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Black Watch 141 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos 408.354.2200 Knight Dreams Where swords cross and Stoli freezes over By Sarah Quelland The multicolored cut glass window in the front is the most striking feature of this otherwise windowless establishment. The friendly neighborhood Scottish pub is located right in the heart of downtown Los Gatos and is considered by some to be the area's coolest dive bar--bear in mind, it's only a dive bar by the town of Los Gatos' sky-high standards. It's actually a really respectable joint. Dark, with warm red lighting casting a kind, flattering glow over its patrons, the unassuming pub has a long, rich wooden bar stretching down the length of the room where patrons can saunter up to order one of the Black Watch's famous Kamikazes (poured with a very distinctive technique and served colder than ice in a pint glass with shot glasses on the side) and booth seating for groups to hang out in and socialize. Shiny silver swords donated by a loyal customer are crossed over the fully stocked bar and add a certain Highlander charm to the themed pub. A shield in memory of the old Knights of the Black Watch gentlemen's club hangs on the wall, a reminder of good times past. Established in 1959 (the building's been around since 1948), the popular place is run by veteran bartenders who have been there 10 and 20 years and have seen their fair share of customers--from bikers to business people to college students. Daily regulars and others who frequent the pub are invited to bring in their own pizza, burritos, sushi and other take-out food to satisfy any hunger pangs, and when it's not crowded, they can even bring their dogs in to rest on the dark carpet. During a quiet hour, it's a comfortable place to relax and socialize in a casual environment. The dynamic shifts dramatically from day to night, however, as the lunch crowd runs into the after-work bunch which segues into the night owls who don't emerge until the sun goes down. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are extremely popular with the younger crowd and things can get loud, crowded and rowdy. On holidays it's standing room only and the Black Watch is rumored to have the best decorations in town. Hours: Daily 9am-2am Crowd Age: Mixed Music: Bartender's choice: usually jazz, blues, Latin and classic rock plays softly Décor: Scottish pub Signature Drink: Belgian Cave, Kamikaze Games/Amenities: Dartboard, Megatouch, pinball Listings by Geographical Location: Campbell | Cupertino | Los Gatos | Mtn. View | Peninsula | Central San Jose | San Jose 'Burbs | Santa Clara | Saratoga | South County | Sunnyvale | South County | Bar and Club Locator Features: Light's On, Door's Open: What makes a bar a favorite hangout the world over? One writer aims to find out. I'll Have What She's Having...: What's new and what's cool when it comes to the latest cocktail twists. Reviews: Senoritas and Margaritas: Left at Albuquerque--blame it all on Route 66. Scene Stealer: All the animals come out at night... to the Camera Cafe. Saddle Up: Sangria Restaurant, where sitting at the bar is a gripping experience. Retro Groovin': At the DancePlex. partygoers relive the '70s, '80s and... this morning! Flash and Dash: Mardi Gras and other surprises at Nola Restaurant and Bar. Knight Dreams: Black Watch--where swords cross and Stoli freezes over. United Nations: Lido's Nightclub, where world beat has a whole new meaning. Taste the Music: The Icon Supperclub is the new incarnation of the Edge. Mineral Wealth: Mining for meaning under the Cinebar's disco ball . In the Pink: All in a dogone day's work at the Pink Poodle. Rod's Roadstop: Britannia Arms at Almaden wears it well. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]