Mouthwatering Dive Bars in San Jose

Johnny's Pub

★★★★☆ 4.3 (49) • $

"Friendly neighborhood dive bar. Rhonda is amazing and their Friday night karaoke with Adonis is not to be missed. Definitely worth a visit."

Surf Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (102) • $

"Lower your expectations. Or actually, don't. Because you may be pleasantly surprised (or spoiled) by the fact that if you order a bourbon or other shot on the rocks, trust that Louie or any of the other bartenders will happily pour you the most generous drink you've ever been served in a long time. No joke. They will take care of you and $20 will easily cover your drinks for a while. Amazing. Don't ever change, Surf Lounge. You're something special!"

Hyde Park Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (59) • $

"Awe yes, this place was the beginning of a wild night and a VERY rough Friday, ha! Here we go.We had started the night off at a different dive bar. Can't remember the name and it's not just because I was wasted, but that definitely ain't helping the situation! Anyway, got a pitcher there, chilled, moved on to good ol' Hyde Park Lounge.Grabbed another pitcher, Elysian Spacedust (not coke) probably. We're in the back on the patio, just me'n'mah boi hanging out. Funny enough, we saw several people this bar who migrated from the same bar that we just came from. One of the gentleman and my friend hit it off, and as we're hanging out in the back, I see the bar lady bringing a pitcher out toward us. No one's out there, just us, and I freaking IMMEDIATELY knew that dude was gonna be the death of us. So now we're 3 pitchers of Spacedust in and things are getting fuzzy.Then the shots start rolling in. Oh Jame-O, you dirty dingo. Well, that's pretty much when things started getting real blurry and funny stories were to be told come the morning, along with the pounding headache. Lovely.Anyway, it's a dive bar, bruh, if you have high expectations, maybe you oughtta stick to your bougie places cuz this ain't one of 'em! Awesome people, though, if you have an open mind.So let's get it, baby! Next round's on me ^_____^"

Moe's Tavern Hayward

★★★★★ 4.8 (18) • $$

"Finally, a nice neighborhood bar in Hayward! There's nothing better than an unpretentious dive bar that welcomes you after a long work day but also doesn't have that slimy hide yo kids hide yo wife vibe. The previous owner had no concept of customer service or industry standards. I'm happy for the new owner to take the reigns and praying he is able to realize the potential of this little gem. Drinks are worth the penny. Karaoke Thursday 7:30p-11p. More events planned. I'm definitely down for the cause!"

Normandy House Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.7 (162) • $

"This is a lovely dive bar with a ton of seating and plenty of games for visitors to enjoy, including a wall full of dartboards, air hockey, two pool tables, and a few arcade games (though these were dark/unplugged on a Sunday afternoon)... no shuffleboard on site as of Jan 2024. We played some darts and billiards during our time at Normandy, and had a boatload of fun while getting tipsy off some standard cocktails (slow but friendly service). You can ask for darts at the bar and can play for free if you don't wanna keep score, but to actually play the different dart games (ie. cricket) and keep score, you'll need to pay cash. It's cheap though, and so are the pool tables. The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's clean, modern, and spacious inside, with the games and machines in working order and in very good condition, except for a couple of the dart boards super sensitive to touch, so if pulling off darts, it would count as a miss on the next player's turn (we didn't have this problem with the red machines though). No crowds, no waits to play games, just good times!"

Fairway Cocktail Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.2 (19) • $$

"Wrapping up the northern part of the Tour de El Camino (go to every Elco bar), what's up with all these bars not having anything on tap and just all bottles? I ask the bartender what kinda beers he's got and he mumbles a few things, mostly all domestics and I didn't order anything but being the pushy barkeep he is, just orders up a blue moon for me anyways. No food here either, but they do have whoppers at BK down the block. It's mostly a sports centered ssf watering hole with a few cool niner Montana clippings, ahh the good ol days when the niners were good. Anyways, quite the interesting crowd here. This guy at the end of the bar was just slammed yelling at the tv where it showed the news and when Diane Feinstein came on he was just yelling at the top of his lungs that she was previously a man. Whoa! That's the cue to go play some pool on their minature sized table. Kinda bizarre but the rest of the tables/chairs in the bar are a little bit smaller than usual."

