4 late-night dives in San Jose our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All San Jose nightlife.
Trials Pub ★ 4.2
Downtown · 265 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Trials Pub is a grungy English dive bar in downtown San Jose with dim lights, bookshelves, wallpaper maps, and an excellent draft list without a TV in sight.
Tip: The fish and chips and pot pie are serious kitchen output for a dive bar; no TVs keeps conversation actually happening at the bar.
The Caravan Lounge ★ 3.9
Downtown · 98 S Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113
The Caravan Lounge is San Jose's oldest owner-operated dive bar, open 365 days a year with free live music, comedy, karaoke, and a pool table in the back.
Tip: Late-night Power Hour from 11pm to midnight offers cut-price drinks; no cover ever. One of downtown San Jose's most dependable all-night spots.
Britannia Arms Downtown ★ 3.6
Downtown · 173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Britannia Arms Downtown is a large British sports bar in San Jose with indoor and outdoor bars, TVs on every wall, and Friday and Saturday service until 2am.
Tip: The patio is one of the largest outdoor bar spaces in downtown San Jose; fish and chips are made in-house and hold up well past midnight.
MINIBOSS ★ 4.1
Downtown · 52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
MINIBOSS is a 5,000 sq ft arcade bar in downtown San Jose with 30-plus classic arcade games, 12 pinball machines, craft cocktails, and Detroit-style pizza.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends to claim your favorite cabinet; Sunday noon opening is family-friendly until the evening crowd arrives.