This place is my go to! If you're looking for a dive bar vibe with good cocktails this is my recommendation. The bar staff is always so nice. If you want to play a round of pool though, I wouldn't recommend unless it's a slow night. There's only one table and some people take it way too seriously! Besides that I'll always recommend read more

"Cash Only belongs to all of us," unless you don't have proof of vaccination on you. 15 of us were turned away because of their vaccine mandate rule. I popped into this unique sounding and looking place with a group of 15. We were doing a birthday brew crawl and previously went to 3-4 bars/restaurants prior to arriving here. None of the previous places we went to that day asked for proof of vax. About half of our group didn't have proof of vaccination on them. It didn't seem logical to carry that around when not traveling or going to a large event. Also 6 people in our group were from other counties where they're not used to all these rules. Cash Only lost out on the business of 15 people that day. Yes, we're aware we can download an app to show proof. It's not worth the hassle just to get a drink. The irony is something about a vaccine proof mandate seems against what Johnny Cash would do. This place had lots of Johnny Cash decor but wasn't a genuine honky tonk. It's more of a hipster tavern where they stare at you. The decor looks like someone went on a shopping spree on eBay. read more

Edit for the owner's response: Honky-tonk is a bar that plays country music. Country bar and honky tonk are synonymous. I'm confused on the owners trying to make a distinction. (Look up every online definition) I understand you can only expect so much for a honky tonk in a big city on the west coast. And, I do still base my review on that angle being we are in the Bay Area. Also, all country decades or artist have their own angle and development from the early Jimmie Rodgers, which is now forgotten. But, calling George jones and Randy Travis pop country?? I may agree those fast beat 90's songs that were listed. But, I guess almost every country artist is pop country since they don't resemble 1950's honky tonk blues ? I guess Johnny cash too. But, really. Comments like that discredits the establishment as a viable Honky Tonk. -------------------------------------------------------------- Original Review: Well I'm a honky tonk man. I've been to various country bars across the United States. This 'honky tonk' is like Taco Bell meets authentic Mexican cuisine. Nice try, but it's a no for me. Overall, the bar has unique decor and fair prices. Saloon like feel and cool neon lights. But, these are not the same neon lights George Jones would have sang about with Randy Travis. No sir. No ma'am. This is not the place we find the last few ole country boys in town. (Song reference) This is a dive bar, by an owner with over obsession with Johnny Cash. I found it shocking. Before the bar even popped up, interviews of owner already saying they wouldn't be playing mostly country music. Also, previous reviews are on point. The ambience is not the type you'd find in general country bars. They are more typical progressive hipster circles, which don't value country like settings. Ever since the Saddle Rack closed, there has been a big hole needing to be filled in country music scene for the South Bay. I was hopping this would have been it. Let alone requiring vaccine proof is beyond making this a supportable establishment. It still failed in meeting the demand. After a video surfaced, about one of few establishments requiring vaccine proof in San Jose closing down due to Covid outbreak, I thought I'd weigh on my experience. But still, after seeing this winter surge take hold of one of most vaccinated areas, will this bar still be requiring it? There's very little merit to keep pushing at this microscopic level. I do respect the owner's right to do as they please, but this just seems too much at this point. The way the owner talks to people who don't agree, makes sense why they have policy in place. Only reasonable explanation is them trying to weed out people they don't want in their business. It seems political, in other words. Here are some other suggestions for South Bay folk still looking where to go. Mavericks, country club in Pleasanton. Number 1 Broadway in Los Gatos has country nights on Wednesdays. Three Flames restaurant in Willow Glen is having country nights on Thursdays. Bourbon Highway, country bar in Walnut Creek. Mission Pizza & Pub for occasional bluegrass/country on Saturdays(call ahead). read more

Great bar... with sh#t patrons. Just like I've heard. Nothing much more to say, I just need more characters. Like this bar.seems like it's full of every type of person Johnny Cash would have despised read more

