My boyfriend and I popped into The Continental on a random weeknight. It was pretty empty when we walked in, but the music was going off -- super vibey house/electronic tracks that made the whole place feel alive even without a crowd. The lighting was really nice too -- kind of that moody, ambient glow . I could totally see this spot being a perfect pregame bar on the weekend before hitting the downtown SJ clubs. We just grabbed a vodka soda and a Stella Artois, and heads up -- that ran us $27. So yeah, expect to spend a little. But for the atmosphere and vibe, I wasn't mad about it. Overall, it feels like one of those places that's chill during the week and probably wild on the weekend. I'll definitely come back to see it in full swing. read more

The Continental Bar - Stella Artois and a vodka soda - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

They told me the cover fee was $10 but would not take cash. And then they ended up charging my card $15. When did this place turn into such a scam? read more

If you like to watch older men dance to techno and zombie over the dj booth then please go. Do not waste your extra $5 cover charge to go into the "speak easy " in the back . It is a room that is maybe 20x20 with tables that are all reserved and a small dance floor . It's $5 cover charge . It was a night of a never ending song . They do not serve food. read more

The Continental Bar - Crowd - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Just stopped in to use the toilet, but it was very clean! And the bartender was so friendly! read more

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Expanding my San Jose map, and glad we stumbled across this place on a Friday night. Very chill and simple place to grab a cocktail or mixed drink with your friends. Inside is definitely darker, bar tenders were very friendly, and a lot of open space to sit, walk around and dance to the dj. However we truly enjoyed the backyard patio vibes. An enclosed area with nice heated fire pits and comfy couches. It was the perfect balance to catch up with friends while sipping the night away. Will gladly come back to visit when starting my night off again. read more

The Continental Bar - Patio - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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A downtown SJ bar. We were walking by and stopped in to watch the end of the Niner game. Nice selection of spirits and beer. Unfortunately the bartender was more interested in talking to a coupe girls than attending to a few other groups. Service was slow. read more

Came back again and this time I got the Honeypot--wasn't a fan. It was too creamy/sweet for an alcoholic drink but I should have expected that based on the description. Still good service and ambience here is nice so I'll for sure return :) read more

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Came here on a sat and the vibe was really chill and cool. I like that it wasn't too packed like sardines. There was enough room to move and dance. I think they were playing techno because the visuals on the monitor reminded me of Anyma. The drink was good! I got the el vindicador? Very fruity and good. There's 2 areas with 2 different dj booth, the indoor part and the outdoor area. Overall, I would come back! read more

I waited 20 minutes for a drink. The bartender continued to skip me and my friends (women) and served straight men who just walked in. The bartender tried to charge me for just a soda and I pointed out he continued to skip us. I do not pay for the soda. Homophobia d and misogyny? No thanks. read more

We went during the Christmas season so I bet it was slightly more packed than usual because DTSJ is kinda dead nowadays. Its a big space and they have loud music and a dance floor. I didn't see too much dancing but it was fun, but really contingent on the group you are with. The drinks were okay, not weak but not strong and it was easy to order. They had tables where you can set your drink. I don't remember much on the music which means it wasn't memorable lol Overall it was a decent experience and it definitely reminded me of my college days... San Jose is still very much Man Jose lol read more

Ordered the Vieux carre and whiskey world. Vieux carre was well made and not sure of the whiskey world. It was the first time we tried it, but can't taste the whiskey or luxardo and way too tart. If you're going to call something whiskey world than I should taste whiskey. Maybe less lemon and more whiskey and luxardo? It has a decent vibe, bartenders were personable-ish, but the music was way to loud and not quite fitting the vibe. Don't get me wrong, love me a head banger ball, but not during cocktail hour. read more

The Continental Bar - Vieux carre and whiskey world - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

The Continental is an awesome bar and lounge for watching sports. Not only do they have a large amount of TV's inside, but the size of these TV's is massive, not to mention the excellent sound and picture quality. Yes, these things make a difference when you're a sports fan. On a Thursday night, there was plenty of seating available inside as well as in the outdoor patio, which has beautiful colorful decor and lighting, and a projector used for special occasion (no TV's outside). Inside there was a combination of bar seats, lounge seating, and picnic style tables and benches. Just a really clean, inviting, spacious atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to witness the Warriors win their 4th NBA championship in 8 years, while enjoying some of the venue's specialty cocktails. The Up Side Down was delicious, the pineapple flavor more sweet than tart, the way I like it. And the whiskey sour was a bit too frothy, possibly overshaken, but no complaints otherwise about the quality. Service was fine, but one noteworthy issue we had is when we ordered the Up Side Down cocktail from their menu, one of the bartenders said he was new and didn't know how to make it. That is so bad, lol. I later went to a different bartender, and he served me the drink, no hesitation, no problem. This place turns into a nightclub setting later at night, complete with a DJ and dancefloor lights. And it wasn't too busy on a Thursday night. Their website states the Changing Same every Thursday features a mix of music including rnb, afrobeat, soul, hip hop, house, and funk. The music was cool, but I didn't really come here to party, so it was good to just enjoy conversation and drinks while listening to old school jams like "I Wonder if I Take You Home" while celebrating an exciting Warrriors victory. read more

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Fun lively atmosphere, friendly staff, great art ample space for dancing the night away!

