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Heads Up: The painted ceiling of the Hedley Club inside the Hotel De Anza makes a fabulous indoor view for Tony Pagliaro. SJ Central AP Stump's 163 W. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.292.9928 Hours: Sat-Wed 11:30am-10pm; Thu-Fri 11:30am-11pm Crowd Age: 30s and up Music: Jazz on Wed and Thu evenings Decor: Warm-hued woodwork and amber glass chandeliers Signature Drink: The Lily Pop (Absolute Citron with D'Arbo tangerine and fresh lemon juice) Dancing: No Games/Amenities: No Ambience: AP Stump's is a relatively new addition to the San Pedro Square scene, but it's already a favorite among the downtown professional class. The bar scene, however, isn't exactly hopping, as most patrons make a brief pit stop there before being seated at their dining table. Bella Mia 580 S. First St, SJ 408.280.1993 Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm Crowd Age: 35 and up Music: Sunday jazz brunch Decor: Nouveau Victorian Signature Drink: Rusty Nail, Sex on the Beach, Purple Hooter Dancing: No Games/Amenities: No Ambience: No need to worry about veal substitutes at the Bella Mia bar. Unfortunately, the bar is in the middle of the waiting area, so things can get a little tight. But order yourself a Rusty Nail, fixate on ESPN and you won't mind having your personal space violated. B-Hive 372 S. First St, SJ 408.298.2529 Hours: Wed-Sat nights until 2am Crowd Age: 20s Music: Hip-hop Decor: Wood floor, dimly lit Signature Drink: Kamikaze Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Billiards Ambience: Big hair, big heels and big butts are plentiful here. Don't come too late on weekends because the place fills up pretty quickly to hear the DJs do their thing. Thrifty clubgoers might want to check out the B-Hive on Wednesdays, when ladies get in free. Also, be mindful of the dress code: no hats, no sneakers or sports apparel or white T-shirts. Big Lil's Cabaret 157 W. San Fernando St, SJ 408.295.7469 Hours: Fri-Sat, dinner 7pm, show 8pm Crowd Age: 30-50 Music: Ragtime, cabaret Decor: Turn-of-the-century vaudeville Signature Drink: No; beer and wine only Dancing: No Games/Amenities: No Ambience: Take a trip back to the turn of the century and see some good old-fashioned vaudeville entertainment at Big Lil's. Don't be surprised if the performers make you part of the show, which starts at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and costs $20. For $40, theatergoers can also indulge in a Tony Roma's-catered feast of ribs and barbecued chicken at 7pm. Blake's 17 N. San Pedro Square, SJ 408.298.9221 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm and 5-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun 10am-2pm Crowd Age: 30s and up Music: No Decor: Warm brass-and-wood lounge Signature Drink: None Dancing: No Games/Amenities: No Ambience: Who needs roughage? Salads are an afterthought at this top-shelf steakhouse. Seating at the bar is always plentiful as most people come here for the food, not the booze. Civic-savvy patrons might even catch a glimpse of former Mayor Tom McEnery reading his favorite newspaper--the San Jose Mercury News. The Body Shop at Club Tropicana (formerly The Vibe) 47 Notre Dame Ave, SJ 408.279.3387 Hours: Fri, 9pm-2am Crowd Age: 18 and up Music: House, hip-hop, salsa Decor: Modern Signature Drink: None Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Formerly known as The Vibe, this Friday night dance party is the only choice for the 18-and-over crowd in the South Bay. One side of the club has a fully stocked bar and is strictly for those 21 and up. Complete with go-go cages and a social lounge, The Body Shop asks its patrons to "dress to impress"--no hats, tennis shoes or sportswear. Cactus Club 417 S. First St, SJ 408.280.0885 or 408.491.9300 for recorded info Hours: Call for show times Crowd Age: 18 and up, occasionally 16 and up Music: Wed-Sun live acts; DJs on Mon and Tue Decor: Dark and dank Signature Drink: No Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Video games, darts and foosball Ambience: The Cactus Club offers all the coziness of hip SF clubs. But unlike its northern counterparts, there's actually elbow room to maneuver on the dance floor and get close to the stage. All kinds of acts play here, from metal to punk to Goth. There's also a full-service bar open to the older folks in the crowd. The cover charge varies but is always reasonable (a $5 cover is common). Cafe Matisse 371 