Did you know that residents of San Jose – including Mark Zuckerburg – are promised 70-degree temps and sunshine nearly 300 days a year?
Did you know that visitors could now fly non-stop at low-rates – thanks, Alaska Airlines – to San Jose?
Did you know that there’s more to life in San Jose than building computerized gadgets? That’s right. There are museums to explore, outdoor markets to meander, and plentiful places to eat, drink (and ‘gram) at, as said by us, drinkers. Check out these nine drinking hotspots in the South Bay area.
Leave it to the tech wizzes to know what’s up.
Happy Hour
The Bywater – Los Gatos
*Insert Southern accent* Come on in for happy hour from 2:30PM to 5:00PM (and reverse happy hour, 9:00PM to close). Sip a standard Sazerac made with rye whiskey, Armagnac, Herb saint and Peychaud’s bitters, and snack on New Orleans-inspired plates plus raw-bar fare *cough* Oysters Rock-a-Fella. Snuggle in the cozy digs with vintage accents by Andrew Bumham and David Kinch, chef of the three-Michelin star Manresa Restaurant.
532 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 408-560-9639, www.thebywaterca.com, @thebywaterca
Eat
ADEGA – Alum Rock
Meaning “wine cellar” in Portuguese, Adega represents authentic cuisine and wine at its very best. The stylish, seasonal plates – think oven-roasted octopus and seared duck breast – by Executive Chef David Costa (and decadent desserts by Pastry Chef Jessica Carreira) are perfectly complemented by the clean setting. The acclaimed wine room offers an immense selection of Portuguese wines. Get a true taste of Portugal here.
1614 Alum Rock Ave, 408-926-9075, www.restaurantadega.com, @restaurantadega
Cocktails
Paper Plane – Downtown
“There are no strangers at this bar – Just friends who haven’t met yet.” #Motto. Paper Plane believes in well-constructed cocktails and bar bites in a comfortable environment. The drinks draw inspo- from old school and new-school eras of cocktail culture – Hence the menu categories. Explore chilled and carbonated cocktails on tap, as well as house punch creations for vast groups.
72 S. 1st St, 408-713-2625, www.paperplanesj.com, @paperplanesjc
Play
San Pedro Square Market – Downtown
Discover something for every taste bud and budget at San Pedro Square Market. From wood-fired pizzas to handmade pasta and gourmet coffee to California wines, the loft-like watering hole – a short jaunt from HP Pavilion – offers it all even live music performances, comedy skits, book signings, sports games, and more along the main drag. Check their calendar for the latest.
San Pedro Ave., www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com, @sanpedrosquaremarket
Explore
Santana Row – Downtown
Stroll along Santana Row until blisters befall. The “Rodeo Drive of Silicon Valley” opened in 2002 and has become a Northern California destination for shopping, dining and nightlife. Choose from eclectic cafés, vintage wine bars and upscale eateries surrounded by impeccable grounds with inspirational and artistic touches like sculptures, fountains and a 19th Century French church façade. Witness partygoers in the wee hours of the night.
377 Santana Row, www.santanarow.com, @santanarow
Listen
Café Stritch – SoFa
Smacked down in the SoFA district, the live-music venue presents tasty comfort food, various cocktails and a constantly changing lineup of entertainment, including jazz, vinyl DJs, and both local and national indie-rock acts. There is plenty of seating and standing room available on the floor, as well as a balcony space where the music can be enjoyed from a distance. Most shows have no cover, so splurge on drinks guilt-free. #ChillVibesOnly
374 S. 1st St, 404-280-6161, www.cafestritch.com, @cafestritch
Stay
Hotel Los Gatos – Los Gatos
Welcome to the suite life. The picturesque property blends Mediterranean class with California charm to create a hotel similar to a private villa. Meet the well-dressed Los Gatos locals at Dio Deka, South Bay’s top Greek restaurant (located within the hotel) for fine Greek fare and foreign wine offerings. Grab a morning cup o’ Joe at Café Dio (across the street) – The corner coffeehouse serves some of the best beans…and breakfast wraps.
210 E. Main St, 408-335-1700, www.hotellosgatos.com, @hotellosgatos
Taste
Ridge Vineyards – Cupertino
Unlike most of Silicon Valley, Ridge Vineyards believes in tradition over technology. Dating back to 1885 their approach to exceptional wines remains the same: To find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process (only when necessary); and draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine – Proof to the premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay wines produced. Visit the Monte Bello Estate roughly 2,300 feet atop the Santa Cruz Mountains (and adjacent to the fault line).
7100 Montebello Rd, 408-867-3233, www.ridgewine.com, @ridgevineyards
See
GrandView Restaurant – Mount Hamilton
Bear the bumpy roads of Mount Hamilton to experience the historic mountainside restaurant and event space. Request a terrace table overlooking Santa Clara Valley and consume classic American cuisine like beef, veal and seafood dishes, plus wine of choice – We recommend a glass of sparkling because every night here is a special occasion. Proper attire and S/O required. You can’t salute with your lovely self.
15005 Mt. Hamilton Rd, 408-251-8909, www.grandviewsanjose.com, @thegrandview
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