Nice place. We asked if they served food and were told they don't have a kitchen but we could bring food in. So we brought in some food from the market next door and enjoyed some cocktails with our dinner. The bartender is very friendly so for sure we'll be back! There's plenty of seating and a few sofas in the corner. read more

Came on a Friday night, and the place was mostly empty with some scattered small groups in the back patio area and upfront by the main bar. Pretty easy to get into and there was no cover. They did have two DJs, which seem to be a little over the top, considering how small the crowd was. The main type of music they were playing here was House music which, if that's your jam, great. We probably came on a specific night, but they really didn't deviate from the theme at all. We ended up getting bottle service here as we came after dinner and the bottle price was what you would expect for going out downtown. The mixers were not that great, in particular the pineapple juice. However, the server was very attentive. I will say that and made sure our group was well taken care of.might be better on other nights, but I'm not in any rush to come back considering the amount of other spots on the same street that looked a little bit more fun. read more

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This is a fun little bar in downtown San Jose. It is a bit off the beaten path but worth it. Bar tenders are friendly, prices for drinks are decent and it's super cute. I love that they have an outdoor area out back too. read more

The Continental Bar - Patio Fire Pit - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

First time here and this spot has nothing but great vibes and amazing locals that hang at this bar. Full bar and good selection of beers on tap. They have an outside patio out back if you're not feeling like being indoors. They have a medium sized dance area where everyone just hangs and dances without judgement. The staff and security is excellent here and it has a welcoming ambiance. If you're ever in town definitely stop by this bar it'll be worth it, for a great night out. read more

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Great drinks!! Can I say the drinks are gourmet? Cause they tasted amazing! The bartenders are welcoming. I came on a Thursday and the vibes were vibing. read more

The Continental Bar - Peaberry Dreams - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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This is one of the few bars on San Jose that is all about the dancing and music. Each time I've been here, The continental has played an eclectic variety of House music and the dance floor has been lively and full of good energy. They have a back room as well, which has another small bar area, seating, and more open space. This is a fun place to go if you want to dance and enjoy good music! read more

I love the continental. Great music, cool atmosphere and delicious cocktails. My review is for Isabel. She greeted our group of 12 as soon as we walked in. She explained to us our options between ordering at the bar, getting bottle service, or ordering through her. We decided to order through her and sat at a large table. She was kind, attentive and funny. The drinks were delicious but as someone else stated in a previous review, they will give you their take on a drink. (We ordered Palomas and they came with mezcal. Would prefer if we were asked if mezcal was okay) Drinks are pretty pricey at $15 each for cocktails but they are super good! Isabel was a great server and made the experience all the more better. We were in and out in about 30 mins as we were doing a bar crawl. She was super fast getting our drinks and shots out and was friendly - definitely made me feel that the $15 cocktails were worth it. Really bummed to see all the reviews about discrimination. Despite us being a younger group of folks we didn't experience that. We also didn't get charged a cover but we showed up pretty early - 9:30pm on a Friday. I agree with other Yelpers that if there is a dress code it should be posted somewhere. I'm glad we had a great experience but sad that management hasn't addressed the comments of others. read more

A must if you are in the San Jose area! Ask for my dude Shannon he's the best mixologist in sj period. Ask him to make you a peach sour, it's his own creation and super addicting. read more

The Continental Bar - Adult beverage - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Awesome hangout for a Friday night, spacious and clean environment, great food and prices were reasonable

Hi Vee - Not sure how 3 stars is "dinging" you as you have at least 32 other 3 star reviews that you haven't responded to (plus a lot of 1 and 2 stars as well and a 3.5 star average). As you mentioned we brought 50 people and a lot of business to your otherwise slow Saturday night so you made quite a bit of money off of us (not sure why you would want to fleece us more with a cover or "rental fee" when we were the majority of people there). When we talked there was no mention of an automatic 23% service fee. I don't mind the 23% fee that much (although 23% seems high) but then my group tipped on top of that (which is way high). As I mentioned, I liked your bar and our group had a good time but a lot of my group complained so it went from a good to an ok night. Have a good one! read more

