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Santa Clara Birk's 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara 408.980.6400 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat-Sun 5-11pm Crowd Age: 20s-50s Music: Soft rock Decor: Timeless upscale Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Cigars, two TVs at the bar A sleek wooden bar, brown leather booths, marble floors and glass shelves stocked with single-malt scotches lend this restaurant/bar a classy air. A popular after-work hangout for the high-tech crowd and a hot spot for out-of-town business folk from nearby hotels, Birk's serves a classic American grill menu and provides a sophisticated yet relaxing dining environment. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A bull Blinky's Can't Say 1031 Monroe St, Santa Clara 408.985.7201 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am, Sun 9am-2am Crowd Age: College students and up Music: Jukebox Decor: Sixties lounge meets sports bar Signature Drink: Everything Dancing: On weekends Games/Amenities: Jukebox, darts, pool table, arcade games The name is a product of the owner's wacky humor, which the employees share as well. This diverse hangout is a favorite of SCU students and local old-timers. The neighborhood sports bar plans to up its image and is in the process of getting an entertainment license, installing a dance floor and eventually featuring live music. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Raccoon By-Th-Bucket 4565 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara 408.248.6244 Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-10pm, Wed-Sat 11am-11pm Crowd Age: 25-35 Music: Contemporary jazz Decor: Home-style Italian Signature Drink: By-Th-Bucket Margarita in an 18-ounce glass Dancing: No Games/Amenities: TVs at the bar Many people see the name of this restaurant/bar and write it off as a fast-food joint, according to the bartender, but he swears, "If you can get past the name and come inside, you'll be very pleasantly surprised." The Italian murals and posters, white linen tablecloths, and tropical fish aquarium mixed with a traditional dose of sports mementos (including signed jerseys of all your favorite 49ers) lend this establishment a casually elegant atmosphere. True to its namesake, By-Th-Bucket serves most of its food--well, you guessed it--by the bucket. The steamed clams and mussels are a favorite among regular customers. In addition, the new downstairs private banquet room is a suitably secluded area for bachelor and bachelorette parties. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Grrr, a tiger City Lights Espresso 1171 Homestead Rd, Suite 190, Santa Clara 408.296.0415 Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm Crowd Age: 18-65+ Music: Open mic with karaoke on Thu (7-9:30pm) Decor: Homey Signature Drink: Vanilla Mocha, Vanilla Latte Blast Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Outdoor patio seating with umbrellas This quiet, cozy coffeehouse is an escape for all ages with plush couches, student art décor and a friendly staff, where "everyone knows everyone." City Lights also serves a popular lunch menu, with a different combination of specialties every day, such as the popular panini, quiche and salad, tuna melt and fruit smoothies. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A little bear The Claran 1251 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara 408.248.4682 Hours: Daily 10am-2am Crowd Age: 21-55 Music: Jukebox, karaoke, DJ Decor: Sports den with brick accent Signature Drink: Orange Stolichnaya with Red Bull Dancing: Thurs and Sat 9pm-1am (with karaoke and DJ) Games/Amenities: TVs, pool tables, darts, arcade games, pinball This 1960s-style lounge has comfy padded brown booths running along the back wall, couches, a looming fireplace and wood-edged Formica bar. Recent renovations include an extended dance floor, new floor tiles, carpeting and remodeled bathrooms, which keep the humor of this classic hangout familiar yet fresh. The Claran has recently started accepting credit cards and has an exciting new ATM machine, which is especially handy for the dewy-eyed college crowd that dominates after 11pm. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Bull The Hut 3200 The Alameda, Santa Clara 408.296.6024 Hours: Sun-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat 11am-2am Crowd Age: College students Music: Jukebox Decor: Airy corner bar Signature Drink: Beer, beer, beer Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pool table, pinball, darts Located right next to campus, this territorial bar is inhabited by Santa Clara University students, and graduating seniors still come with their fathers to have a preceremony shot on the big day. The bartender says patrons are generally good kids, and things are calming down now that summer vacation is here. The Hut also offers outdoor patio seating with a barbecue grill, which private parties can make use of. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A bronco--the SCU mascot Martin's Lounge 1828 Main St, Santa Clara 408.243.7976 Hours: Daily 6am-2am Crowd Age: 21-80 Music: Jukebox Decor: Sports bar Signature Drink: Cocksucker or Buttery Nipple, Pucker Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Pool table, darts, pinball, shuffleboard, five TVs This 60-year-old establishment still caters to some of the customers who have been there from the beginning (and who are now pushing 80). Martin's gets crowded during the evening after all the family men get off work and want to watch sports, chat with the witty bartender or chill to country & western and oldies-but-goodies music. Birthday celebrants who are regulars receive a special potluck at bar, as well as gifts for the whole party. Look out for upcoming karaoke. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Panther Mission City Coffee Roasting Co. 2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara 408.261.2221 Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-11pm, Sat 6:30am-12am, Sun 7am-11pm Crowd Age: Mostly 21-75 with some families Music: Open-mic nights Wed, live bands Fri Decor: Brick and wood coffeehouse Signature Drink: Latte Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Pac-Man The parrot sits high on the wall under the sign that says Mission City and watches over an array of professionals, slackers and wired SCU law students drinking coffee, all of whom are unaware that they are being observed. Nobody knows how or why the 2-foot-tall parrot got there, but he is just one of those things that never change, just like the classic pastas, sandwiches, soups and salads that keep customers coming back to this friendly cafe. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A parrot Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge 2909 Lakeside Dr, Santa Clara 408.988.3282 Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri-Sat 6am-2:30am Crowd Age: 25 and up Music: Satellite downloads Decor: Reno lounge Signature Drink: Long Island, Bloody Mary Dancing: No Games/Amenities: Complimentary hors d'oeuvres Mon-Fri 4-9pm At the fireside lounge, sit on fuzzy pink couches surrounding a kerosene flame rising out of circular pool of bubbling water, while waitresses wearing tuxedo jackets, halter tops and sequined ties serve margaritas and cocktails. Formerly a '70s-style bar, the Peppermill has updated its décor to late '80s/early '90s. Hazy lighting and half-circle booths (as in Studio 54) keep the retro scene alive. In the newly remodeled restaurant, waitresses wear fuchsia tuxedo outfits and serve a classic American cuisine, with a few Italian and Asian variations. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Elephant Tinker's Damn 46 N. Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara 408.243.4595 Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-2am Crowd Age: 21-35 Music: DJs every night Decor: Red, glowy gay club Signature Drink: Long Island Iced Tea Dancing: Nightly Games/Amenities: Pool, pinball machine, video games, jukebox With a minimal $3 cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays, the dance floor gets crowded and steamy. Be sure to catch the drag shows on Sunday and Monday, which bartender Chad says draw a great, diverse crowd to this quaint men's club. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A donkey--the tinker's friend Woodham Lounge 4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara 408.296.9810 Hours: Daily noon-2am Crowd Age: 25 and up Music: DJ on Wed, Top 40 Jukebox Decor: Lemony liberal Signature Drink: Bud Dancing: Wednesdays Games/Amenities: Pool table, new dart board, foosball Woodham Lounge has opened the windows and brightened up since last year. New paint and polishing, Sunday-night karaoke and ladies night on Wednesdays add a little funk to this neighborhood bar, which generally caters to a middle-aged crowd. The bartender also wants to remind everyone that domestic beers are always $2. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A trout Send a letter to the editor about this story . [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]