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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown San Jose

Food and bar spots

Made for those who want a substantial meal paired with a drink in a setting that transitions easily from dinner to late-night socializing.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Goodtime Bar image 1
Goodtime Bar image 2
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Wine bar

Small wine bar offers cozy patio seating and a modern interior with rattan decor and communal tables. Warm, inviting atmosphere features chill vibes and live DJ sets playing Bay Area classics. Limited seating creates an intimate setting popular for casual evenings and dates.

Food stands out with imaginative, beautiful, and delicious dishes. The menu pairs well with wine and offers a light food selection that impresses consistently.

Cozy spot with natural wines and a light food menu featuring creative dishes. Staff stay warm and attentive even on busy nights, making it feel like a home base.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is outstanding and thoughtfully curated."

"The food here was top-notch, truly the best I've had in ages."

"The food at this Bar is impressive, especially the pastas and tartare."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Prices are around $14 per glass of wine and over $25 for food.

3

It can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.

02
Little Wine House image 1

Wine bar occupies an old home with cozy, intimate atmosphere and chic, quaint decor. Music playlist adds to the relaxing vibe while guests enjoy quality wines paired with exceptional flatbreads and cheese boards. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, fostering a romantic, homey setting.

Food features a small menu with delicious dishes like Pesto Tomato Burrata. The combination of top-notch food and an awesome wine selection stands out.

Quaint wine bar with a laid-back vibe and Instagram-worthy setting. Offers nice food options to enjoy alongside a glass or two.

People are saying

"They have an awesome wine selection with great bites."

"The owners, Ty and Nici, are so friendly and offer great recommendations."

"The food here is top-notch and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs daily from 4 to 5:30 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Parking can be tricky, especially during events at SAP Center.

3

The wine selection is diverse, with options for sampling at a set price.

03
Still O.G. & Alter Ego Cocktail Club image 1

Speakeasy-style bar splits into a laid-back vinyl lounge and an intimate, reservation-only cocktail club with a 1920s Gatsby vibe. Atmosphere blends throwback decor, vinyl DJ sets, and creative cocktails featuring unique ingredients. Space suits both casual gatherings and exclusive date nights with a chill, exclusive ambiance.

Dishes show high-level cooking with thoughtful presentation and ingredients chosen to complement the cocktails. Food quality matches what you'd find at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

A speakeasy-style back bar offers a hidden, intimate vibe with carefully crafted cocktails and a strong focus on music that shapes the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are excellent and beautifully presented."

"The bartenders here are true mixologists crafting amazing drinks."

"The food here is so flavorful and yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential for the intimate space at Alter Ego Cocktail Club.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 5pm to 7pm with $5 cocktails and skewers.

3

Without a reservation, entry may be denied due to capacity limits.

04
Ancora Vino by Enoteca La Storia image 1

Three distinct sections share space: a wine bar, an Italian deli market, and a pizza place, creating a fun urban vibe. Outdoor and patio seating accommodate groups, enhancing a social atmosphere. Wine selection spans regions and price points, complemented by Italian-style food like pizza and sandwiches.

Simple Italian dishes deliver fresh, authentic flavors with no shortcuts on quality. The pizza and charcuterie board stand out, paired well with the lovely wine selection.

Three sections include a wine bar with tastings and clubs, a sports bar with pizza and craft beer, and a bottle shop. The bar offers a mind-boggling wine list alongside beer and liquor cocktails.

People are saying

"I loved the wine club; it felt like family."

"This wine bar has a mind-boggling wine list and frequent tastings."

"The wine selection here is incredible, with choices from all over the world."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; expect to walk a couple of blocks to reach the venue.

2

The menu may vary by location, so check for updates before visiting.

3

Gratuity is included in the menu pricing.

05
MINIBOSS image 1

Large space filled with classic arcade games and a dedicated pinball room creates a lively, nostalgic vibe. Neon lights and old-school game sounds blend with a modern industrial design to keep energy high. Crowds are comfortable, and the atmosphere stays fun and relaxed despite noise levels.

Offers a wide range of American food like burgers and garlic fries, plus drinks including craft beers and cocktails. Features odd pizza combinations that taste really good.

A festive bar with holiday-themed decor and innovative cocktails served in festive mugs and glasses. It combines a lively atmosphere with game memorabilia and attentive service.

People are saying

"The arcades here have an awesome collection of retro games and pinball."

