55 South

Lunar New Year pop up at 55 South!It's really great that the bar took time to decorate and create a cocktail menu for Lunar New Year. There are 8 specialty craft cocktails on this menu to celebrate the holiday.We had a great time trying these creative cocktails. A few really stood out.Rice Cookie - top favorite!Shochu, black sesame, sweetly fermented rice. This cocktail had great balance.First Banchan - for the adventurous onesGin, cucumber, sesame, and kimchi sour. This one surprised us. It's on the savory side but subtle. Reminds me of kimchi cucumbers. Such a fun drink!Coconut Candy - nostalgicCocchi Americano, coconut, jackfruit, tangerine. On the sweet side but reminds me of the Asian coconut candies we used to eat during LNY!Don't forget about food! This was the first time we've really tried the food. So good! Our top favorites were the cheesy olive bread, chicken tinga hot pocket, aloha shrimp tacos, and duck confit sandwich.We were told that the LNY pop up usually runs for one week but was extended it to 2 weeks this year. Last day to check it out will be February 9th!

I've recently been to 55 South twice because of their Lunar New Year limited menu (I think that's available through Sunday 2/2!) and I was very pleasantly surprised! It's been so long since I've been there, and they've really stepped it up! They had special decorations up for lunar new year and it was absolutely gorgeous. We liked the drinks so much last Friday that we made plans to come back yesterday again. Service was fantastic. Both times we were there relatively early in the night (7-8pm) so it wasn't too crowded. The first time we sat at the bar and the bartender was really friendly. He told us that the Lunar New Year drinks menu is the work of Nikolai - who will also be coming up with a special menu for their 12th anniversary next month! We'll have to come back for that too! The second time, we snagged a booth and the staff was really good about coming around to get our drinks orders. Drinks:Herbology milk punch - my absolute favorite - and the one they have limited supplies of and they sell out of it! It's mostly jasmine forward, and you can't really taste the tequila or the lemongrass. First banchan - second favorite - it literally tastes like a refreshing spicy cucumber banchan. One of the people at the table said it was like drinking soy sauce so definitely more on the savory side - but me and another person really enjoyed it! Lucky treasure shots- a little big in my opinion. I had it last Friday and they were a bit more Cointreau forward, but last night one of my friends had it and said it was more lychee/vodka and a bit bitter. I've had more of the other drinks but found the coconut candy to be a little too sweet for my tastes. Vietnamese mojito was nice and tart. Food-wise, the glazed pork belly baos were my favorite - really flavorful and the pork belly was juicy! Nice balance with the sauce, pickled cucumber and meat. I was a little let down by the crispy duck confit sandwich last week because I didn't feel like the balance was there (maybe too much bread, not enough sauce/pickled cucumber?). Basque cheesecake was very tasty. Overall, had a really great time both the nights I visited and I will come back again to try some of their other menu items! They really had some unique drinks that I will be sad to not see again (unless they add to their regular menu).

I was a student at San Jose State this was a best spot for older kids to go when we didn't want to be around the younger crowds.I recommended the garlic bread and Mac and cheese you can't go wrong with that. Food has great flavor and so do the drinks as there are many options to choose from.I recommend the clover club as a nice drink it is fruity but not overly sweet.

Came during Miracles for its festive atmosphere and over-the-top décor. While the vibe is undeniably lively and fun, it's also incredibly busy. The music is loud, adding to the party energy, but it can make conversation challenging. The long queue to get in is a testament to its popularity, so patience is key if you're planning a visit. Once inside, the holiday spirit is infectious, but the packed space and noise level might not be for everyone.

Finally got around to visiting this spot! Excited that it was during their Christmas themed! Love the decor and festivities. Service was a bit slow and very packed! They had good music and a few tables to sit down. My friends and I got lucky because we were standing near the tables and a girl approached us asking if we wanted their table since they were leaving. SCORE!! Such cute Christmas cups and decor. I enjoyed the Yule Tide so much that I ordered 2! Overall great vibes and drinks here.

The Sippin' Santa has arrived in San Jose for 2024! Stopped by 55 South for a pre-wedding event and I felt like I was taken back to Hawaii with the holiday decor and Mele Kalikimaka sign! Each of the holiday drink comes in a cute colored mug that is also purchasable to take home as a unique souvenir. The Sharkey cup was tempting to take home!The Mai Tai was really delicious, fruity and easy to drink but packs a punch! The Surf Nut was creamy, but the alcohol taste shown through so I didn't like it as much. Both were strongly made; I didn't need any other drinks to keep going!The cheese bread we ordered had generous white cheese flowing from the cuts and easy to share. Overall great experience and would love to return again.

This spot was a perfect stop for our holiday bar hopping on a Sunday night! It kinda full in there but there was still lots of space to move around and was not too hard to find a seat. I really loved all the Christmas decor and the cups that the holiday drinks came in. My friend and I both got the sippin Santa which was a little on the stronger side but perfect way to get the buzz going for the night!

Came for the Christmas Bar on a Sunday night and had a great time! Decor and holiday themed drinks were on par! They were slammed but our server was kind and courteous even though we were kind of in a rush! Will definitely be back next holiday season!

Please never get rid of the braised short ribs or shishito peppers!! Am I allowed to request to bring back the SouthSide Tea?! 10/10, Milk Punch. Always a great visit with no complaints. Everyone there is pleasant. Convenient parking garage and lot. Other great places in walking distance. Definitely a bar hopping scene.

Was walking by on a Friday night and decided to check it out since there wasn't a line. So glad we did! We walked in and it wasn't overly crowded, a couple got up from a table and we were able to snag it. A friendly worker (possibly the manager) came over right away and cleaned it off. He brought us water and let us know the server would be there soon. It was nice to chill in a both and have someone bring drinks to you! We didn't order food but I got a cocktail and my partner had a beer. I tried to order a tequila drink but they couldn't sub it out for vodka so I ordered the one with wine, can't remember the name but it was like an apreol spritz. Pretty good! I really loved the vibe and decor here. It's so fun to check out festive places.