4 live music in San Jose our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All San Jose nightlife.
The Caravan Lounge ★ 3.8
Downtown · 98 S Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113
The Caravan Lounge is one of San Jose's oldest dive bars with free live music on Friday and Saturday nights, open 365 days a year with no cover.
Tip: Free live music Fri-Sat draws punk and indie acts; Sunday open mic is a local institution. Pool table in back.
SJZ Break Room ★ 4.3
SoFA District · 310 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
SJZ Break Room is San Jose Jazz's intimate 100-seat all-ages venue in the SoFA District with every seat within 30 feet of live jazz performers.
Tip: First 90 minutes are free; $10 max after 6pm. Performances often stream live on the massive window projection behind the stage.
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub ★ 4.0
Downtown · 25 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub on San Pedro Square is the only spot in San Jose for up-tempo traditional Irish music live every Tuesday alongside weekly karaoke.
Tip: Tuesday Irish seisiun at 6:30pm is free and draws serious trad musicians; karaoke Sunday and Monday from 9pm brings a rowdy crowd.
SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant ★ 3.9
Downtown · 72 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant in downtown San Jose hosts some of the Bay Area's best live music and DJs alongside seasonal locally-sourced American cuisine.
Tip: Friday and Saturday nights go late with DJ sets; the open patio is ideal for warm San Jose evenings with a pre-show cocktail.