A Mexican gin to make a bartender special
Canyon lullaby
Gin at the 2'd bar.....
A bartender special
Calabrian Spritz
Scallop
Whistling Dixie
The Yo Adrian, a nonalcoholic beverage. Delicious!
Two bartender specials
Alter-ego interior
Kyushu Coffee & Asteroid Blues
outside alter ego (still OG)
asteroid blues
Whistling Dixie & Canyon lullaby
Alter Ego (menu)
Bread
food
Still O.G. DJ booth
drink
To the blurry nights
Don't Sweat the Technique
E Z.
Feb 26, 2025
I found this hidden gem of a speakeasy in downtown San Jose, and I can't say enough good things about it! The ambience is chic, beautiful, and just oozes style. The servers were incredibly attentive, professional, courteous, and all-around delightful. The food was a wonderful surprise--absolutely excellent. As for the drinks, the mixology was top-notch, with each cocktail crafted beautifully. We loved every sip!Everything about our experience was fantastic. It was the perfect spot to hang out and unwind. Plus, they have a sister bar front that is an excellent location for dancing with a live DJ every night--where else in San Jose can you find that? This place is a must-try, and I highly recommend it for a memorable night out!
Read MoreHarold S.
Feb 24, 2025
I don't really leave reviews for most places I visit unless it's really good, or not that great. This falls into the latter. San Jose has never been known for having amazing cocktails or craft mixology spots, LA or New York would be more your vibe and scene for that. At best there's Haberdasher and Paper Plane next door for decent drinks. I was hoping this place would be a decent spot when I went to visit last night with myself and a buddy. The front entrance is more of a club/lounge feel with records spinning and a DJ - just an excuse to get drunk with friends and have fun in a group, nothing wrong with that. The back entrance is the "speakeasy" concept where the more expensive drinks are presented, e.g. $18-24. To point out - I'm not upset with any specific bartender or individual here, I think they're just doing their job. But I'll just go over specifics:- asked for a highball, with Japanese whiskey. Got something with American bourbon in it (not a bad brand of bourbon either, it was Russel's Reserve 10 year, but I don't want bourbon in a highball, it just tastes off, hence asking for Japanese whiskey). While building it, parts of the carbonated water spilled all over the edge and sides. The glass itself wasn't filled to the top either, only about 3/4 full. From an aesthetics and hospitality point of view this just doesn't seem great. -my friend's Penicillin had no balance and the flavors were just wrong and missing. -while talking with my friend I looked over at the bar and the work station, and noticed chunks of ice just sitting in the mixing containers, melting and diluting the drink to whoever it was going to be served. Focusing on building the drink should be the primary responsibility, if you leave for a second to do something else ice will melt- "Put me on Somethin" by P-Lo was blasting in the background. Super weird choice of music for a Sunday night at a "speakeasy" concept. Like blasting loud, not low volume. We're in San Jose and all but this kind of sealed the deal for me on coming back here....- Bartenders in training were clearly visible/present - I don't think they were able to hire fully experienced staff members for their bar, which is fine too, you have to build and start somewhere, but just wanted to point this out for anyone reading about this place and wanting to visit.Hopefully they fix some of these points, it has potential but otherwise I'm not sure.
Read MoreDaniella X.
Feb 22, 2025
Let's be honest--Bay Area life can feel a little too... routine. So finding a stylish speakeasy with amazing drinks and a moody ambiance? Instant emotional boost for us hard-working city dwellers!On a long weekend, I discovered that Alter Ego Cocktail Club was actually open. It's tucked inside Still O.G., and when I saw an open spot on OpenTable, I booked it immediately. Location: 66 S 1st St, San Jose Why You'll Love It:Elegant, intimate vibes--perfect for a small gathering or a romantic date.Beautifully crafted cocktails with so many options. Bonus: the menu includes pictures, which is a win for the indecisive.Tasty small bites that complement the drinks. What to Order: Annabel Lee - This is the signature drink. The bubble on top is super smoky with a hint of pineapple, and underneath, there's a mini painting (!). Flavor-wise, it's got a spicy kick and is made with Bolivian brandy, pommeau, aperitivo, lime, and egg white. La Cosa Nostra - A gin-based cocktail topped with Parmesan cheese (yes, you read that right). It also has tomato, basil, rosemary, and lemon--think of it as an elevated, boozy take on Italian flavors. A Chinese Drink - A limited-edition cocktail created to celebrate Lunar New Year! It features baijiu and a really unique foam topping. Tropical Drink - This one leans into Hawaiian beach vibes--sweet, smooth, and dangerously easy to sip. Small Bites:I ordered the scallops and Wagyu beef--both were absolutely delicious, though the sauce was a bit on the salty side.Overall? Alter Ego Cocktail Club is 100% worth a visit--if you can snag a reservation!
