outdoor options. Atmosphere stays classy yet unpretentious, with live music on Sundays at comfortable volume levels. Cocktails and oysters stand out as signature highlights.

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.

Cocktails here stand out for their signature recipes that are not watered down. The menu is massive, featuring craft, classic, and non-alcoholic options like the Sazerac and Detox cocktails.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the cocktails here were some of the best I'd ever had."

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.

05
Dr. Funk image 1
Tiki bar

Tiki bar with elaborate decor that transports guests to faraway lands, featuring detailed interior and exterior themes including holiday touches. Atmosphere is vibrant and intimate, with outdoor seating and fireplace adding to the experience. Drinks focus on world-class tiki cocktails with a strong emphasis on rum.

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

Outstanding cocktails focus on rum-based tiki drinks with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. Bartenders customize drinks well, blending classic and house cocktails with flavorful, balanced sweetness.

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.

06
Market Bar image 1

Outdoor courtyard with live music and multiple bars creates a lively atmosphere especially on weekends. Food court offers diverse cuisines including Asian, Peruvian, and Italian with casual patio seating. Crowd enjoys craft beers and cocktails in a social, energetic setting.

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.

Bartender Greg crafts very strong cocktails and offers great mixed drink options. The cocktail menu is diverse, though some drinks focus on Instagram aesthetics over flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"Greg makes expertly crafted mixed drinks that are delicious."

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.

07
Mezcal Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open dining space blends indoor and outdoor areas with decorated tree centerpiece and exposed architecture. Loud music and busy bar create a lively, energetic atmosphere that suits early evening gatherings. Outdoor seating with heat lamps offers limited comfort in colder weather.

A very large full bar shares space with the main dining room and offers a well-stocked variety of tequilas, including some unique options. Staff provide great suggestions and the bar area has wifi available.

Hand mixed cocktails stand out here, especially a jalapeรฑo infused old fashioned that offers a spicy twist. Staff serve drinks with care, making the cocktail experience enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and very authentic."

"The bar's atmosphere is lively, colorful, and feels like Puerto Vallarta."

"I thought the cocktails and staff were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure a smooth experience.

2

Expect higher prices, especially considering the downtown location.

3

Vegan and vegetarian options are limited.

08
The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio image 1

Space includes private upstairs area and comfortable patio with dim lighting. Music ranges from melodic techno to reggaeton, creating a vibe that shifts from relaxed to pumped. Dance floor energizes the crowd, making it feel more like a club than a bar.

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.

Bourbon-whiskey-based cocktails show up with collaborative themed options. No menu exists, so drinks come by bartender choice, but some cocktails taste terrible and prices feel expensive.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

09
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere that opens up for dancing in the evenings. The space features artwork and open windows that evoke a Mexican feel, attracting groups celebrating various occasions.

Bar offers a lively vibe with Latin and club music and dancing later. Friendly service includes a warm greeting and tasty drinks served at the bar without needing a reservation.

Suavecito mezcal cocktail stands out as very good and worth ordering again. Servers assist with choosing from well-made cucumber and other delicious cocktails that meet high expectations.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"The bartenders here are so attentive and make you feel like family."

"The cocktails here are delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

After 9pm, the place turns into a dance club.

2

Live music happens on Friday nights.

3

The kitchen closes after 12 am and the bar at 1:30 am.

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Ballbach and SOFA, San Jose

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