The place is a vibe; prices are amazing, great staff, and nice atmosphere. Like the establishment name, it's cash only! read more

Cash Only - Bar Area - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Jay Is the most slick bartender I've met He threw My beer coaster and it landed in the perfect spot for my beer Forever and ever I will come to Cash only read more

Such a cool hangout spot! Great service, great vibe, and the music is amazing! Not for pussies!! We'll be back! read more

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I remember this place when it was still dive bar, so stopping by was major blast from the past. The existing décor is perfect for the new name and theme, and it's such a cool and fun feeling when you're there....and let me say the Frozen Irish Coffee's live up to the hype! so damn good, even on a cold winter night! Cool bartenders and generous pours. I will be back! read more

3 stars on this particular interaction last night. Not an over all of the entire establishment. I have come here on multiple instances with many different friend groups with virtually no issues, up until last night. My friend and I walked from the other side of downtown near the fairmont hotel to end our night at cash only. My friend was let in no problem, and before I could show my ID, the bouncer told me I was too drunk to go inside. This was so quick, my friend and I were confused. How did he decide that without even really looking at me? I asked him how did you decide that? He said he watched me walk up and I appeared to be drunk. Not sure how, unless he is referring to my limp which I have because of a hip issue. I asked him to get a manager or one of the other workers, which he replied that he was the only one right now. I waited around upset, and watched him deny a few more people entrance. I thought it was weird and eventually a few other bouncers that I know from this bar and another group show up. That bouncer greets and hugs me. I told him that this bouncer didn't allow me in because I was "too drunk". That bouncer replied you know what, there's a wedding happening so we might just be at capacity. If that was the case I would not have been as upset as I was. So was I too drunk or was it a capacity issue? A friend who works nearby saw me upset and asked what happened, I explained the situation and he told me that the same thing happened to them the night before, not sure if it was with the same bouncer or what. The most frustrating thing about this entire interaction is being called "drunk" because every attempt after that to assure the bouncer that I am not as drunk as they say just aggravated the entire situation more. I was chill and in a good spirits right before that. I could understand if I was being rowdy and belligerent, but I was neither. It was so messed up. I contemplated writing this. All the bartenders and bouncers do the best they can, but in this instance this particular person just didn't seem reasonable at all. I don't think this is reason enough for someone to get fired over but I do think that this should be corrected or looked into. read more

Bartenders were very rude and condescending. They made fun of my friend when she was trying to order drinks and pay with a debit/credit card. A heads up would have been nice, there was no sign at the door. read more

Definitely a great place to hang out after work with friends and co workers. I would suggest coming in groups and, as the name says, bring cash only. read more

The clearly new bouncer refused to service us because my shirt was not tucked in. Instead of letting me tuck my shirt in, the gatekeeper decided out business was better deserved at the old wagon saloon. And the owner reacts aggressively to all criticism instead of addressing customer's concerns. What a joke. read more

Chill and easy. How it should be! Good selection of local beers and fun, expensive choices on the old-school menu. I do love the Johnny Cash theme, however, it would've been a nice ironic twist to accept other forms of payment. But I get it! Staying true to the name :). Looking forward to revisiting this place. read more

Love the drink menu. Different combos of liquor/beer. The apples are pressed fresh, cool decor.

Dive bar personified. Great prices. Bartenders are great. No food. Just drinks. Meet vibe with the music and Jike box. Pool table in back. read more

