More than a month after California’s reopening, nearly all of the South Bay’s nightlife spots are now either opening back up, opening for the first time, or preparing to open soon—and we’ve got your guide to the night’s happenings.

But before you head out, remember to charge your phone ahead of time—you might need it.

New Spots

Rec Room
1 E San Fernando St, San Jose
www.recroomsj.com
Rec Room has been quickly making fans for its comfy atmosphere, well-curated music and tasty cocktails. Cozy downstairs and spacious above, the bar also includes the patio area from the former Gordon Biersch brewery, leaving plenty of room for dancing, lounging, or just sipping a Rec’t Juice, the house Hennessy sangria.

Guildhouse
420 S First St., San Jose
Guildhouse.gg
San Jose’s newest home for truly dedicated gamers, Guildhouse provides explorers of all classes with glowing potions at affordable prices. Grab a house “anti-craft” cocktails (aka, a good drink without all the rigmarole) and play a round of just about any game there is, from console classics like Mario Party to tabletop revolutions like Settlers of Catan. Soft opening Friday.

NOVA
83 S 2nd St, San Jose
The former Tres Gringos recently received a glow-up in the form of sleek new dance club Nova. Featuring regular DJ nights with notable local talent, like the Bangerz’s Goldenchyld, the lounge/club will fit the bill nicely for those looking for a new place to dress up, dance or get some bottle service downtown.

Top Golf
10 Topgolf Drive, San Jose
408-404-6436 | topgolf.com
Giving new meaning to the term “golf club,” the gigantic Top Golf entertainment center in Alviso is like a mix of driving range, arcade and club. No one’s saying you have to swing a 5 iron to have a good time here. Decked out in neon and packing some strong drinks, on a Friday night the bar is more hopping than a Titleist.

S Twenty Seven Ales
461 Perrymont Avenue, San Jose
408-599-BREW | s27ales.com
Tucked in a cloister at the end of Perrymont Ave, S Twenty Seven Ales is one San Jose’s newest breweries. Opened just two weeks before lockdown, the Franco-Belgian inspired alehouse slings a diverse selection of delicious and daring brews, from hefty Imperials and Double IPAs, to the crisp and refreshing Margarita Lager.

Be.Steak.A
1887 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
408-963-2092 | besteaka.com
The much anticipated Be.Steak.A from Chefs Jeffrey Stout and Patrick Capurro’s is a masterclass on how a steakhouse should be done: oysters, caviar, koji-aged steak, handmade pasta—a menu that demands multiple visits. Beyond the stellar dinner offerings, the elegant bar has a selection of 100+ vintage amaro and spirits for those looking for an upscale drink.

Flowers
14577 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
408-647-2727 | flowerssaratoga.com
Flowers’ opening in the middle of the first softening of dining restrictions proved it a hit addition to Saratoga. With a focus on visually striking elements—from their long tufted pink banquet, to their beautiful stone bar top—form and function meet with equally stunning food and cocktail presentation. Well worth the wait and a delight for multiple senses.

Out of the Barrel
201 Los Gatos Saratoga Rd, Los Gatos
408-827-4090 | outofthebarrelbeer.com
With its outdoor patio and prime location, Out of the Barrel is an ideal spot to meet with friends, or just post up alone and people watch. The 28 rotating taps boast a wide variety of beers brewed all around northern California, including multiple fruited beers perfect for summer sipping.

LVL Up San Jose
409 S 2nd St, San Jose
thelvlup.com
Opened just in time for the pandemic doldrums, LVL Up’s patio has quickly become one of San Jose’s go-to destinations for live hip hop, hardcore, EDM and a whole lot more. Inside, there’s arcade games, craft brews and house cocktails like the refreshing Aperol Spritz. Don’t forget to bring quarters.

Strike Brewing 
469 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
408-796-7810 | strikebrewingco.com
Opened in Fall 2019, Strike Brewing’s second location in Campbell barely got a chance to get going before shutting due to the pandemic. Now really open, they’ve gotten back to slinging signature brews like the malty Colossus of Clout red, and the bitter and complex Double IPA.

