Very rude and homophobic. Bouncers were cool. Bartenders were not ( Becca). Very rude and will not be going again. Becca does NOT care about safety of the bar or the people, just her friends. A fight broke out and I asked her to call the cops but they wanted to protect the bar's friends... read more

The staple local dive bar. Some may say this is not the best of areas but you're just fine unless you cause trouble. Super simple bar with pretty much everything you wanted. A couple pool tables. The draft beer list was short but pleanty of breweries around if ya want that. read more

Do I came in with a service dog and was refused service!!! Do I need to say more? Last time I was there a few years ago, they double charged for drinks. Horrible bar and horrible customer service!!! read more

Stay away! Worse service and if you like double standards then yes please come on down! Was looking for a local walkable bar and this is a 2min walk! But i guess I will spend my money at a business that really wants me not pushes me out for friends of bartender! Your locals, people in the neighborhood are more important were going to keep the business open, the friends of the bartender move with the bartender! So hopefully they remember that! read more

Charlene here was GREAT, amazing bartender who served our drinks perfectly! Pictured is the Pina Colada drink she made me & she was so understanding of me liking sweet drinks.... There was another bartender who switched with her though that made the drinks 90% alcohol and it made me throw up at home with home much was in the drink despite me telling her I don't like tasting the alcohol. The chick was unwilling to lower the alcohol for me.... Good thing was my boyfriend got the shot he wanted & enjoyed his drinks. What's nice is there is 2 hour parking right outside so no paid parking & the music is great, overall a great vibe in here but the fact I had 4 sips of a TERRIBLY made drink ruined the 5/5 star rating for me. read more

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Its ok, lots of changes with a few new bartenders. The floor is dirty AF, its a working class crowd. If you want a good bar experience, come before noon! I mean, i still go here but i know what im in for ya know. Don't bring any boujee dates here thats for sure. Beer is the main staple here and quick to make drinks...bloody mary an koolaids are big here. read more

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It's odd. Bears hibernate in dens. It's not far from The Bears to Willow Den. But the Den uses the symbol of a pig to say they're a "public house". Or a pub. The Bears is a pub. A dive. A juke joint. A pool hall. Most times, everyone in here is cool AF. Vinny always has his leather jacket on. He's half Native and people always confuse him for some type of Latino. The lovely Bessy allowed me to flirt with her and play her sweet music on the juke box. The pool tables play great. The felt is good. The tables are well maintained. Even the house cues are mostly all very good. And. The Bears is located on a very historic section of San Carlos, near their sister bar, Alex's 49er. This has always been a bit of a seedy area. Jerry Rice once got arrested around here looking for a happy ending. Somebody offered to show me a glory hole just a couple hundred feet away from the bears the other night. The area is filled with sex shops, strip clubs, bars, liquor stores, smoke shops.... Etc. But. I say The Bears rises above it all. It is a good place. The bartenders there are as tough as they need to be, and cool as fuck. Plus. I know how to get cussed out by the prettiest lady in the Willow Den (glad we were able to shake hands, lesbian Rita, who has a sweet dog and girlfriend. I am sure you are a kick-ass bartender.) And to the other lady, with the bandana. Yes. You were the prettiest lady in a room filled with beautiful women. I'm not going to be around here much longer. I'm just a kid from SJ, who has woman troubles. I'm moving to Cleveland. But when I return to visit CA, I know there's a great place to have a cold one and shoot some pool. A classy cocktail lounge? A seedy dive? The Bears is perfect. The bartenders there take care of those in need. Like a good bartender should. I've been thrown out of classier places than this. They didn't throw me out of here. But that tough beautiful woman wanted to kick my ass. I lost on purpose so I wouldn't have to play her. I don't like fights. And that pretty lady wanted to fight me. So I bounced right on out. Edit** "Katie and Jess" are both as classic as a good tender can be. I have faith in anyone who is behind this bar. The people who run it and hang out in it are classic people. Salt of the Earth. And there are Ethiopians on this block Cradle of life. read more

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Love the pool tournament. Talitha is amazing . While.... dealing with people she doesn't know, who instantly complain about rules and then tell her to pay for them... because they cant come up with .50 cents..... she is slingjng drinks and doin it all! Good times! read more

I've always loved this place! Till I was rejected cause of my pooch. Mind you my dog fits in my bag. Never a problem he's a 4 pound pooch. Was just looking for a drink. Thankfully Red Stag is a great place that accommodates! Don't bother. Stage has so mush more to offer! Better ppl and vibe! read more

I love this place. I might have to come check this place on my free time. Karina was very friendly plus she has beautiful eyes. Just for that I will have to come back play pool. read more

