I live in the area and passed by a couple times. My cousin and I wanted to go somewhere low key to catch up and have a drink so we came to The Note Lounge. It was quiet, but our bartender Stephanie was so friendly and made our drinks perfectly. By 9pm at started picking up and there was a DJ, music and people dancing--it overall was a really fun time! read more

The Note Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

My bf and I live in the area and wanted to check out this neighborhood bar. We were hesitant since this seems like an older crowd, according to the limited pics/reviews. We went anyways and it was so wholesome! It was very lively on a Friday, they had a DJ and then karaoke later in the night. It was cool to see like a community in there, and everyone getting along. If you're younger, live in the area, and bored - doesn't hurt to come check it out! read more

Everybody treats us well & takes care of us very welcoming love the music and overall atmosphere. Always have a good time

The ambience is chill, nothing but grown folks. I love it. The staff is friendly. The drinks are good.

What a gem! We went there on a Tuesday night to listen to some music and have a few beers! Almost everyone there was a professional musician! They had a jam session and they sounded terrific! Friendly people too! We felt like we were at a concert! Definitely going back! read more

Drinks and bar are fine. Come for the community. They are slightly more mature but have a good time when there is karaoke. I would like to come again to watch the open mic karaoke or if there is a performance . read more

Update to the local note lounge. They are closing at the end of December 2023 due to property management changes and rising cost. They can no longer function at this location although they still have music Tuesdays jam session and Thursdays jam session and Sundays jam session.. The area will sadly lose another venue for live music Steve , the owner and his daughter Michelle have done a wonderful job as well as the bartenders who work there. read more

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Tonight was my first time going to this hidden gem! I loved Stephanie, the bartender! She is the reason I will definitely be back! Small, chill place, but definitely makes you feel at home! Cue music..... sometimes you want to go where every body knows your name... and they're always glad you came.... You get the vibe! read more

The Note Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

Super fun piano karaoke. Great ambience. Bartender was kind. Drinks were good. Loved the decor. Cozy and even kinda romantic

Had one of the best times dancing to the best old school music. DJ knows what he's doing and didn't skip a beat. Not crowded on the night I visited. Celebrating my birthday and the staff/manager/bartender made me feel so special. Brought me and my group out to the dancefloor while DJ played birthday song and they stayed and danced with us! I felt like family and will definitely be back! Did I mention the drinks are good, full bar and very safe establishment. A huge plus for CLEAN restrooms. read more

The Note Lounge - Celebrating with friends! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

Horrible service tipped a lot not even a smile - felt unwelcome. Go somewhere else . Never again read more

We just moved to the neighborhood and was so excited to go to this lounge because we thought we had a spot close to home but we were wrong. The bartender is extremely rude and didn't even acknowledge us until about 10 minutes of sitting there. After a few drinks she said she was going to kick us out because she said we were being loud. It was me and my husband literally just sitting here having a fun date night. The couple next to us left also because the same reason. They were set up to have a birthday party for the owner and from my observation she didn't want to deal with any outsiders just whoever was going to attend the party. Her name was Stephanie I believe.. total B@$#h this place lost 4 customers that night alone due to her shitty attitude. read more

Went to The Note Lounge for the first time last night. What a great experience! Love this place! I was there for the blues jam, and it was a great collection of musicians -- you never know who will show up to play. The vibe of The Note is friendly and feels like a party in someone's living room, which is exactly what I was looking for. I was there alone, but felt very welcome. read more

As highlights already mentioned, this lounge is for the older crowd. I bookmark this place when I was feeling adventurous and wanted to check out lounges in the neighborhood. Finally stopped by last night. Don't let the outside for you, since that is pretty chill. Small dance floor with a disco ball, nothing too big or crazy. Most of the patrons enjoy a bottle of Bud Light, nothing too crazy. Overall a nice environment, again for the older crowd. Credit card minimum $10.00 read more

They have a really good Blues Jam, hosted by Dennis Dove: Check their FB page for dates. This is the only event I attend here. The other Blues Jam is not as well attended by musicians. I would call this place a hole in the wall in an older, small strip center, near some Vietnames restaurants a lot of new apartment bldgs, and the Milpitas BART station. Space and its parking lot is small, so it's good for no larger than small groups. They allow you to bring in outside food, but you can't bring outside drinks. read more

The Note Lounge - a group of people playing music - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

My bestie and I went here two days ago after our dinner to hang out and drink. This bar is smaller and more intimate which we liked. We had such a great time! Our bartender, Stephanie Green, was super sweet and friendly! She knows how to make killer lemon drop cocktails!! They didn't give me a menu so don't expect food being served here. Overall I would come back here again. There were some older folks here and they didn't bother us so that was good. read more

The Note Lounge - Our bartender, Stephanie Green, was amazing! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

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Stephanie the bartender is FABULOUS. This bar went above and beyond my expectations for the RIGHT vibes and just a good time. Great music, fun dance floor, and wonderful people. Doesn't get much better than that. read more

