50 Best Cocktail Bars near Saratoga

“Scarlett’s is such a great addition to the neighborhood! The drinks are beautifully made and so well balanced, but guys… THE FOOD. Incredible. The sliders, corn riblets, and fish & chips are all must-orders for me, and if I could get the Green Kiss by the pitcher, I absolutely would.

I love coming back time and time again because they’re always so consistent. The live music and ambiance make it such a perfect spot for a date night, and I’m already planning my next visit!“

“Ambiance, Ambiance! #outdoorseating#creekside🍷👏🥂🍾🍹🍸🍸“

“MONDAY FOOD REVIEW...PUESTO...6/17/24! After leaving California's Great America, we stopped for lunch at Puesto, a Mexican/American restaurant, located at 2752 Augustine Dr., in Santa Clara. This restaurant features Mexican dishes with an American flare infusion! I had their their Shrimp a la Plancha, which is Mexican shrimp, garlic butter, red onions, jalapeños, guajillo chile, avocado, and Tamarindo-chile sauce, and it comes with herb lime rice, black beans, and blue corn tortillas. This was absolutely fabulous!!! It wasn't your typical Mexican dish...the different ingredients they used to create this dish all blended together VERY well!!! If you are looking for a little something different to satisfy your Mexican food craving, and want some added flair, then this is THE restaurant to go to!!! I HIGHLY recommend it!!!! My rating: 10++++“

“I was in there last night. This place is a great place for drinks. To the fellow in training last night, you were great! I really enjoyed the entertainment and conversation. The bartenders there sometimes forget that being entertained and having a conversation is part of being a bartender. Most of the bartenders like the girl who was training the fellow yesterday , are more focused on just making drinks fast and not even talking to the guest. On a night like last night that was super mellow and slow I think bartenders should take the time to actually talk to guest. There’s no need to bust out drinks fast, make it a little more personal.“

“Best cocktail bar in the South Bay!“

“Everything! It's a flawless dining experience.“

“Made a 5:00 reservation and our party was seated right away. EVERYONE was EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. Food was delicious and presentation was beautiful. We were impressed from start to finish. This place is a total vibe and the decor is so beautiful. How did I not know about this place sooner? The appetizers calamari and corn were remarkable, and souffle pancake was so tasty. Chefs kiss for the Prime Rib it was so tender and juicy. We recommend the grape Suja. Looking forward to coming back for brunch soon! Thank you Giwa for such wonderful service.“

“The Cantina was such a cool spot and had great Cali-style Mexican food with a little Hawaiian/beachy flare! Huge bar selection, craft beer, and the Tiki drinks looked incredible as well! The owner, Scott, was a delight and we will definitely be coming back!“

“Miracle on 1st street is the best time of year“

“Second Story has genuinely become my second home. I have been coming here almost every weekend for the past two years, so this review comes from many consistently great experiences.

Even when I go out by myself, this is one place where I never have to hesitate or think twice. The entire staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, and they always make me feel completely at home. A special mention to Tika, whose warmth and hospitality make every visit even better.

The drinks are always top quality and beautifully made, and the food and snacks are consistently great. The entire place, including the restrooms, is exceptionally clean and hygienic. It is also the perfect spot when you want to dress up, enjoy a great atmosphere, and not worry about your clothes getting dirty or smelling afterward.

What truly makes Second Story special is its hospitality. After two years of visiting almost every weekend, I can confidently say that the quality and service have remained consistently outstanding. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a welcoming, stylish, and dependable place to relax and have a genuinely good time.“

“Perfect way to spend a Monday! Excellent empanada special, memorable cocktails and beignets and bread pudding were over the top. Ended with a smoky old fashioned for a personalized birthday treat. Thank you to Therese and Bryce for the personal touches and relocating us to a quiet table, the recommendations, and kicking off my 34th teaching year with joy!“

“The service attitude here is great. I like the drinks very much. It feels very magical, like a magic potion🥰“

“Cocktail spot with quality snacks in downtown Willow Glen. 4.5 stars

Food: 4z5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Opentableable: no reservations
Return worthiness: yes

