55 South

I don't frequent this bar often but when I do I have a great time. The drinks are delicious but on the pricey side. It's what you should expect from a crafted cocktail in San Jose. The staff was nice. I love the menu. It was fun, whimsical but tastefully presented. The bar itself is visually pleasing and beautifully lit. I think this would be a fantastic place to have a date. The booths are spacious but intimate at the same time. You could have a conversation and hear one another. I would love to come again and see how the space changes based on the night of the week. I stopped by on a Wednesday night.

This place has always been good, but hadn't been here for awhile. They've revamped their drink menu for more tiki-oriented options, and they're all terrific! They don't short-change you on the alcohol either. Likewise, their food menu has changed -- still some old favorites, but a lot of really well done share plates. And the prices! They're about 20% lower than everyone else. They got it completely right!

Happy hour from 4-7pm. Came on Tuesday around 6PM. A lot of space at the bar. At least 4 tables available. Great food, good selection for happy hour drink. A little loud but not enough to shout.

*Security guard laid his hands on me* Been going here for years and love the holiday decorations. However, this is the first time I’m leaving a review because of how I was treated. I’m sure the security guard will have a different version that paints him in a good light while I’m the ogre. I was kicked out for taking napkins to use. The same napkins that are on the bar when you need them. Apparently to the security guard you need permission to grab them. Told him in a neutral voice that I needed napkins. By talking back, apparently that was considered "giving him attitude". He then followed me to my table and shoved me and kicked me out. The security guards outside were actually incredibly nice and apologized to me. However I do not appreciate the inside security guards laying his hands on me when I gave no attitude and didn’t resist anything. I’ve never been kicked out a bar but I’d give the service a 0 purely for that guard. The worst part of this is he went to my friends table and blatantly lied saying I walked behind the bar and stole a bunch of napkins. I took 2 napkins and did not walk behind the bar! The napkins are literally in front of the bar! 55 South, he was probably having a bad night but I’ll take my business to mini boss and paper planes from now on. If that security guard ever touches me again, I’ll contact my lawyer.

Amazing place! Great service and really good drinks.

My old stomping grounds. Haven’t been back in a while since I moved away from Downtown San Jose. They still have one of the most impressive whisky collections I’ve ever seen. The old fashioneds are the best here and I’m not sure why no where else has been able to replicate it. I’m glad they’re still doing well but I’ll have to try to come back more often.

I’m so impressed! I came in on a Tuesday night looking for dinner and a good drink. There were two bartenders, and both were amazing. I started with a margarita made with Forteleza Añejo. The bartender used great, fresh ingredients – so good. The other bartender made a Naked and Famous. I mentioned that I don’t like a super smoky mezcal, and the drinj he made me was perfectly balanced. I ordered the beef stew – so good! I can’t wait to go back!