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 Tri-storey hot spot |
399 South First Street (at the corner of San Salvador street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 287 3991 http://www.agendalounge.com |
This spectacular tri-level establishment has an elegant, upscale restaurant at the ground level, a nightclub upstairs, and a subdued retro dance place in the cellar. Located in a refurbished historical landmark, this bar/eatery/lounge caters to many walks of life, from businessmen to jazz hipsters. In the restaurant, relax amidst the polished wood decor and go for the Grilled Guinness Marinated Pork Chop with Roasted Shallot Demi-Glace. Sample the extensive selection of wines and single-malt scotches. Head up to the lounge and watch live jazz, swing, salsa or roots music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Upscale dive |
15043 Los Gatos Boulevard (near Samaritan Drive) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95032 United States +1 408 358 0774 |
This used to be Otto's Garden Room, the definitive biker bar of the South Bay. Now it has transformed itself into an upscale dive, cashing in on the former business' cachet (if that is what it can be called) while catering to a new clientele. The current crowd is a mix of professionals and working-class types. With the hardwood floors and the homey fireplace, you cannot go wrong. Local bands play every Friday night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beer, food, soccer |
5027 Almaden Expressway (at the corner of Highway 85) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95118 United States +1 408 266 0550 http://www.britanniaarms.com |
This authentic British pub and restaurant caters to soccer fanatics in the daytime and the singles bar crowd at night. Sample traditional British dishes such as Bangers and Mash or Fish and Chips. There are many screens for sporting events, and the selection of drafts and single-malt scotches is impressive. Eat and watch the games outside on the patio or inside the air-conditioned restaurant. Admission is free at night but varies for the live-telecast soccer events from the U.K., which are always presented during the early morning hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spillover from Denny's |
3197 Meridian Avenue San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95124 United States +1 408 269 7891 http://www.cardinalcoffeeshop.... |
This 24-hour joint is second to none for late night eats. You can lounge in the red vinyl booths or join the older crowd in swilling inexpensive drinks. The dim fluorescent lights and the predominantly 1950s tunes make the experience even better. Although it is mostly an older crowd, anyone will enjoy the slab of prime rib. Forget about Denny's. This is where real night owls go to take the edge off the night's drinking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Smith  |
 Excellent and Accessible |
1401 Parkmoor Ave (at Meridian Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95126 United States +1 408 288 5437 http://www.cmtsj.org |
This theater company puts on four shows a year and provides a great training ground for young people who desire a career in the theater. It has created a productive working environment for kids to learn communication skills and fundamentals of teamwork. It also offers discounted tickets to groups and classes. The main performing venue is the Montgomery Theater at the corner of Market Street and San Carlos Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic blues joint |
3439 Stevens Creek Boulevard (between San Tomas Expressway and Winchester Boulevard) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95117 United States +1 408 243 6441 |
This blues joint has been around forever, and nearly everyone who is everyone in the world of blues has played here. It is a tiny, casual, almost-a-dive sort of place with photos of jazz greats and other celebrities covering the walls. Come into this long, skinny music venue and drown your sorrows while bluesmen of all ages crank it out on stage to fans from all over the Bay Area. Admission varies by event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Oldest gay bar in SJ |
39 Post Street (between First and Market streets) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 288 8221 http://www.macsclub.com/ |
This is the oldest gay bar in San Jose, but you can have a great time here whether you are gay or not. The drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is safe and friendly for everyone. It can be a great place to unwind amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose. Last year the bar moved to its new location, and its pub-like decor attracts all sorts of preferences. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An intimate setting |
At the corner of Market and San Carlos streets San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 277 3900 http://www.sjcc.com/montgomery... |
This intimate opera theater has been the home of Opera San Jose and San Jose Children's Musical Theater for many years. It is right in the middle of downtown San Jose and is within walking distance of all major hotels and restaurants, making it convenient for visitors as well as locals who want to grab a bite before or after the show. Built in the style of a Spanish mission, this elegant theater is connected to the San Jose Civic Auditorium. Credit card acceptance varies by show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Opera San Jose |
2149 Paragon Drive San Jose, CA 95131 United States +1 408 437 4450 http://www.operasj.org |
For more than 15 years, this opera company has been showcasing young talent and producing top-notch events for an ever-growing fan base from all over the South Bay. Since its inception, it has produced more than 60 full-length operas and has received numerous awards. The main venue is the intimate Montgomery Theater at the corner of Market and San Carlos. Recent productions have included 'La Traviata','Carmen' and Craig Bohmler's 'Tale of the Nutcracker'. Check the website for upcoming events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic neighborhood dive |
1711 West San Carlos Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95128 United States +1 408 292 6777 |
One of the last bars to actually enforce the California no-smoking-in-bars law, this neighborhood dive caters entirely to regulars. The walls are covered with Budweiser posters, the kind that show well-built women inviting the crowd to order a brew or two, and the patrons do just that while playing pool or watching TV. It is an excellent place to conduct a sociological study of neighborhood bars. Just do not tell 'em that that is what you are up to. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Symphony and musical theatre |