I come here occasionally and enjoy the drinks, the atmosphere, and the Johnny Cash themed decor. I'd say one of my favorite bars to come and meet up with friends. But the last time I went I noticed a lot of unhappy people specifically by the pool table. Usually I don't care for irritating, loud, and annoying pool players and wouldn't be making a review about it but this one guy who made it unbearable to play is actually a bartender there. I saw people try to give their games away or didn't want to play next because of just how irritating it was to play him. It wouldn't even be his turn and would rush to the table to convince the new players he was next. And when someone was clearly not into the game he would pout and get irritable. He would yell really loud the next persons name again and again until they would finally stand up and play. The list goes on. Come to find out this isn't the first time it's happened. He hogs the pool table while getting drunk off-shift or plays when he's bartending, obsesses over rules and makes people abide by official rules when in reality most people are at a bar for a casual game with friends and patrons. It was really embarrassing to see and super awkward looking around the back room seeing so many unhappy people watch this guy make a spectacle of himself. Especially when he's an employee there. I enjoy going to both bars Haberdasher and Cash Only. I think the owner really had a vision and executed it really well. I've tried all there specials and think they have solid drinks and fair prices. I'm still going to come to Cash Only and enjoy what they have to offer. But I wouldn't suggest going for the pool unless you're an ok enough player to get rid of this guy so others can play. read more

Dive bar. Decent old fashioned. Drinks are cheap. What irked me was the bartender keeping the change as tip without asking me first.

This bar and its owners are self righteous and seem to lack education and professionalism. They obviously didn't care about customer service or etiquette as they tried to single my group out about showing proof of vaccine status. Funny thing is my whole group is vaccinated but we didn't have our vaccine proof nor did we care to jump through their hoops to get some poser honky tonk drinks from hipsters who would get eaten alive at a real honky tonk. Never met a business that treated people so poorly. Fact: me being vaccinated offers me limited protection at best but does not protect people I come in contact with. Read up on the science before trying to serve disinformation from your virtuous high horse. read more

What a cool place. Clean and classy, but not pretentious. I definitely wouldn't call this a dive bar. Great selection of bourbons and beer in a cozy, friendly atmosphere, with a Johnny Cash theme. read more

This bar is for a specific demographic. There is a jukebox that only plays Johnny cash. The theme is very strong but it's a hard ambiance to enjoy yourself in. Bartenders were nice though. read more

Love this bar! Cache the owner is very welcoming and so is the crew. Took my kid there for his 22nd birthday. His name is Cash and thought it would be cool AND IT WAS COOL! Cash Only has the "Old school bar feel" something you don't see much of these days. The jukebox is all Johnny Cash and we loved it since we are huge Johnny fans( hence named our son after Johnny). Had a blast there, played some pool and enjoyed the delicious drinks and Hamms on tap! Legit... appreciated checking our vax cards, felt a bit safer being there. We will be back! Thanks Cache! Your vib, humor and welcoming appeal was the best! We will be back! read more

Place is a joke, for supposedly a "dive bar" which it isn't, asked for shot of whiskey on the rocks with my beer, they literally did a a "2 count" pour, such a joke! Any bar that is decent does the normal 4 count pour! Guessing the high rent in downtown San Jose has the owners going cheap with the drinks! read more

Yesss!! I love the theme of Cash Only. It's refreshing seeing a somewhat traditional bar back in the heart of downtown SJ. Get yourself a Frozen Irish Coffee with a shot of Jameson! You'll thank me later. Sadly, minus 1 star for the bartender. The barbacks were sober but the bartender was not. He was quick to close me out then he stated different totals to me and my boyfriend. So we took our irish coffee's and headed to another bar! read more

Sweetest manager and owner couple with some of the best kept historical back bar and neon signs. Bartenders were kind and knowledgeable.

Juiced a whole apple and made my cocktail with it. I aint neva seen nothin like this in my life bruh. Fresh and pretty awesome to see.

Great atmosphere, amazing drinks and staff! So glad the brains and brawn behind Haberdasher opened a second place.