"This bar has a great selection of retro arcade and pinball machines."

"The food here is really tasty, especially the pizza."

Good to know

1

Thursdays offer free games at MINIBOSS from open until close.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early for better seating.

3

Arcade games cost between 25ยข and 75ยข per play.

06
Eos & Nyx image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-story space with lush greenery and a liquor carousel creates a luxurious, dramatic setting. Loud music and lively energy fill the room, especially during busy hours. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and unique features like an elevator bar add visual interest.

Exceptional food shines during brunch and other meals, paired with fantastic service and drinks. The overall dining experience includes outstanding ambience and decor.

Creative cocktails come with amazing service from bartenders like Sherry. The second floor bar offers breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere with smooth bottle service and no wait even when busy.

People are saying

"The food here is creative and unique, with perfectly cooked dishes."

"The service here makes for an amazing date night."

"The food here has bold flavors and gorgeous plating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

A $5 cake fee applies for each person if you bring your own cake.

3

Brunch costs around $50 per person, including food and drinks.

07
Poor House Bistro image 1
Cajun restaurant

Old Victorian house hosts a cozy shaded outdoor patio with live blues music and a friendly, lively atmosphere. Small dance area and ample outdoor seating invite casual gatherings. Popular spot for quick pre-event dinners near SAP Center.

Food here is consistently delicious and satisfying with a quick, easy option before events. The dishes come across as excellent and full of flavor.

Fabulous drinks like honeysuckle lemonade and espresso martinis stand out. The bar stays full and fun during visits.

People are saying

"The live music here is a great bonus with amazing players."

"I found the food here to be excellent and tasty."

"The bartender was a delight and easy to talk to."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait during busy hours, especially on event nights.

2

Parking is limited, especially when events are happening nearby.

3

The venue hosts live music from Wednesday to the weekend.

08
Guildhouse image 1

Enormous space combines bar, internet cafe, and dance club with a strong gamer and nerdy vibe. Open and spacious layout supports board games and video gaming, creating a chill, friendly atmosphere. Noise levels vary, allowing quieter spots for relaxation amid social activity.

Food options include simple dishes and inventive themed cocktails and beer. Outside food is allowed, and nearby spots offer great tacos to grab and enjoy.

An eclectic mix of bar, internet cafe, and dance club creates varied social vibes. The spot blends gaming with drinks, offering a chill place for board games and video games.

People are saying

"This bar is a gaming lounge with tons of board and video games."

"You can get a free hour of gameplay with the purchase of a mocktail."

"The food here is mostly good quality small bites and snacks."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Every Friday night features a free party in the back room.

3

Thursday fighting game tournaments start at 6pm; bring your own controller.

09
Urban Putt San Jose image 1
Miniature golf course

Indoor miniature golf course features creative themed holes with surprises like an animatronic shark and interactive mazes. The atmosphere is lively and immersive, evoking a cinematic vibe with a San Jose-centric design. A bar area offers drinks to enjoy while playing, though seating is limited outside the bar.

Gastro pub food stands out with excellent quality and delicious flavors. Food and drinks serve as great companions while waiting for mini golf, offering a relaxing experience with primo dishes.

High ceilings create an open feel in the bar area. A full bar offers fancy smoke bubble drinks and a decent selection of draft beers. The gastro pub food pairs well with the drinks.

People are saying

"The mini golf here is a fun and unique experience with creative holes."

"The bar here is super fun and has creative golf holes."

"I found the food here to be excellent and yummy."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of around 45 minutes during peak hours.

2

Playing a round of mini golf takes about 60-90 minutes on weekends.

3

Parking is plentiful and available close to the venue.

10
Littlest Little Italy image 1

Restaurant offers spacious layout with separate bar, wine, and outdoor seating areas. Atmosphere feels casual and cozy, suitable for dates and gatherings, with a neighborhood-style vibe. Arcade games add a family-friendly touch to the experience.

Thin sliced beef with peppers and sauce stands out as a delicious dish. Quick, Italian food comes in a chill atmosphere with great flavor.

A full bar sits at the front with interesting beers and a selection of wines. Bartenders offer wine samples before purchase and provide excellent service at the bar.

People are saying

"The casual Italian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The Italian food here is fabulous and authentic."

"You have to try the Meat and Cheese Platter at this bar; it's incredible."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during events at the Shark Tank.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

They stop serving sandwiches at 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

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Downtown San Jose, San Jose

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