Cool backyard for beer and sports. If you like those: this is your place. Pretty bright so bring your shades. Real loud like a frat party. read more

I wish I would live close to this place. This would be my hang out. Clean, friendly people, and cool Staff. Large open Patio, TVs everywhere. 6 Stars..... if you ask me. And oh you can order food, they bring it quickly. Not to mention good drinks . read more

Monica is a sweetheart and very attentive to everyone at the bar! I return weekly and I am never disappointed when she is there plus she plays SIIICKEST music! read more

First of all...this review is 4 years overdue. Lol I have become a regular here at Jack'ssolely because of the customer service. It's the best neighborhood bar I have come across in all of the San Jose area. I want to give special recognition to the bartenders, Craig, Chantel & Athena. These amazing people are the reason I keep coming back. They are attentive and very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this bar! read more

Great spot to hang out with friends, drink options are good and service is quick. Plus you get food from JTown delivered in, so really good food! read more

Nice local bar but need more seats for patrons the price for drinks were a little on the high side

The best Old Fashioneds in the most unexpected location - look for Craig to make them! read more

Jack's - The most impressive Old Fashioneds in the most unexpected location. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Had a good time watching the World Cup here. It was packed which makes it very fun and lively. The bar seemed to be small on the inside but lots of area in the back on the outside. Felt right at home here not sensing any pretentiousness. I kept smelling the chicken wings which smelled so good but unfortunately I wasn't able to try any but I just knew they were bussin because you saw everyone was ordering them! Also recommend grabbing a pitcher if you're with a large group. Parking is only available on the streets and there is no lot. read more

a 24oz PBR and a 12oz budweiser costs $20, wouldnt even show me the prices on the computer, bartender chick sucks at her job.

My new guy, Jack. I'm not sure how he feels about me, but I'm openly letting him know that I'm trying to hang with him more often now that we've had pretty smooth introductions. Frankly, jack's doesn't look like much from the exterior. After reading yelp reviews and scrolling through photos, I was still skeptical and always opted to go to downtown San Jose, despite living 2-3 blocks from this bar. Jack's is an underrated gem. He's been right there in front of me and somehow it took me 6 months to finally figure out he's been the guy I've been looking for. Why am I so down for Jack's? - cheap drinks, $5-6 bucks for my jameson cokes that are easily double the price at old wagon and other spots - jack's staff & crowds have been very welcoming, cool locals that engage in friendly convos - awesome outdoor back area, with beautifully strung lights and free corn hole! - TVs inside always playing sports, and also one outback - Modern day digital juke box - they got white claws read more

Watching World Cup 2022 final at 7am with friends the past Sunday. The semi outdoor area at the back was nicely equipped with heat lamps and many TVs. (Room for improvement for bigger/better TV and sound system). In general, a 4-star setup with no complaint. Arrived around 6:30am to secure our table. The place does serve simple breakfast burritos and coffee for Early Games. Absolutely a great way to warm up our stomach BEFORE the game starts. We then bought a few beers for 2nd breakfast after the warm up Servers and crowd were friendly. Great atmosphere to watch your favorite game(s) with friends and fans! read more

I just found this place about 2 weeks ago. I'm a bloody Mary guy so I try and find all the best spots to endulge. Ordered one and found out they make theirs with 2 "specialty olives" as well as a bacon strip and the standard tajin rim and onion as well. The mix itself is great too. Thick and a little kick to it. Well, I've had two since I discovered the place and on the third one I noticed they were out of bacon. Naturally I asked if the price was different because of the lack of bacon (most places would charge more/have price affected) to which I was told "no they're the same price"! $14 bloody mary?! With just 2 olives and an onion?! No thanks. I will not be coming here again. It's good but not 14 dollars with no bacon good! read more

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

Great place to have a drink and relax. I would know, I go every night lol. I spent 12k last year at Matrix and never got treated as good as the Jacks staff makes me feel. Very cool vibe and super friendly staff. Love this place. They've earned my business. I'm loyal read more