Had two interactions at the door here on two separate occasions with a door guy that was ruder than hell. I would be the first to admit if I was doing something illegal or was acting some type of way, but genuinely I just think the staff vibes are terrible. DTSJ is in desperate need of life so it's too bad read more

This place is amazing. Just what San Jose needed. Cheap beer, great whiskey, great music, and a pool table thats free on Mondays (which is conveniently my day off). What more could you ask for? read more

Cash only like the name. Johnny Cash themed, fun vibes. Great bar, friendly bartender Kat was awesome. Frozen Irish coffee was delicious. They have billiards and a dice cup to play dice if you want. read more

I was disrespected by one of the bartenders for sharing my love of anime. I was expressing my love for a certain series then was quickly judged for the series i mentioned. I was very uncomfortable that the vibes felt off and the bartender ignored me. He then judged my Naruto shirt and didnt serve me all night. The other bartenders are nice but that one person was quick to judge. I would want that person to go watch something good than HunterXHunter if my taste was not up to his standards. Get Good. Get Better. Do Something. read more

This place is a new "old school" bar with a nod to nostalgia without the pretense. Johnny cash on the jukebox, red leather seats & a cash only bar. Highly recommend the house's freshly squeezed apple whiskey or gin greyhound. Honestly some of the best mixed drinks I've ever had. The bartender is super friendly & I can see this becoming a favorite local hangout. Walking distance to San Pedro square. Highly recommend this bar! read more

Cash Only - Interior - Whiskey Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Finally a great bar in San Jose. Great music, friendly and cool bartenders, great drinks, awesome vibe. This is my bar now. Thank you for opening! read more

This place has an amazing vibe. I highly recommend this place for a casual experience or a celebration. The clientele is relaxing. The bartenders are always friendly and nice. A real community bar. The owner is hilarious and very friendly read more

Pretty fun place. Its all Cash Only. Literally! Johnny Cash everywhere. The drinks are Cash Only. I think the owners name is Cash also. The Whisky Apples are to die for. They blend fresh apples right in front of you. read more

It was definitely for the country music lover, but still a good vibe. We had the $5 shots and they were okay but you can tell it was more of a dive than a typical bar. Our bartender (I forgot his name ) but he was so cool. Even the security at the door was cool and friendly. read more

I had one of the worst bar experiences at Cash Only last night on 10/21. My partner and I were bar hopping and walked into Cash Only. We usually like this place but that night was the worst. We walked in and took a seat at the bar. We were sitting there for a while trying to get the bartenders attention. There was 2 men working behind the bar. I didn't catch their names but it was a white guy and a black guy both looking like they are in their mid to late 20's. My partner and I were waiting quite a long time for someone to take our order. We noticed it was taking long because both the bartenders were busy taking back to back shots with a group of women at the end of the bar. We finally got our order in and it was fine for a while. I wanted to order another drink so I asked one of the bartenders for another drink and I was trying to make small talk and a joke with him and he looked visibly annoyed and kinda brushed me off which felt quite rude but I brushed it off. My partner noticed that the bartenders looked visibly drunk and I agreed once I watched them interact with a few patrons. We were about done drinking after a while and I had half my beer left. I covered my beer and both my partner and I walked to the bathroom that took maybe 5 minutes. Upon returning, I noticed my beer was gone. I then asked the bartender what happened to my beer to which he responds "why the hell are you asking me?" I told him "because you're the f$&@ing bartender" I do apologize for using foul language but at that point I had had it with the horrible service. He told me to watch my language and I walked away. Before leaving I did let him know that he should learn some better people skills if he would like to continue being a bartender and I do hope he does learn better manners. If this is how the owners of Cash Only want their bartenders to treat their customers, I will not be returning. read more

My friend (gay male) and I (Gay female) came into this bar late at night after bar hopping, to use the restroom and grab a drink/relax. We went to the all gender restroom together because I feel unsafe and paranoid at dive bars so we go inside together. We were in there for 5 minutes max. When we get out we're greeted with security escorting us out because "2 people can't be in there at once" I don't fight it I just apologize and make my way out. As we're walking out he proceeds to say "hope you had fun" to my friend. We just wanted a last stop from our bar hops only to get kicked out like this because of their assumptions?? Slow night I guess this was the most excitement they got. Just makes me think if they'd do the same if one of my female friends came with me instead. read more