S. First St, SJ 408.298.7788 Hours: Sun 8am-midnight, Mon-Thu 6:30am-midnight, Fri 6:30am-2am; Sat 7:30am-2am Crowd Age: 18 and up Music: No Decor: Airy cafe Signature Drink: Coffee Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Chess, books Ambience: Located right in the middle of the SoFA club scene, Café Matisse offers an alcohol-free refuge for the underaged and booze-intolerant. While the elders get tanked at nearby venues, the Matisse crowd sips on $3 double lattes, plays chess and writes caffeine-inspired poetry. Camera Café 288 S. Second St, SJ 408.998.0932 Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm Crowd Age: All ages Music: Classical and jazz Decor: Art-house with cinema nostalgia Signature Drink: Coffee Dancing: No Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Walls and floors painted with cinema reels, film-can menus, handmade tables, unique industrial metal work and jasmine plants come together to make the Camera Café feel like a bit of Paris right here in Silicon Valley. Located in the lobby of the Camera 3 Cinemas, the full-service café offers beer and wine as well as espresso drinks, gourmet food and desserts. The Caravan 98 S. Almaden Ave, SJ 408.995.6220 Hours: Sun-Sat, 6am-2am Crowd Age: 25-35 Music: No Decor: Dive Signature Drink: No Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool table and darts Ambience: Right down the street from the trendy Fuel, this place is the antidote to hip. No frills or gimmicks here. Just a place to go and suck down a few brews and maybe play a game of pool or darts. Cinebar 69 E. San Fernando St, SJ 408.292-9562 Hours: Daily, 6am-2am Crowd Age: Aging stool-warmers in the day; younger blood flows in at night Music: Yesterday's jukebox Decor: Dive Signature Drink: Root Beer Float Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool and video games Ambience: Among downtown bars, Cinebar rules as the King of Kitsch. The weekend bartender wears fantastic white suits reminiscent of Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island. The superb jukebox includes such obscure tunes as "Double Dutch Bus." Cinebar attracts both Gen-X hipsters and blue-collar boozers, making it one of the more unique bar-going experiences in the valley. City Bar and Grill 300 Almaden Blvd, SJ, 408.947.4444 Hours: Daily, 6am-10pm. Late-night menu at bar 10pm-midnight Crowd Age: Mid-20s to 50s Music: Jazz, classical or swing Decor: Modeled on classic American grills of the '40s and '50s Signature Drink: Symphony martini with Chopin vodka Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Stylish but casual, decorated in green leather-backed booths, beveled glass and brightly polished wood, there's an air of unpretentious elegance to the restaurant. The black-marbled, streamlined bar looks sleek enough to shuffleboard off of, but please don't. A pleasant space that's upbeat and upscale without being stuffy. Club 369 369 S. First St, SJ, 408.275.8828 Hours: Call for hours Crowd: 20-ish hipsters Music: Dance Decor: Groovy Barbarella digs that are simply out-of-this-world Signature Drink: No Dancing: Of course, baby Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Enter the new millennium and enjoy the cosmic, psychedelic vibe. 369 is awash in neon, striped carpeting, mirrors galore and delectable girlies who drape tables tucked into the galactic vista. A large dance floor and two circular bars keep the punters well-oiled to shimmy through the night. Club Caribe 1001 S. First St, SJ 408.297.7272 Hours: Wed-Sun, 7pm-1:30am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Salsa, cumbia, tropicana, banda Decor: Elegant tropical Signature Drink: Jarritos Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: None Ambience: A San Jose favorite for many years, the spacious Club Caribe features live bands nightly and Jarritos, a mouthwatering concoction of six liquors including peach, melon, tequila and triple sec. This mostly Hispanic crowd enjoys dancing to salsa music on Thursdays and a variety of Mexican music on other nights. No sportswear, please. Club Ibex 55 S. Market St, SJ 408. 971.4239 Hours: Call for hours Crowd Age: 21+, Friday nights reserved for 30+ Music: Flamenco jazz with a South American/Mediterranean flavor, R&B, hip-hop Decor: Faux '80s chunky glass bar and scattered round tables for packed seating Signature Drink: No Dancing: You betcha Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Dim the lights and relive the prom. Between the decorative stars dangling off the ceiling, the club's collection of crisp '80s photos and a strictly enforced dress code, Club Ibex has got the feel of a spruced-up high school dance. Except the music's much, much better and the drinking's legal. Club Miami 177 W. