South San Jose has long been dominated by chain restaurants and fast-food spots, making it difficult to find a unique “night out” kind of dining experience. Fortunately, Blossom & Bourbon has stepped up to fill this gap.
Open for just a few months, Blossom & Bourbon blends casual comfort with sophistication, setting it apart from the usual options. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, a diverse menu and top-notch service.
Inside, the warm and elegant space balances modern design with cozy comfort. The decor, with calming earth tones, warm wood accents and beautiful blossomed trees, provides the backdrop for a memorable meal. The seating, primarily comfortable booths, offers an intimate dining experience. Central to the dining room is a bar that serves as the restaurant’s focal point, while the open kitchen layout allows guests to observe the culinary team in action.
As I often do, I found myself at the bar. From there, I watched guests savoring their meals, bartenders crafting intricate cocktails and the head chef orchestrating the kitchen with practiced ease. The sight of chefs tending to the wood-fired grill and pizza oven was mesmerizing, each move showcasing their skill and precision.
Blossom & Bourbon’s menu offers something for everyone, featuring a range of appetizers, soups, wood-fired pizzas, house specialties, wood-grilled dishes and decadent desserts. The attention to detail in each dish is evident, with fresh ingredients and expert preparation shining through.
It was a lively Saturday night, and I decided to sample a variety of items, starting with the fried cauliflower nuggets. Lightly crispy but tender on the inside, they were coated in a sweet and mildly spicy garlic chile sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
Next up were the smoked chicken lollipops. The presentation was impressive, with six lollipops standing upright, each supported by a dollop of carrot puree. They were surrounded by beet slices arranged like flowers and lightly garnished. The rich bourbon glaze offered a balanced blend of smokiness and sweetness.
For the main courses, I opted for the mushroom truffle pizza. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms paired beautifully with the aromatic truffle on top of an expertly baked crust. The French dip sandwich was another highlight. The meat was rare and tender, and the au jus was savory, complementing the sandwich. Paired with crispy fries and a side of chipotle aioli, it was a satisfying choice.
B&B excels not just in its savory dishes but also in its desserts. I ended my meal with “Milk N’ Cookies”—three decadent double chocolate chunk cookies sprinkled with sea salt, paired with a gelato milkshake. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic dining experience.
Blossom & Bourbon is a welcome addition to South San Jose. Guests I spoke to, from a couple celebrating their anniversary to several regular patrons, unanimously agreed: “the southside needed this.” With its warm ambiance, attentive service and varied menu, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Blossom & Bourbon, open Mon–Thu 5–10pm and Fri–Sun 4–10pm; 632 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose; 408.818.8444. blossomandbourbon.com.