255 Almaden Blvd (Corner of W San Carlos Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 277 3900 http://www.sjcc.com/cftpa/inde... |
This 2,600-seat city-owned theatre, designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, is the venue for the San Jose Symphony, the American Musical Theatre of San Jose and San Jose Cleveland Ballet. The Center also hosts plays, concerts, and a variety of cultural events year-round. Thick carpet, plush seats, ample legroom and a sloping floor create a comfortable viewing environment. The theatre has accommodations for ten wheelchairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nj@bitmap.org |
 Photo: Sharon Gonzales |
 Photo: Vicky Luu |
 For concerts or assemblies |
145 West San Carlos Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 277 5277 http://www.sjcc.com |
This well-designed auditorium is perfectly suited for concerts, lectures, sporting events or assemblies of any kind. The building, constructed in the Spanish Mission style, dates back to the 1930s, seats 3,000 people, and has been lovingly maintained, making it an elegant venue for any event. It also offers an interesting look at what San Jose was like before Silicon Valley reshaped the area's economy and the architecture. Credit card acceptance depends on the event (tickets are purchased through agencies). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steven Harms |
 Photo: Alia Amin |
 Photo: Live Nation |
 Photo: Matt Ortega |
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Innovative professional theater |
101 Paseo de San Antonio (between East San Fernando and East San Carlos) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 367 7255 http://www.sjrep.com |
Known as "The Rep," this cobalt blue, angular building juts out in the middle of downtown San Jose like a sore thumb. Its innovative approach draws many in the arts community to its plays, festivals, performances and lectures. A variety of contemporary theater works are scheduled on a regular basis. The season runs all year long and tickets range from USD28 to USD40. Recent productions include Having our Say by Emily Mann and Side Man by Warren Leight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nj@bitmap.org |
 Photo: Elton Lin |
 Photo: Ewen Cluney |
 Photo: Rie H |
 Photo: Cynthia Corral |
 Photo: Rebecca N. Fong |
 Photo: Robert Mark Morgan |
 Photo: Theatre Historical Society |
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Contemporary playwrights |
490 South First Street (at the corner of William Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 283 7142 http://www.sanjose-stage.com |
For years this company has been treating the South Bay area to first-rate productions of contemporary plays that deal with the human condition, both tragic and comic. Recent productions include God's Country by Stephen Dietz and Not About Heroes by Stephen MacDonald. The season is from December to June and tickets are always low-priced. That is quite a deal for live theater that is the equal of almost anything you'd see on the Great White Way. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Punk Rock |
44 S Almaden Ave San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95126 United States +1 408 292 5265 http://www.theblankclub.com |
The Blank Club is the only punk rock nightclub in San Jose. A full on live gig venue, it was voted as 'Silicon Valley's Best Live Music Club' of 2003 and 2004. The clubs silver tinged stage bursts with energy and the fans pack in week after week. Every band in the San Jose area as well as other bands from the State have played here at least once or twice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: russmorris.com |
 Photo: Ray Sampson |
 Photo: Darryl Yu |
 Photo: Anabella Pinon |
 Photo: Mehdi Ghannadan |
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Comfortable gay bar |
46 North Saratoga Avenue San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95051 United States +1 408 243 4595 |
This comfortable and clean gay bar is owned and operated by gays. On Sundays, there is great free barbecue for everyone, and every night you can get free parking in the lot (a nice touch in this sometimes parking-deficient area). Inside, amidst brick, neon and wood, the younger folks jam the dance floor, gyrating to house music. Meanwhile the older folks occupy the bar stools, consuming cocktails and watching the passing parade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sinclair Klugarsh |
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Cheap beer |
52 East Santa Clara Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 292 7464 |
Beer for 50 cents can be tantalizing, and this club offers that price between 8pm and 10pm every Wednesday. Add a totally electric singles bar atmosphere with live cover bands nightly, and you have a popular club filled to the rafters with local Silicon Valley types. In the back room you can play pool or video games while the others dance the night away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Knox |
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Fabulous dance venue |
400 South First Street (at the corner of San Salvador Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 298 9375 |
This large, dimly lit club has a black, loungy type of ambience, and is one of the top dance venues in San Jose. There are several weekly DJ nights, with 80s and modern rock nights being the most prominent. The club is also an excellent live venue, with bands every Tuesday and national touring acts on other nights. There are two bars to sample from, each with a wide array of libations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stylish and subdued |
14 South First Street (at the corner of Santa Clara Avenue) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 286 8636 http://www.voodooloungesj.com |
This is a great place to enjoy a well made drink in a relaxing environment. You can play pool, look at the lava lamps, or relax in the comfortable booths and fill up on bar snacks such as buffalo wings and fried cheese sticks. There is almost always a line to get into the place, and you have to be appropriately dressed: no jeans, no hats, no tennis shoes. It has become a favorite hangout for local yuppies, but all are welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Liam McCormick |
 Photo: Evan Hamilton |