.Neighborhood Is Well Served at Burbanks Bites & Billiards

Burbanks Bites & Billiards has taken over a spot with plenty of history, and it’s already shaking things up with killer food and a vibe that’s nearly impossible to ignore.

Walking into Burbanks, it’s hard not to feel a sense of familiarity. The space, which has housed several different businesses over the past several years, has been completely renovated, offering a much more open and inviting feel than before.

With plenty of room to dine, pool tables, and a small stage tucked into the corner for various live performances, the heart of the space is the impressive “Tower Bar.” This large U-shaped bar allows bartenders to access bottles from all sides, creating a seamless, interactive experience for patrons sitting around the bar. 

On the Bascom-facing side of the bar, there’s a neon sign that feels like a nod to the neighborhood’s past. It almost pays homage to the old Burbank Theater’s iconic neon light, which will strike a chord with locals who remember those days when the sign stayed lit long after the theater had closed. As someone who spent many formative years in this area, it hit me with a cool sense of nostalgia that I think will resonate with others who have history here.

For those familiar with the South Bay bar scene, Burbanks might also feel familiar for another reason—two of its owners also run the popular Willow Den Public House. From the wall of vinyl records to the collage of classic album covers, you can see the influence in the décor, but Burbanks has its own identity, leaning into its blend of casual charm and elevated touches.

Even the cocktail menu stands out, with each drink displayed in an artful, almost painterly style, giving it a curated feel that shows they’ve put a lot of thought into presentation.

At the heart of the culinary operation is Dan, the mastermind behind Dangrubs. With experience in Mexican, American, Italian, Mediterranean and Asian-fusion cuisines, Dan has a versatile background that shines through in every dish on the menu.

Alongside his wife, Mariana, the duo spent years building Dangrubs into a pop-up favorite all over San Jose. Now, they’ve brought that same creativity and energy to their first brick-and-mortar location, with a menu that offers something for everyone. Whether diners are craving breakfast, smaller bar bites or a hearty steak dinner, Burbanks has it covered.

I’m happy to report that the food definitely lives up to the hype. After hearing recommendations from staff and seeing glowing reviews, I knew I had to try the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. It arrived just as promised. The chicken was spot-on—crispy, with a golden crust and a juicy, tender center, a reminder of why fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The smoked gouda melted just enough to add a creamy layer, while the bacon delivered that smoky, salty bite. The aioli had a mild kick, enough to bring everything together. And then there’s the honey, adding just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.I’ve eaten a lot of chicken sandwiches, and this one was definitely worth writing about.

The fried rice allows you to add your choice of proteins—options like crispy chicken, prawns, New York steak, or plant-based alternatives. I opted for the New York steak and prawns, and both hit the mark. The steak was tender, well-seared and cut into bite-sized pieces. The prawns were a good size, not too big or small, and had a seasoning that gave them a slight kick—almost a mild Cajun feel.

To top it all off, I tried the house-made tiramisu cake. While it was a pretty classic take on the dessert, it was delicious and rounded out the meal perfectly. The layers were soft but held their structure, and the coffee-soaked ladyfingers balanced perfectly with the light, creamy mascarpone. It was topped with just the right dusting of cocoa, bringing everything together without being overly sweet. Simple, decadent, well-executed and a great way to end the meal.

In addition to offering great food, Burbanks Bites & Billiards embraces its roots in the Burbank district, a small but historic part of San Jose that remains unincorporated to this day. The phrase “Unincorporated San Jose” is even part of the bar’s logo, reflecting the owners’ pride in being part of this unique part of town. With just under 5,000 residents and less than half a square mile in size, the Burbank district has a distinct identity that co-owner Hans and his team aim to honor while bringing something new to the community.

While still in its soft opening phase, Burbanks has already been making waves with locals. Hans and his partners, including longtime staff member and now partner Zain, have big plans for the space. They want to do more than just serve food and drinks—they’re focused on creating a neighborhood staple where people can gather. From neighborhood nights to karaoke and standup comedy, the team is committed to keeping the neighborhood engaged with events that foster a strong sense of community.

As the menu continues to evolve and they move into their grand opening phase, the bar should become a go-to spot for those looking for great food, good company and a little bit of local history. Whether it’s for a casual bite or a fully plated steak dinner, Burbanks Bites & Billiards is ready to welcome everyone in Unincorporated San Jose and beyond.

Burbanks Bites and Billiards, 398 S Bascom Ave, San Jose; 408.539.0940. Open daily, 10am–midnight. burbanksbitesandbilliards.com