Owner couple Susan and Greg Russi's maiden venture, Vin Santo is a popular Italian eatery for locals. Housed in an ancient Masonic building, this place offers exceptional food with generous servings. The ambiance is calm and warm, and the service is attentive, which will make you visit this diner over and over again. Dig into Insalata di Spinaci, it serves as a good appetizer. While the Farfalle con Salsiccia will leave you craving for more and the Costoletta di Maiale will definitely satiate your hunger.
With more than 80 different varieties of Dim Sum to choose from, the only problem you will have here is deciding what to order. With an extensive Cantonese menu, you can order a traditional clay pot dish or even live seafood to really be adventurous, or you can try one of their various vegetarian rice or noodle dishes that are sure to satisfy. Tai Pan is a great break from the norm of traditional American dining and there is always something new to try. This restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily along with banquet serving for private parties or special occasions.
A part of the Santana Row, Yard House is a nice, casual spot known for the range of brews it offers. The drink list here is quite impressive with over 130 craft beers on tap. If beer isn't your thing, you can always opt for the cocktail menu which features splendid concoctions such as ruby red martini and Tokyo tea. Along with these refreshing cocktails, ales and lagers, there's tasty pub grub on offer. You can couple dishes like crispy calamari and fish n' chips with a wonderful brew of your choice, like Dark Horse Raspberry or a seasonal cider or an innovative concoction like West Coast Shandy. A great place to unwind after work, and somewhat of a temple for beer patriots across the city, Yard House boasts of great happy hours. Drop in for a good time!
Nomikai is meant for a higher-end after work drink than the usual neighborhood watering hole, thanks to its splendid, elegant interiors and a menu that's full of sensational Asian libations. The bar is a trendy take on most Korean bars with just enough illumination and dark wood furniture. Beverages include innovate blends like Coco Berry and Mugi Mule, that infuse the Japanese sake and soju with local ingredients and international flavors. This fusion of Oriental and Occidental sensibilities reflects in their food menu as well, which mostly comprises of small plates and tapas. Dishes like crisp pork belly with jalapeno and Nori fries complement their stellar drinks well.
This excellent and cozy British-style pub called Rose and Crown Pub offers award-winning fish and chips, along with an impressive selection of draft beers from Britain and elsewhere. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is totally casual. You can cram into the bar at night with the mixed crowd of British expatriates and Anglophiles and play darts or relax on the patio outside. Rotating kitchen specials have included hard cider pork chops, perfect with a pint of Guinness. Please check their website for updates on their regular events.
San Jose has no shortage of sports bars given the Silicon Valley capital's affinity to sports. Rookies is a great example of such an establishment, located on the Meridian Avenue, this is a gem of Willow Glen. The relaxed place is a respite for those looking for a casual dine while catching the current game. Thanks to the large LCD televisions placed thoughtfully throughout the spacious dining area, sports fans from all over the city flock here during game nights. The service is friendly and the drinks come cheap, while the food menu is quite eclectic for a regular sports bar that it claims to be - choose from a range of sandwiches, burgers, wraps and of course, chicken wings along with a couple of beers - you and your bank balance wont regret it! The happy hours are extended, making Rookies a very value-for-money option for a nightly hang!