Shoutout to my favorite bartenders at this bar who are genuinely good and chill people, Katie, Elaina, Corina and Charlene. I always try to patron during their shifts for the best service. read more

I couldn't wait to get back to a computer update this review... The greatest thing about this bar is that most everyone is friendly. I love it! You can strike up a conversation or don't & watch whatevers on the TV's. The bartenders are great & the people are fun. You can't go wrong here!! =D read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

The worst bartender my buddies and I have ever encountered. Her name is Charlene and she typically works Saturday's. We all watched her as she served drink after drink to get customers completely drunk, and after taking all they're money she happily kicks them out. A insensitive, unprofessional and uncaring way to treat people. We were all shocked, and will never return. read more

Feeling down on your luck? Kept the party going for too long already and figure WTF let's find the outer limit? Not intimidated by sketch or maybe sketch is your sixth love language? Then Bears is for you. As far as I know, given my limited research, this may be one of the few bars on the west side that opens at dawn. Back door entry may be a right of passage in some circles, but at Bears you will literally want to enter through the back door right off the spacious and dimly lit (obviously!) parking lot. Now this is just a guess, but I'll bet you could find something other than what's pored from a bottle or drawn from a tap, should you be brave and curious enough to inquire. The place itself is split between 1) serious pool players, 2) solitary regulars, and 3) friends or groups of regulars congregating near the back door. There's a juke box. Bar seats about 15-20. Um, that's it. Drinks are cheap. Talk is cheaper. Get your drunk on and hope to God you wake up alone in your own bed when all is said and done. read more

The bartenders in the last 6 months - year have steadily gotten worse. Stop smoking outside and get to work! A year ago you could get a nice drink and find a bartender in the bar not any more. Have security on the weekends - before something bad happens! read more

Hello, Welcome to the Bear's, this is an awesome spot to chill & hang out with the regulars. The bartenders very cool, my favourite lady is Elizabeth (Liz.....) as we all know her as. Knows my drinks and watches for you, calls the Uber as needed. Plus karaoke every Friday and pool tournament most days.... prices reasonable. A plus is the bus stop is only a block away. I'll 've back again & again.... read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - The BEARS Liz..... - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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I received the worst service of my life here. The Bartender who someone said is also the manager. was more concerned with gossip than service. She seemed annoyed by having to stop her conversation long enough to pour me the worst Long island I have had in years. Do not recommend this place unless you like horrible service and bad atmosphere. read more

The manager Charlene is the rudest. Totally ignores me, walks by and doesn't even look my way. I dont think a manager needs to come in drunk on her days off, talking shit to people, when they say this is a dive bar, she fits right in.just rude for no reason, I've never met her or spoke to this woman, shes got issues! read more

I've been coming to the Bear's for a little over a year now. I love this place. All of the bartenders are the friendliest bartenders I've ever met! If you want a great time make the right choice read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - I love the Bear's! Sarah made me this delicious Manhattan with cherry vanilla bitters. To die for! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Cheap wells and good pours and open early, 6am. No food, but several places in walking distance to order from

Out of nowhere, this little dive bar popped on San Carlos St., which is fine by me since it is within walking distance from my apartment. A friend of mine hosts of a couple karaoke shows here on the weekends (Friday and Saturday), which are tough to get out to since the Normandy House Lounge and Goosetown both have killer shows on Friday and Saturday. With that said, I was in the area and decided to stop by here. Unfortunately, my friend was not hosting (so I need to come back and make my presence known for him). But a karaoke buddy from the Red Stag was running the show, so I went ahead and put in a couple songs. The first thing Jessica Y. and I noticed was that it was quite the crowd that random Friday evening. The bartender looked like she had experienced more in life than I ever will. You had a couple guys who could not speak English in the back corner. There was one girl, with tattoos all over her. There was one guy with a gray beard that seemed to be drinking heavily. And lastly, there was a larger bearded guy singing a Blondie song, wearing a moo moo, propping himself up with a cane, and sporting some shiny, super long acrylic nails. If he was trying to be a girl, he was doing a horrible job. Anyway, the KJ let me sing. I did the Van Halen version of "Pretty Woman" and since there really isn't much you can do to make the song anymore rock n' roll than it already is, I just did a couple air guitar strums and sang towards Jessica's direction with some slightly dramatic hand gestures. The two non-English speaking guys in the corner loved it (and by the end, so did everyone else as I got a huge applause). The two non-English speaking gentlemen bought me and Jessica drinks all night. Now that is my kind of bar. Anyway, if you like dive bars, with cheap drinks, interesting (and friendly) patrons, and karaoke on the weekends - then this might be a place to check out if you are over near West San Carlos Street. read more

My favorite bar on the planet and I've been coming here for 8+ years. Gina is the bartender is awesome and everyone's always chill.

