5 Best Bars in Santa Clara

“No food within the bar which is fine, there's usually a food truck outside or you can bring your own. Great staff here, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Tons of TVs and 2 pool tables and 2 dart boards. Really a great atmosphere and vibe.“

“Perfect for watch parties.“

“I want to preface this by saying two things. First, I had never been here before. Which is sorta’ shocking for me because, two, I like Bay Area dive- and dive-adjacent bars.

Having lived in and/or visited this area for all of my 50-plus years, that is shocking. And I like this sort of place in a non-ironic, non-wink-wink, sorta’ way. I loved the Cardiff in Campbell before it became an ultra-lounge. I spent many a day and/or evening at Blinky’s before it closed. In more recent years, I was saddened when Patty’s Inn and then the The Red Stag closed. I am happy that Woodham’s still offers up first and last calls. And I continue to be amazed that Vahl’s is still slinging drinks in the hinterlands.

And I frequent these places because, in almost all cases, they provide a service that is rapidly being destroyed in the Bay Area. Great service. Strong drinks. Good prices (relatively speaking). Interesting customers. Normandy House checks all of these boxes.

This place exists where Bascom disappears. It is kitty-corner to what has to be one of the world’s oldest still existing uniform stores. It is located in a non-descript and frankly worn-down corner strip mall, the sort of place that is eagerly eyed by developers looking to raze the place in favor of bland and cheaply made condos that cost way too much.

By dive bar standards (and I mean that as a compliment), this place is huge! Long and lovely bar. Lots of seating. Clean bathrooms. Atmosphere-appropriate lighting. Pool tables and a good jukebox. My friend and I visited on a recent weekday, so the place was nearly empty. But the staff were top notch. We got an instant greeting, several check-ins, and prompt service. They were tearing down the St. Patrick’s Day stuff and putting up new decorations. Having never been here before, I didn’t feel like I was intruding. The staff made me feel at home.

I think the reviews and the average rating are about right. Thing is, check out some of the negative reviews. Most are years old. And the more recent one(s)—I am looking at you, Alex—makes the reviewer sound like a high-maintenance noodle who can’t fathom why people won’t respond to their friend requests. Hint: it’s you, Alex. It’s you.

Again, I am amazed I hadn’t visited before. And I plan to visit again the next time I am in the area. To the staff, thank you. You provided excellent service. To the owner, keep doing what you are doing. In a place that is more and more demolishing the heart and spirit of the area and pricing out locals, you provide a service that I am not sure newer transplants understand or even respect.

Highly recommended.“

“Very attentive staff and delicious food“