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.279.3670 Hours: Thu-Sat, 9pm-2am Crowd Age: 21 to mid-30s Music: Salsa, merengue and kicking Latin beats Decor: Think flashy, neon, and as cheesy as a Disney theme park Signature Drink: Super icy margarita Dancing: iUy hombre, claro! Games/Amenities: None Ambience: The club's atmosphere is as thick and hot as the habañero salsa downstairs at Señora Emma's taqueria. Doors open at 8pm for free salsa lessons. You've got to know how to roll those hips, because the dancers--a mixed crowd of club hoppers--mean business. Just like the city, Miami attracts the unabashedly beautiful--and let's face it, it's time to leave that T-shirt at home. Coconut Willie's Cocktail Lounge 1099 W. San Carlos St, SJ 408.947.9619 Hours: Daily, 10am-2am Crowd Age: 30s to 40s Music: Jukebox Decor: Tropical Signature Drink: Bloody Mary Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool table, darts, arcade games, keno Ambience: With a straw-lined canopy adorning the bar and bamboo accents throughout, this casual cocktail lounge with a friendly bartender welcomes all. Regulars and newcomers enjoy playing keno, darts and pool and listening to their favorite music picks from the jukebox. Besides the Bloody Mary, Coconut Willie's also makes a good Purple Hooter. The Derby 13th and Washington streets, SJ (no phone) Hours: Daily, 6am-2am Crowd Age: 30s to 40s Music: Jukebox Decor: Casual Signature Drink: Bottled beer Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool table, darts Ambience: "Where friends meet" reads the sign outside of The Derby, a bottled-beer-only type of neighborhood bar. Adorned with Irish touches like a painted mural of frolicking elves behind the bar, the Derby serves a group composed mainly of regulars. A pool table, darts and jukebox music provide the entertainment. Eulipia 374 S. First St, SJ 408.280.6161 Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30-10pm, Sun, 4:30-9pm Crowd Age: 20-50 Music: Jazz, classical and smooth-listening background music Decor: Low-lit and elegant, white tablecloths deck the tables, spacious Signature Drink: Blue agave margarita Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Minimalist yet stylish, Eulipia has an artful and timeless feel to it, as if the sun froze the moment it hit the horizon. Intimately lit and understated, the popular spot draws in business people and serious diners. Swirl that glass of wine slowly and enjoy the respite. Fairmont Lounge 170 S. Market St, SJ 408.998.1900 Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Daily piano afternoon and evenings, Fri-Sat live bands Decor: Loungy Signature Drink: Martini Madness Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: The lounge gets a diverse crowd, tourist types from the hotel and street folks as well. Surrounded by fresh flowers, plush chairs and sofas, you may just get stuck here for a while, imbibing a 24-karat margarita. High tea on weekend afternoons is not to be missed. Flying Pig Pub 78 S. First St, SJ 408.298.6710 Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:30am-2am Crowd Age: Post-college professionals Music: Straight from the jukebox Decor: Narrow brick-walled space with a pressed metal ceiling Signature Drink: With a name like this? Beer Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Darts Ambience: Extremely casual and friendly, this is the kind of place where everyone knows your name--probably because you're buying. Crowded with accountants, students and serious drinkers, the Pig's a drinking man's bar. Our advice: drink up, rattle some brain cells and roll yourself onto the train--the tracks are right outside the door. Fuel 44 Almaden Ave, SJ 408.295.7374 Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-2am Crowd Age: 21-80s (yep, they still get out) Music: Jazz, Latin, lounge, rockabilly, swing and whatever is current cutting-edge Decor: Rustic wooden bar overlooks a collection of widely spaced tables. Signature Drink: Cosmopolitan, martini Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Breezy European café by day, well-stocked, cozy living room by night, Fuel's a low-key Latin-flavored watering hole with an earthy vibe. The bar radiates an eclecticism