I have to say, the new owner did an amazing job at reinventing this place! It is a much younger crowd, and a lot of fun. My husband loves the beer pong table in the back. I always have a blast whenever I got here. When I was here years ago, under the last owner, there was a drunk mexican peeing in the back parking lot. hahaha.... read more

Dude!! What do you get when you mix heavy pours with friendly locals, a drunk and happy bar staff and affordable prices in downtown San Jose??? A great time, that's what! I didn't even know Jack's existed until I was desperately searching for a place open Christmas night (had ENOUGH of the family time and could really really use a drink!)! The place was packed, a DJ was spinning awesome throw-back mash-ups and dancing harder then most of the patrons and the bartenders were doing shots between drink orders which came fast and hard. I got a pour of Hudson Valley Scotch that was easily 3 fingers deep with 1 rock, $7! My new go-to location when home visiting the family! Yep!! Radical! read more

Jack's is the kind of bar you amble down to around 7 pm hoping that it will surprise you as the diamond in the Silicon Valley rough; while it is a good bar, the surprises are somewhat limited. Granted: the beer selection is good. And the bartenders are nice. But the clientele is primarily split between older, charming regulars, and younger white tattooed men who say things like "I haven't seen your sorry ass in awhile, motherfucker!" with a straight face. And there is no real food, unless you count the Weinerschnitzel next door. Also, on one particular shameful New Year's Eve, the bar demanded a cover at the door even though a.) the bar was not busy and b.) there was no band playing. But there is now a beer garden. And Goldfish crackers. And they do not judge you if you have a pizza delivered to their establishment. And the jukebox works. So hey! 7 pm in Japantown? Jack's it is! read more

Jack's - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I live 2 blocks away, so it's very convenient to be able to walk here. It's a bit dive bar-ish, but as long as you're with good company, it doesn't really matter. It can get really crowded and loud on weekends or special events, which I don't like, so unless you're pretty buzzed, you might get irritated. The bartenders are pretty nice, prices are pretty good, drinks are strong (screw fruity stuff), and the music selection is awesome. Their DJs are usually pretty cool and I like the Jamaican theme with all the local artwork posted around the room. There's an outdoor area too, if you wanna smoke cigarettes or get some cool air cuz it can get hot inside. Cleanest bar bathroom I've ever seen and I've never seen a ridiculous line for the girls bathroom. Thumbs up. read more

3.5, if I could. This place is like frat house for people not in college anymore. First, it's located in the middle of a random street, nearby some houses and a neighborhood. Next, it's full of young people that look like they just graduated and/or are just above the age appropriate for frat parties. Myself included. Jack's is a one room bar. The room has a bar on one side and some tables on the other. In the back, you can walk through a small hallway that includes bathrooms and a beer pong table that is portruding out of the wall. That's right. The beer pong table is right next to the bathroom. Then you go outside to the back area, which seriously, looks like the backyard of a frat house, complete with a couple of dirty looking table benches and a fence and tool shed. And in the front right corner, there's some guy selling food under a tent. No joke. It's like I suddenly traveled back in time 7 years, except I had to pay for my drinks. Buttttt... no gonna lie... it was fun playing beer pong again. Even if the ping pong ball did roll into the bathroom several times. read more

Cool little spot in Japan Town, right next door to a Foster's Freeze and Weinerschnitzel so easy access to the late night munchies. Looks like the place is super small (which it is), but outback the area is relatively large and would throw most people off. The place is a typical dive bar, but they do have cool art on the walls and outside. Big plus on having a beer pong table near the back and super hot bartender! ( They are the reason for the 4th star :D ) read more

Great place to go grab some serious drinks and be able to actually have a conversation with your friends, and often with new friendly people that you meet there; while listening to either their DJ, life music at times, or playlists. They make killer martinis and the waiters there are really friendly. Always the place to go to watch the fights and any sport game FOR FREE. Great parking and YES very very clean bathrooms!!!! I personally love the fact that you can either party and drink, or just relax and enjoy a killer martini, or even play beer pong if your up to it. It's a little bit of everything. Go check it out.... they now have Punk nite on wednesdays, Ladies martini nite on saturdays and drink specials all week!!!! read more

