14 Best Dive Bars near San Jose

“always a great band playing! very professional staff. I love the owner Bev!“

“Stopped in Friday and the BBQ Chicken was great. The baked potato had sour cream a butter. The beans were very tasty. The price was great and so was the service. I'm going to come back and try the breakfast and might add a bloody Mary. Nice bartender.“

“Everything! It’s a great place to hang out“

“This is a safe, fun and authentic bar with excellent staff, great drinks, local support and fun for all ages (21 and above) - the bar has a local vibe, plenty of free parking, and the karokee is so fun - bring your corporate guests, your best ‘singing friends’ and your best humor to this one - you’ll be glad you did. It is a ‘local’ jewel in the South Bay. Applause“

“Great service and good vibes and good music“

“Great place to grab a drink whether you’re gay straight or bi. The drinks aren’t that pricey as some would have you believe the bar tenders are nice and respectful they are also very welcoming. Overall great experience I go here often when I need a drink and a sense of community.“

“Es un lugar de ambiente sepone muy bonito“

“This is definitely a dive bar, but with a friendly vibe. We usually go to see a friend's band play, so I can't speak to other nights.

The bartender also seems to be the owner (and only staff), but she's friendly and the prices for beer on tap are reasonable.

Despite having no bouncer, I've never seen any problems.

I think they serve a limited food menu, but I've never had any, so I can't speak to that.

We have fun when we go, and that's the most important thing.“

“Simonsez Bogart's Sports Bar is less sports and all bar.

I Lyfted here thinking there was food. Ain't NO food. Just good beer 🍺 options on tap, a full bar, pool tables and great service.

Obviously a locals place, but just walk in and all be okay.

Everyone's friendly and no one's trippin'. Just don't plan on eating, cuz remember there's no food.“

“fabulous, entertaining, great place to interact with others“

“I love the patio. It's a warm welcoming watering hole filled with great people!“

“Been hitting Normandy House a few weeks while on a temp gig in Santa Clara—in from cowboy country where a solid where a still shot is sometimes mandatory after a long day.

The Pareto thing always cracks me up: 20% of people do 80% of the work, and 80% of the gripes come from the other 20% like some clown reviews here. But everybody here has been super cool to this out-of-towner.

Trin especially—she makes a killer Long Island, best around and always keeps things chill.

Great spot, 5 stars easy. Gonna miss it when I head home.“

“Hadn’t been here in years. Thing is, I always only went here in the daytime. Reason? I am not exactly ‘simpatico’ with some of the locals who flood this town in the evenings. You do you. But I don’t need to be near you. During the day, you get the self-same drinkers, less people, and a great vibe . . . which is what a good dive bar should offer.

This visit, the vibe was as it should be. The bartender couldn’t have been more engaging, interesting, and customer focused. The drinks? Poured properly. The crowd? Fun and funny. The vibe? Think late-80s/early-90s The Cardiff in Campbell before it became whatever the heck it is nowadays (the bar and the town). These people sure do love their snacks!

My friend and I enjoyed our time here. We especially enjoyed the fact that the bartender took a genuine interest in providing good drinks coupled with great service. As we shuffled out into the daylight, on our way to another somewhat local establishment (hint: it is located in Redwood Estates), we both agreed: we need to come here more often.

But, still, during the day. I don’t need REI-overdoses and flat-brimmed bros modeling the latest UNTUCKit shirt colors while peacocking over ‘plumped’ ladies runway-walking through The Cats. Or college students who think they are the best of the best, when they are simply drunk and young . . . for now (one or both).

Thanks for a great reminder why I love(d) this place! I will be back.

PS: Those negative reviews are, generally speaking, reviews of the reviewer, those people that I mentioned above and whom I avoid. Geesh. Get a grip and act human. You rumbling over your cell phone, acting indignant? Not a good look. Then again, I suspect you are used to thinking that you see something else in the mirror. But, thanks to your Google review . . . I . . . see . . . you. So do a lot of people.“

“Just had to call out our Rachel today!! She makes this whole place whirl-wind around with happiness and joy!! Excellent personality, superior service, caring and kind soul!! Looks out for everyone that walks in, strangers and regulars alike because that's how she is... Amazing multi-tasking skills too! Stay amazing Rachel, you're very good for this World!“