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SJ Outskirts AJ's Bar & Grill 393 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.292.3445 Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am-1am Crowd Age: Young-at-heart Music: DJs Decor: Flesh, flesh and nearly naked flesh Signature Drink: Purple Hooter Dancing: Only by the swivel-hipped pros Games/Amenities: Pool, pinball, darts and G-strings Ambience: Sweat, testosterone and a slight whiff of failed romance permeate this workingman's bar, where scantily clad dancers shake a thin line between dreams and reality. Not for the white-wine-spritzer matrons. Alberto's 956 Park Ave, SJ 408.288.5928 Hours: Daily, 9am-10pm Crowd Age: The gamut Music: Jukebox Decor: South of the border Signature Drink: Margarita Dancing: No Games/Amenities: TV Ambience: Killer sopes and industrial-strength margaritas keep families, downtowners and gay men side by side like a Tequila Sunrise. Smooth and low-key, the tiny bar is a chimney glass of various flavors--all real. Alex's 49er Inn 2214 Business Circle, SJ 408.279.9737 Hours: Daily, 6am-2am Crowd Age: Late 20s-50 Music: Jukebox, old and new Decor: Neighborhood Signature Drink: Double shots, single price Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Karaoke, dartboard, pool table, video games Ambience: More construction workers than Netscape nerds, Alex's is a bastion of Redwings, not Topsiders. Leave the Mudslides and Fuzzy Navels to your fancy bars; this is the kind of place to throw back a boilermaker and pray that one of the dancers from the nearby Pink Poodle will sashay through the door. Almaden Feed & Fuel 18950 Almaden Rd, SJ 408.268-8950 Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-2am Crowd Age: 30s to 40s Music: Live; country, rock & roll, blues rotate each week Decor: Wyatt Earp meets Bob Seger Signature Drink: The "KGB" Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Karaoke, dartboard, pinball machines, video games Ambience: Just like Marshal Dillon's saloon, but Miss Kitty rides a Fatboy and is the one wearing the chaps. Little bit country, little bit biker, real down home. Warm the belly with a brew and, if you're hungry, a handful of ribs and links. Good-time, rip-it-up dance place. American Pizza & Sports Bar 1070 Leigh Ave, SJ 408.292.1662 Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-1:30am Crowd Age: Grown-ups in the bar, kids in the kiddie arcade Music: Old-school jukebox Decor: Niners rule! No, Raiders rule! Signature Drink: Brewskies, bro' Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Game room with video, pinball, pool tables, keno Ambience: Sports and hops, hops and sports and now 'n' then a little pizza. With TVs everywhere, including a honkin' big-screen, count on getting a jersey fix with that reasonably priced draft. Angelo's Arena Cafe & Grill & Sports Bar 11 Race St, SJ 408.295.7765 Hours: Daily, 7am-2am Crowd Age: Mid-life crisis Music: Jukebox Decor: Hall of Fame photos of movie stars and sports figures Signature Drink: Ouzo Dancing: Occasionally, when there's live music Games/Amenities: Karaoke Ambience: Although it's been here since long before the Sharks were a spark in some sports promoter's eye, Angelo's is now teal-central. Swim in and dig the great Greek and Italian menu or suck up a few after the game. Aqui Cal-Mex Grill 1145 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.995-0381 Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm Crowd Age: Terminally young Music: No Decor: Montezuma with a side of Silicon Valley Signature Drink: Blue agave tequila Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Restaurant, TV Ambience: Right there in the upper ventricle of Willow Glen's heart, this upscale taqueria's bar brings in a young crowd that knows its tequila from its Tanqueray. Good thing, too, because Aqui has a fine selection of cactus juice to lubricate social intercourse. And when it's time to sop up the excess liquid? Grab a plate of nachos from the restaurant. Bay 101, Sutter's Sports Bar 1801 Bering Dr, SJ 408.451.8888 Hours: 6am-2:30am Crowd Age: Mature Music: No Decor: Football, baseball, soccer--you name it Signature Drink: