California, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in San Jose

May 17, 2020 Jeremy Dunfee

Find out what American restaurants to try in San Jose. Welcome to bustling San Jose, where Silicon Valley meets Spanish history and modern edifices sit alongside meticulously restored 19th-century buildings. Such is the contrast of this city rich in tradition and, thanks to the tech industry, just plain rich. Five star-hotels and fine restaurants line the streets of the restored downtown area, and the cultural scene is thriving with museums, theater and art to rival any world-class hub. Don't miss the Tech Museum of Innovation, an exploration of Silicon Valley and its impact on the area. History buffs will relish the old mansions and can delve into the city's past at the History Museum of San Jose. Save time for a round of golf or the locals' other favorite pastime, sipping coffee and people-watching at a crowded cafe.
Things to do in San Jose

10. Poor House Bistro

91 S Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110-2514 American, Cajun & Creole, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Live Music, Jazz Bar [email protected] +1 408-292-5837 http://www.poorhousebistro.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 116 reviews

Poor House Bistro

Reviewed By chris_young23

This place does a really good job at attempting the New Orleans feel and cuisine, from the live music to the jambalaya. I highly recommend the Blackened Chicken & Tasso Pasta, and also the Cajun Fries. They happen to be my favorite items on the menu.Hi Chris,Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We appreciate your business. Please come again soon. Let the Good Times Roll! - Jay

9. The Counter Santana Row

3055 Olin Ave Ste 1035, San Jose, CA 95128-2067 American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +1 408-423-9200 http://www.thecounter.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 182 reviews

The Counter Santana Row

Quality meats, inventive sauces, toasted buns, melted cheeses and blended shakes that shout flavor.We’re on a mission to challenge the way people think about burgers. We’re about creative construction. We think life is about experiences. Trying stuff. Lea

Reviewed By mikebromberg1

The thing is, I actually LIKE this chain. I love the choice of many types of burgers (beef, chicken, vegan, turkey, mahi mahi, another vegetarian one, and I think others) and the many options for buns, toppings, and so on. It's a lot of fun to fill out the menu. And the people were nice.But why when I order does it take like 30-40 minutes for the food to arrive? For a burger. A very cool burger, sure. But COME ON! And it's not once. Every couple of years we think of coming here, we do so, and then remember why we've stayed away.We ate at this chain in LA and had no problem. I don't know what the deal is here. But whatever it is – it certainly spoiled my day.PS – As mentioned in other reviews: It sure isn't cheap!

8. LB Steak

334 Santana Row Ste 1000, San Jose, CA 95128-2029 American, Steakhouse Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer [email protected] +1 408-244-1180 http://www.lbsteak.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 336 reviews

LB Steak

LB Steak, a modern American Steakhouse, is led by culinary titan Roland Passot, James Beard nominee and owner of San Francisco’s renowned La Folie. From our hand-cut Prime Angus Steaks sourced from the Midwest to our imported A5 Japanese Wagyu, we offer o

Reviewed By charlieo122

We enjoyed dinner at this restaurant. Reception warmly welcomed us when we came in. Cocktails were well balanced. We enjoyed the calamari and bone marrow appetizers. Spinach salad was delicious with strawberries, goat cheese and candied pecans. The porterhouse and pork tomahawk were cooked as requested. Both were juicy, tender and tasty. The creme brulee and chocolate fondant are a must have ending to this dinner. Wait staff were pleasant and accommodating. They refilled waters and cleared dishes as necessary. A great dining experience.

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7. Scott's Seafood - San Jose

185 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95113-2240 Seafood, American Late Night, Lunch, Dinner Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Private Dining [email protected] +1 408-971-1700 http://www.scottsseafoodsj.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 389 reviews

Scott's Seafood - San Jose

Scott's Seafood Restaurant is a Bay Area tradition in the heart of downtown San Jose. Their American regional cuisine features the freshest seafood and prime dry aged steaks. Enjoy views of San Jose and the surrounding hills of Silicon Valley from the six

Reviewed By marciagabby

Came here prior to the performance of Wicked at Broadway San Jose. From 3:30-6:30, it’s happy hour at the bar. Wine and well drinks are $6. They have 8-9 entrees that are $7-$11. We had Calamari, mussels and clams and lamb chops. They also had lobster rolls and sliders. We had dinner reservations in the restaurant but I cancelled as we really had full meals at th bar. Great food!!