Part of me wants to give this place 2 stars, but only so that people will think its shitty and not want to go in. but i wont because i have a moral compass...and that moral compass is pointed towards.. DA BEARS...wink wink. This fine establishment has two awesome bartenders, jenna and megan. they look like two chicks that could definitely kick my ass in the back of a dark alley, or anywhere in broad daylight. But they are very cool. The amount of tequila they poor in my glass of tequila sunrise is practically a borderline date rape attempt. They are very gracious. The crowd is....uhm...interesting. most definitely a bunch of old drunks like the other reviewer said. But that is what makes the place so charming. I love an old drunk who just talks a bunch of shit. They got two pool tables (1 of them is free on Mondays after 6pm with $2 beers) but my favorite is the photo hunt. any respectable dive bar has a touch screen game with erotic photo hunt on it.....hooray for titties! read more

Favorite dive at the moment! Went here because a friend drives passed it on her way home every day and is reminded of how badly her job makes her want a cocktail...perhaps from a bear. So one Sunday Funday we ventured here. We were immediately impressed! It's on San Carlos (we all know what that means) so I was surprised that the inside was as nice as it was. It's still a dive but it's clean and neat and sanitary. Appreciated! The bar was lined with older gentlemen whom you could tell were regulars. 1pm meant some were smashed, some were sipping and some were just watching my friend and I walk in. I expected to be hassled because of the latter but no! Everyone let us drink our drinks and have our deep girl talk without interruption. Any girl in her 20's knows how special a thing like that is when surrounded by drunken men the age of our fathers. Bar: I have a couple favorites for Bloodies and this is definitely top 3! Made from scratch right in front of you and filled with spice and plenty of vodka. A splash of Worchester, a dash of garlic salt, throw in a pickled green bean and bam, done! It was like watching a wizard. We had asked for very spicy so she gave my friend and I a shooter to test it before pouring the drinks. She pretty much had me at 'does it need more vodka?' But it didn't need more vodka, it was perfect. She automatically gave us water backs which I thought was thoughtful. I was only planning on ordering one Bloody but at $6 a piece I couldn't help but order two. I have been back several times thanks to the lure of that Bloody! Food: Every time I have stumbled in here on Sunday afternoons they have some sort of delicious item cooking away: BBQ, raviolis, chips and dips. I haven't ever helped myself but they are always so generous; making an awkward person like me feel completely welcome to spoon a large amount of pasta into a bowl and chow down right at the bar. Service: It is a tie between the drinks and the service as to which is the best part. The bartender on Sundays is a goddess in my eyes. She comes at me with a smile, a spicy Bloody and a glass of water and Im in heaven. She is so sweet, welcoming (as stated above) and quite on top of things. She is the only female in the bar aside from my friend and me but that chick could totally handle all the regulars there, and im pretty sure they all know it! On Fridays the bartender is different but just as great with drinks and banter. Once the Karaoke starts you can even catch her lip syncing along. Plus she totally keeps an eye on you when a weird Mexican guy with a strip club dream/offer starts hitting on you and your friend. I want to buy her an 'I appreciate you' pin. read more

IIIIIIII love this place! The bartender tonight was SO sweet, like someone I'd want to be friends with. She made strong drinks, and it was actually really cheap. It wasn't very crowded at all either for a Thursday night. Also, I live close by and see this place pretty occupied at 8:30 AM, if you're a day drinker. read more

No complaints! Been here a few times getting to know the regulars. Good prices. Bartenders are attentive and friendly. Served by jenna and liz on separate occasions. Brought the dogs and they got major cuddles, as they are dog friendly establishment. Such a plus cause I don't like leaving them at home. They often have free food for drinkers though it's always run out when I am there. It's a good gesture anyways. They got billiards and a claw machine with porn in it. Made me laugh the first time I was there. read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - The dogs lounging at the Bear Lounge - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

The reviews below are pretty accurate. Good vibes decent drinks good prices and always a character or two in there to strike a decent conversation up with. But Jenna.. Just because I asked a question you thought was odd (or perhaps too intellectual than other patrons.. No offense to all others) doesn't make me a cop. read more

I have a couple friends living near this place so I've come here a couple times while waiting on them for a couple drinks. The drinks are good and the pricing is also pretty good. That being said, I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. The first time I came, the bartender was awesome. She was friendly, laid back, and made terrific drinks. The second time I came here was a completely different story with a different bartender. She was impatient, unresponsive, and a little rude. I can understand if the place is packed, but when there aren't even that many people at the bar, it's a little too much. I know they have other bartenders though so I guess I'll have to keep coming here to figure out which ones are the friendlies =p read more