Beer Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Big-screen TVs, bigger food menu Ambience: The real action's outside the door with the croupiers and card sharks. But when the casino shakes 'em dry, this is the place to head for libations. A guarantee--most of the customers are either very, very happy (Yippie, I won!!) or very, very unhappy. Branham Lounge 1116 Branham Lane, SJ 408.265.5525 Hours: Daily, 9am-2am Crowd Age: Indeterminate Music: Jukebox Decor: Mystifying Signature Drink: Shaken, not stirred Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Darts Ambience: Just like its name promises--a lounge, replete with Sinatra, firelight and the requisite lizards and lizardettes. Privacy trumps socializing here, so think of this as a destination bar for the drinking doubles-living single kinda life. Britannia Arms-Almaden 5027 Almaden Expwy, SJ 408.266.0550 Hours: Daily, 11am-2am Crowd Age: 23 and up Music: Live bands Thu-Sat Decor: Casual British Signature Drink: Guinness, Newcastle and Bass Dancing: During bands Games/Amenities: Darts, foosball, trivia, karaoke Ambience: This friendly sports bar draws a diverse crowd of regulars, Brits and newcomers who come to enjoy the many amenities it has to offer. Traditional British fare such as kidney pie and Britannia Arms' famous fish and chips are enjoyed with British brews, darts tournaments, live UK soccer and NHL games as well as live bands and karaoke on Sundays. Cafe Cameroon 1102 Saratoga Ave, SJ 408.615.7530 Hours: Wed-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-2am, Sun noon-11pm Crowd Age: Young 20s Music: Afro-Caribbean via DJ Decor: Tropical Signature Drink: Tusker (an African beer) Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: No Ambience: Hot as the tropical sun and even more sensual, Cafe Cameroon serves up south-of-the-Equator sounds and eats to those who wish to experience Africa without the expensive airfare. Plan to boogie till you drop on Saturday nights to Afro-Caribbean tunes. The Cardinal Lounge 3197 Meridian Ave, SJ 408.269.7891 Hours: 11am-1:30am Crowd Age: You're not getting older--you're getting better Music: Adult contemporary, disco Decor: Jim Thompson noir Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Karaoke Ambience: Older boppers and longtimers find a home here in a dark interior that's easy on the nerves. Take a load off and hang out with the regular Joes and Josephines before the Cardinal's '50s feel puts it in mortal jeopardy of being "discovered." Club Max Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, SJ 408.453.4000 Hours: Mon-Sat, 4pm-2am Crowd Age: Mid-30s on up Music: Live dance music Thu-Sat, DJ Tue-Wed Decor: Intimate Signature Drink: Sex on the Beach Dancing: Tue-Sat Games/Amenities: No Ambience: Still known for its signature happy-hour buffet, Club Max keeps 'em hopping each night to danceable tunes. For the commitment-phobic, this is a great place to meet and greet out-of-towners, never to be bothered with them again. Club Rio 610 Coleman Ave, SJ 408.920.0145 Hours: Wed-Sat, 9pm-2am Crowd Age: Variety Music: Spanish rock, live bands Decor: Mirrors and disco balls Signature Drink: None Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Next door to Club Rodeo on Coleman Avenue just north of downtown San Jose's club scene is Club Rio, a dance spot that plays mostly Spanish rock and musica tropical. Occasionally featuring national Mexican bands, the spacious Club Rio draws a mostly Hispanic crowd that dances the night away under stringed lights and disco balls. The Drying Shed 402 Toyon Ave, SJ 408.272.1512 Hours: Daily 4-10pm plus lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm and Sunday brunch 10am-2pm Crowd Age: 30 plus Music: Fri-Sat DJ Decor: Rustic SIgnature Drink: Gold margarita (made by Denise) Dancing: Fri-Sat Games/Amenities: Head games Ambience: One of San Jose's veteran establishments where neighboring locals find solace from the wicked world. Old-school furnishings plus walls of farm tools and country living still work to great effect here. The bar remains a friendly place to enjoy generous cocktails made by barkeeps with loving dispositions. Eight Forty North First 840 N. First St, SJ 408.282.0840 