Bogart's Sports Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (169) • $

"Was going to the football game and found this place. Perfect for a couple of beers before the game. It's not very big and only has one window but who cares. They opened up the back door and let a lot of light in. Good cold beer. They have drinks too. Lots of boob tubes for watching sports. Not too many places out by Levi stadium to drink."

Fred's Place

★★★★☆ 4.1 (137) • $

"I absolutely love Fred's - a dive bar in Palo Alto good to visit over the weekends. Cheap drinks, good bartenders. Usually get peanuts or polish sausage hot dogs. They have pool and darts and more formal seating but it's most fun to sit at the bar. It's a Great informal dive bar playing sports on the TV screens. Always fun to be there!"

Caravan Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (163) • $

"Fun spot. Late night entertainment. Support local comedy.I come here on Wednesdays for their comedy open mic. Rachel is super kind and humble and it's very cool to be around a fun different atmosphere in San Jose. I always order a Coke with lemon. Lots of seating. Open mic gets packed. Yet somehow everyone behind the bar seems to be able to provide service with a smile. Don't forget to tip your bartender."

Pioneer Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.5 (67) • $$

"You're pretty much guaranteed a fun night at the Pioneer! Before we had kids, we'd to come to the Pioneer all the time with Woodside friends - at least a couple times a month. There's always a live band (usually a $5 cover though for the band - ATM right outside if you forget to bring cash) and great people-watching of a crowd of all ages. The drinks are reasonably priced and they even have decent (though not great) red wine options. We don't make it out nearly as much now but we've spent the last two New Years Eve's at the Pioneer and had a great time with friends. The Pioneer will likely continue to be our New Years Eve (and other bar nights) tradition!"

Orchid Room

★★★★☆ 3.6 (85) • $

"It's a dive bar and as dive bars go this is one of the good ones. There's a welcoming crowd here and the location is great. The people seem like good people to like I've known people that have left things here and it wasn't stolen. Not saying not to be cautious because you should anywhere you go but it seems like less of the shady vibe in this place that you'd get from other places . This has usually been my go to new yrs even spot because it's close by. I can just walk there so no getting pulled over. They have a jukebox and even a pool table here. There's also a front and back exit. The bartender was pretty cool here. The drinks are nice and strong so you get your moneys worth. This is a great spot for Holiday drinks , ha who woulda thought right? They definitely have some great hotty toddies.oh they have a shuffleboard too. I've noticed there's always been someone willing to play with you if you're looking for a partner. Yknow this place ain't bad I've seen a couple people here that usually don't like me outside of here but in here they've been cool with me so I guess even tho it's a dive bar you get that peaceful tranquil vibe."

The Patio Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (72) • $

"Came here for a quick drink while me and my cousin waited for Seapot to open for dinner. This little hole in the wall bar is super friendly, welcoming and followed covid protocols. There was a hand sanitizing station right next to the entrance, the tables were spread apart, you are required to wear a mask until you are seated and they even have a back area that is open. The bar manager ( I totally forgot her name) made sure we felt comfortable and checked on us to see if we wanted more drinks. They offer bar snacks here which is a big plus. All-in-all I recommend stopping by here!"

Paul & Harvey

★★★★☆ 3.5 (110) • $

"3.5 STARSDate: Saturday, April 6th, 2024Time: around 7:30pmParty of: 4Note: Cash Only*Red Wine*Jameson and Ginger*Jameson*Coca ColaWe were in the area and stopped in for a round. Got the beverages above. The bill was $30 and I tipped $7 on top. It wasn't too busy, so we easily grabbed a high top.This very much has a dive bar feel, so I normally go for straight pours. The jameson I got was a decent size. Not sure how all the drinks split price wise, but guessing about $9 each considering one beverage was just a soda. My gf who basically just drinks red wine did not care for her beverage. It was the bottom of the bottle tho and their only red wine avail, so who knows how long it had been open.If I was in the area and just wanted to chill and drink or play a few bar games, this would be a good option."