The Emerald Hour
1625 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View
650-420-2600 | theemeraldhour.com
Situated poolside at the new Shashi Hotel a stone’s throw from Google, The Emerald Hour is all about luxury. Kick back and lounge with a high concept cocktail like the “Snap Pea on the Rock”—a gin and snap pea combo—which are made to pair with food from the michelin-starred chef.

Improved Spots

LVL Uproar
439 S First Street, San Jose
uproarbrewing.com/
In a recent collaboration with quickly growing barcade chain LVL Up, Uproar Brewing recently rebranded as LVL Uproar. Now, brewery patrons can enjoy the drama of 4-person Pac Man while sipping a First Street Drama, Uproar’s flagship Kolsch, or just go hard on carnival games like skee-ball and Down the Clown while everyone else compares IBUs.

Jack’s
167 E Taylor St, San Jose
408-287-5225 | jacksbar.com/
Small but mighty, Jack’s has been the local for locals north of downtown since long before its current owners bought it in 2007. And with its newly redesigned patio space, outdoor bar and new QR menus, visitors would be forgiven for thinking it a recent addition to Japantown. Either way, Jack’s is now more spacious and accommodating than ever.

55 South
55 S 1st St, San Jose
the55south.com
Always known to keep the party going, 55 South has made the most out of their modestly-sized corner cocktail bar. When outdoor seating was allowed and Post St. was closed to traffic, the little bar began fabricating a giant wooden ship outside. The patio was a labor of love which exemplifies what 55 South does best: keep the party going.

Original Gravity Public House
66 S 1st St, San Jose
408-915-BEER | originalgravitypub.com
With their nine year anniversary coming up, Original Gravity prides themselves on change. Originally offering bratwurst, they’ve shifted to smash burgers and fries, and switched to table service with QR code menus to keep guests feeling safe and comfortable. They do however still offering 20 rotating taps—plus an expanded bottle and can list.

Camino Brewing
718 S 1st St, San Jose
408-352-5331 | caminobrewing.com
Dreamed up on a cycling trip through Spain, four years later, Camino is still trekking ahead with a taproom full of fresh beer and food from local vendors open six days a week. Enjoy a beverage in their new beer garden, with tents and twinkly lights set up among the socially-distanced tables.

O’Malley’s Sports Pub
2135 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View
Described by one reviewer as “very Cheers-y, even when everybody doesn’t know your name,” O’Malley’s on Old Middlefield has long been a divey delight for pool, jukebox dancing and karaoke. Now with a new front patio area and food trucks slinging grub, they’re showing that making your way in the world today doesn’t have to take all you got.

Clandestine Brewery 
980 S. 1st St, San Jose 
408-520-0220 | clandestinebrewing.com/
Clandestine responded to the pandemic by taking personal space seriously, removing communal tables and giving beer-lovers added elbow room at the bar. That’s good, because with two Finnish Sahtis and a Juicy IPA made with no juice (it’s the hops), Clandestine has some of the most unique brews in the city.

Willow Den Public House
803 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
408-891-0212
Since remodeling with an all caps suffix (PUBLIC HOUSE), Willow Den has upped their game in a number of ways—though thankfully not all. Pool tables, cheap drinks and XL Jenga all still reside in the Den, joined now by an updated stage for bands nights and karaoke, and not one but two patios.

The Brit
173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
(408) 278-1400 | thebritsj.com/
Under new management and very recently redesigned (we’re talking late June), The Brit is a complete overhaul of the downtown staple on Santa Clara St featuring new menu, interior redesign and brand new back patio. More comfortable than ever, the new Brit will have visitors new and old alike asking: “What’s all this, then?”

