Paper Plane is a nightlife spot in Downtown, San Jose.
Paper Plane is San Jose's benchmark cocktail bar since 2013, with one of the Bay Area's largest spirits archives, a rotating seasonal menu, and a patio.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: Bartenders here are educators as much as mixologists; let them introduce you to spirits from the deep archive beyond the regular menu.
Address: 72 S 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 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 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 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.
Splash is San Jose's top LGBTQ dance club with two levels of dancing, 20-plus video screens, rooftop patio, and electrifying drag shows every week.
Tip: Monday Power Hour has $1 drinks; Drag Bingo on Monday nights draws a lively mixed crowd.
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 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 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 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.
The Ritz is San Jose's premier nightclub in the SoFA District, hosting live bands, DJ nights, and themed dance parties for crowds up to 500.
Tip: Themed nights like emo ragers and throwback parties sell out fast; check the calendar before arriving.
Splash is San Jose's top LGBTQ dance club with two levels of dancing, 20-plus video screens, rooftop patio, and electrifying drag shows every week.
Tip: Monday Power Hour has $1 drinks; Drag Bingo on Monday nights draws a lively mixed crowd.
