Great spot in the heart of downtown San Jose. I had time to kill before my flight out of town and stopped by for a few hours and some dinner. About two dozen pinball machines in the back with a handful of video games in the front. Full bar and grab and go style food to be eaten in the facility. I ordered up one of the burger selections with fries. My bartender was quick to inform me of what the happenings were and I ordered up a local beer and a whisky chaser. I hope to come back and check out the pinball tournaments. read more

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My first time at Mini Boss since turning 21, and it did not disappoint! My friends brought me here to start the night, and we each got a cocktail. I totally forgot the names, but the one I ordered had mint in it and was definitely strong! As someone who doesn't drink very often, it definitely hit me pretty quickly, but it was really good and not overly sweet. My friend ordered the drink with the flower garnish, which was a piña colada. It was sweet, refreshing, and super enjoyable. The ambiance was such a vibe, and the staff were amazing. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and consistently checked on us while we were at the bar. Even after we sat down, I noticed several employees walking around collecting empty glasses and keeping everything tidy, which is something you don't see everywhere and really stood out to me. Overall, it was a great experience with chill bar vibes, great drinks, and excellent service. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm looking for a fun and relaxed night out. read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

One of my favorite places to go downtown! I love them because: 1/ They have super creative drinks that change themes for special occasions like Halloween or Christmas and a ton of super fun arcade games. 2/ The food is solid with delicious wings, pizza, ramen (I know! But it's good) and more 3/ It's an arcade with a ton of games that are always a blast. I think there's a weeknight where all the games are free which is always nice. 4/ Decor is also on point and their menus are always so creative. Always a good time! read more

While looking for something to do in San Jose on my day off, Miniboss popped up in my search. It's a great mixture of coin-op games with cocktails, bites and a chill vibe. Just what the doctor ordered! Plenty of street parking can be found. Lots of games to choose from, including a room dedicated to mainly pinball! Games are 50 cents and up with a change machine available onsite as well as an ATM too. Their drink menu is creative with their names. Sampling is highly recommended if you are unsure of any of the beers on the board. Plenty of food options including a great happy hour. Staff was helpful and friendly. The bartender was kind enough to come find me when my pizza was ready BOTH times while I was focused on the game I was playing lol Great place to come relax for a few hours. read more

The perfect spot for a night out! It's such a unique concept, with vintage arcade games scattered throughout the bar. There were also large screens projecting video games, which added to the arcade theme. I've never been to a bar like this one in the Bay Area. I visited on a Friday night, and it was absolutely packed. However, the space is pretty big, so there were still available tables to sit down at and open games waiting to be played. There was also no line outside to get in. The drinks were delicious and fun. They were playing fun music, which added to the lively and boisterous atmosphere. Everyone was here with their group of friends, laughing and catching up. I'd definitely visit again for the drinks, games, and general ambiance. read more

Miniboss - Interior - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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I am surprised it took me this long to review this place. This is probably one of my favorite bars in San Jose. I usually bring people that are visiting here so they can experience it too. I love going during holidays season when the place is decorated and drinks are the special holiday drinks but the off season is good too. This place usually gets packed as the night progresses so we like going here when it's a bit early to get to play games and get drinks and food faster. Plenty of arcade games everywhere, they also has a tiki bar by the pinball machines by the kitchen. Food was okay but drinks are very good. A lot to do and super fun for everyone. read more

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Miniboss is one of our favorite date night spots in SJ! We first came in on a Saturday night around 9:30. It was decently full, but we didn't have a problem ordering drinks or playing games. Staff are friendly, and we were served quickly. The cocktails and the games are a highlight for sure. We usually find ourselves back at Miniboss after a weekend dinner in San Pedro area. Certain nights - like Halloween weekend - can get very packed. Recommend parking in any of the structures around San Pedro Square area and walking over. Compared to some SF barcades I've been to, Miniboss is well organized, clean, and fun. We always have a blast playing games like Street Fighter, TMNT, and pinball. Sometimes you have to wait to play, but people are generally friendly and will let you take your turn shortly after them. All in all, one of our go-to spots! read more

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Fun arcade bar in downtown San Jose. Been coming here around the time it opened before the pandemic. The food has changed since and I miss the dan dan noodles. Bring quarters if you want to play. There's also an ATM and a change machine. The cocktails are always creative and video game themed. Bartenders are friendly and fast. read more

Miniboss - Gin based cocktail - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Love this arcade bar in DTSJ! Very fun theme, decor, and games (especially on Freeplay Thursdays). But they have seriously well made and creative drinks to go along with that. They switch up their menus often, especially for special occasions like Halloween and Christmas. Another surprising thing is how good their food is. Don't sleep on their cozy Tonkotsu Ramen, perfect after a long night out of drinking. Fast and friendly bartenders too, it's not easy to handle such a huge volume of orders! read more

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Food was actually really good. Service was just as good too. They were very helpful & patient. Ambiance was nice. Games were great. Cool selection of retro games. It def brought the kid out of me. I will def be back!! Not to mention, FREE GAMES THURSDAY!! read more