Fred’s Place
Mountain View
650-940-9838 | fredsplace.tv
From the outside, Fred’s on Old Middlefield might look small and unassuming, but inside it is packed with all kinds of good times, from Monday night trivia, to Thursday karaoke, to week-long pool tables, pinball and more. With its new back patio and food trucks, Fred’s remains the perfect place to post up for a round after work.

Classic Spots

Splash
65 Post St, San Jose
splashsj.com | 408-292-2222
One thing sorely missed during the pandemic was dancing in a crowded club, but miss no more! San Jose’s premiere gay bar has roared into 2021 with tons of events, including Drag Race viewing parties, Wednesday Latin Nights, and Power Hour Monday deals. Come for the dancing, stay for the complete joy that this space brings to the community.

Mervyn’s Lounge
236 Castro St, Mountain View
There aren’t many left like Mervyn’s Lounge. A step into Merv’s is a step into the glory days of the dives of yesteryear. Gone are $18 drinks featuring Amontillado Sherry, whole eggs and locally sourced herb essences. In their place are cold beers, hefty pours, and all the questionable camaraderie that comes with a proper drinking establishment.

Mac’s
39 Post St, San Jose
Mac’s may be small in square footage, but its impact is immeasurable for the local LGBTQIA community. The oldest gay bar in the south San Francisco Bay Area, Mac’s provides its regulars and newcomers alike the chance to kick back and enjoy a warm summer night in a friendly, open space—now including more patio seating in the parklets on Post St.

Hapa’s
460 Lincoln Ave #90, San Jose
114 S. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
With roomy (and comfy!) warehouse spaces in both San Jose and Los Gatos, Hapa’s lets visitors dip back into social life like the last two years were all a dream. Some long wait times are worth it for a hearty beer flight, corn hole on the back patio, food trucks and some furry friends.

Effie’s
331 W Hacienda Ave, Campbell
http://effiesrestaurantandbar.com | 408-374-3400
If scanning a QR code sounds painfully modern for your karaoke experience, Effie’s in Campbell hosts karaoke five nights a week (and offers bottomless mimosas on weekends), remaining a classic option for a night out with friends—or a comfy place to drown your sorrows and let it all out to “Unbreak My Heart.”

Woodham’s Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara
twitter.com/woodhamslounge | 408-244-2899
Despite its updated facade, the interior of Woodham’s Lounge on Stevens Creek has remained blissfully untouched by development in recent years. From its nearly-hidden door, to its lone, no-frills pool table (currently no-charge, as well), the cozy lounge has preserved all its charming and trademark lack of pretension.

Trials Pub
265 N 1st St., San Jose
408-947-0497 | trialspub.com
The grand reopening of Trials Pub in June was a sigh of relief to their loyal regulars. While general upkeep and cosmetic fixes were made, the pub feels comfortably unchanged. Nearly the entire staff is back, handwriting tabs and giving the pleasant service they’re known for. And as they build momentum, features like their Monday night Trivia are a promised and welcome return.

Teske’s Germania
255 N 1st St, San Jose
408-292-0291 | teskes-germania.com
Guests can now come back inside the family-owned Teske’s to enjoy a wide selection of German beers and schnapps, as well as some hearty Germanic cuisine. Behind the bar guests will find the same friendly faces. Later in the evening, when Rush blasts in the background over a round of Jägertees, it’ll feel as if the last year and a half was all an illusion.

River Rock Taproom
155 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
408-830-9837 | riverrocktaproom.com
One of the more recent classics on the list, the River Rock Taproom bakes social distancing into the pie by having all beer self-poured. All beers are charged by the ounce, and visitors can try as many of the 35 taps as they like, building their own self-guided brewery tour.

The Caravan
98 Almaden Ave, San Jose
caravanloungesanjose.com
For many, there is no watering hole in San Jose more classic than the Caravan. Once a hotel bar, and now home-away-from-home for many, the Caravan is no-frills in the best way possible, from the PBR tallboys, to the stage-less stage for music. Welcome back to the Caravan.

