Going out to eat is fun, but there's something about stopping at the bar before dinner for drinks that elevates the experience into a real night out. Here are five restaurants with great bars.

180 Restaurant and Lounge 15 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408.399.1804.

The Loft Bar and Bistro 90 S. Second St., San Jose. 408.291.0677.

Madison and Fifth 367 University Ave., Palo Alto. 650.323.3900.

Mantra Restaurant and Lounge 632 Emerson St., Palo Alto. 650.322.3500.

Paragon Restaurant and Bar 211 S. First St., San Jose. 408.282.8888.

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