Read MoreThuy N.
Feb 10, 2025
Located inside of Still OG which is a chill record playing lounge. Couple seats and bar seating. Good for drinks before dinner. I enjoy the DJ Booth and decor.Entrance for Alter Ego is right by the bathrooms. It's a small location. Reservations recommended but not needed if it's not too busy. Definitely a different vibe hence the name. More private and calmer. Beautiful bar seating and their drinks are great! I would come back.
Read MoreCindy N.
Feb 20, 2025
This is such a great date night spot! They have amazing cocktails that are beautifully curated. They also had a great playlist playing in the background for the night. I highly recommend making reservations as this place is small, popular and does get packed.
Read MoreAmanda S.
Jan 27, 2025
I absolutely love this speakeasy! It's not hard to find or "secret", but it is tucked away and the vibe and music is different than the main bar. They have limited seating so I recommend going early or enjoying a drink in the main bar while you wait or making a reservation on open table. You put your name down with the host located near the bathroom of Still OG and they text you once your table is ready. Service was wonderful and drinks were spectacular. There is something for everyone and the presentation is creative. They also have food which I wasn't there for so I'll have to go back!
Read MoreChristopher V.
Jan 4, 2025
Alter Ego Cocktail Club and Still OG are actually two separate businesses, but Yelp combines their pages. I guess that's ok considering they're ran by the same owners. Alter Ego is a little gimmicky, but not in a bad way. The drinks are pricey, yet top tier. The ANNABEL LEE being my favorite. On to Still OG. .. this side of the business spins vinyl records. The bartender was a bit off-putting, but the O.G. Smashburger is elite. Everything is scratch made including the bun. A few years ago I made a burger after baking buns and grinding shortrib, chuck, sirloin and marrow. This is eerily similar and this burger took me back. Top 5 burger.
Read MoreJerry Y.
Jan 7, 2025
Pros: -Wow! I love the contrast in vibes with Still O.G. and Alter-ego. You have the vinyl bar in the front still O.G. with pre-mixed drinks (a lot of good ones!) then you go to the back and there's a dark Gotham vibe that's perfect for a date or fancy gathering- Food is great both in still O.G (fries!) and alter-ego (bread!) and the drinks are very unique in Alter-ego (spaceman drink is a must have first time)- Staff is very friendly with the bartender being patient and attentive. The wait staff in the back are hard workers managing multiple tablesCons:- Long wait to get into alter-ego if you don't have a reservation. They do not pack the back so prepare to wait. Our strategy has always been putting our name down (45-50min wait) then to grab drinks either in Still O.G or go next door to Paper planes- If you do not know about the two bars, Alter-ego can be missed!Overall - Great place to take people who love to drink and hang out especially out of towners or close friends. Will definitely return!
Read MoreSarah Z.
Jan 22, 2025
Such a well thought out space for vibes and cocktails! When you initially enter the place, you are experiencing "Still OG", a clean and modern vinyl themed bar. Everything is clean, modern, minimalistic, and indie. I got a drink there to start and they were all well priced and delicious! On Tuesdays it's only $10! Shortly after, I made my way towards "Alter Ego", the speakeasy towards the back, which is hidden by thick curtains. Alter Ego is like the sophisticated older sister. Super moody and classy. It felt more like an intimate lounge. There, the drinks offered were unique and creative! I got the asteroid blues and it came with a spaceman which was super cute. We also ordered food here and everything was delicious (specifically the potatoes and mushroom tostada). The waiter mentioned that the menu changes every few months so I'd definitely be curious to see what else comes up.Overall 5/5 cocktail experience. Perfect for intimate chats with friends or a romantic night out!
Read MoreMichaela Y.
Dec 23, 2024
I love alter ego for the great atmosphere and amazing drinks! They have an extensive cocktail menu and everything I tried was amazing! There are also gorgeous drinks like their astronaut or cactus drink! They have food you can order along side your drinks, but while the food was good, the cocktails are the standout of this bar.
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