Highlights:
- Sandwich: the focaccia was heavenly. So fresh, warm, soft, sponger, and thick. The prosciutto mozzarella pesto arugula and balsamic combo worked well in it. 5 stars
- Happy hour: til 6 everyday
- Towels in bathroom to dry your hands instead of paper towels: nice touch
- Happy hour bubbly: assumed it would be Prosecco but was a French one and a nice pour so I was excited.
- Honey bear drink: a cherry cola served in a honey bear was fun
- Atmosphere: some seats at a small bar, some outside, and table seating inside.

Midlights:
- Lychee martini and old fashioned weren't great and some of our go tos usually.

Lowlights
- They were out of the HH Manhattan Hub and there was no substitute provided for whiskey which seems like table stakes for a cocktail place. They offered the old fashioned but not happy hour priced. My hub was not a vodka, gin, or mezcal person which the others had so he was out of luck.“

“Solid music and solid service! Haesoo and hayoung were so very sweet and very kind! They gave us great service and great food (fries!). Reach out to them for the best service! They gave us a good farewell🤩. We’d definitely come back here again!“

“Phenomenal food and top-tier service for large groups! We hosted a 10-person farewell dinner here for a colleague, with teammates traveling in from all over. Despite staggered arrival times, the service was seamless and the atmosphere was perfect for a celebration.

Every single thing we ordered—from the appetizers and traditional dishes to the desserts and drinks—was excellent. Our diverse, international group spent hours laughing and enjoying the space. Jashin gave our team an unforgettable send-off night. We will definitely be back!“

“We visited with friends and ordered Tandoori Veg Momo, Avocado Chaat, Garlic Naan, and Butter Chicken. The Tandoori Momo tasted rich and fresh. The Garlic Naan came soft and had a unique flavor. Everything arrived hot and well prepared. We plan to return soon with our office team.“

“best place to go for a drink!“

“Went for brunch. Love the food.
We got the shrimp and grits, chilaquiles, and truffle fries.
I like how the shrimp and grits has peas and greens to break up the heartiness. It's not too salty.

Chilaquiles portion is quite large! They use ground sausage so it's almost like a sauce.

Truffle fries was ok. I think it could use a bit more salt. And the truffle drizzle can be more generous as not every fry was covered.

We don't drink alcohol so we didn't try the espresso martini, but it looks delicious!“

“The food was really very tasty. The staff were very humble and courteous. Food was served in an excellent way.“

“great place to hang out, have a drink!“

“Everyone is friendly, Scotty & Nicholai (Sp.), great drinks!“

“Been having my eyes on this place for a while. The live music is a big plus. I wanted to try the poor boys, but got their crawfish pasta instead at their recommendation and boy was I glad I took the recommendation. Every bite of the pasta had crawfish, bouncy, no need to peel any off the shell; fabulous experience. The pasta was a beautiful blend of creaminess, heat, al dente rotini pasta, and crawfish. The atmosphere at 9pm on a Wednesday with the live music, crowd of locals, unbeatable.“

“Dope spot. Great music. cool atmosphere. I come here everytime I'm out in the downtown area.“

“I truly appreciate the authenticity of Chinese cuisine, and the exceptional culinary skills showcased. The special tea duck, in particular, captivates my taste buds with its exquisite flavor. Each bite is a delightful experience, making it a standout dish for me.“

“bartender is nice, clean atmosphere and friendly 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.“

“Loma Brewing was an awesome place to have our party. Their food was delicious, the space was fabulous and the staff were incredible. They were so easy to work with and made the planning and day of so easeful. I felt so supported. I highly recommend them for events and also just a night out!