Best place for morning drinking! They are awesome for opening at 6am which is perfect for some early morning bloody marys. Their beers on tap do change which is pretty awesome so it is not the same beer all the time. Plus, they have tons more beer choices in their fridge. And, the bartenders that work here are really nice and friendly. read more

Girlfriend just broke up with you? Bottle broken over your head at the previous bar? If it's that kind of day, come on down to the Bears Cocktail lounge and they'll fix you right up. Artisanal specialities include a Well G&T and freshly popped Negra Modelo. read more

This bar rules! Wendy, Meghan, and Nuar are hot and awsome bartenders ..I been coming here for little over a year now and still love this place..This place has cool regulars and hardly ever any drama..Wendy aka (Wendy Poppins) makes the best bloody marys! I've made this place my home away from home..Best dive bar in town so check it out sometime..So those who've posted negative shit bout this bar..piss off! read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - Welcome to the Burbank! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Come here for cheap drinks, a sorrow to wash away, and an expensive juke box. Where you save money on drinks, you pay for the entertainment. Your call. The bartender on a Fri night at 8PM was really nice. Street parking was fairly easy right out front, but we were here pretty early for a Fri. The TVs were playing Darwin award type shows, made me kinda queasy :P read more

This is what I have been missing in my travels to San Jose. The perfectly skeezy dive bar. The bartender was great, she's as hyper as all get out, and remembers everyone's drink. The pool tables were really busy, with a very friendly crowd despite my Mighty Blackhawks beating the Sharks on big screen televisions. Very neat old wood bar, and a great atmosphere. I'll be back read more

I have to say this is the best dive bar I've been to...ever. I'm from Richmond VA, lived in Pittsburgh, PA 5 years, and live in Boston now, but this is the most hospitable dive I've been to. I came with my boyfriend and another couple, and while I was talking to the other lady in our group I got bumped intro (literally) multiple times by the same guy at the bar. I guess I'm too polite typically, but she and I tried to give him hints multiple times that we were not interested and failed, but the bartender here keeps a mighty watchful eye on patrons and he almost immediately stopped this guy from drinking and effectively ejected him from the place after. He also made sure that he didn't offend us, and even gave us a complementary cocktail after. Not to mention the booze is cheap, he poured a mean beer, most patrons are friendly, and he protected the women there from creeps. Bottom line 1)bathroom sinks are so specialized you know the owner cares 2) still divy enough to discourage doucheheads 3) the bartender is a class act who wants everyone to have a great night A frigging plus read more

Love The Bears! The servers are experts with drinks, which are very generous and reasonably priced. Wendy, the Manager, is just a jewel, and well-loved by all us locals. My favorite place to watch the Giants!!! Would give 10 stars if I could! read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - Wendy is ringing 'em up - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Came here before when it was the Glass Gecko, it was cool then too. Friday night went here with ArchieG. had a blast, broke down & even did karaoke. The crowd is nice and the variety of peeps is cool too. Pool rox- so mucho stars for that (even if it's a buck to play). Thanks Archie for bringin' me out. read more

The Bears is open early, so some may question the type of patrons the early hours attract. I live nearby, so I wanted to give them a chance at being one of my go-to local bars. My experience at The Bears was excellent. They have the typical weak American draft beers on tap, as well as a good craft-type IPA. The staff and patrons are friendly. They have TVs, tuned to sports mostly. Summary: Check out this excellent local pub. read more

Update a year on, couple cool bar staff now, although the place is a dump, they did finally pay for some new stools to sit on. Decor is drab, really its about who you know, if you frequent the place often and make friends you'll have a good time. Gina, Daria, Tina all been there a while now, hopefully the turnover stops, as its a drag on business when you lose your favorite bar tender. Oh and spruce up the place, the toilets are disgusting and never cleaned or stocked. read more

love this place super dive bar! Megan and Jenna can pour a drink and tell great stories! The kinda place you get what you give!! read more

The Bears Cocktail Lounge - Genna outfits! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

When it comes to dive bars, I just love this one. Drinks are poured with a heavy hand and never overpriced. The atmosphere is relaxed but not super grungy. The bartenders are also really nice and I also love that behind the bar the keep a ton of take-out menus for places that will deliver to the bar. The juke box has good music and the pool tables are in good condition. The mix of people is pretty interesting, sometimes I like watching generations of families who go out drinking together, weird at first then kind of fun. I can't remember how many people I have met here, when I think about the best place where to go out an socialize I always think of The Bears Cocktail Lounge, therefore, when I am in a good mood and I am in San Jose I always end up around stopping by this bar at least for one drink. read more