Your Guide to the Best Happy Hours in San Jose

When the workday ends, San Jose’s happy hour scene comes alive. From stylish cocktail lounges to casual neighborhood hangouts, there’s a spot for every kind of unwind and the best part is, you don’t have to splurge to enjoy it. Below, you’ll find the city’s top happy hour destinations with real tips on when to go, what to order, how to get there, and what it’ll cost you — so you can soak up the best of San Jose’s happy hour scene.

📍 1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125
Monday to Friday, 4:30 to 6:00 PM

Tucked into the heart of Willow Glen, The Table feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s stylish (and very food-savvy) home. It’s that perfect mix of upscale and unpretentious, with warm lighting and lively energy that builds by the hour.

The happy hour menu is simple but smart. For $8 to $10, you’ll get handcrafted cocktails worth savoring, alongside small bites like crispy Brussels sprouts and seasonal toasts. It’s refined, relaxed, and refreshingly local.

What to try: Weekly cocktail special and crispy Brussels sprouts
Getting there: Free street parking nearby. Arrive early for best patio seating.
Local tip: The outdoor tables fill up fast. Get there a few minutes early for the best seats.

📍 17 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
Tuesday to Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 PM

For bold flavor and festive vibes, Olla Cocina brings modern Mexican energy right into downtown. Located in the heart of San Pedro Square, it’s an easy stop for pre-concert drinks or post-work tacos.

With $7 margaritas and tacos starting at $3, it’s one of the best values in town. Add some house guacamole and take a seat on the colorful patio while the Square hums around you.

What to try: Classic margarita, carnitas tacos, and guac
Getting there: Paid garages nearby. Light rail just a block away.
Local tip:Stick around after your meal — there’s often live music and pop-ups nearby.

📍 394 E Campbell Ave Campbell, CA 95008
Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 PM

If you’re craving cocktails in a more intimate setting, The Vesper is your hideaway. This speakeasy-inspired lounge blends vintage charm with modern mixology — think soft lighting, smooth tunes, and bartenders who know their craft.

During happy hour, drinks are $2 off, with rotating small bites like truffle fries and sliders. Their gin-based cocktails and seasonal Old Fashioneds are a highlight.

What to try: Seasonal Old Fashioned or a gin-forward creation
Getting there: Street parking and garages nearby. A short walk from SJSU or Diridon.
Local tip:Look for the red neon sign above the door — it's easy to miss.

📍 300 Santana Row #101, San Jose, CA 95128
Monday to Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Sunday to Wednesday, 9:00 PM to close

Sometimes you just want lots of options and zero stress, and Yard House delivers. Located in the center of Santana Row, this spot offers an extensive happy hour with $2 off beers and appetizers priced $6 to $10.

From poke nachos to wings and sliders, there's something for everyone — plus late-night deals for when your evening starts after 9.

What to try: Poke nachos, truffle fries, and rotating IPAs
Getting there: Paid garages nearby. Some validation available.
Local tip:Fire pit tables are the move if you're hanging out after dark.

📍 265 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Monday to Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 PM

If your ideal happy hour is low-key and friendly, Trials Pub is your spot. This British-style downtown pub serves $5 pints and hearty pub snacks in a setting that feels like your favorite local — even on your first visit.

It’s unpretentious, cozy, and conversation-friendly — the kind of place you’ll end up coming back to.

What to try: Guinness on draft and the sausage roll
Getting there: Light rail stops at the door. Metered parking nearby.
Local tip:They host weekly trivia and pub quiz nights — check their calendar.

📍 Campbell: 368 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
📍 Santana Row: 368 Santana Row #1010, San Jose, CA 95128
Monday to Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 PM

Flights is the place to go when you can’t pick just one thing. Everything here is served in trios — from margaritas to appetizers — making it ideal for sharing, tasting, and sparking conversation.

Happy hour includes $10 drink flights and discounted food samplers ($8 to $12). The margarita flight and truffle fries are standouts, and both locations bring their own energy.

What to try: Margarita flight and trio of sliders
Getting there:

  • Campbell: Free city lot and street parking

  • Santana Row: Paid parking with validation available

Local tip: Campbell has a more relaxed patio vibe, while Santana Row is buzzier and great for people-watching.

 

Whether you’re clocking out downtown, running errands in Campbell, or meeting a friend midweek in Willow Glen, these happy hour spots deliver on flavor, atmosphere, and value. With great pricing and easy access, they make winding down after a long day feel like a luxury — without the luxury price tag.

Before you go, check the latest menus online, as happy hour offerings can change. For peak times or larger groups, arriving early or making a reservation is always a smart move.

Cheers to making the most of your after-hours — you’ve earned it.

Stephen Husted