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 5-10pm Crowd Age: 20-40 Music: In-house CDs: jazz/big band swing Decor: Elegant Signature Drink: Caren's Lemon Drop Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Televisions for sports and stocks Ambience: Eight Forty North First is still the place where local politicians and bureaucrats quaff premium wines (mostly chardonnay), take sustenance (usually at lunch) and get the place buzzing with late-breaking scuttlebutt. Elegant features and comfortable seating provide optimum opportunity for relaxation and people-watching. Muted lighting enhances elegant effects. The Espresso Garden 814 S. Bascom Ave, SJ 408.298.0808 Hours: Mon-Wed 6:30am-9pm, Thu-Sat 6:30am-11pm Crowd Age: 30s and up, sometimes with the kids Music: Acoustic stage five nights a week Decor: Coffeehouse Signature Drink: Vigal coffee Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Board games are available: Scrabble, Monopoly, checkers, chess Ambiance: Tucked in a small mini-mall across the street from Valley Medical Center; it's easy to drive by this little cafe on the edge of Campbell, but it's worth stopping in. This is a real coffeehouse, and five nights a week it's also a hot spot for acoustic blues, folk and jazz, among other things. Not only is it the antidote to Starbucks, you also might catch owner Judy Hackett rehearsing old jazz standards on a slow Tuesday night. Fifth Quarter 1373 Kooser Rd, SJ 408.265.7033 Hours: 11am-2am Crowd Age: 25 plus Music: New and classic rock Fri-Sat Decor: Casual Signature Drink: Purple Hooter Games/Amenities: Video games, pool, darts, big-screen TV Ambience: Lovers of athletic endeavors pour like gin into this place. Raucous chitchat grows to a deafening roar in the evening. Football is usually the main topic of discussion in and around the bar, but baseball is starting to creep into the dialogue. Rock & roll takes over on the weekends, when dancing becomes the main sport of choice. The Foxtail 551 W. Julian St, SJ 408.286.4388 Hours: Wed-Sun, 5pm-2am Crowd Age: 21 to mid-40s Music: DJ Wed and Fri-Sun Decor: Upscale casual Signature Drink: Long Island Iced Tea Dancing: After 9:30pm Games/Amenities: Video games Ambience: Foxtail remains San Jose's premier gay dance club. Casual atmosphere stripped of pretensions makes this place warm and inviting. A well-stocked full bar with plenty of premium beers, some by the pitcher, continues to please discriminating imbibers. Those needing a break from the lively antics can relax among the flora in the patio or backyard. 4th Street Bowl 1441 N. Fourth St, SJ Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 6:15pm-2am Crowd Age: Late 20s to early 30s Music: Mon-Sat, karaoke; Thu-Sat, DJ till 2am Decor: Well worn Signature Drink: Anything with alcohol Dancing: Thu-Sat Games/Amenities: Video games, billiards, bowling Ambience: 4th Street breaks the mold of typical bowling alley lounges, offering a worn but inviting appearance that comes alive in the shadows of the night. Wrought iron and red velvet take on goofy personalities amid the background of this never-boring watering hole. Seasoned drinkers hold court on a regular basis, adding color like strokes of neon paint. Garden City 360 Saratoga Ave, SJ 408.244.4443 Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 5-10pm Crowd Age: 30-50 Music: Live jazz piano or guitar Decor: Vegas elegant Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Card room Ambience: Step inside the Garden City and step into another time, another place one might call Las Vegas. The trappings of high-stakes gambling hum in the background of the restaurant like a nuclear reactor. Premium red meats and old-school continental cuisine is served at high-backed booths under tall alpine ceilings. At the bar, martinis are shaken and stirred to the war stories of the card room. Giuseppe of Willow Glen 1072 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.292.4866 Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Tue-Thu and Sun 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm Crowd Age: 30s Music: Karaoke Fri and Sat Decor: Elegant; patio seating Signature Drink: Martini or premium