We have been coming here for years and you only need to walk in the door to have a good time. If you need an attitude adjustment this is the place for you. Last night me and my girls popped in for an impromptu cocktail and because of our bartender Stephanie we laughed and talked and had a fantastic time. For great drinks and great service See Stephanie at The Note read more

First then here. First person to walk in. Quiet at first. Jade made me feel welcome and was personable. Then customers came in. Everyone fun, music great and well if you're not moving your body while sitting at the bar. Your rhythm is on lockdown. Walk in and be part of the party if you don't start the party. read more

I haven't been to the blue note in year lol. Can I come there and have a good time like I use to? And how about Tuesday night? read more

Defiantly a place for the older folks. Nice bar tender. And nice people. But for the older folks that like to get out. Music was ok. Didn't stay long. read more

Sad that the band is on the dance floor. If you are looking for live music and dancing go elsewhere.

My friend and I went there on a Tuesday night a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. It's Jam Night on Tuesday's and it was definitely jammin' with some great blues and jazz across all sub-genres. My friend, Vern, is a saxophonist so he brought his horn and sat in on a few songs. For the most part, the folks on stage were excellent. One vocalist was sub-par but nothing a few adult beverages can't solve! Had a GREAT time and it's definitely worth the 20 minute drive from the far end of Santa Clara. One of the highlights was grabbing a big slice of New York style pizza next door and eating it at the bar with an ice cold glass of Stella Artois. Absolutely heavenly! read more

The Note Lounge - Dave and Vern on Tuesday Night Jammz! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

I visited this place reluctantly due to a review I saw about them being Trumper supporters. That is not an issue. I pre-judged an I was totally wrong. Folks here were diverse individuals and I had a great time. I recant my reaction to someone's negative review. This will be my spot! Great drinks good jukebox selection of music. I hope to see them open the dance floor an have a DJ at some point. I also want to mention the bartender is kind an friendly makes good drinks. read more

Just moved to the San José area.. and I've gotta say.. this is my absolute favorite bar!! Love love love it. The people, the drinks, the vibes.. Definitely somewhere to check out! You're awesome Steve, Michele and the Crew! Always coming back! read more

Came in on a Friday night and very much enjoyed the casual and friendly atmosphere. We missed happy hour and DJ by 45 mins, but the bartender made up for it with generous pours in our cocktails-- win. A locals joint, for sure. Will definitely be back for live blues on Tuesday and Friday happy hour. Happy to support! read more

The Note Lounge - Obama, full-frontal with a mail slot in his crotch. Love it. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

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On the TV above the bar, the Giants were unfortunately going down to the Cards in the opening game of the National League play-offs, adding just the right note of melancholy to leaven the otherwise whoop-de-doop mood folks were feeling at the the weekly Sunday Night jazz jam in the pleasantly darkened confines of the Blue Note Lounge. Like one of the previous reviewers noted, this is a black hangout. Billie Holiday and Jackie Wilson posters.. Barack Obama cut-outs tacked on the walls. On Sunday evening at least it's mostly an older person's black hangout.. Or not really, but a hangout for anyone who appreciates some nice club jazz. The Gus Owens quartet, the house band, does its thing for about an hour and then they start letting guests up to the mic. The crowd is pretty friendly if you pop up to the bar for a drink. If you ask for time at the mic, they are, uhm, *nice* enough, and if you show you can hang with the band, they acknowledge that with whoops and hollers.. And lots of good singing and instrumentalists.. so lots of whoops and hollers Five dollars cover for the jam at the door. If their TV had shown the Giants *winning,* I'd be giving this place six stars.. read more

For what this bar is, It's great. I ended up taking a girl here on a date because I needed to find a bar that was middle ground. It has a very old and relaxed vibe to it. More like a locals bar rather than anything too fancy, but that's what I liked about it. The bartender was really friendly and accommodating also. It's not the fanciest bar around, but it's good for what it is. read more

Great place for the music of the 80's which I luv to dance to. Went to the Juneteenth after party here and everyone was wonderful, friendly and accommodating. Great beans and rice to eat while having cocktails. The DJ was awesome. I was visiting from Pismo Beach and we have zero black clubs so this was refreshing to experience. The Juneteenth celebration in the park had the best music. Music I never get to hear on the central coast. I will be back next year and also stop to say hi to my new friends at the blue note. Shout out to Sharon and Stephanie. read more

Used to be there regularly last year until I moved little further away. Great place to go. Definitely I'll come back. read more

The Note Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Milpitas, California

This is a cozy, little joint I enjoy having drinks at any day of the week. I suggest this spot to all my friends and folks I meet looking for a laid back place to have a drink with loved ones. read more

Awesome night at the Note!!!! The new bartender Patrick made my friends and I the BEST Cadillac margaritas!!!! Dj was also good, he played requested songs quickly and his own set was also on point. Next time I am in town, I will definitely return read more

