The stock market might be done—waaaay down—but the same can’t be said for the Silicon Valley restaurant scene. New restaurants in downtown San Jose are making their mark on the nightlife scene, which has us feeling happy. So happy, in fact, that we’re offering this quickie guide to some valley happy hour hot spots. We also suggest leaving work early—or making that last work meeting of the day an off-campus adventure.
Burbanks Bites & Billiards—The early bird gets the deals at Burbanks. All day from opening until 2pm, drinks are $2 off. And between 2 and 7pm, you can still shave off a buck on such house specials as the Squirtski, Bloody “Buddy” Mary and the Burbie’s Marg-E. 398 S. Bascom, San Jose. 408.320.2466. burbanksbitesandbilliards.com
The Bywater—Happy hour isn’t just for the weekdays at this Los Gatos favorite. Every day from 3 to 5pm, New Orleans–themed fare flows at lower prices. Quaff $8 Frozen Voodoo Daiquiris and $10 Sazeracs with red beans and rice, gumbo, oyster shooters, hot links and more. 532 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. 408.560.9639. thebywaterca.com
Fred’s Place—The motto: “Every hour is happy hour.” And that’s from noon to 2am weekdays, starting at 10am on weekends. 2534 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View. 650.940.9838. fredsplace.bar.
Jack’s Restaurant—This purveyor of American comfort food serves up deals on beer, wine and other libations Monday through Friday, 3–6pm, including house-made sweet tea and sangria. Happy hour dishes cover all the bases, from all-American hot dogs and meatballs to Asian wings and a Mediterranean sampler. And even better news: Happy hour pricing resumes after 8pm every night until closing. Westgate Center, 1502 Saratoga Ave, San Jose. 408.680.2684. ilovejacks.com/san-jose
Mas Loco Cantina—Downtown San Jose’s newest sports bar is gearing up to offer robust dinner fare (tomahawk steaks, filets, pastas, ribeye tacos) and plenty of screens for sports fans. Since it’s only been open for two weeks, plans are still in the works for happy hour. In the meantime, day drinkers can still order bottled or draft beer, margaritas, Moscow Mules and more along with apps and finger food (wings, loaded tots, sliders and the like). 98 S 2nd St, San Jose. 408.770.5249. maslococantina.com
Mosaic Lounge and Bar—Make the most of the patio from 4 to 6pm on weekdays, with deals on savory bar bites, including prawns on a bed of blistered garlic green beans and jalapeños, calamari, flatbread, sliders and handmade pot stickers. Located at the Sheraton Four Points, 211 S. 1st St., San Jose. 415.688.9437. mosaicsheraton.com
Olla Cocina—This haven for tequila lovers on San Pedro Square proclaims a daily happy hour from 3 to 6pm, during which patrons can order half-price craft margaritas, half-price pitchers of beer and $5 tacos. And on Sharks game days, anyone wearing Sharks gear can get happy hour deals all day. 17 N San Pedro St, San Jose. 408.606.7999. ollacocina.com
Mike’s Place—Happy hour is weekdays from 3 to 7pm,, but you can get 24-ounce cans of PBR for $7 at any hour. 5837 Camden Ave, San Jose. 408.723.9981.
Pedro’s Restaurant & Cantina—This popping Mexican restaurant, conveniently located for many tech workers, offers happy hour deals weekdays from 3 to 7pm. In addition to finger food, a big attraction is special prices on margaritas. 3935 Freedom Cir, Santa Clara. 408.496.6777. pedrosrestaurants.com
The Pressroom—This brand-new spot in the Lyndon Building—built in 1884, and the former home of San Jose’s daily paper—will set up for happy hour from 3 to 5pm Monday through Friday, with draft beer for $7 and half off for wines by the glass and cocktails. Appetizers include $2 oysters, chips, fried mac & cheese and the very tempting guajillo short rib sliders. 189 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.256.7475. pressroomsj.com
Rollati Ristorante—This downtown Italian restaurant serves up weekday happy hours from 4 to 6pm in the bar and patio, with specially priced wines by the glass, classic and house cocktails, draft beers, and a selection of small bites, including pizzas, served at the bar and patio. Added bonus: On Mondays until 5:30pm, diners in the bar or lounge can get half off bottles of wine priced at $75 or less. 181 E Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.444.4080. rollatiristorante.com
Sixth Street Burgers—Also only open since March, Sixth Street Burgers started off strong with trendy smash burgers and just served “smash burger tacos” for Taco Tuesday. And there are plans for a happy hour, which will focus on craft beer and food specials. 235 E Santa Clara St, Suite 112, San Jose. 408.444.6835.
Teske’s Germania—Though there’s no official happy hour, Teske’s draws a great after-work crowd. German lager, hefeweizen and kolsch brews pair well with the Wurst Platter (assorted german sausages) and cheese-filled freshly baked pretzels. 255 N. First St, San Jose. 408.292.0291. teskes-germania.com
Trials Pub—This traditional English pub has fireplaces, wingback chairs, cask conditioned beers, English ales and English pub grub (think sausage rolls, banger baskets and curry chips). It’s not open until 5pm so there’s not a happy hour—but it’s worth keeping in mind that every night is trivia night. 265 N 1st St, San Jose. 408.947.0497. trialspub.com
Willow Den Public House—The public is welcome, and to prove it, all drinks are $3 off daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm, and then $2 off until 5pm. And there’s plenty to keep the drinkers entertained, including flat-screen TVs, pool tables, shuffleboard and karaoke. 803 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. 408.891.0212.