Carry Nations
8 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
408-354-1771
Founded by the creator of the Pet Rock and ironically named after the leader of the Temperance Movement, Carry Nations is a true dive classic in Los Gatos. Post pandemic, they’ve implemented exactly zero QR codes, touchless ordering systems or rebrandings. Come in for a beer and shot—and leave happy. 

The Continental
349 S 1st St, San Jose
408-982-3461 | thecontinentalbar.com
House music, dancing and disco lights: these are the ingredients that make for a night out at The Continental. Since reopening, the SoFA District lounge has gotten right back to what they do best, filling the weekends with music from great local DJs, and filling thirty patrons with mixological magic all night.

The X-Bar
20990 Homestead Blvd, Cupertino
408-255-5700 | homesteadbowl.com/the-x-bar
Located in the front of Homestead Bowl, The X-Bar is one of the South Bay’s best and most unlikely homes for live music. And since upgrading their stage a few years back, shows here look better than ever. The bar, meanwhile, has remained refreshingly non-trendy. How about a Budweiser?

Goosetown
1072 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
408-292-4835
For many in Willow Glen, Goosetown isn’t a bar: it’s a way of life. On weekends, the sound of revelers singing karaoke is often audible down the block, and during the week it’s a bit of a shelter from the workaday world. Like the movie says: “Forget it Jake, it’s Goosetown.”

Black Watch
141 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
(408) 354-2200
There is Los Gatos, and then there is the Black Watch. Inserted between a boutique and another boutique, this affordable, dimly-lit saloon has remained pleasantly untouched by the area’s surrounding affluence for generations. Renowned for the kamikazes and loved for the atmosphere, the Black Watch is a divey respite from the world.

Branham Lounge
1116 Branham Ln, San Jose
408-445-1716 | https://thebranham.com
Hidden in a strip mall off Almaden, the Branham Lounge has long been juicing the South San Jose suburbs with hefty pours, great karaoke nights and unexpected performances from hip hop legends like Andre Nickatina. Cozy and comfy, the Branham has been leaning into the “Lounge” in its title since 1969.

Poor House Bistro
91 S Autumn St, San Jose
408-292-5837 | poorhousebistro.com
San Jose’s home of blues music and cajun cooking, Poor House Bistro’s iconic location on Autumn St is about to pick up stakes and come with them on their move to nearby Little Italy. In the meantime, they’re back open, serving up Po’ Boys, Hurricanes and great live music five nights a week. 

All Hallows’ eve falls on a Monday this year, but that doesn’t mean the parties are packing it in. Check out this list of haunted houses, masquerade balls, costume contests and Dia de Los Muertos celebrations.

Rockin’ Halloween Parties at The Quarter Note
Oct 27-29
Three nights of wild costumes, live music, dancing and spooky drink specials. Costume Contest with $100 in cash and prizes.
1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale

Winchester Mystery House Candlelight Tours
Oct 28-31
New to the Winchester tours are the limited-edition candlelight voyages. These spooky journeys go through 110 rooms of the world-famous—and supposedly haunted—mansion. Nighttime tours are offered only on Friday the 13th and select nights in October. Tickets sell out fast, especially for Halloween.
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

Broofest: A Nightmare on Alma Street
Oct. 28-29
Get freaky at Municipal Stadium this Halloween. Slurp 80-plus sudsy potions from regional breweries, feast on devilish dishes, show off your best scream at the photo booth, dress up for a costume contest, bob for apples, hunt for hidden treats, decorate pumpkins and more.
588 E Alma ave, San Jose

Scene! @ The Ritz featuring Rex Goliath
Oct 28
Show!Time Productions will host their second annual Scene! @ The Ritz Halloween Party. Four local indie bands perform: Containher, Mothers Worry, Silent Pictures, and the indomitable Rex Goliath. Enjoy $1 PBRs till 10pm.
400 S First St, San Jose

Hip Hop Halloween at Back Bar SoFA
Kicking it old school, Back Bar will have Yukmouth from the The Luniz performing the Saturday before Halloween, while the connected Club Miami will feature Fulanito.
418 South Market St, San Jose

