As a lifelong South Bay resident, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve played mini-golf at the Golfland locations, or Neptune’s Kingdom in Santa Cruz. Even as an adult, I’ll still jump at the chance to grab a putter. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s just that mini-golf is unapologetically fun.
So when I heard about Urban Putt opening in downtown San Jose last February, I was curious. And I finally checked it out for myself.
Urban Putt isn’t your run-of-the-mill mini-golf destination. Tucked along Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San Jose, this 13,000-square-foot venue transforms the game into a high-tech adventure.
Imagine putting golf balls through a giant circuit board or sinking shots into various nods to local landmarks, such as a hole inspired by the James Lick Observatory. Now throw in a bar, a menu of inventive dishes and a mezzanine tailored for private events, and you’ve got yourself a mini-golf experience that’s as immersive as it is entertaining.
I decided to check it out with a few friends from my usual Sunday brunch crew. I arrived a bit early, unsure of how busy it would be, and was immediately struck by the lively atmosphere. A large party was celebrating in the dining area, while another group headed into the golf course.
We settled in with a cocktail and snack while waiting for my friends. Being a sucker for chicken and waffles, I couldn’t have picked a better way to start. The standout was the ancho chile butter, bringing just enough heat to balance the savory and sweet flavors.
I paired it with the Happy Accident—bold, refreshing and a little reminiscent of a mai tai. My friend went for the Pineapple Putt Putt, a creamy, blended ice drink that’s great for those into dessert-style cocktails, though it might not be for everyone.
Once the rest of the group arrived, we grabbed some drinks and headed to the course. The first hole—a creative nod to downtown San Jose featuring the Bank of Italy building with a backdrop of familiar skyline landmarks—set the tone. The Shoreline Amphitheater hole took me back: lawn seats, lower level, even backstage—so many memories over the years. Then there was the Winchester Mystery House hole, with its intricate design and playful surprises.
Halfway through, we hit “The Turn,” a mid-point inspired by traditional golf courses where players take a break after the front nine. It’s a spot to refuel, grab a drink and reset before continuing the game. I tried the Winchester Old Fashioned, with stronger cherry notes than a typical old fashioned.
The course continued to surprise us with its mix of interactive elements. Beyond the traditional putting greens, there were tech-inspired holes with digital screens, physical challenges reminiscent of labyrinth-style maze games, and playful nods to San Jose’s identity. Tributes to the San Jose Sharks and Silicon Valley’s tech culture gave each hole its own personality.
Having a friend in the group who’d just moved to the South Bay made it even more fun: I got to nerd out a little, sharing bits of local history and the stories behind the course’s designs.
After wrapping up the course, I wasn’t ready to call it a night. The shareable I’d started with had already set a solid tone, and I was curious to see how Urban Putt’s creativity carried over to the kitchen.
The menu offers plenty of variety, from snacks to pizzas, salads and heartier options. The beer-battered onion rings were a standout—crispy, flavorful and blissfully free of the dreaded “onion pull.”
The Margherita pizza was satisfying, though I’d recommend ordering it extra crispy for a firmer crust. The wings were hearty and well-coated, while the pretzel bites had a satisfying texture paired with a rich cheese dip. Fresh and straightforward, the Greens Keeper and Baby Gem salads make good lighter options.
While some might say the menu is on the pricier side, it’s par for the course in downtown San Jose (pun absolutely intended). Suitable for a family outing, a date or an adults-only hang—the crowd is 21 and over after 8pm—Urban Putt delivers a fun, memorable experience.
