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San Jose 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A cat--alley cat or pussycat, all sleek and purring.   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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A Chihuahua, stout and proud 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, dart board, pool table, video games 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A caiman, a serious reptile 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, dart board, pinball machines, video games 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A horse, right at home. OK, a stallion. 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: An American eagle Angelo's Arena Cafe & Grill & Sports Bar 11 Race St, SJ 408.295.7765 Hours: Daily, 7am-2am Crowd Age: Youngish middle-aged 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A remora that gets along with sharks 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: Anything with tequila Dancing: No Games/ Amenities: Restaurant, TV 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 Tanquerey. 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A coyote, wily and wistful 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A racehorse 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Bearded dragpm, the coolest looking lounge lizard 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 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 Steak and 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Scottish terrier. 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: African elephant, for the beer that you never forget 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: Martinis Dancing: Yes Games/ Amenities: Karaoke 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." If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Cardinal, of course Club Max Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Pl, SJ 408.453.4000 Hours: Mon-Sat, 4pm-2am Crowd Age: Mid-30s on up Music: Live music Thu-Sat, DJ Tue-Wed Decor: Intimate Signature Drink: Sex on the Beach Dancing: Tue-Sat Games/ Amenities: No 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A wild one 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: No 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Pink flamingo Club Rodeo 610 Coleman, San Jose 408.920.0145 Hours: Vary according to events Crowd Age: 20s-50s Decor: Gothic country meets Tijuana Signature Drink: Whiskey Sour Dancing: Heck, yes Games/Amenities: Pin the tooth on the bartender Just when you thought there was no place left for a lonely cowboy, along comes the updated Club Rodeo. With six bars, four dance floors and a huge outdoor patio all designed around banda and country music entertainment, there's no bigger or better place to hoe down in the South Bay. Free dance lessons corral 'em in every Wed and Fri, and live bands play frequently. Sat nights, if you don't speak Spanish, you may be left out in the frio. Your best bet is to call for a schedule. Friendly warning: Eat elsewhere beforehand. If your bar could be any animal, what would it be? Buckin' bronco 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Golden retriever 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A leopard, beautiful and unpredictable Fifth Quarter 373 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 Hooters Fri-Sat Games/ Amenities: Video games, pool, darts, big-screen TV 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A raging bull 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A fox, naturally 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 piano Thurs-Sat Decor: Vegas elegant Signature Drink: Martini Dancing: No Games/ Amenities: Card room 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A mink 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A tropical fish, like the many in tanks here Goosetown 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., incidentally Games/ Amenities: Televisions for sports/video games One could not ask for a friendlier place to while away the evening in the company of friends. 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 Gary Rovai remains the perennial charmer, and the food next door at Cafe Adriatic is fantastic. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: The goose that laid the golden egg 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Australian Cattle Dog, the working breed 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 Harry's is the definitive populist mead hall 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: German shepherd 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A jackal 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 A popular restaurant with a sushi bar for at-your-whim California rolls, Kubota also has another bar, fully 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: Silvery sea bass 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 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 Pele to Steve Young, the Sharks to the 49ers, and a huge collection of longboards and Sharks signatures on the walls. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A shark, hands down 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 A neighborhood bar that has enjoyed the customers 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A hockey player. That's an animal, right? Pauly's Rainbow Lounge 501 W. Taylor St, SJ no phone Hours: Daily Crowd Age: 21 & 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A fluffy cat Pink Poodle 328 S. Bascom Ave, SJ 408.292.3685 Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:30-2am 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A Great Dane, hoo-boy 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A condor 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 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 Spanish music. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A bucking bronco, for the cowboys here 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A big stag, like Bambi's dad 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A beaver, something to go with all the logs 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! Sangria's decorator had a healthy sense of whimsy--and perhaps a slightly malicious sense of humor: the lights hanging 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A colorful and talkative parrot 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! 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? If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A panda Sharky's of Willow Glen 1151 Lincoln Ave, SJ, 408.279.0996 Hours: Daily, 10am-midnight Crowd Age: 30s to middle age Music: Jukebox Decor: Lots and lots of sports memorabilia Signature Drink: None Dancing: No Games/ Amenities: Electronic darts, TVs 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 décor imply, the cause that Sharky's champions transcends gender, age and everything else: rooting for the Sharks. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A great white shark 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: Dart boards, pool table, touch-screen games 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 décor includes spacious booth seating, four dart boards 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A dancing bear 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: An ocelot, exotic and rare Three Flames 1547 Meridian Avenue, 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: None Dancing: Yes Games/ Amenities: No 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 do come with a price tag, though. The younger set looking to partake in some of the passion and romance of decades gone by may find their pocketbook can only afford a couple of dances. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: King cobra 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 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. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A gazelle, light and airborne 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 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 arts of ordering a real drink. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A white Persian cat Willow Glen Coffee Roasting 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 Signature Drink: Vanilla Frappé (a yummy ice cream drink) Dancing: No Games/ Amenities: Board games 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 fresh flowers, something you won't find at the corporate chain across the street. Ditto for the live music and historical photos. Munch on pastries but don't look for more than that if you're hungry. For a change, they serve up those bubble-tea drinks, too. If Your Bar Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?: A friendly neighborhood dog Send a letter to the editor about this story . [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]