Italian and California wines Dancing: Fri-Sat Games/Amenities: Televisions for sports/video games Ambience: One could not ask for a friendlier place to twirl into a plate of pasta. Elegant furnishings allow for romantic interludes in both bar and restaurant. A feeling of big-city Rome and its worldly trappings comes to the senses on silver slippers. Owner Guiseppe Salsiccia remains the perennial charmer, greeting guests with open arms. The Glen 1180 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.288.9422 Hours: Mon-Sat, 4pm-midnight Crowd Age: 25 plus Music: No Decor: Elegant billiards scene Signature Drink: Cosmos/premium beer Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Billiards, fine dining, big-screen TV Ambience: The Glen is an all-in-one billiard hall where you can dine on good food or simple snacks, buy cigars, sip espresso or just watch. There is an upscale look to this place, but it's actually very casual and comfortable. The bartenders know the latest drinks and will mix them up without hesitation. Hard Work Cafe 1620 Almaden Rd, SJ 408.289.9675 Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am Crowd Age: 30-40 Music: Latin/Tex-Mex, Fri-Sat Decor: Blue-collar basic Signature Drink: Beer Dancing: When there's music Games/Amenities: Pool, video, jukebox Ambience: The Hard Work is the everyman's getaway, where friends can meet without worry or stress, where the spirit of community prevails. Once you enter the place you become part of the family, like it or not. Latin bands on weekends belt out tunes that dislodge the most sedentary. And you don't have to know the steps to have fun on the dance floor here. Bad attitudes take a hike. Harry's Hofbrau 390 Saratoga Ave, SJ 408.243.0434 Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm Crowd Age: 20-50 Music: Background Decor: Hofbrau casual Signature Drink: German and premium beers on tap Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Televisions for sports Ambience: Harry's is the definitive populist meadhall where adults of all ages come to quaff mugs of frothing lager while digging through wholesome steam-table comestibles. The aromas of roasted meats and sauerkraut waft like silk veils along the long row of bar stools. It's a rollicking, good-natured establishment with enough German bric-a-brac and patron chatter to keep the sensibilities on red alert. Jack's 167 E. Taylor St, SJ 408.293.8995 Hours: Daily, 6am-2am Crowd Age: 20s-40s Music: Jukebox Decor: Elegant Signature Drink: None Dancing: Sometimes Games/Amenities: Various TVs, darts Ambience: There are many TVs at Jack's; most are showing sports (all satellite games are on) but some are showing other options like sci-fi movies for people who aren't in the mood for a game. The crowd here is mellow and composed of many regulars who gather for a good time; when they are feeling wild, they've been known to let loose and boogie to the jukebox music. Kubota Restaurant 593 N. Fifth St, SJ 408.279.8440 Hours: Nightly 5:30-10pm plus lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm Crowd Age: All ages Music: Light jazz Decor: Modern with touches of traditional Japanese art Signature Drink: Sake Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Full bar and sushi bar Ambience: A popular restaurant with a sushi bar for at-your-whim California rolls, Kubota also has another bar, stocked with a fine selection of top-shelf sake and Japanese beers. Kubota is divided into four dining sections and offers good, affordable Japanese food and yummy desserts like Bananas Foster, tiramisu and green tea ice cream. Latin Village 1897 Alum Rock Ave, SJ 408.259.7712 Hours: Thu, Sun and Mon noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-2am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Mexican Decor: Casual Signature Drink: Cerveza Dancing: Si Games/Amenities: Pool table Ambience: Come feel the Tejano vibe at the Latin Village in east San Jose. Dance to cumbias, rancheras and mambos played by the band of caballeros while you sip beer or tequila. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lou's Village and Shark's Cove Bar 1465 W. San Carlos St, SJ 408.293.4570 Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 4:30-11pm, Sun 4:30-9pm Crowd Age: All ages; 21 and up in bar Music: Overhead music Decor: Nautical in restaurant; SJ Sharks teal and memorabilia in bar Signature Drink: Johnny B. Goode--cousin to the Kamikaze Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Big-screen TVs, banquet facilities, shuttle to San Jose Arena Ambience: The full Lou's Village East Coast seafood menu is available at the adjoining Sharks Cove sports bar, including Cajun popcorn and lobster. Since 1946, Lou's has offered free bar appetizers weekdays from 5 to 7pm. The Sharks Cove features authentic sports memorabilia from Pelé to Steve Young, the Sharks to the 49ers, and a huge collection of longboards and Sharks signatures on the walls. Patty's Inn 102 S. Montgomery St, SJ 408.998.4566 Hours: Daily, 9am-2am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Jukebox Decor: Typical sports bar Signature Drink: Beer Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool table, game room, karaoke Ambience: A neighborhood bar that has enjoyed the traffic generated by the opening of the nearby San Jose Arena, Patty's Inn is the place to get drinks before a concert or Sharks game. A 1930s-era watering hole that serves up pizza and sandwiches, Patty's features affordable prices, generous pours and karaoke on Fridays. Pauly's Rainbow Lounge 501 W. Taylor St, SJ no phone Hours: Daily Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Variety of pop, rock, dance, soul, country, Latin and disco Decor: Modern, designed by local artist Randall Robertson Signature Drink: Draft beers, scotches and liqueurs Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Jukebox, pool table, darts, huge satellite TV Ambience: Patrons of this new gay bar in San Jose are greeted by a rainbow flag at the entrance and plenty of interesting artwork. Located at the corner of Taylor Street and Coleman Avenue, this fun and friendly bar with upbeat, two-tone aqua and blue walls is a popular place that welcomes regulars and newcomers alike. Pink Poodle 328 S Bascom Ave, SJ 408.292.3685 Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am Crowd Age: 18 and up Music: Hip-gyrating music Decor: Does it matter? Signature Drink: Soda (no alcohol served) Dancing: Only by the totally naked Games/Amenities: TOTALLY nude women Ambience: San Jose's only all-nude strip bar, established in 1963, gets the party started early--at 11:30am--for those anxious to see the Poodlettes take it off. Next to Babyland at the corner of San Carlos Street on one side and an adult bookstore on the other, the Pink Poodle offers table dances and regularly features porn stars. The Place 1058 S. First St, SJ 408.297.3473 Hours: Daily, 10am-2am Crowd Age: 25-35 Music: DJ plays a variety Decor: Casual Signature Drink: Beer Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Pool table, pinball, darts, Megatouch Ambience: This small neighborhood bar has a friendly atmosphere and a DJ spinning tunes for those who feel like dancing. Wedged between a fix-it shop and a tire store downtown, The Place has entrances on both First and Second streets. Regulars and newcomers gather to drink Corona and play Megatouch or pinball. Plaza Inn 1182 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.292.0132 Hours: Daily, 1:45pm-12:30am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Jukebox, Spanish-language music Decor: Mexican Signature Drink: Tequilas and margaritas Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool tables, games Ambience: Located in Willow Glen behind an office building, the Plaza Inn has a friendly atmosphere, authentic Mexican food and drink and killer salsa. Choose from a fine selection of tequilas or try a tangy margarita while waiting for your food and listening to the sounds of laughter and Latin music. Red Stag Lounge 1711 W. San Carlos St, SJ 408.292.6777 Hours: 6am-2am daily Crowd Age: Middle Music: Jukebox Decor: Neighborhood divey Signature Drink: No Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Lotto, pool, TVs, a video game Ambience: Pool, lotto and cheap but potent drinks are the order of day at this straightforward neighborhood bar. The Red Stag's half-timbered