Mexicali's Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (3) • $

"This place is quite divey with a hint of homey. A fun time indeed!!My good friend and I both just went through a recent break up or some jazz and wanted to get our drink on! After a drive down Mt. Hamilton, this place right on the corner of McKee and White kinda by 7-11. We both heard the music from outside and figured we would poke our heads in. They have 2 pool tables and an okay sized bar, nothing fancy really. Once we sat down, both her and I asked the bartender gal for a round of beer. After a bit, she heard us complaining about our exes and joined us for a laugh or two, then, out of nowhere made us both a homemade Michellada! It was so awesome!! It was by far one of the best Michelladas I have EVER had!! It tasty with a hint of spice. After that Michellada, we stayed a bit, did some dancing and met some very interesting folks and another couple. I must say, it was the most fun I've had in awhile!Overall; for a dive, it has all the essentials. Both her and I decided to come back again soon!"

Black Watch

★★★★☆ 4 (217) • $$

"I really like this dive bar in downtown Los Gatos. Definitely get the pint of kamikaze to share (or not share)."

Woodhams Sports Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.4 (151) • $$

"How do you review a bar?If you're looking for a high brow hoity toity Silicon Valley power bar, walk away. This is a proper bar -- a watering hole -- heck it's practically a gin joint. Your first clue is the decor on the front door which extends inside. If you're killing time, you can play pool, watch TV, or look for artifacts on the walls. Many weekends there's a band on a stage or karaoke being sung.But don't make that your first visit. Come on a Tues when the place is mostly empty. Meet some of the regulars. Listen to the Red Hots (on constant rotation). Plus, Amanda (bartender and owner) has skillz -- you don't have to settle for the beers on tap -- and is super friendly. For you traditionalists:* there's a $1 discount if you check in on Yelp * lots of free parking in the big lot * no food, eat next Japanese or Mexican food elsewhere in the plaza Support a classic bar."

Molloy's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.2 (143) • $

"Love this place for 23 years since I've been out here. The staff is a variety of hilarious sharp personalities Daniel, Pat Lane - from County Cork, Ireland, Owen - in the family, and David."

The G

★★★★☆ 3.8 (105) • $

"It's a nice dive bar. I have been looking for a nice dive bar to grab couple of drinks. This place you have look for it to find it. It has a good bar, pool table and good size outside space. Bartender Luchia was on point, was marking sure people have drinks. For Tuesday night, bar had good number of people. Will be going here for sure on a weekend for some drinks."

Dog House

★★★★☆ 4.1 (47) • $

"After just under a two straight years living in my apartment, my bestie and I decided a few days ago to finally go out to a bar and have some drinks and socialize!A former favorite of ours is the Dog House, so we returned and had such a great time!The customers are super friendly, half drunk, and seem to really enjoy the drinks, the food, and the music.You can order food right at the bar, it is prepared at the restaurant next door (a popular fish and chips joint with great fare) where it is then cooked up and served piping hot right in front of you... And it is always extremely tasty! Prices are very consistent with other great dive bars in the area."

The Saddle Room Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (83) • $

"This is pretty much an institution, when I was a kid I think this was the only bar in town, and it wasn't until very recently that Redwood City had any others.I had always been curious about this place, and the first time I visited it was to have Long Island Iced teas with some friends. The drinks were very strong.The second time I visited was to celebrate the birthday of some friends. The drinks were strong, and reasonably priced. Cash only was a bummer. I didn't drive so I can't comment on the parking.This is definitely a dive bar, and like a lot of those, it has character and it's veers towards the rowdy side, with music and games and lots of loud conversations.There's an outdoor area too, where they allow dogs. Seating is on picnic tables, so if it's in winter you'll want to dress warm if you'll be out there.The area itself is not exactly a nightlife hotspot. It's across the street from a supermarket, on a pretty dull block of Woodside Road. So coming here is most likely going to be a little inconvenient for you.Still, it's a good spot if you're into dive bars and just want to unwind. The service is good there's a bank next door if you need cash."

Beefy's Cabin

★★★★☆ 4.3 (76) • $

"A few $1 coin op pool tables. Lotta fun. It's a little local dive bar, ppl seemed easygoing and nice. Lots of darts. Cash only."

Paul & Eddie's Monta Vista Inn

★★★★☆ 4.4 (132) • $

"It's a dive bar. It's cash only. You get what you get, plus sometimes underage high schoolers sneaking in, or class reunions from high schools nearby reliving their glory days."