This place is full of regulars. Met up with a few co-workers here after work one day. They're here at least once a week, if not more so they see a lot of the same people. Anyways they have happy hour 3-6pm weekdays, I think. I didn't pay for my specific drink but I think we got like 5 drinks for like $23, which is so great. I had a vodka tonic. It was tasty and medium strong. Inside was dark and crowded. So we sat out on the back patio area. It's big and lots of picnic tables. Also they do have a TV in the back, playing football. Also learned they are the official Arsenal bar in SJ so I'll have to bring my futball (aka soccer) loving bf here soon. But yeah it was nice out on the patio. And we hung out for a few hours before it got pretty cold and dark. Will be back. read more

This bar's vibe is so fun! They have a lot of TVs to watch the game, inside AND outside! They also have heaters outside for cold days. They do have food and it would be delivered by another restaurant, which is awesome. Service is great. Bartenders and staff are always attentive and cleaning up after everyone. 10/10 recommend for sports watching and having a good time! read more

Stumbled upon this place with my girl and it quickly became our favorite spot! Everyone is super nice and service is pretty fast. Whether you're a regular or new, you'll feel welcomed here! read more

If you look up the definition of a dive bar, you will find this place. My friends and I were just looking for a place in Japantown to hang out and my friend suggested this place. It's definitely got all the trappings of a dive bar: small space, one or two bartenders, a few TVs with games on, what appears to be a local crowd, and casual decor. The drinks are also pretty reasonably priced, even for the Bay Area. What I liked about this place is that even if the space is feeling a little cramped, you can go outside where they have a much more open space. It is more of a beer garden-type setting with benches and wooden bard tables for people to sit at and they also have corn hole games set up. My friends and I actually migrated towards that area after we got our drinks. I'm not crazy about dive bars, but if you are, then this place is for you. read more

Food and service were amazing! Jeremiah recommended the chicken sandwich and jalapeños with our calamari and he was spot on! The food was flavorful and didn't disappoint! Not only was our food served quicker than expected, it came with a smile! If you are looking for great food, friendly service, at a reasonable price, this is your place! Atmosphere is awesome too! read more

This is place is not bad, cool place to come And kick it and drink a beer. Most the normals here are pretty friendly. Pretty good drink menu and happy prices are good. Minus one star to the bar tender who was at times hard to get ahold of when she's constantly outside smoking or talking to people read more

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

Jack is the best. Arsenal bar, gooner forever. The atmosphere during a game is incredible.

Great neighborhood bar! The staff is awesome! The newly remodeled back patio is super cool - ton's of seating, lots of tv's, heat lamps and a separate bar. Love this place. read more

What's great about this dive bar? Let me break it down: Orange Tic Tac Cherry Bomb Jaegar Bomb Irish Car Bomb Get the picture? Ok....the bartenders, Nicole, Jordan, and Matt....I blame you guys!! Thanks for the drinks and my horrid hangover the next day! It was all in good fun with friends and the diverse crowd that got me booty-shaking and downing all those drinks. Cool choices of music, DJs are awesome, NO COVER CHARGE, beer pong, and *drum roll* HAPPY HOUR!! How could you not love this place?! Far from the middle of downtown but walking distance from Japantown, come here and show your face, grab a couple of drinks, dance, mingle, and enjoy the night. Doesn't matter when is the best day, because it's downright awesome! Parking is easy, looks a bit sketchy outside, but don't hold yourself back because you're safe....SJPD is everywhere. HAHA! Happy hour: Sunday $1 off everything from 3pm to 7pm. During the week, 3pm to 9pm FYI....Everyday from 11am to 3pm, catch their $8 Lunch Combo - Cheese Steak, Chips, & Beer when you check-in on Facebook. Hurry before it ends soon! Ask and find out for this promo! How's that for a steal?!! read more

If you love divey, chill, and retro-looking bars, then this is the place for you. Everyone was nice, tons of smokers out in front, the bartender was cool BUT it is not my scene. I mean, nothing wrong with playing beer pong and watching people in plaid shirts and flip flops. They had a DJ and music was blaring. We retreated near the jukebox, avoiding eye contact from the smiling bald dude. It was a nice and friendly joint, but I missed my metrosexuals, lychee martinis, and catty cute girls. Gawd, I miss them. read more

