Wow! Their prices skyrocketed in 2022. They're taking advantage of the current inflation issues to gouge their customers. Still, the poke bowl was pretty great, and a nice food option for an airport. Menu pics are from April 2022. read more

Trader Vics - Poke bowl. Very nice presentation. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Want a good balanced drink and a real good buzz before the flight? Ask for the Dominic (GM) special, AKA on menu 'Tututupo Tiki', delicious and best bang for your buck. Min 3 shots of 151, and tastes fresh. Beware of potency, but great if you like that tropical vibe and a creeper. Not too sweet, just right. Cheers. read more

Chicken Katsu Review The worst food I've ever eaten at a restaurant. It's supposed to be Hawaiian food but it's lineally uncle Ben's rice with cardboard baked chicken. The Hawaiian macaroni salad is a joke. Drinks may be good but pass on the food. The best thing on the plate was the canned pineapple. read more

Trader Vics - Chicken Katsu - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I was waiting to be seated and when I asked for a table for one was told I could sit at the bar. I said that I would like a table and was told that he was behind and that I would have to wait for 10 to 15 minutes to sit down as he walked away from me saying he was under staffed. I understand being busy and under staffed but being rude and walking away is unacceptable. Needless to say, I left. read more

Went to trader vics at SJ Airport. Food is a bit pricey given the location, drinks too. But everything tasted great, server was great, friendly, fast and efficient read more

We had wine and dine steaks dinner at Trader Vic"s Emmeryville CA a few times prior to pandemic. Re-visited last Friday for lunch and cocktails and enjoyed fantastic bay view dinning room, ordered 2 cocktails Vics Grog with light n dark rum rated 4 stars slightly watery because 1/3 ice added? Tasty best of whole meal were 2 appetizers coconut shrimps and Crispy Calarmari. Rated 4 stars, dessert creme Brulee was good served warm in Hello ceramic coconut bowl. Unfortunately 2 entrees came and we were shock and totally disappointed. The Beef n Reef was so salty/not edible and dried, tough chewy. They overcooked it, left dried up on stove top?!!! $39 over priced ,only beef dish on menu. My husband's Beef Hamburger at $24 had ultra thin patty which is worse than BIG MAC served in fast food??? They were rated 2 stars They have terrible limited choice lunch menu and outrageous $$$$?!!! Total bill came to $165/lunch for 2 people who wanted good meal for early birthday celebration!!! Base on food quality and service. This is no longer our go to restaurant in Emeryville Marina. East Bay foodies read more

My husband and I come here before every flight to get some tiki drinks! The service is average-good. You can either sit at the bar (fills up quick) or at one or the tables and you'll get your order taken by a staff. Each time we've been there, that staff has been friendly and attentive. The drinks have always been on spot, but remember your paying inflated airport prices, so a cocktail runs ya about $18. The part I can't get behind at this place is the food....I ordered a chicken katsu lunch plate and could barely eat any of it. I LOVE Hawaiian food, so it's not like it was something I wasn't used to. The Mac salad (usually my favorite) was bland and filled with ham and pineapple, not in a good way. The chicken was also flavorless and the sauce was not great, and the salad and very under ripe mango on it. I will totally be back here for an overpriced fun tiki drink, but will pass on the food. read more

Trader Vics - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Rude server, condescending and acted super busy and loud, did not bring all entrees out at the same time, one was delayed by 10+ minutes

I was super thrilled to come across this gem at the San Jose airport when my flight was delayed. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy any liquor but because I'm obsessed with tiki bars, I had to come and enjoy a virgin piña colada. It was delicious! Seriously the only thing that would make it better, is making it a non-virgin alcoholic beverage. The vibe in hear is super awesome as well. They do an amazing job here of insulating you from the craziness going on around you outside of the restaurant. Lastly service here is really good! I look forward to coming back here and enjoying an adult beverage and trying their food! read more

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I will always suggest the last Trader Vic's on earth even if it is in an airport concourse and the server only had about one more ounce of patience with us. Salad and tropical cocktail while I waited for my flight out of San Jose. It could be a lot worse and for the price, I got to sit down and not have every table taken by tech executives having a meeting in their headphones. read more

Spent almost $90 here... I had to argue to get a straw!! My wife has sensitive teeth and a straw helps. Server said manager told them not to give it out because of cost. I still game a generous tip and made sure to compensate $0.39 for the straw. Will not come back here again! read more

Literally the worst airport takeout ever The food was cold, dry and almost stale Cold clumpy rice Terrible Zero flavor I had the poke bowl Never again read more