Sour mash from the well. Smooth straight. Hint of cinnamon touching the back of the throat. Pleasant cloying feel. Warmth spreads from my throat to my chest after the first sip. Music mix caresses Ears to soul, Enveloping. Path less trodden with Mad Men and Dreamers. Lost and found on South of First Street Blues read more

The Continental Bar - Sour mash - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Incredibly frustrated with my experience at the Continental. I rarely give negative reviews, but my experience with management at the Continental was unfortunate. I've been a few times to this bar, and I do find it odd that they charge a cover fee for what I consider to be a casual bar, but that's fine. I was more frustrated with waiting at the bar for another one of my friends to arrive, but he wasn't let in because of his joggers because security considered them sweats - fine. However, we noticed other members in the bar were actually wearing sweats. Upon looking online I didn't see anything about a dress code, and felt very upset that management only seemed to enforce this "dress code" that isn't posted anywhere on my friend who is a poc and not on other patrons. When I brought it up to management, they were rude and dismissive despite this being a sincere concern of mine and from the other reviews - this doesn't look to be an isolated incident. The cover fee isn't justified, and frankly, the management style of this bar is enough for me to never come by again. read more

It's giving wack it's giving no. First things first the security bouncers are rude, and second the music was so wack I could not. The whole set up was so tiny and crowded too. Girls got in free but men had to pay the $5 cover charge. This place isn't worth the $5 it was so lame beyond belief. They were playing trance and house music but the vibes were not it, save that for vegas. I would skip this joint for sure because it was wack city!!!! read more

I have been waiting so long for this place to open back up!! I remember always ordering the cucumber fizz and they tried to replicate. Came out really good! I can't remember what my husband ordered though. They drinks are very expensive, so would probably come after dinner on my way home for a night cap. Always a fun atmosphere and like sitting by the garage doors when open. Nice spot for a drink before or after a date night dinner, but anything more it is just too expensive. read more

The Continental Bar - Yummy cocktails. - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Rude bartenders. Asked for a menu and was told, "If you order something from there it'll slow us down." Mind you there was maybe 12 people inside on Saturday night. Ok, how's this for an easy order (I walked out). Also, the tribal-orgy EDM music they were playing was terrible. read more

FYI, you're not allowed to enter this place with any clothing from Bay Area sports teams and short sleeve shirts. I came by this place on a Monday night, and the bouncer said me and my friend couldn't come in because I had on a Golden State Warriors shirt and my buddy had on a button up shirt w/ the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I can understand me not be able to come in, but no button up shirts w/ the sleeves rolled up? Especially on a hot San Jose night and it's a Monday? Mind you there had to have been only 10 people inside (now I know why). The bouncer wasn't rude about it and almost gave the "I don't make the rules" speech. He stated it was their policy of NO Bay Area sports teams and short sleeve shirts. Pretty odd for a place that's not that upscale. Good luck going to a San Jose Sharks game and afterwards trying to enter this San Jose bar. read more

Cool spot for a date night! This company is known for bars with vibes so if you're looking for something to do with a date on Wednesdays or Thursdays, this spot is a vibe. read more

I hate to write any negative reviews. It is still 4 stars because of Shannon and the overall experiences I've had previously. I wouldn't care if it wasn't involving an allergy. The menu has 2 drinks of different names with the same ingredients. (The Lolita and Dutch Flower) I didn't realize that until I had an allergic reaction to my drink, a sip into it. I ordered a Dutch flower, thinking it was Tequila and StGermain, but it was actually Gin and StGermain. I'm allergic to Gin and was served a drink with Gin in it. The bartender acknowledged the menu had a typo. Tossed my drink then made me a new one, but asked about my tab like she was going to charge me for my drink. She said something about the time between when I ordered the drink and found the issue. If you take a drink and dump it you cant charge me for both of them. You can't acknowledge you know about an issue, then have an attitude when you have to correct that issue. Especially when I clarify its an allergy. It is still a good place to go, but how this was handled was definitely not right. It should be easy to correct an online menu issue, and if you can't fix it staff should definitely make the effort to clarify what drink is actually trying to be ordered. A simple " Tequila or Gin" would've worked instead. I know the bartender didn't take me seriously when I said I had an allergy, so this is for her knowledge. I'm allergic to cilantro, and the seed of it, coriander, which if she doesn't know is the second botanical in most gin. I understand it's not her fault that the menu was wrong, but there are so many steps along the way she could've taken to prevent the issue, and how she could have handled the issue better. Instead of having a good night with friends, I spent it with hives all over my face and puking after 1 drink. read more