3 Stars Met up w/ my gf and a few friends here and I was surprised how packed it was. I saw 2 different groups of my friends there.......guess everyone's been keeping this place a secret from me. The music was pretty good.....mostly top 40 from the early 90's. Crowd seemed cool.....really diverse mix of people too....all getting along. Two things I didn't like: 1. the drinks were really sweet......I felt like I was getting a cavity w/ each sip 2. it was so crowded that a few times, while I was walking thru.....I got stuck between two people that smelled pretty bad! hahahah I felt helpless....like a caged animal, but snaked my way out of it! I'll probably be back again.......... didn't see any beerpong tables though, maybe they were cleared out to make more room, or maybe they keep them outside on the patio. read more

The epitome of a neighborhood bar. The place where everyone, in fact, knows your name. Charlie is, quite possibly, the best bartender in San Jose. Of course, you also can't go wrong with Jordan, Travis, Tanisha, Aimee, Rina, or Matt. Drinks are stiff, and the usual cast of characters (regulars) are bound to offer up some good conversation and banter. Word of warning: beware of the Jack (Daniels shots)! The fact that they offer Cheesesteaks for lunch and Jamaican BBQ on the weekends in icing on the cake. The local artwork the adorns the walls adds a nice touch. read more

I'm at Jack's right now. Cool spot. I'm here by myself because that's how it goes for me sometimes, but I'm still enjoying myself. Had a few Jack and cokes (6 each) and they were strong drinks poured by friendly bartenders. DJ is good, mix between 90's hip hop and current stuff. Caribbean food on the back patio is cheap and bomb. Lots of pretty girls in their mid to upper 20s, and sports on the tvs. Will be back. If you get a longneck the bartender will flip off the cap and slap-shot it at the other bartender in mid-air. Fairly entertaining to watch. read more

Stopped by Jack's for a drink with two buddies. The space was cool, they have a patio with a second bar for when it is busier I guess. There was also so out there. The service seemed delayed though. They weren't super busy but the bartender was busy chatting with friends and doing shots with them. read more

Nice little dive bar, bartenders are very fast and manage large amounts of people in short amount of time in addition to being welcoming , attentive and have lots of personality. The place is rather small but that makes it cozy even if there's a few people inside you dont feel out of place enjoying a drink to yourself. read more

I usually only come here on Monday nights for the Reggae Nights....I love the PBR tall cans for like 5 bucks i think...Anyways its a nice mixed crowd of neighborhood people n im sure a few who drive a bit to get there. Service is ok/good. Music n people great on Mondays for sure. I love the fact they have food here also Weinerschnitzel is next door as well as a Fosters Freeze too. I always have a great time here and have money left over for food at the end of the night too. read more

Who knew this bar could get so crazy!? Sometimes they have a dj set up his decks in the corner by the door. Too bad it's a tight space, he played good music. I don't think the bartender knows how to make a Rob Roy, but what she handed me was twice the size of a regular RR, and only $2. I'll take it! The other bartender is also great. He did a silverback shot with us, and lit the bar on fire. It was kind of a waste of 151 and almost got out of control, but super fun. All of this happened on a Monday night by the way. Imagine how it gets on the weekends! read more

Really laid back bar with complimentary goldfish or pretzel bowls for drunkin munching. We went to the bar on a tuesday to celebrate a friends birthday and all was well until the music was turned off and Sons of Anarchy was blaring through the speakers and was displayed on all tv sets. There were two bar patrons who were actually watching, but no one else. Total dislike! The rest of the patrons just looked at each other like " WTF" why don't these folks just DVR it or go home. Only downside we've experienced read more

This place is cozier than Gubera's and just as friendly. Something about neighborhood dive bars make people want to come back. I remember my first time here was during some pub crawl. It was a haze I left dazed and confused. This time it was more chill, just watched the game, have a few conversations and call it a day. read more

awesome bar.... Bartender is good. DJ on Fridays is GREAT!!!!! Bar back spilled liquid on my feet, and didnt apologize.... read more

I have only been here in the afternoons so no comment on the nightlife but have always found the bartenders to be delightful and the patrons are such characters I almost feel like I am being punked. Additional props for clean bathroom and good booze selection. read more