I'm disappointed. The service was ok, but the food was not. The loco moco dish was overpriced at $22 for the portion size, the patty was so overcooked that it hurt to chew, and the scrambled eggs was so dry it felt like plain, powdered eggs. It was odd to find pineapple chunks in the macaroni salad, but it was more palatable than the entire meal. I loathe leaving food on the plate, but I couldn't finish this dish. Service was quick, the staff seemed overworked but at least pleasant. Probably won't return unless it's for the drinks. Those looked fun. read more

I like Trader Vics and was happy to see a location here. I got a Tuna poke bowl from here which was pretty good, just wish there was more of it. They have lots of seating and the service was prompt and friendly. I would say this is the best dining at SJC. read more

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Great selection of tiki drinks mainly rum based while waiting for your flight. The waiter wasn't very friend or attentive but the drink was solid. Would come back here to try the other drinks. The Mai Tai I had was delish! read more

Trader Vics - Mai Tai - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

The strong tiki drinks had me flyin' (pun intended) You can sail up to this Trader Vics at gate 22 in the airport. Made for a fun bit of a wait for my flight to Mexico. Admittedly being in an airport robs the ambiance a lot but the drinks are great and food is so much better than the other fried food options at the quick serve restaurants in the terminal They actually did a really nice job decorating the place. Chairs are pretty rad. Lucky Tip: out of town travelers, swing by the outpost (directly across the wall way) for a quick swag grab and food to go. You can grab a clean boxed mug to go and fill it with your grog when you land. The blue SJC tiki mug (16 ounces/$21) has a California logo on the back with a star in the Bay Area. The food menu is small but they are opening a full kitchen in late August 21 and they will expand their menu. Open from 8am-10:35pm m-f Saturday 8am-930pm read more

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Last night we went to dinner to celebrate Nadia's 23rd Birthday. Overall, I would give Trader Vic's a 3/5 stars. 1. Drink menu is vast and reads fabulous on paper, but they are weak and waaay too much ice. 2. Appetizers were fabulous. Definitely a hit. 3. Entree's were delicious. Everything was very fresh and presented nicely. Next time, we would pass on the fries. 4. Desserts were 'ok'. Nothing to write home about and this is the only restaurant I've ever been to that brings out a birthday dessert and charges you for it! They brought her a plain vanilla sundae with toasted coconut (she doesn't even like coconut) and then charged $9 for it. Had we known we were paying, we would've gotten her a dessert she actually liked. 5. It was $330 for 4 people but it just missed the mark with the drinks (although fun), and the desserts. 6. The atmosphere might bring it to 3.5 stars but it would be generous. Next time, drinks at Forbidden Island before the meal and skip the dessert. read more

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There is nothing to say all the details but a horrible experience ! I was so embarrassed front my sister and our best friend. The server was so slow and lazy to serve us with the delays between the 1st drinks and senconds drinks, and meal orders did not even give us napkins !!! I never had such a horrible experience in the past !!! One piece of advice! If you ever have a bad day, don't ever you take it against other customers ! He ignored us for 30 minutes until he brought our 2nd rounds of drinks , which it was dropped off by another server !!! . We had to wait too long till he got the food order !!!!! Seriously!!!!!!! Your manager should train you better than that !!!!!Wow !!!!! We are not going to eat in that restaurant anymore!!!! He even charged us extra for the drink that we didn't have!!!! read more

Stopped by the bar for a quick drink before our flight. The bartender was friendly and served my drinks in a cute cup. read more

Trader Vics - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Great addition to SJC! Came around 8pm when the bar was full and they could only offer to-go drinks (which you can enjoy throughout the terminal), but a seat opened up and I quickly snagged it. It was a great experience to sit at the bar. From the extremely friendly service by the manager at the front, to the bartender (bartenderess?) who expertly mixed up my drinks, it was a great way to get through some delays. Tip: definitely try the Pilo Pilo, it's a SJC specific cocktail that's delicious! Spiced rum, Bacardi 151, grog spice mix, in a funky cup. Take a bite of the cherries on a stick, take a sip of the grog, and enjoy. read more

Trader Vics - Pilo Pilo cocktail (SJC specific cocktail! Spiced rum, Bacardi 151, Grog spice mix, cherries on a stick) - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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This place is located at the San Jose airport. I mean if your hungry and feel like spending $20 something bucks for a plate it's a good place to go. The service was okay, nothing to really brag about. The job was done. The ambiance is pretty chill, got to have a few cold ones before our flight. Next time we'll probably try another place. Just wish the portions were a little bigger. read more