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6. Bill's Cafe on the Alameda

2089 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126-1136 American, Diner, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 408-244-9085 http://www.billscafe.com/Locations.aspx
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 145 reviews

Bill's Cafe on the Alameda

Reviewed By jnorgaard2002

Brunch after an early morning flight here was great. Staff were friendly and large portion sizes. This was easy to get to from the San Jose airport and gave us a great start to our California vacation. The cinnamon roll French toast was delicious.

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5. Yard House

300 Santana Row Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95128-2423 American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service +1 408-241-9273 http://www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/san-jose/san-jose-santana-row/8330
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 287 reviews

Yard House

Yard House is an upscale-casual eatery known for great food, classic rock music and 130 taps of imported, craft and specialty ales & lagers. Whether you’re in the mood for a grilled burger and a pint of your favorite ale, or seared ahi and a chilled marti

Reviewed By Eddie L

Attentive, friendly service. Seemed overworked ( hard to track down) but still excellent service with a smile. Located on the main drag of Santana row, close to multi story parking structure. Great beer selection, high energy. Bar food, like burgers, wings, nachos, fried stuff are all good. Higher price menu items that require more delicate cooking method and more attention from the cooks are not worth venturing into. But that is not this place is known for. Stay with the beer and bar food and you will be extremely happy. Even though the sitting process after you reported to the host or hostess stand is a bit chaotic, come on in, enjoy the friendly service and get involved with the energy of the patrons provide your own energy, it is a happy place.

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4. The Grill on the Alley

172 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113-2307 American Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Valet Parking +1 408-294-2244 http://thegrill.com/locations/the-grill-san-jose-california
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 311 reviews

The Grill on the Alley

Reviewed By Rvstraz

Ok, so here is the bottom. A typical high end steak house located in the Fairmont Hotel. Food was excellent including sourdough bread, wedge salad, lobster bisque, rib eye, creamed spinach, loaded Mac & cheese. No room left for dessert! Broad ranging wine list. Full service bar - the martinis were really good. Service was prompt, friendly and professional. Atmosphere offers a cozy elegance with most, if not all, seating in booths.

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3. Smoking Pig BBQ Company

1114 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112-4944 American, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner Television, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +1 408-380-4784 http://www.smokingpigbbq.net/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 594 reviews

Smoking Pig BBQ Company

We are a casual BBQ "joint" in the traditional sense. The focus is on the food. Slow smoked meats, homemade sides, rubs, sauces and desserts. Friendly service, at home feel. Excellent beer and wine lists (no kidding). Genuine Southern BBQ. Everything made

Reviewed By GlobalVillage

On a family related reunion in the Campbell/Los Gatos area, we enjoyed an authentic BBQ meal catered at our cousin's home. While sides were served, such as beans, cornbread, mac & cheese, and salad, the highlight was the main course, which consisted of BBQ chicken, ribs and steak! The family members appreciated and consumed piles and piles of the main course! Well done!

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2. Henry's Hi-Life

301 W Saint John St, San Jose, CA 95110-2345 American, Bar, Barbecue, Pub Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 408-295-5414 http://www.henryshilife.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 353 reviews

Henry's Hi-Life

Reviewed By Wonderingsoul54

You know Henry’s you get there and about two hours later you get to eat. Is the wait worth it? Yes it is. Now here’s the good part. You need to eat because by the time you get seated. You are blank faced. Food and if your with a date you buy the biggest item on the menu. Who knew now desert. Over the top. Now drive to your final destination and fall asleep. Highly recommend get make sure it not your first date. Happy eating.

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1. Bill's Cafe

1115 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125-3158 American, Cafe, International Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 408-294-1125 http://www.billscafe.com/about-bills-cafe/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 603 reviews

Bill's Cafe

Reviewed By jakew22350

Me and my family came here from san francisco on the way to santa monica. We love american breakfast as we are british so we had to try this hidden gem. This place is very unique as it puts the toppings that you choose from into the pancakes (eg: strawberries, coconut, banana etc) We did have to wait for around ten minutes as it was a long wait but it didn’t really bother us. The staff were friendly but did not include wifi unfortunately. The food is amazing alongside a great ambience to go with it. I recommend this place to anyone as it’s not too expensive and this restaurant/ diner does deserve more recognition for its incredible food. Thank you Bill’s Café! :)

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