Matthew the bartender is awesome! Most of the bartenders here are quick and attentive. For a place that's supposedly marketed as a dive, it has a lot of upscale liquors, beers, etc. too there's a jukebox where you can select 6 or more songs at once (great for coming with friends!). they have goldfish and sustenance. restrooms are clean for a bar. patrons are overall friendly although you get some creepers...i.e. this old man gave me a kissy face across the bar but he was quickly kicked out. this place is also within walking distance from my house so yay for Jack's!! also this place literally saved Halloween night when my fiance, roommate and I had to walk from downtown SJ to Jack's after many failed Uber rides read more

Not only do they have awesome beer on tap....good music and paintings....BUT THEY ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS of the SILICON VALLEY ROLLER GIRLS. Check out the poster of SVRG on their wall. This has been the only place I can order a PABST on tap or even a tall can that's ice cold. So much fun and the staff are cool! Where else can I drink a pabst on tap while watching Godzilla vs Mothra on the plasma TVs? read more

Small nice club. But there are no other clubs near by so if you want to hop clubs then no a good neighborhood. Yesterday was my first time, I went there, played beer pong with random strangers. The crowd was fun and people are nice. Met with cute lady Rebecca; she is a lawyer. So you can tell how are the crowed. Pretty decent and late 20s. read more

Jacks Bar & Lounge the best place to chill and relax. The vibe here is super cool. Enough space to sit. They even have a back patio. The bouncers super cool. The drinks are a fair price. The bartender lady, Rina is super super nice,polite and very attentive, She goes above and beyond her customer service, I gave her a good tip because she derserves it. I will come back here again. Thanks again Rina for your great service =) read more

Only come here when our friends spin. Otherwise place is pretty small and can get very packed. Only like 4 or 5 tables with stools. One good thing is that it's near a Wienerschnitzel! :) read more

I totally love this place. It's got chill staff, the place is always super clean and the crowd is always cool; as in not completely rude and pretentious a-holes. You're fine heading over there looking hot and you're fine wearing t-shirt & jeans. They made the best pomegranite margaritas, have Blue Moon on tap, and a beer pong table in the back. (not that I play but it's good nostalgia) As others listed, they've got killer artwork all down the main wall and have a DJ on Fri/Sat. Personally, I hate the DJ nights because they insist on playing the music WAY WAY WAY too loud and its impossible to have a conversation -that aside, the DJ music is always good, eclectic, and unexpected. What's best, Weinerschnitzel right next door & 3 blocks from my apt complex. What could be better!? read more

Found this place because on the 3rd Sundays of the month it is Dog Days at Jacks, and you can bring your pooch! When we walked in with our 2 dachshunds they were the only dogs in the joint, but we verified that it was Dog day and it was. So if you are not a dive person don't let the "dog day" thing keep you away. Not sure how many dogs actually come in. Ours were the only ones there all day. It is not quite as dive-y as I was expecting. Nice and clean with decent bathrooms and outdoor seating in the back. There are a couple of TV's in the place with whatever the sport of the day on. The drinks are cheap and made right...strong! Not much seating, so be prepared to stand, or to share a table. Good way to make some new friends. Overall a great time. I'm always looking for new activities to do with my pups. Whenever I can throw back a few and have my puppies there is a good day! read more

Another koo place to hang out and chug a couple of beers. Out of the hectic downtownisms, thats always a plus. Right next to Wienerschnitzels for those that want to grub a bit. read more

Great experience. Ordered steak sandwich and jalapeño poppers to share. Excellent flavor and presentation for eating in the bar. Staff super friendly, fast service, great environment. We will be back! read more

Jacks is awesome I had a great time haha the bar tender was crazy. I walked over here on Friday I met some people who were from the area and it was a chill atmosphere read more

Jack's - Reno shows us that this is more than just true local watering hole when she's filling it back up with fun haha - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Yes! It's great. Enough people already know so don't go there. But if you do go, tip well, and play god music on the jukebox. If you go, tell Tanisha I said Hi. She's the best bartender anywhere. read more

We finished our Hawaiian dinner in downtown San Jose and we were in the market for some dessert, or maybe just a drink. Nothing elaborate or expensive, just a drink, at a bar. Jack's answers the call. Came on a weeknight so it wasn't super crowded, only one bartender. Ordered two white russians and mentioned that I'd once tried espresso vodka one time, so he hooked it up with the Patrón XO Cafe coffee liqueur (unfortunately not as sweet as Kahlua, but stiff as a board!) Fun to hear some lesser known hip hop and watch Sin City on their TV, only wish I had come at a time when the outdoor area was open so I could've cornholed....next time. read more