The Continental Bar - The actual Dutch flower containing Gin. Photo found on yelp after I left the bar. - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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Shannon made me his creation, "peach sour" !! this is my favorite drink here at the Contintental. Ask for it next time! good ambiance. smooth music. good environment. shannon is a good hospitable bartender. very personable! read more

The Continental Bar - peach sour - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH to the sweet bartender/waitress who brought me a water outside tonight. I really appreciated the empathy & the quick chat about people we lost... I was the sweaty Asian chick in baggy camo pants who was dancing hard 90s raver style in the front of the main room... I tried to stay as long as I could because I wanted to get her name & say thank you one more time before leaving, but I didn't feel well and left. I'll be back next week or the week after & I'll bring some cash for the tip jar. (What's the bartender/waitress' name? Pretty, dark haired... I think Latina? I'd like to say thank you properly the next time.) Also, this is an awesome place if you love house music.... I come here just to dance. Solo or with friends. read more

I'm from Fresno, staying here for the night and came in this bar for the first time! By far the best customer service as I stepped foot in this place. From security to the patio! Our bartender Shannon made me the best drink ever! I walked to the patio and Chris talk to us and informed us about the scene in downtown San Jose! I would recommend anyone that is here for the night or just looking for a place for amazing drinks and service with an amazing atmosphere! The vibes and music are on point! Thank you everyone for taking care of us and to all the customers and I will be back soon! read more

The Continental Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Came in on a Tuesday excited to try a new place out was so disappointed with the service we sat at the bar without getting greeted or served . The two bartenders kept making eye contact and still no help. When we finally got service the drinks were not the best :( very disappointed with the over all experience. We can tell they rather service and cater to a specific type of person. read more

The Continental Bar - The bartenders working the shift pretty empty bar and took to long to get help - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Love this place! Great house music, great drinks. Not ridiculously crowded, not bougie. Looks a little upscale but super chill! Only dress code that I'm aware of is no sports teams attire. But why not dress up?! read more

I've been both a customer of the bar and a vendor (florist). The owner was super friendly and welcoming. Shannon makes the best Old Fashions. Very well balanced and fragrant with orange. Luis is also a great bartender. If you are looking for a place to have a private party or wedding reception, this is a great venue since it has an outdoor patio as well. You can bring in your own food which is such a plus. Floral arrangements by @projectfleur, day of coordination by @foreverloveweddings.co and Music by @djnowayjose77 read more

The Continental Bar - Private lounge area for the family. Florals by @projectfleur - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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Is it okay to use "cool" still? Well anyway, if I had to describe this place I would say it's... Pretty cool. I'm a fan of 55 south a couple of streets down and Continental's environment felt similar with cool additives and features. Surprised it took me this long to discover this place. Structure takes that wooden feel in a dim setting. I like that. I don't want lights all up in my face, but the dim lighting is still enough for me not to accidentally grab someone else's drink and make a fool out of myself. Outdoor area was a huge plus. They have a projector out there, nice fire pits with seating, and a grub shack. I believe the grub shack is only open on weekends. It was closed on the Tuesday I came by but I will certainly come again on a weekend to take full advantage of the grub shack. I like bars that consider the fact that these drunk people are probably hella hungry. Take my money! I'm drunk and I want food! Anyway, that'll probably be me the next time I come. read more

The Continental Bar - Outdoor fire pit :-) - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

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Maybe you were out all day in the San Jose 90 degree heat and in a plain white T and came here directly after.... Don't expect to get into this place... hopefully you live close to home and can change - I couldn't. Interestingly enough a V neck white shirt is ok but a white crew neck shirt isn't. I'm all about rules so I think other Yelpers who 1 stared the place because they happen to be in casual attire that day are a bit harsh. I've been before and it is a pleasant place. Minus two stars for not having clear dress code easily visible (assuming its hidden there somewhere) on their website as of 5/29/16. Would be nice if on their website they would post about their dress code. Its more expected at a club but this place is called, "The Continental Bar." From looking at other yelp reviews looks like jeans may or may not be acceptable? (They were acceptable last night for my group.) From looking at other reviews watch out for baggy dress shirts - I would recommend tucking them in. If you want a more relaxed night/dress code Paper Plane (more of a bar feel) and 55 South (more of a lounge feel) are good bets. read more

The Continental Bar - If its a 100 degrees and your in shorts and a white tee better bring a big bag of clothes - dresscode strictly inforced.... - Lounges Near Me - San Jose, California

Well I did like this bar when I first arrived but as I was leaving the bartender made a snide comment which is a guarantee I won't be back, and Imma tell everyone I know about the experience I literally over-tipped him (25%) and he had the audacity to say "thanks for the tip even though you didn't" First of all, I did tip. Second of all, even if I didn't, is that necessary? Lol. Bartender is a douchebag. read more