Vegetarian options: Plenty of veggie options“

“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.“

“Had a good time here. Hadn't heard of it before but glad we came. They made the most of the space for sure. Pretty neat themes of mini golf inside, that relate to the bay area in general. The music was the right volume and the atmosphere overall was welcoming and enjoyable. Nice bar area and offer some good cocktails as well. I'd go back for sure.“

“Stevie's Bar & Grill in San Jose isn't just a bar, it's a sanctuary for the soul and a paradise for beer enthusiasts. Each time I return to San Jose, Stevie's is my go-to spot, a reliable haven where the beer flows as freely as the good times. With a draft beer selection that's second to none, Stevie's is like a grand library of brews, each one a story waiting to be savored. The attentive staff elevates the experience, making sure your glass is never empty and your spirits are always high. The vibe here is electric yet welcoming, a perfect backdrop for the delectable snackable treats they serve. And if you're in a crunch for time, the adjacent laundromat turns a chore into a chance for relaxation – sip and savor while you spin and rinse! Stevie's is more than a bar; it's a clever twist on the traditional, a gem that makes San Jose shine a little brighter.“

“Everything was great need to put more food its will be better 😎“

“Great downtown San Jose spot with cool bartenders“

“Great drinks!!! Hip place with great vibes. Would definitely rely come again!!“

“Enjoyed their Hamburger and fish & Chips Fries are excellent. Lovely surroundings, the ducks enjoyed the pool.“

“Ophelia is an amazing place with a wonderful atmosphere, delicious food, and outstanding customer service. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and comfortable, making every visit enjoyable. The music creates the perfect ambiance and adds to the overall experience.

A special thank you to Mr. John, who truly goes above and beyond for every customer. His professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail make you feel valued from the moment you arrive. He is one of the main reasons we keep coming back.

Highly recommend Ophelia to anyone looking for great food, exceptional service, and an unforgettable dining experience!“

“Amandine was incredible. If you are a fan of great cocktails and amazing atmosphere you'll be right at home. They know what they're doing and the service can't be beat. 10/10 experience. I can't wait for my next trip to California to come back.“

“Great atmosphere for even a quick drink, or two…“

“I thoroughly enjoyed Mix Huevos.
The menu has variety, but not to the point of being overwhelming.
I had the dulce de leche pancakes combo, the pancakes 🥞 were HUGE!!! They were just a bit too dense for me, I prefer them light & fluffy. I had bacon and country potatoes with my pancake combo and both were really good. My friend had the chorizo scramble and added avocado. 🥑 she said it was really good, the portions are very big, so you’re definitely getting what you pay for.
The servers were very kind and attentive, the restaurant is very big as well, so it would be great for parties and get togethers. No complaints“

“I forgot to add to my previou comments that their tortillas are home-made, authentic, and delicious.“

“Good food and like the 🎤Karaoke on Saturdays 👍“

“Suzanna and Ashley are the best bartenders there oh and def can’t forget about Tiffany“

“Yummy hamburgers and sweet potato fries, great staff!“

“Good steak 🥩 and pleasant atmosphere.“

“We sat up stairs and the atmosphere, food, beer and service were great!!!“

“Wonderfully family owned business, where the bartenders know their drinks, staff is quick in keeping grounds clean and an amazing community fun space especially for sports games and hosting events! We had our high school reunion there!

As far as food, you can easily order from Spread (sandwiches) or Jtown pizza and are allowed to bring outside food in too!“

“Very good food….and healthy.“

“The G.O.A.T. of Silicon Valley Cuisine?
In my 30+ years of living and dining in Silicon Valley, I’ve sometimes wondered if, beyond “California Cuisine,” there is also a “Silicon Valley Cuisine.” I think this may be the best of it.

After a few visits to Valley Goat, I think this might be the greatest of all time places that reflects what I love about Valley Food. The East Asia, South Asia, and Latin America influences are evident. So are reminders of the Alice Waters farm-to-table paradigm. The sharable dining possibilities also seem part of Valley Cuisine culture. All of this is nestled in a little green oasis created by the Tree House Hotel and Beer Garden near campuses of Google, Meta, and Juniper. Everything we’ve shared there has been novel yet also familiar while appearing and tasting simply amazing. It feels like every dish is very much what I imagine as phenomenal and resonant Valley Cuisine.“

“Unique combination of Indian food. Absolutely recommending this place“