About 5 months ago, I was expecting something different coming from the Mid- west. Today, I'm glad I walked in this place. The people are quite friendly, the drinks are decently priced, generously topped, and great place to watch your local sports. Though I'm a raider fan; Jordan, Charlie, Matt, and Rene make me feel at home! This is officially my favorite local bar. Great job guys! read more

What a fun place and a great crowd! Our friends were living close to Jack's a couple of years ago so we had to try it out on our visit. It happened to be Halloween during our stay in San Jose, and that added to the fun. Thank you Jack's! http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=170383394676&set=a.170377774676.125423.522954676&pid=3096549&id=522954676 read more

Love this place. Great bartenders, great people and great management. I live out of town but make sure this place is my first stop when I come to San Jose. Cheers!! Travis is a riot... read more

Jack's Bar is a great little dive in the Japan town neighborhood. Definitely a four star dive! I am not sure if it has always been called "Jack's Bar", but this bar has been a neighborhood landmark for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, it seemed to attract more of a biker scene, but the crowd is pretty diverse these days. Totally a drama free zone. You can find nerds, cholos, hipsters, gay, straight, whatever laughing, drinking, and grooving together. This is MAN Jose, so the crowd is 90% dudes, which can be overwhelming since the space is so small. All those dudes getting crunk in that tiny space can get stanky at times! The good news is that the ladies room is always super clean, and the staff does a terrific job of making sure that tables are free of empty glasses. The bartenders are always quick to take your drink order, and do it with a smile. Saturday nights are always a good time! read more

It's Thursday morning (it's past noon actually). I'm inside out and upside down. Sweet Tea Lemonades are sneaky little bastards.

Came here with my boyfriend to celebrate a friend's birthday. Did I have a great time? As a matter of fact, I did. I was surrounded by great company so it's expected of me to have a great time. The reason why I'm giving Jack's 1 star is because: 1. After our first drink transaction, we asked the bartender to close our tab. The bartender then left to help another patron and forgot to return our credit card. After searching and having thought we lost our credit card, we asked the female bartender if they had it. To our surprise,they did. Not thinking much of it, and happy that we found it, we decided to purchase another round. 2. While checking our credit card statements, we notice a discrepancy with the amounts charged. Transaction #1 had an additional $10 tip added to what we originally added. Transaction #2 was also overcharged. I was a server for over 8 years and I understand mistakes can happen. My grip about this is that it did not happen once, but twice. From what I know, tips for drinks are at least $1 per drink. This was obviously not the case. This was not a matter of an additional dollar but an actual deliberate attempt to cheat the system and make more money. Outraged by what had happened, I contacted the establishment to speak to the owner. My luck, the owner was out of town. Next thing you know, I was advised to come in to speak with the second in command while the owner's out. To my surprise, the guy who was left in charge was the guy who's name is on both of the tabs. So instead of talking to him, I will be waiting for the owner to return to speak with him myself. I will not be making a return trip. read more

If you call this place a dive bar, just... just stop. Just because a place isn't huge, filled with assholes, and has dumb theme nights, does not make a dive. Also, pretty sure I've never seen Ballast Point Grapefruit at a goddamned dive. This is a bar. Just a bar. Great (and appropriately abridged) tap list that the owner takes pride in updating via social media (which beer douches such as myself appreciate), quality service, daytime regulars, and a fairly robust booze selection. It's small, yes. Want a good spot to have a drink with friends? This spots perfect. read more

Dope spot, I caught a drink during my work trip and they had a plenty of TVs. They showed the Champions League soccer game no issues and the bartender was a very cool woman I didn't catch her name but her vibes were awesome. read more

Hmm, yea... Not my cup of tea- or tequilla rather, if you want to get specific. I ended up in this little hole after watching The Sac City Roller Girls compete against the SVRG. The atmosphere was just about right for the crowd (I think I was the only one sans ink), but I just didn't like it. It was small, stinky, and FREEZING COLD! read more

Chill Spot, There are some haters if you have never been before, but there soft so no worries, If you take your Harley even more Haters if you didnt drop 10k in it and mad hating by Ricers. read more