pub look has pretty much been usurped by tropical Corona ads and Budweiser bikini babes these days, but one way or the other, that doesn't seem to faze the crowd of relaxed regulars who come here to shoot pool, try their luck at lots of different lotto-oriented games, or crank up a tune on the jukebox. The Saddle Rack 1310 Auzerais Ave, SJ 408.286.3393 Hours: Wed-Fri 6:30pm-2am, Sat 7pm-2am Crowd Age: All ages Music: Country, both DJ and live music Decor: Very, very Western Signature Drink: No Dancing: Dance lessons Wed-Fri, 7:30-9pm Games/Amenities: Mechanical bull, barber chair for doing shots, vocal contest, pool tables Ambience: The place may be huge, but the Saddle Rack has ample personality, with wagon wheels and rustic woodwork and friendly servers aplenty. The cavernous country & western club houses three dance floors, seven bars, a gift shop, the aforementioned mechanical bull, and all the cowboys and cowgirls you can round up in Silicon Valley--even judging from the weekday night crowd, that's a lot. Sam's Log Cabin 245 Willow St, SJ, 408.298.3066 Hours: Mon-Wed 11am to "whatever," Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight Crowd Age: Late 30s to middle-aged Music: Monthly big-band swing concerts, other live music every Friday night, jukebox Decor: Very homey, half vintage living room, half sports bar Signature Drink: None Dancing: Every Friday, goes with the live band Games/Amenities: Lots of TVs, books lying around Ambience: When it comes to well-established drinking establishments, Sam's Log Cabin is an oldie but goodie. Founded in 1933 (the year Prohibition was revoked, as a menu declares), Sam's holds one of the first liquor licenses ever issued in California. The place is appealingly cluttered with ephemera, everything from stained-glass lamps to a football signed by Steve Young to a "cactus" made of twisted grape vines and adorned with Christmas lights. Sangria Restaurant 721 Willow St, SJ, 408.287.9777 Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm Crowd Age: All ages Music: No Decor: Bright colors, ethnic masks and wall hangings Signature Drink: Sangria Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Cool saddle stools! Ambience: Sangria's decorator had a healthy sense of whimsy--and perhaps a slightly malicious sense of humor: the lights hanging in the foyer prove that sombreros make mighty fine lampshades, but the stools at the bar, outfitted like saddles, are definitely suited to the most agile of tipplers--oh, and don't even think about trying to sit sidesaddle. But the unconventional furniture is part of what makes this brightly painted, friendly restaurant so appealing. Seven Bamboo 162 Jackson St, SJ, 408.279.9937 Hours: Open Tue-Sun 3pm-2am; closed Monday Crowd Age: Mostly college, but some older business people too Music: Karaoke! Decor: Neighborhood divey (neon beer signs, wood paneling, cheesy cocktail napkins) Signature Drink: No Dancing: Not officially Games/Amenities: Karaoke! Ambience: From a Japanese love song to a decidedly screechy version of the Oakridge Boys' "Elvira," the walls of venerable Japantown karaoke spot Seven Bamboo have heard--and withstood--it all. Friday nights bring in the most rambunctious and diverse crowd; the onstage antics can range from stone-cold-serious torch singers to a woman waving around a sex toy like a microphone, but where else could you find such folks so blissfully coexisting? Sharky's of Willow Glen 1151 Lincoln Ave, SJ, 408.279.0996 Hours: Daily, 10am-midnight Crowd Age: 30s to middle-aged Music: Jukebox Decor: Lots and lots of sports memorabilia Signature Drink: None Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Electronic darts, TVs Ambience: Sharky's has real sports bar chops, right down to the bikini girls 'n' motorcycles calendar hanging behind the bar and the sports memorabilia hanging everywhere. Sure, there's a good whiff of testosterone in the air here, but females don't seem to steer clear. After all, as its name and mostly teal decor imply, the cause that Sharky's champions transcends gender, age and everything else: rooting for the Sharks. South Side Cafe 7028 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose 408.226.5424 Hours: Daily, 10am-2am Crowd Age: Varies Music: Live country, rock and blues Fri-Sat; karaoke Tue and Thu Decor: Basic neighborhood cocktail lounge Signature Drink: No Dancing: Yes--small dance floor Games/Amenities: Dartboards, pool table, touch-screen games Ambience: This local hangout might seem a bit intimidating when you first step inside the door. But don't worry. Its natives may be restless, but they're unlikely to bite. The fairly rustic decor includes spacious booth seating, four dartboards and a pool table. Tuesday and Thursday nights draw in a dedicated karaoke crowd that tries its hand at everything from Garth Brooks to Aerosmith. T's Cabaret 1984 Oakland Rd, San Jose 408.435.3066 Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:30am-2am Crowd Age: 21-45 Music: R&B and rock music plays all day; club choice Decor: Comfortable bar atmosphere Signature Drink: No Dancing: Not for patrons Games/Amenities: VIP room Ambience: Making a play on words with its teasing T&A moniker, this dimly lit gentlemen's club features alluring bikini-clad dancers. The club's well-designed setup--a center runway and two side-stage areas--allows for three girls to perform at once. Its bikini-only policy makes this adult club as much a hangout as a not-quite-nudie bar with people socializing and drinking while the dancers strut their stuff. Three Flames 1547 Meridian Ave, SJ 408.269.3133 Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 4-11pm; bar open till 1:30am Crowd Age: 40 plus Music: Live Top 40, rock and oldies Tue-Sat; karaoke every Sun Decor: Plush and old-fashioned Signature Drink: No Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: No Ambience: As a bar, here's one that serves as a reminder of a bygone era; now, even a bygone century. The regulars at the bar tend to be an older, moneyed crowd that feels right at home in the fairly old-fashioned atmosphere. The air of extravagance and the Vegasian flair may be especially exciting for the younger set looking to partake in some of the passion and romance of decades gone by. Uncommon Grounds 1445 The Alameda, SJ 408.287.4112 Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm Crowd Age: Teens to early 20s Music: Contemporary, adult, dance and big band Decor: Retro, sunny side up Signature Drink: Iced Turtle Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Board games, house music Thursdays Ambience: The name and owners may have morphed in the past few years (Cafe Leviticus, Bank Cafe), but this coffeehouse--now Uncommon Grounds--has kept the beauty and history of the old Bank of Italy building alive. Enjoy the classic architecture of H.A. Minton while sipping a latte and reading the morning paper. Vahl's Restaurant & Lounge 1513 El Dorado, Alviso 408.262.0731 Hours: Wed-Sun 11:30am-10pm; bar open daily until 11pm or midnight Crowd Age: Old-fashioned, more mature crowd Music: Live Italian music every Sat Decor: Papier-mâché birds and fresh-cut flowers year-round Signature Drink: No Dancing: Yes, Sat Games/Amenities: Jukebox largely stocked with classic tunes Ambience: Tucked away on a quiet street in Alviso, a million miles from the fast-paced rat race of Silicon Valley, is Vahl's Restaurant and Lounge. A funky combination diner and cocktail lounge, Vahl's is known for its hearty American fare and a full bar stocked for a more mature crowd well-versed in the art of ordering a real drink. Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Co. 1383 Lincoln Ave, SJ 408.297.9077 Hours: Mon-Thu 6am-10pm, Fri 6am-11pm, Sat 7am-11pm, Sun, 7am-8pm Crowd Age: All ages Music: Fri-Sat jazz, pop Decor: Homey with Al Gore photographs Signature Drink: Vanilla frappe (a yummy ice-cream drink) Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Board games Ambience: White-washed walls with black-and-white-checkered floors and lots of plants fill this charming 1930s-era edifice. Small rounded tables are topped with flowers--a nice touch. Munch on pastries but don't look for more than that if you're hungry. Coffee-drinker burnouts might find chai mixed with soy milk a welcome treat. [ Bars & Clubs Index | San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]