Arcade bar! They had good music and a live dj, as well as pinball, Pac-Man, racing and shooting similators, and other arcade games. Interesting drink menu flavors too: there was ube, turmeric, mango, etc. Arcade machines take quarters so you can bring quarters or exchange your money at the change machine or ATM. read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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[Full disclosure, there's prostitution at this Bar. Which the FBI should investigate] Other than that, the staff, drinks, and food were fantastic. Love it, just all rainbows, glitter, and bubbles! Free play on Thursday's with Happy Hour, can't go wrong! read more

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Love their pizza at mini-boss and decided to try the mushroom and truffle pizza, which wasnt my favorite of their assortment but still good nonetheless. The fries are also really good! Order via scan a qr code and pick up at window. read more

Miniboss - Mushrooms and truffle pizza - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

One thing about me is I love a good barcade. We were out in San Jose on a Wednesday night looking for something fun to do, and everything was either closed or completely empty--except Miniboss! The vibes here were high, there were lots of arcade games, and plenty of seating. They had some great specials going on for pizzas and select cocktails, which was a nice surprise. The bartenders were friendly and helpful. I ordered the Starbound Bloom with Shochu and condensed milk--it had an interesting flavor, but still tasted good! Only thing is it was like 75% ice, which was kind of a bummer. Overall, such a cool spot--great for a date night or a fun night out with friends! read more

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Fun arcade bar with creative, changing cocktail menu and super tasty food! The vibe feels neon / cyber punk themed and they have coin operated games from oldies like pac man all the way to pinball. I appreciate how the menu seems to rotate through different themes. This time they had a Nintendo games theme with several Asian inspired flavors. The drinks seem to run on the stronger side in the rum / soju-wine cocktails I tried. The food is actually really good here. The fries are a good portion size for the price and are shareable amongst friends. Their fries are nice and crispy and have a thick enough shell to maintain firm texture and avoid being soggy when drenched in sauce. Flavors are great too - chili cheese fries had a good ratio of chili sauce to sour cream. read more

Miniboss - Chili fries - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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This bar is so fun especially around Christmas time!!! It's decorated so fun for the holidays and they have holiday themed drinks in fun cups!! I went on a Friday night and surprisingly wasn't too crowded around 8. Service was fast and drinks were tasty!! There are arcade games to play as well as food to eat. Such a fun atmosphere!! read more

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A must visit bar located in dtsj. From the atmosphere, drink selection, service, and arcade games, this place is awesome. Overall a great place for drinks with friends. My friends and I ordered the "Smells like teen spirit," "pineapple press" & $10 "we be jammin'" shooters. The drinks were sooo good! What a fun night out. Will definitely be back. read more

Miniboss - "Smells like teen spirit," "Pineapple Express," and "We be jammin" shooters - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Mini boss does it again! This time with their Halloween theme! Drinks are still so delicious and have high standards. Service is quick at the bar and women's restroom never has a line! read more

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Such a cool place that I did not know existed. Driven passed may times & had no idea what was behind those doors. Its basically an arcade with a bar. It was a Miracle Events take over, so it was decked out for Christmas. Only had 1 festive drink this time. Will be back to try more & play a game or two. read more

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I went this Halloween and it was a good time. All the games were free play with no cover. The food was decent and the drinks were tasty. Its chill vibes here, no drama and the staff is friendly. Plus they have all the classics Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Pac Man, etc. Plus pinball. Mini Boss is always a blast. read more

Miniboss - happy halloween. - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I LOVE MINIBOSS!!!! Parking can be a bit of a pain, but that's true of every place downtown. I especially love that they decorate and have a seasonal drink selection for most popular holidays. Christmas time is my, personal, fave! The drink selection here is super fun. They have a variety of cocktails to satisfy different palates. They also have a bunch of beers available if you so choose. When it's busy here, you may have to squeeze your way up to the bar, but the bartenders are fantastically quick and accurate. The best part about Miniboss, IMO, is the fact that they have a plethora of arcade games to choose from. I've always loved arcade games and that is probably why I love this spot so much. Whether you are looking for a spot for date night or to hang with friends, Miniboss is it. You can order food, have some drinks, and share good vibes. P.S. If you play your cards right, you might even get to play the games for free. read more

Stopped by here ad hoc while exploring the area! It's a lot larger inside than expected, kind of have like 3 sections all with different themes. Loved the pinball room! Our favorite game was actually the Initial D one! Didn't get a chance to try the drinks, but honestly its a fun vibe regardless and I would come again! read more

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A friend and I went to this place a couple nights ago, and was both of our first times going to a bar. There was a good selection of Halloween-style cocktails, and my favorite was the Ziggy Starburst! The place filled up quickly on a Friday night. We didn't actually get to play any of the arcade games, but there was a very wide selection. read more

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Miniboss is a must go to in San Jose, the vibe is always there and they change their decor to match the season. Currently it is Halloween season and every guest is enamored by the decor. Thursdays are freeplay if you want try different games. Food was fairly quick despite it being a busy night and the bartenders were very attentive. Got the potstickers and they were delicious, the sauce was different but very enjoyable. read more

