Paul Kushner
San Jose, the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, boasts a thriving cocktail culture that rivals its tech prowess.
Amidst the city’s innovation, a different kind of alchemy unfolds in its hidden corners—crafting the finest libations.
Join us as we embark on a spirited journey to uncover the best cocktail bars in San Jose.
From classic concoctions to avant-garde mixology, these establishments are raising the bar for indulgence in this dynamic city.
Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 792-7356
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Haberdasher is one of the best cocktail bars in the heart of Downtown San Jose.
You’ll need to head underground to find the bar, and once you do, you’ll find red velvet seating and bartenders dressed in traditional 1920s attire.
The cocktail menu is one of the best in San Jose.
They have all your favorite classic cocktails like Moscow Mules and old-fashioned, but I suggest trying one of their others.
I love the Watermelon Waltz and Truscan Trifle.
55 – Fifty Five South
55 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 288-6000
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If you’re looking for fun places to go out in San Jose, Downtown, 55- Fifty-Five South is a great option.
This cocktail bar blends modern and rustic decor in a stylish space that features live entertainment regularly.
The bar menu at this cocktail bar features cocktails, beer, and wine for you to order.
I love that they do tiki Tuesdays with tropical-themed cocktails. I suggest trying one of their margaritas if you visit any other day.
Five Points
169 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 982-5816
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Walking a few blocks from 55 – Fifty-Five South, you can find Five Points.
The bar feels like a step back to the 19th century, with dim lighting, old-school drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.
Five Points breaks down their cocktail menu by classic options and their more contemporary cocktails.
The classics are fantastic, but their contemporary ones are even better. The Irish Maid and Vatican City are very popular.
Paper Plane
72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 713-2625
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One of the best cocktail bars in San Jose is just around the corner from San Jose Improv Company.
It’s a relaxed spot with exposed brick and bartenders who take pride in creating unique concoctions.
Something that makes Paper Plane stand out is how they describe their cocktails.
They use a four-quadrant chart with adjectives like wild, comforting, and refreshing.
The Clubber Lang, Coco Suave, and Little Lad are perfect for trying something new.
The Vesper
394 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: (408) 680-0401
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You’ll find The Vesper east of Downtown San Jose, near Campbell Park.
This is a refined cocktail bar that is usually crowded. It’s a lively spot with an artistic vibe and a comfortable lounge to sip your cocktails in.
Vesper’s has a great happy hour with some of their best cocktails heavily discounted.
If you want something a little strong, the Dark N Stormy is great.
The Dark N Stormy has white rum, ginger beer, lime, and a dark rum floater.
Sidecar Modern Tavern
25 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: (408) 399-5180
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Sidecar Modern Tavern is on the outskirts of San Jose near the Testarossa Winery.
It’s an eclectic spot that sees both locals and tourists. The terrace is my favorite spot to sit and enjoy tapas and cocktails.
You’ll find a combination of great cocktails that are intricate and more simple on Sidecar Modern Tavern’s menu.
If you want something simple but delicious, they have a gin and tonic with a house-made tonic.
The Pretty In Pink is the best, though.
Trials Pub
265 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 947-0497
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For fun places to get drinks near St. James Park, I suggest heading to Trials Pub.
While it’s technically a pub, they’ve made a name for themselves in the community for their cocktails and laid-back atmosphere.
Trials pub has fewer cocktails than other cocktail bars, but it’s still a great spot.
They have plenty of beer for the non-spirit drinkers and plenty of whiskey and scotch for those interested.
They make great old fashioned.
MINIBOSS
52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 520-4909
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If you’re searching for where to get a drink downtown, where you can sip cocktails and play fun games, MINIBOSS is the bar for you.
The bar is housed in a large industrial space with bright decor and vintage video arcade games.
All the cocktails here are fun, vibrant, and delicious.
I love the Smells Like Teen Spirit because they use watermelon sour-patch-infused vodka. The Flower Power is a close second.
The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio
349 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 982-3461
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The Continental Bar Lounge and Patio is the best cocktail bar in the SoFA area of San Jose.
The bar has plenty of space and features comfortable couches where you can lounge and sip cocktails in this laid-back spot.
The bar here is fully stocked, but the cocktails are what people come for.
You’ll find everything you could want here. I’m partial to their Moscow Mule and Blackberry lemon drop martini.
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