Halloween party at The Oxford
Oct. 28, 29 & 31
Celebrate Halloween with live music Friday and Saturday. Specialty cocktails designed to thrill and shock the palate go along with an Instagram contest, where a special prize will be awarded to the most imaginative post using London walls as a backdrop. On Halloween night guests can get select cocktails for half off from 5-10pm.
195 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

Halloween Parties AT Britannia Arms
Oct. 29 & 31
Britannia Arms has two San Jose locations, and they’re throwing multiple parties. On the Saturday before Halloween, Almaden Brit will have a live DJ, drink specials and a costume party with cash prizes. Two nights later, Downtown Brit’s bash will have DJ Raheem on the turntables, drink specials and $500 in costume prizes.
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose
173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

Halloween at Woodhams Lounge
Oct 29
Woodhams Sports Lounge gets a spooky makeover just in time for Halloween. There will be a potluck, karaoke, a cash prize costume contest and drink specials including $2 shots. 4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara

Halloween Dance Extravaganza at davids
Oct 29
Burn off those candy calories at David’s Restaurant Halloween Extravaganza. Complimentary appetizers will be served as partiers dance to today’s hits with DJ Rawk. Dress to impress because there will be prizes for the best costumes.
5151 Stars and Stripes Dr, Santa Clara

Halloween Party at Jack Rose
Oct 29
Take a step back in time, dress up and enjoy classic drinks at Jack Rose’s Halloween party. Best costume will win a $300 cash prize and DJ Dinero will spin live all night. $10 cover charge.
18840 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos

Halloween Dance Party at Steamer’s Grillhouse
Oct 29
Steamer’s Grillhouse in Los Gatos has held an annual Halloween party 25 years running. Once again the party will provide great drinks, live music and dancing.
31 University Ave, Los Gatos

Drop Dead Sexy at Charley’s LG
Oct 29
Charley’s LG was awarded Best Place to Dance in Silicon Valley for four years running, and this Halloween should be no different. The weekend will be packed with amazing costumes, and a live performance by DJ Jose Melendez of Wild 94.9.
15 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Día de los Muertos at the San Jose Museum of Art
Oct 29
The San Jose Museum of Art celebrates Día de los Muertos with live folkloric dances, cultural arts and crafts and other family friendly activities. There will also be an altar-building demonstration to celebrate the lives of those who’ve passed away. Admission is free and the event runs 11am-5pm.
110 S Market St, San Jose

The Ritz 2nd Annual Halloween Costume Contest
Oct 29
Throw on your best costume for a chance to win $1,000 in prize money. DJ Basura will be hand spinning ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and favorites from today.
400 S First St, San Jose

Scary-oke at Goosetown
Oct 29
Warm up those vocal cords and prepare to karaoke the night away at Goosetown Cocktail Lounge.
1071 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Halloween Party at Saddle Rack
Oct 29
Live music will be performed by The County Cougars and Diablo Road, and there will be $2,500 offered in cash prizes, so come dressed to impress—scary or cute accepted. The night will also be hosted by KSFO DJ Katie Green.
42011 Boscell Rd, Fremont

Halloween Party at East Coast Alice
Oct 29
A truly spook-tacular Halloween Party features live music by Ric Hines of One Country. Enjoy tasty treats and creepy cocktail specials throughout the night. There will be door prizes and a costume contest. Winner of best costume gets two tickets to see YES perform at City National Civic.
14560 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

Lynda Mortensen’s Bay Area Tributes Halloween Party
Oct 29
Check out live music at Club Fox in Redwood City, featuring Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, a ZZ Top tribute band and Joyride, a tribute to The Cars. An AC/DC tribute band will also play all the hits.
2209 Broadway St, Redwood City

Trick or Treat Costume Party at The GlassHouse
Oct 29
Spooky appetizers and specialty cocktails will be available at one of San Jose’s premiere event venues.
2 S Market St, San Jose