lacking in most mainstream spaces in San Jose, appealing to those who prefer an environment with personality. A small stage draped in red curtains lends a cabaret air to this inviting, contemporary, intimate space. Gordon Biersch 33 E. San Fernando St, SJ 408.294.6785 Hours: Sun-Wed 11:30am-midnight, Thu-Sat 11:30am-1am Crowd Age: 21-45 Music: Jazz in all its incarnations Decor: Open-air, European-style patio Signature Drink: In-house German lagers Dancing: Live music Thu-Sat, so it's a possibility Games/Amenities: None Ambience: A favorite watering hole for those with a palate for sophisticated brew. GB attracts clean-cut, well-manicured and well-behaved types and it's a hot spot for computer industry lawyers and the SJSU crowd. A beautiful outdoor patio serves up some of the best live jazz in town. The inside has as much soul as a hotel lobby, but since it's full of beautiful people, who really cares? Grill on the Alley 172 S. Market St, SJ 408.294.2244 Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat-Sun 5-11pm Crowd Age: 25-55 Music: None Decor: American steakhouse Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Big comfy chairs and old dark wood match the opulent atmosphere in the South Bay's top flophouse, the Fairmont Hotel. Sip on a wonderful hand-stirred martini while scoping for Sharks players after the game. The bartenders, like the surroundings, are top-notch. Hedley Club Hotel De Anza, 233 W. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.286.1000 Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-10pm, Wed-Thu 11am-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12:30am Crowd Age: Late 30s Music: Wed-Sat jazz, salsa, swing Decor: Art deco Signature Drink: Chocolate Martini Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: None Ambience: This castle-like throwback to the 1930s is a good setting in which to play dress-up. For those hankering after more than just party mix, La Pastaia next door sends over some delectable appetizers. Once the music begins, jump in or just watch as lots of swanky jetsetters take the dance floor. Henry's World-Famous Hi Life 301 St. John St, SJ 408.295.5414 Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Mon-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm Crowd Age: 21-60 Music: Jukebox Decor: Rustic Signature Drink: None Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Golf game, TVs for sports watching Ambience: Henry's boasts to be more than 100 years old, put up as a saloon back in 1883. Today not much has changed. At the bar sit a colorful array of local folks, noisy sports fans, even students, eager to wash down the world-famous porterhouse steaks with some imported brew. Il Fornaio Café Hyatt Sainte Claire, 302 S. Market St, SJ 408.271.3366 Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm Crowd Age: Mid-30s Music: None Decor: Palace-like Signature Drink: Italian coffees Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: A popular stop for all the business folks downtown, but don't wait till after work for a coffee, because its doors close early. Il Fornaio's sweet selection of decadent Italian pastries, awash with any sort of espresso drink you can imagine, will surely make up for this shortcoming. Katie Bloom's 108 S. First St, SJ 408.294.4408 Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 2pm-2am Crowd Age: 21-40 Music: Jukebox Decor: Irish pub Signature Drink: Navy Grog Dancing: None Games/Amenities: TVs, video games Ambience: Watch funny-looking men, all dressed alike after work in their khakis and blue starched shirts, guzzle pints of Guinness just like the Irish. Music is often too loud here to chat to your neighbor, so you may want to saunter off to a quieter nook. Mac's Club 39 Post St, SJ 408.288.8221 Hours: Daily, noon-2am Crowd Age: 30 and up Music: DJ on Sat, 9pm-1am Decor: Pub-like Signature Drink: Cosmopolitian Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Jukebox on patio outdoors, darts Ambience: As of last September, Mac's ventured from its former home between First and Market. San Jose's oldest gay bar is still a fun, friendly little neighborhood bar even if you're not gay. Its new, off-the-beaten-path location gives downtown a much-needed peaceful, low-key space to unwind on the weekends. Mission Ale House 97 E. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.292.4058 Hours: Daily, 11am-2pm Crowd Age: Over 40 daytime, under 30 nighttime Music: Fri, acoustic night Decor: Victorian Signature Drink: 32-ounce schooner beers and margaritas Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Video game, golf game, TVs Ambience: Nearly doubling in size over the last two years, the house o' ale now maintains a "beer garden" out the back for outdoor seating on those warm summer nights. The building itself is nearly a century old, boasting exposed brick walls and that timeless city-bar charm. Beautiful bartenders and sports celebrities spice up the frat boy mix. Paolo's 333 W. San Carlos St, SJ 408.294.2558 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Sat 5:30-10pm Crowd Age: 35-40 Music: None Decor: Mediterranean Signature Drink: Ombretta di Paolo Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: High ceilings and designer furniture make this four-star restaurant an elegant place to imbibe. Outdoor seating is available, and one would be wise to snap it up. Those warm, tranquil evenings are meant for dining under the stars with an old friend. Polly Esther's 396 S. First St, SJ 408.280.1977 Hours: Thu-Sat, 8pm-2am Crowd Age: Mid- to late 20s Music: '70s disco and '80s retro Decor: '70s and '80s nostalgia Signature Drink: The Exorcist--it'll make your head spin Dancing: Three floors of it Games/Amenities: A Twister dance floor, elevated dancing cages Ambience: Two clubs, three groovily lit dance floors and a 35-foot-tall Terminator all in one location make you feel like you've taken a trip to the past. If you want to do the Hustle, hit the '70s club upstairs; if you're longing for the '80s, hit the Purple Rain dance floor downstairs. For drinks, choose between the Sonny ("I had you, babe") or the Cher ("I don't want you, babe"). The Shark & Rose 69 N. San Pedro St, SJ 408.287.6969 Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 4pm-2am Crowd Age: Twentysomething Music: No live music Decor: British pub Signature Drink: Whatever you like Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Pool table Ambience: Plain and simple, this is a pleasant spot to hang out, especially in front of the joint, where folks can down a brew or feast on seafood. An intriguing mix of hard-core regulars blends merrily with the after-work dotcom crowd. Maybe a few sports-bar types also stroll in. South First Billiards 420 S. First St, SJ 408.294.7800 Hours: Daily, 4pm-2am Crowd Age: 21 and up Music: Bartender's choice Decor: Casual Signature Drink: The Player Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Pool, darts, foosball and video games Ambience: A spacious, well-lit site with two levels and 29 pool tables, this is the place to go for billiards. Located downtown in the hip SoFA district and featuring a full-service bar, food and special tournament Tuesdays, South First Billiards serves as a hangout for a diverse yet mostly college crowd. Spiedo Ristorante 151 W. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.971.6096 Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm and 4:30-10pm, Fri-Sat till 11pm Crowd Age: Mostly 25 and up Music: Soft jazz Decor: Italian Signature Drink: Wine Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Modern yet warm, this spacious restaurant is dimly lit and adorned with touches of cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. More than 300 wines to choose from, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and a balcony to dine out on make this a perfect place for a romantic evening. Featuring a full bar and occasional live music. Stratta Grill and Café 71 E. San Fernando St, SJ 408.293.1121 Hours: Daily, 11:30am-midnight Crowd Age: 25 and up Music: None Decor: Mediterranean Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: None Games/Amenities: None Ambience: Now under new ownership, Stratta offers a contemporary setting that draws in a crowd of mostly young professionals. After being closed for renovation, Stratta reopened its doors this month. For a special treat, order a signature martini with your favorite international vodka. Teske's Germania 255 N. First St, SJ 408.292.0291 Hours: Tue-Wed 11am-2pm and 5-9:30pm, Thu-Sat 11am-2am Crowd Age: 25-40 Music: Occasional German music Decor: Old World European Signature Drink: Spaten Dancing: Occasionally out in the biergarten (during Oktoberfest) Games/Amenities: None Ambience: In the tradition of Old World Germany, Teske's offers brew in a huge, stein-like liter serving called a mass (pronounced moss). Half-liter servings are available for the not-so-spirited. The small, inconspicuous