Trader Vics - Salmon Bowl - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Chicken Katsu bowl. It's good. Not over $20 good but what would you expect at the airport where the kiosk store sandwich is $12 lol. I don't mind paying for a good meal; I just don't like price gauging. Beautiful presentation. I am disappointed they didn't have chicken teriyaki and this bowl didn't come with the yummy Hawaiian macaroni salad. read more

Trader Vics - Chicken Katsu bowl. It's good. Not over $20 good but what would you expect at the airport where the kiosk store sandwich is $12 lol. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Where to begin.....we seated ourselves then after 10 mins went to find someone to help us or at least get some menus. We were told that they'd send a server. They eventually came over and brought menus. We waited another 10 mins and not one seasoned came over to assist. Despite 5-7 times signaling we need assistance. We left. Terrible service. Get a new manager read more

Keep your credit card receipt! My total with tip was about $65 for myself and I was charged $110. Unfortunately, I did not keep my receipt so my credit card denied the claim. I would never visit any of their other establishments after this experience. However, I will say the food and drinks were decent. read more

My girlfriend and I had a FIVE hour layover and this place saved us lol. In regards to the food, they keep it simple. Nothing too fancy, nothing too dull. But the DRINKS. Drinks were strong and delicious. My favorite combination lol. Our bartender was very nice, attentive and gave us many recommendations. Some drinks were sweet and others were strong. A lot of variety and they come in creative cups/glasses (which makes you want to order more drinks lol). I recommend this spot if you want to sit back, sip on some drinks, watch some sports and relax while you wait to board your flight. read more

Did not realize this establishment was still in existence. Used to go to the one in Scottsdale decades ago. Anyway, friendly bartender and quite tasty portobello wrap. Well prepared and filling during my flight layover delay...strongly recommend read more

Trader Vics - Goes good with portobello wrap - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

The low star reviews are just hilarious! Somehow common sense got confiscated by the TSA and they utterly forget you're in an AIRPORT. There isn't a single transcendent, value priced, Michelin Star dining experience in the known world much less San Jose. It's all forced desperation and at double the price. Listen to yourselves- 'I ordered poke at the San Jose AIRPORT' or 'I ordered coffee at the tiki bar in the San Jose AIRPORT'- yeah, it's gonna be less than amazing unless you're in Hawaii and you wanna know something? The Hilo airport 'restaurant' is just an gas station mini mart with out the gas pumps; everything is from Costco, heated in a microwave and $$$. Anyway, I digress. Every single time I've sup'd at the bar or gotten from the to-go across the hall it's been fine. Yes, the entrees are expensive (AIRPORT!) but they taste exactly like every Trader Vic's I've ever been to and you still get a fun tiki cocktail in a kitschy mug garnished with an orchid! IN THE AIRPORT! IN SAN JOSE. Full disclosure- I order the Trader Vic's Salad everytime I'm flying Southwest or Alaska. Every. Time. The Javanese Dressing is that good and if you want a pro-tip get from to-go side of the hall, everything is significantly less than the sitdown restaurant/bar. Also- even if you are only ordering a COORS LITE (my god how sad is your life? You're at a TIKI BAR have some damn fun. Yes I witnessed this happen repeatedly) tip your waitstaff 20%. Don't be a puss. I have never had the waitstaff give me the rush even during the evening crush. read more

Trader Vics - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Quite possibly some of the worst food ever. 2 stars for relaxed but pleasant service. I had the brie sandwich and a glass of wine. Had to force two thirds of it down because there was no food service on the upcoming 5.5 hr flight. Also it was served w tortilla chips instead of fries. So bizarre. read more

I had a layover for about an hour and found this restaurant right next to my gate. The place was full so it took some time to get seated. Service was slow but I could see that the service staff was super busy, they were running the entire team and were trying their best to ensure a good experience . I got a beer and the Hawaiian Lunch Plate -you can choose between salmon or Katsu chicken and comes with fried plantains , greens ,Macaroni salad and steamed rice. I think the plate was very filling but taste wise it was just average . The drinks menu looked interesting, and you can get your cocktails to-go and drink them anywhere except for in the plane. I would definitely prefer this place over everything else I have seen at this terminal at the San Jose airport. read more

Finally a reason to show up to the airport early and be happy about it! The drinks were delicious with a large menu full of options. The theming and decor is on point! You'll feel like you're in a tropical getaway instead of an airport. This is a great addition to the San Jose airport and I look forward to showing up earlier for future flights! read more