Miniboss - Potsticker - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

The food I ate was not only the ramen but I also had some pizza and breadsticks with family, and potstickers too. I also had a discontinued mocktail named the PaperBoy which tasted amazing, same with the mocktail Harvest Sprite. The service was fast and courteous. The ambiance is awesome with old arcade machines, pinball machines, and some relatively modern arcade machines as well. The ambiance was very lively. Only downside that's a bit obvious is you need to be 21+ years old and they have security check your ID before entering. However, I highly recommend coming here with friends and family to have a fun night out with great food, drinks, and games. read more

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I always come for the drinks (my fav is shiny encounter) but last night I tried the calabrian sausage pizza and it was the best pizza I have ever had in San Jose. It was so good that it sobered me up . Also the place is so cute, perfect for a first date. read more

The food was really good. We got happy hour and non- happy hour items. The drinks are interesting. The concept is really fun and creative. Its definitely worth trying if visiting San Jose read more

I was looking for a fun evening to take my boyfriend out on a date. Miniboss popped up with a Halloween themed menu and it did NOT disappoint! If you're looking for dive bar drinks, go somewhere else! Only the best craft cocktails by Steven, who was absolutely amazing! He went above and beyond and entertained a couple old folks who were kid free for the night! The arcade games were fun, bring quarters or cash, but I had the most fun on the pinball machines. Looking forward to coming back for Halloween again and even Christmas! read more

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This was my first time visiting Miniboss when there wasn't a pop up (Halloween or Christmas). I saw they had re-done their menu so I had to come check it out. First of all the menu itself is SO cool, like a vintage game boy! So many drink options themed like classic game boy games and they have a happy hour from 5-7pm so needed to take advantage of what was on that menu too! I got the Starbound Bloom off the Kirby menu and had the Mario Party from the happy hour menu. Both drinks were delicious and potent! I had the sliders and a side of fries. The fries came out as mountain so they don't skimp there. This place is just such a cool vibe especially when you play the arcade games as well as eating and drinking and the staff is always super friendly. read more

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We've stopped in at Miniboss just for drinks a couple times, and it's a winner in our books. Great drinks and great bartenders read more

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My friends love to come here for the games, I don't really play the games but I always have a great day. For Valentine's Day they had a spin the wheel thing and I got squirt so he shot liquid into my mouth...not sure what it was lol but it was a good time ! read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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We had a great time at Miniboss. We went on a Thursday night and it was a FreePlay night. All the games were FREEEE!!! The staffs were super helpful and friendly. We ordered the mushroom and truffle pizza and it was delicious. Great vibe, amazing food, definitely a good place for group night or date night. Highly recommend!!!! read more

Randomly came here one night after a comedy show that we went to at SJ Improv. They have your classic old school games and a whole room for pinball machines. Drinks were Christmas themed and came in fun cups and tasted delicious. We were able to play a bunch of games while walking around and drinking. The place can get crowded, but there are some tables in the back where you can sit and wait to play or order food and eat. All in all, a great spot to have a couple drinks and have some fun. read more

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This was one of our stops during our night outing a few days before Christmas. This is such a fun idea, with arcade games available, and not affected by an inflation! ;) We didn't end up getting drinks here, as the holiday menu was the same as paper plane which we went to earlier in the night, but there is ample seating around. There are so many games to choose from, and unfortunately not enough time since we had a few stops after to check out. We ended up playing Pac-Man, which was an excellent value for two bucks for a four-player game. I then sunk quarters into Time Crisis 4; it was a bummer that there was no two-player option since the other machine wasn't working. Major nostalgia factor for me for this iteration specifically. Would happily hang out here in the future for drinks, food, or games! read more

Miniboss - Holiday theme and some neat art in the walls - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

A fun bar with very good drinks and comfortable seating. I would definitely come back here. read more

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Mini boss is a great place to hang out, bring a date, drink casually, and play some retro games! The vibe is nice, place is nice and clean, and the bathroom is clean! read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

This place is always fun and you can definitely spend an hour or two just playing a pinball game. Drinks are fun and unique too. I haven't tried the food besides the fries but those do the trick for drunchies. read more

The bartenders are super kind. If they messed up on your order, they can remake it with no worries. Seating is very limited and is very crowded. They have a drink and a food menu. There is usually a line outside. I would come if you would like to try a cool mixed drink. read more

I am still shocked how good the fries and the wings were! Like we came to drink, saw someone order them, they smelled amazing got them and ordered a 2nd round as a table...honestly might come back just for those! Other than that, service was great, drinks great, having fun with games was great read more

Great service and inventive drinks! The mixologists love to share the profile and presentation of their cocktails. The area is large with the main bar in the center. The perimeter has a variety of coin-based arcade games. The back area is used for pinball, eating, and lounging. I didn't have a chance to eat here, but it seemed like a simple menu with French fries and various fried foods. There is a decent variety of games but some are quarter-eaters, and some non-functional. There also aren't a lot of spots to set your drink while playing games, so maybe have a buddy hold your beer while you wash someone at Street Fighter. read more

Miniboss - Mogwai Tai, $17.50 - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California