Dark Horse Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (68) • $

"The nicest staff and people come to this bar. I came here for Saint Patrick's day and the owners made corn beef and potatoes. They also had jello shots. Overall, good vibes in the bar. They also have a pool table, big screen TV, and darts. Nice place to chill and just grab a drink!"

Florence Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (92) • $

"Local town bar vibes here. Friendly staff, service and neighborhood.It's a great place to gather, watch sports and chit chat over a drink or two or many!"

Chris' New Harbor Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (64) • $

"I went here on Thursday August 12, 2021 10:00pm'sh. KJ Jess was throwing a karaoke gig, since it's nearby, I decided to come to support him. I ordered a heinenken, corona, pacifico, cider for $5 each, kamekaze and jameson/coke back for $7 each, reasonable prices versus other bars, this female bartender is courteous/she had the correct technique in making the kamekaze, well balanced. She told me they don't use raw eggs for whisky sour, because of safety reasons. I sang only two songs since I arrived late and his gig ends at 11:30pm. There was a small crowd, but mature(fortunately well behaved/courteous), different age brackets. the bar itself is a fairly large size, there is a patio in front."

Miami Beach Club

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (100) • $$

"The owner Pierre who was handsomely dressed as Elvis Presley, was very gracious and gave me some bday drinks and my guests as well Live band great up beat dancing music DJ as well great music We danced and we enjoyed ourselves Atmosphere was really really nice. The staff was really friendly. Really enjoyed ourselves Definitely be back again thank you all at Miami Beach for making my experience my bday a very nice one ‼Evee‼"

The Back Bar Sofa

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (28) • $

"Came here for a party and had a decent time. Pros - it has a cool vibe to it and the staff was super nice and friendly. Cons- people vaping inside, it was a grungy inside and could use a deep clean"

Alex's 49er Inn

★★★★☆ 3.6 (82) • $

"My good friend and I just finished a great day on our feet and were next door at the swinging hookah when we noticed this place. It looked like it had loads of character so we said "Why not?".Upon entering, we noticed the place had a lot of people in it and it was bigger than we thought. Everyone was also very friendly. We had a couple at the bar near the door welcome us; both her and I were sure they were regulars and inebriated, bit it was still very nice! Drinks for a Sunday were incredibly inexpensive, $2.25 for a jack&coke, $2 for Jello Shots, $2.25 for buds and bud light. They also had karaoke on Sunday night! There were a lot of people participating too which was fun! The bartenders were also quick to help both of us out when we wanted another drink or water. Overall; this little hole-in-the-wall is a fun place to have a few drinks and meet some good people. It is very dated on the inside, but if you get past that, it's a grand ol' place"

The Villa Roma Cocktail Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (41) • $$

"Been a night time reg. here for over 4 years now. This is my go-to bar here in Redwood City. IMO it is thee #1 bar. The prices arent as bad as I was complaining about last review. They have funny ass trivia nights on weds. & great bands on sat.night starting a bit after 9pm. Bud, Boont, Shocktop and Pabst on tap. Bud, bud light, mgd, miller light, coors light, corona, heineken, stella, amstel light in bottles. Tues&thurs karaoke. They also have narrow outside rear smoking section.If the store front parking lot is full, its perfectly ok to park across the street where the gold star liquor is at and your car will not get towed. If you wanna enjoy a pint or a cocktail while eating the bar also has no problem letting customers bring in food from next door thai or peruvuian restaurants either =)"

Bucky's Cocktail Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.4 (87) • $

"My friend is in town from Austin TX, we were so happy that we ended up being here as our last stop of adventure of the night. We had the pleasure to meet Gwen the bartender, she made us the Mai Tai and the Washington apple. The drinks were so good and the talks were so great. Have a nice time here! I'll come back to this place as my go-to cocktail lounge in San Mateo!"

Mac's Club

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (106) • $

"I was visiting San Jose and this is one of the bars we visited. The place is not that big but they offer outside seating. They were pretty packed on a Thursday night. There was only one bartender but he was pretty fast on serving patrons. We had the green tea and tequila shots and enjoyed our night."