Trader Vics - The Pilo Pilo was delicious! - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Love a fresh salad. This place is a hit or miss. Easy to know which one, if there is a crowd they just made salad. If it is empty stay away, the salads have been sitting and they will refuse to make a salad not already in plastic container. You get what is there. Not a friendly lady this time of day, go early of you want fresh! read more

The good thing about modern flying is that there is greater leniency around traveling with animals so you may be able to grab a French bulldog on its way to Omaha, grab it and either attempt to eat it raw or try and cook it over a toilet in the bathroom. This option would be vastly superior to any of the food being offered by Trader Vic's at prices that would make the private jet crowd blush. I ate the inedible chicken 'wrap' until my stomach and mind revolted at the gross pile of damp tortilla, low grade chicken and moist lettuce in front of me. Two stars just because it's the airport and the depressing dump that is SJC probably won't give you a ton of other options. read more

Service was just so slow and sluggish and it took forever to get one Chinese Chicken salad. The salad was pretty basic and nothing to remember. Nice ambiance and seems to be popular for cocktails. read more

Trader Vics - Chinese Chicken Salad - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Best bargain for breakfast. Had a coconut granola, peanut butter, yogurt bowl. Lots of protein and great taste. Cost about as much as the Starbucks pastry and way better for you. No line at 8:00am on a Tuesday where Starbucks was 14 people deep and moving very slowly. Besides,Trader Vick's is way cool inside! read more

You know airport food can be trash because it's so fast. My Bowl was packed with flavor and it was so filling without making you feel gross. Recommend 100% for those who are on the fence. It does help that their drinks are equally good as the meal. read more

Trader Vics - Pinacolada - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

What's better then your average airport bar? An airport tiki bar of course. It's also the world famous Trader Vic's where you can get the real deal original Mai Tai. No idea how the food was as we were just here because I love a good tiki bar and we were killing time due to a delayed Southwest flight. We ordered the potted parrot (purely because I wanted to take home the parrot garnish) and the coral reef. Both were delicious and refreshing. Our server Ellen was also amazing and fun. She told us we had to name the parrot, which we named Josephine. Ellen was great with the kids in the area as well and even hooked it up with some extra coasters and goodies to take home for my tiki bar. read more

Trader Vics - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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The chicken katsu salad was one of the worst meals I've had in a long time. The chicken katsu was nothing more than a big food service chicken finger. Pineapple had no flavor. Sauce just tasted like spicy, no flavor. The rice was OK and the highlight of the dish. Next time I'll bring my own food or get a bag of chips. read more

Trader Vics - Chicken Finger "katsu" Salad - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I was excited to eat at Trader Vic's because the place looked festive, and there were two good reviews for the short ribs I was handed a menu with a dark brown smear on it, which should have been my first warning-very off putting. I asked for a clean menu, and ordered the short rib plate. The presentation was beautiful and colorful, There was even a purple flower on the plate Unfortunately the food wasn't edible. The short ribs had a lovely glaze, which was too sugary, and concealed small pieces of meat that were. a bit tough, dry and oddly tasted more like leftover roast beef than short ribs. The macaroni salad was flavorless, and was full of tiny pieces of ham, which should have made it taste better, but didn't. The rice was similar. She brought my glass of water with no straw, so I had to get one from the bar. When she finally came around and asked if everything was okay, I let the waitress know about the food . She asked if I wanted something else instead. I told her no, because they sent food out in this condition to be consumed, so I had no reason to believe there would be an improvement. I declined to speak with the manager because I didn't think it would do any good. I appreciated that she wanted to solve the problem, but the kitchen staff was undoubtedly aware of the subpar quality of food being served, (covered up with fresh pineapple slices and a tropical flower. ). The decorations were even more egregious, because they were covering up the bad quality of the food rather than improving it. I don't know if they were trying to cut corners, by not using fresh meat, but given the effort to present a visually appealing plate, and zero effort towards the food, it seemed to be the case. Next time at SJ airport, I'll try Smashburger read more

Steven the server has the best attitude for a service worker. Traveling is stressful, and he was such a delight! The food was just okay and overpriced. The drinks were good but again overpriced. The stars are all for Steven! read more

Wow... The food is bad! Service is ok. Insanely expensive! Entire thing is microwaved and breakfast sausage is served on sugary French toast. Maybe it's just me but it tastes so very very very bad. Potatoes are cold and were made (what seems to be) last week. Kicker is that they don't wash any reusable straws. This place is crazy dirty EDIT: I explaining after three bites that it was awful and she just shrugged her shoulders and said oh well, then walked off. I now have to pay for it even with a complaint. Stay away from the place, absolutely awful read more