The Best Cocktail Bars In San Jose California

Despite lying within Silicon Valley, many of San Jose’s mixologists have embraced tradition in recent years, drawing inspiration from 1920s’ speakeasy culture. The art of the cocktail is alive and well, with plenty of quality establishments to choose from. We list the best places for a mixed drink here.

1. The Hedley Club

Bar, Beer, Cocktails

With its sumptuous art deco surroundings and frequent live jazz bands, The Hedley Club is the kind of place you’d expect to see Jay Gatsby sipping on a cocktail. The swanky new Palm Court Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy their Mediterranean-inspired food menu, which includes pizzas, salads, fritto misto, and arrosticini. A place to unwind rather than let loose, you can also watch movies here on Sunday nights.

2. The Continental

Bar, Beer, Cocktails

The Continental can be found in downtown San Jose within the historic SoFA district, a cultural and artistic hub that provides the bar with a wealth of live musicians and DJs to play underneath their vaulted ceiling. Located within a brick building dating back to 1917, The Continental’s retro decor is largely made up of reclaimed and salvaged material from across the Santa Clara Valley. They stay true to their roots by stocking craft beer from Santa Clara Valley Brewing and in their choice of house cocktails.

3. The Fountainhead

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Market, Beer, American

For a cocktail bar owned by an architect, the design of The Fountainhead is, unsurprisingly, immaculate. Elegant and refined, this bar also prides itself on using local, organic, and sustainably produced ingredients. Continuing with the theme, their signature cocktails are named after famous architects or architectural movements. High-end liquors, microbrews, and an impressive wine list round off this spruce venue.