sign make Teske's a bit easy to miss, but if you're looking for traditional German food and beer, it's the place to go. Friendly service and Oktoberfest celebrations included. Tied House 65 N. San Pedro St, SJ 408.295.2739 Hours: Daily, 11:30am-10:30pm Crowd Age: All ages Music: AEI music system Decor: Casual Signature Drink: Cascade Amber Ale Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Large-screen TV, guest bartender night Ambience: The "pioneering microbrewery of San Jose," the Tied House draws a mostly business crowd during the day. At night the crowd becomes more diverse as patrons gather to dine on the California cuisine and imbibe one or more of the eight in-house microbrewed beers next to the 28-foot-high beer hall. Get a Sampler Eight and try all types. Toon's 52 E. Santa Clara St, SJ 408.292.7464 Hours: Daily, 7pm-2am Crowd Age: College crowd Music: Live bands, DJ Decor: Drunk-proof Signature Drink: $1 drink specials Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Pool tables, darts, arcade games, ATM machine Ambience: The "busiest bar downtown," Toon's is the gathering place for college kids who want to rock out to live bands like Uncle Melvin and occasionally bigger names like Smash mouth and Dick Dale. With 50-cent beer from 8 to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and $1 drinks from 8 to 10pm Friday and Saturday, Toon's is the perfect place for broke students who want to drink more for less. Trials Pub 265 N. First St, SJ 408.947.0497 Hours: Daily, 5pm-midnight Crowd Age: 30 and up Music: None Decor: Victorian Signature Drink: None Dancing: None Games/Amenities: Darts, Mon night trivia, guest bartender night Ambience: An authentic British pub with British food and more than 20 draft and bottled British brews, Trials welcomes regulars and newcomers alike. Built in 1898, the building was a brothel whose basement was used as spillover from the County Jail. Reportedly, the ghost of a warden killed by a prisoner still roams about, but that doesn't scare this crowd out of having a frolicking good time. The Usual 400 S. First St, SJ 408.535.0330 Hours: Tue-Sat, 8pm-2am Crowd Age: 21-35 Music: Live bands and a variety of dance music Decor: Progressive Signature Drink: The Usual Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Pool table Ambience: A SoFA district favorite, The Usual is the place to go to dance to a variety of music, including alternative, disco and '80s flashbacks. The darkly lit, spacious and often crowded club features live acts like the Cheeseballs as well as bigger names like Rick James, Dick Dale and the Royal Crown Revue. Both rooms house a fully stocked bar. The Voodoo Lounge 14 S. Second St, SJ 408.286.8636 Hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 8pm-2am, Sun 9pm-2am Crowd Age: 20s Music: Variety of '70s, '80s and '90s Decor: Classy, retro Signature Drink: Lava Lamp Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Pool tables Ambience: With lush velvet couches and upscale decor, the Voodoo Lounge plays a variety of dance hits, including rock and soul from the past and present. Dance the night away or sit back and relax while sipping on a Lava Lamp, the club's signature drink: a cocktail with Jell-O floating inside. Waves Smokehouse & Saloon 65 Post St, SJ 408.885.9283 Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1:30am, Sat-Sun noon-1:30am Crowd Age: 21-35 Music: Live bands, reggae, house, DJ Decor: Casual with historical touches Signature Drink: Cosmopolitan Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Big-screen TV, cigar patio Ambience: Built in 1873, the Waves site is the oldest commercial building in San Jose. A former bar and brothel, the club displays such bits of history as a 100-year-old mahogany and stained-glass bar and a marble spittoon left from the original bar. Waves features 24 beers on tap, humidified cigars for smoking on the balcony, and a complete menu of Texas barbecue from the upstairs restaurant. Wine Galleria 377 S. First St, SJ 408.298.1386 Hours: Tue-Sat, 5pm-midnight Crowd Age: Mature Music: No Decor: Distinguished Signature Drink: Aged grapes Dancing: No Games/Amenities: No Ambience: This is a sanctuary for both oenophiles and those needing a quiet retreat from the high-rise, cubicle crazies. Wine--and only wine--plus soft conversation provide the much-needed antidote to too much dotcom, IPO and NASDAQ noise. [ Bars & Clubs Index | San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]