Whats with these reviews? If you went in based only on the other reviews you would be in for a surprise. CMON@!!!! Tell it like it is! Its a black bar. I dont mean dark or goth I mean African American black. Its also an older crowd. 5 stars? Amen! A bar is only as good as its bartender. This place is like cheers. You instantly become friends with the staff and youre no longer going to a bar...youre going to visit a friend. Hi Kat!!! Hi Sharon!!! Whats up bossman Steve!!! Been going here for YEARS. Even had my picture on the wall for a while. Sip on some beer while munchin on cracklins with crystal hot sauce. It dont get much better than that. Davids bottom line- Stiff pours, good prices, great bartenders. Dont expect to meet a bunch of hootchies. Hit on these ladies and they will probably punch you. read more

Saturday night, our plans fall in. The club we planned to go to is at capacity. What to do? My friend turns to me and says "Have you ever been to the Blue Note?" I say "No where's that?" "Jo you have to check it out it's an 'experience.'" It's definitely a no frills bar with a much older crowd. But almost everyone was nice. People were up dancing and having a good time. They were playing a lot of old jams. I can vouch for the Long Island that's what I had. Whew I was so used to the watered down drinks you get at a club those drinks were strong...thanks Kat! We had a good time. read more

Having lived in the area for years, I have to say my boyfriend and I have passed by this place a million times and have never been inside. Yesterday was my birthday and we were looking for a place to have some celebratory drinks and listen to some good music. We agreed on karaoke and went looking for something local. The first place we went to turned out to be surreal (private rooms, older men with very young dates and exorbitant fees) so we left. I looked up karaoke on my smart phone and The Blue Note Lounge popped up, so I called and asked them if they had karaoke. Yes, they have karaoke but, it's only on Thursday. What to do? We finally decided to go to the bar that we pass all the time and see if they were open. It turns out the place was The Blue Note Lounge! LOL! This place is a neighborhood gem tucked away in a strip mall that is reminiscent of times gone by. We settled in at the bar and were warmly greeted by Kat tending bar and the local clientele. The atmosphere was cozy and the jukebox was amazing! We grooved to Donny Hathaway, Charlie Wilson and Sade, while sipping champagne. We had the best time conversing with people, dancing and making new friends. This is definitely going to be our go to place during the week from now on. We found out that Thursdays (karaoke) and Sundays (jazz/blues) are the days to stop by. I totally recommend this lounge for people who want to kick back some drinks and enjoy a good hang with friends. What a great find! read more

Nice authentic bar with a small dance floor and a dart play. Friendly host and good drinks. read more

I Came here w/ a friend who lives in Milpitas and frequented this place last week . It was a Thursday night (9pm) and it was a Chill atmosphere w/ the majority of the patrons being an older crowd. It wasn't as busy when we arrived but around 10pm it was almost a full house. Although I initially liked this spot, the low rating is because of the experience I had w/ a bartender. My friend & I had been sitting at the bar for a couple of hours buying drink after drink and making sure to tip the lady bartender after each round. When we were ready to go, I asked if I could get some water and when she proceeded to give us bottled water I said tap water was fine. She completely ignored me and put the water down in front of me. I asked if I could get tap water instead and she shook her head no. What kind of establishment denies their customers tap water?? They Definitely lost 2 customers that night. read more

There are some bars where you want to get introspective at....this is one of them.... It's dark, dank and can range from lively to brooding. They have food during some afternoons. The patrons feel like they're out of central casting. You feel like you're in some place seedy (not in the land stripmalls!!!)---but it's a good feeling. It's also walking distance from the county jail so it's the perfect place for a post bail/ post jail beer. If they're not open, the AM/PM on the other side of the parking lot will be and they sell beer there too. Yes I just typed that. read more

It's an interesting place to get a few drinks and chill. The little shop is pretty relaxing in a sense and the drinks are decent! Beer on tap in super cold mug? Awesomeness in a mug. It's snuggled between the pizza place and I believe the water store? I honestly can't remember but hopefully you can't miss it! I'd probably grab dinner at the best pizza place next door, the Colosseum then walk on over to grab a drink to let my food digest. read more

I enjoy Blue Note Lounge from time to time. During the week, things are slow and laid-back with a healthy does of rich R&B ranging from the contemporary to classics of the 70's and 80's. Kat will greet you kindly as you step up to the bar and ask you watcha havin'. The denizens of this bar lean mostly toward the older crowd but draws in youth as well. On one of their two televisions, you'll find a game, or news, or some other type of programming -- it's just your neighborhood bar. The bar is typically dimly lit and between that that, the laid-back crowd, and the music, it makes for a great place to curl up with a date and work her in to the mood -- not that I've ever tried that, of course. Note that on the weekend, the dynamic changes completely. Very crowded, faster-paced music, and a cover charge. read more