Jack's is a tale of two bars. On the left side, a bar filled with a motley crew of ever so slightly surly barflys who don't much understand exactly what all the hoopla & singing going on down at the other end of the bar is all about. On the right side, depending on the night, a motley crew of boisterous futbol fans there to support the hometown Quakes or US National Team via the Ultras or American Outlaws. As ground zero for watching all things soccer in the South Bay, it's a welcome haven for lovers of the beautiful game who've been ostracized at countless other sports bars for being the odd ball American who wants to catch a match. That is, if the left side is behaving. And that is part of the charm of Jack's. That and the $12 match special of cheesesteak, pint o' beer & shot of namesake Jack. Ummm, yes pls! The bartenders & staff are super rad and the owner (who also has a stake in Liquid Bread in Campbell) is an all around good dude...plus he's a die hard soccer fan. And make sure you ask for your free bowl of goldfish or pretzels to munch on if you're not hungry enough for the tasty cheesesteak. Hands down, Jack's is my fav dive bar in the area and the real deal! read more

The secret's out! Now everyone's talking about Jacks. I did not write a review about it because I was selfish :) I wanted to keep it a secret to myself for just a little bit. Succeeded for about 8 months and now Im glad to share it with fellow beer lovers or Gin and Tonic lovers. Divey but clean. The crowd is a hit or miss depending on wether the moon is out or not. Bathroom is clean and never seem to have a long line. I think that will soon change. My fav G&T is always stiff. There is a jukebox and an ATM in the corner to the right of the door as you go in. There's about 4 or five bar tables and an ample amount of actually clean bar stools to sit on at the bar. Beer pong is yours to play with if you like stuff like that. A couple of Flat screen TV's playing the requisite man sports. Reggae night on Monday. Welcome to J-Town's newest secret revealed! read more

Not a bad dive bar but not many in the location plus it's in the Burb. The drinks are decent and the prices are fair. The decor is what's expected of a dive, and the patio is the best part but not many around so lack of options. I don't t know much of the area but can't go wrong. I'm more of a city girl so maybe I'm being bias. Hmmm. Also seems to be a blue collar crowd or techies blending in like the Mission District, SF. Cheers to the establishment... read more

I like this place. In Japantown San Jose, across from Happi House is this gem that I feel not many know about. It might seem a little seedy misfit attraction from the outside, but it has such charm. I have some friends went here often (they've moved or no longer party) and mention that this is a place to be to mellow out, relax, and chill. Music is really good. Lots of early 90's stuff, hip hop, rnb, and some top 40. Bartender was a really swell guy. My first time it was a friends birthday and I asked if I could have a red velvet cupcake that was next to him to give to our birthday girl. Not only did he say yes, he made some sort of shot that involved a complicated fire ring around it, at no charge. So cool of him. I have not had the pleasure to try it, but I notice they have a big bin of nuts and goldfishes. Crowd is pretty diverse, and everyone seems to behave and get along with each other. They've got a great big patio out back. Definitely a good spot during the summer. One night I was here, they were selling hotdogs and bbq food. Kind of random, but pretty cool. I noticed a flier that they were doing a collaboration with nearby pet boutique, Biscuits. A happy hour involving bringing your (wo)man's best friend with you and they provide water, treats, and sometimes, prizes. Even cooler. read more

Reasonable dive bar, though nothing fancy. If you want a simple dive bar to hang out for a bit, this is a good place. Limited beer and liquor selection, but have a handful of local brews. Bonus that they let you bring in outside food (no kitchen here), but they do provide snacks if you want them. I'd only give it 3 stars, but the service is quite good, so I'm giving it four. I'll come again. Yes, parking is street and limited, but if you come late, it's no problem. read more

The perfect, low-key dive bar located in San Jose- near Japan Town. Good peeps, chill vibes, a juke box that plays the latest hits, to banda, meringue, to reggae (great variety)! They also have a DJ here on certain nights that plays great old-school hip hop music. I always have a good time when I come here. The bartenders are cool, not shady, and they make great drinks for a reasonable price (not like the other water-down, expensive drinks in certain parts of downtown SJ). Jack's Bar is a great place to chill, catch up with friends and have a good time. I noticed last time I was here, they opened the outside patio. It looks pretty spacious! It was too cold the night I was there but I am down to check it out when the weather warms up. read more

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Curly haired bar tender was making pussy jokes because we were done drinking. He gave off gross vibes. I don't recommend this spot for women if hes working read more