Halloween Rock ‘n’ Blues Bash
Oct 29
Every year at Blinky’s Can’t Say, costumed partygoers let loose for a night of drinking, dancing and live music. The event includes a costume contest for cash and prizes.
1031 Monroe St, Santa Clara

Halloween Party/Costume Contest at Court’s Lounge
Oct 29 & 31
Two Halloween parties and costume contests will take place, with a $200 costume contest winner named each night at 10pm.
2425 Bascom Ave, Campbell

7th Annual Día de Los Muertos
Oct 29 & Nov 5
One of San Jose’s premier Day of the Dead events, Día de Los Muertos at Calvary Cemetery is a cultural and spiritual celebration that honors deceased ancestors.
2650 Madden Ave, San Jose

La Ultima Parada
Oct 30
La Ultima Parada returns this year with traditional dances and musical performances to honor the living and the dead. There will be a “camposanto,” where visitors can honor iconic Latino artists and entertainers.
1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose

Great America Halloween Haunt
California’s Great America transforms into the fright fest Halloween Haunt. In addition to the regular roller coasters and rides, Halloween Haunt features eight horror-filled mazes, three spooky live shows and three “scare zones” between the attractions. It’s a little intense, so Halloween Haunt is not recommended for children under 13 and and the faint of heart.
4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara

Jacobs Farm Pumpkin Patch
Martial Cottle Park will have a pumpkin patch, corn maze and family fun. Open seven days a week, 10am-7pm.
5283 Snell Ave, San Jose

Dead Time Dreams
The Dead Time Dreams haunted house returns with “Grimm Fairy Tales” and “Fear-o-Phobia,” where imagination and fear becomes reality. Open Thursday through Sunday.
2501 Tully Rd, San Jose

For Steven Sheehan, the San Jose bartender who won the Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge, bartending is really just a side job. He’s teaches English as a second language and is currently a University of San Francisco student studying organizational behavior and leadership.

Bartending, which he’s been doing for the last 12 years is just a way to get him through school, but at the end of May, he found himself representing San Jose and Brix Nightclub with his own creation at the Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge.

His cocktail, the “Pom Springs Fling”—made of Stoli white pomegranate, pomegranate Schnapps, soda water and 7UP, simple syrup, muddled cucumber, mint and a squeeze of lime—beat out bartenders from 12 cities, including New York and Las Vegas.

“It’s a very refreshing, light drink,” Sheehan explains. “When I made it, I thought, what would celebrities drink down by the pool in Palm Springs?”

The criteria for judging in Palm Springs included the cocktail, the presentation and the performance; Sheehan’s was a 1950s Elvis number.

“I wore my leather jacket, my ’50s glasses, my pompadour—I channeled Elvis for a bit,” he says. “I was a little bit nervous. I’m not a big performer.”

Sheehan has been at Brix for three of the five years the club has been open, and he said most of the time he thinks up his drinks off the top of his head.

“Customers always ask us make something new,” he says. “They always want us to make something up.” Just the

The winning drink. // Photo by Justin Albert

other night, he said, a bachelorette party group asked for a drink, and he made a lemon-meringue wedding-cake cocktail on the fly.

For his winning cocktail, though, he spent some time working on it and tested it on other people.

Winning in Palm Springs didn’t come with a cash prize but with bragging rights.

“It’s validation after 12 years of bartending,” Sheehan says. “It’s good to know that I know what flavors go good together.”

Another bonus for Sheehan was winning the competition on behalf of San Jose. “I had to represent San Jose—put us on the map.”

Originally from Costa Rica, Sheehan moved around a lot––high school in South Korea, middle school in Guam––before landing in San Jose. This moving, he said, has made him want to experience different cultures. When he graduates in December, he hopes to get into international human resources work for Silicon Valley companies like Apple or Google.

“I’m a mover. It’s really hard for me to stay in one place,” he says.

Read more about Silicon Valley Bars & Clubs in the June 13 special issue.