Friday and Saturdays you can get some mean jerk chicken at reasonable prices! If I lived closer I would definitely be here 24-7. Came here for a culmination of BDays... despite the crowd street parking wasn't too bad. No cover... Awesome mash ups of 90 hip hop classics.. Place in the back to post up... Clean bathroom! read more

Excellent cool bar, with outdoor TV's for the games and good cocktails! Came he to pre game before a 49er game! Great crowd and enjoyed the food options (which actually come from a place around the corner)! Good times! read more

This place has a local feel, meaning it seems like everyone knows each other. I guess that's ok, but the crowd is a bit blue collar. If that's your thing then it will be your place. The place is clean and has a decent selection of craft beers and liquor. It's not quite as cheap as u would expect from a dive that's trying hard not to be a dive. Unfortunately, sometime the bar is deemed a dive because of the clientele and not the decor. I would like to consider going again, but it definitely needs to be in broad daylight. Preferably high noon. read more

Jacks is great for a 1 pm drink. The regulars crowd is wonderful and the bartender was kind. Everything you want after a flea market frenzy. read more

Came here to watch the Liverpool v West Ham game, great outdoor set up, service and vibe!

OK, so I love bars... and nothing pains me more than to have to give this bar 2 stars. Why, oh why yelp, can you not allow us half stars? Jack's truly does deserve that extra half star - although not another whole one. *sigh* I truly did want to like this place. It's small, divey and full of what appeared to be an original cast of locals (more on this later). Not to mention how damn convenient it was that it was calling to us from the Obon Festival. My friend Kimchee and I just couldn't ignore it. So we sashayed our way over. Well, he kinda toddled, I outright staggered-n-stumbled. I love sake. Kimchee was kinda jonesin for a smoke, so *yay* to Jack's for carrying those awful cancer sticks. I only had 2. The drinks were great. Not a jigger in sight. Their bartender actually knew how to pour. Sweet! So we're chilling there for a minute, kinda taking in the scene, I'm sipping on my tasty vodka soda, trying to sober up when one of the locals strikes up a convo with Kimchee. Now because I was so busy scanning the room for the guy with the hottest mullet, I missed the first couple of sentences. What I did catch tho was that Kimchee was in love with me. Or at least that's what the BobBillJoeGeorgeMike-guy said. We should just go tie the knot and accept it. Yes! that's exactly what I've always wanted. A drunken proposal, from a friend - through a slurring stranger!! Now, believe it or not - or rather, for those of you that know me - stranger things have happened. The disturbing part was the amount of spittle that was projected our way during this uber-romantic tirade. Ahh... just as I imagined it would be. So let's review: Sake at the Obon is good. It leads to dive bars. Go to Jacks, cause they carry smoke. Lovely drinks. Bring a friend, land a husband! Bring a mask and avoid mono. read more

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First time here last night. Based on MY experience... Dive bar - YES Service - Less than 2 minute wait to order drinks on a somewhat busy night. Super nice, super dope lady bartender. Ambience - Wasn't too loud. Typical dive bar atmosphere. No one getting crazy. And the "regulars" were hospitable. And we all know "regulars" can make or break a dive bar, or any bar in general. My experience was complete opposite from those that posted any kind of negative review. Dope dive. Definitely will be back! One Love! read more

Awesome divey but clean hangout. Bartenders are great as well as the regulars! Wish I lived in this neighborhood so I could come all the time! Great variety of draft and bottle/can beers. Nice outdoor patio. read more

Jack's has been a Japan Town staple for decades. It used to be a true dive bar that opened at 6:00 a.m. and filled with local blue collars. It's now a offshoot of the Bamboo 7 crowd with good bartenders and a fun crowd. Went there for a Silicon Valley Roller Girls after party. The patio was packed and attendees could get paddled by an SVRG. There were more than a couple of red derriere cheeks present! DJs spinning on the weekend keep the place going on the weekends. Be sure to check the super cool mural on the driveway wall. read more

I'm remise to write this yelp review. Good bars are hard to find, and this bar IS THE SPOT. You want to watch every NFL game on Sunday, get some sun, play Cornhole, eat Tri-tip, and hang with the cast of Cheers. This is the place! So if you want to go where everyone now's your name, that place is Jacks. read more