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The Best Breweries in San Jose, California
A guide to spending 12 hours drinking your way through San Jose.
While San Francisco and Oakland boast a much denser craft beer scene, San Jose has begun to emerge from under the radar with its own unique vibe. As tech continues to boom, the South Bay — which includes San Jose and the surrounding cities — has attracted young professionals seeking shorter commutes, more space, and more sun. And craft beer. So of course, we had to look at the best breweries in San Jose.
This post-college crowd is ready to ditch their 30-racks for more complex flavors, and local brewmasters are more than happy — and equipped — to oblige. In the next year, the craft brewing community is primed to explode across San Jose.
For those looking to make a day trip to the city, here’s the best breweries, bars, shops, and food to grab as you drink your way through the capital of Silicon Valley.
The Best Breweries In San Jose
Hapa’s Brewing Company
New kids on the block Brian and Derek have a beautiful open-air spot. Their Hungry Dog IPA and Barbie’s Blonde pair nicely with warm weather. Come for the beer, but stay for the conversation, food trucks, and live music. Open at 11 a.m. on weekends; 4 p.m. Wednesday – Friday.
Strike Brewing Co.
An obligatory stop on the San Jose beer tour is the first of a trifecta that you can walk between. Solid go-tos at Strike are the Classic Dot Blond Ale, a sessionable collaboration with legendary skateboarding company Santa Cruz, and the Colossus of Clout Irish Red.
Hermitage Brewing Co.
Next up is Hermitage — the OGs of the scene and still one of the best breweries in San Jose. Although the brewery got its start in 2008, their brewing roots date back to 1987. Having one of the top 5 percent production breweries in the country by volume allows them to access an amazing network of ingredients, and they put it to good use.
We suggest you start with one of their incredible sours, or sample something from their Single Hop Series.
The Best Places To Eat In San Jose
South Winchester BBQ and Craft Beer
Amazing BBQ and a rotating craft beer list. That’ll do.
Good Karma Artisan Ales and Cafe
Worship at the house of Seitan while sampling a well-curated craft beer list. If you don’t normally take vegan options seriously, enter Good Karma with an open mind. Their food will leave you impressed, if not make you a convert. Try the Jamaican Jerk – a tofu and soy take on the classic, or the Chana Marsala, a savory chickpea dish.
San Pedro Square Market
8:45 PM — A popular indoor/outdoor market teeming with food options, cornhole, and cool nooks in which to post up, San Pedro Square Market is a good place to end your day. If you still have room for one last beer, Market Beer Co. has over 200 bombers available and often hosts Tap Takeovers from the best breweries in the Bay Area.
The Best Coffee In San Jose
Chromatic Coffee
If you’re spending the day hopping from beer to beer, you should probably start with a coffee. With an eclectic crowd that ranges from families to flannel-wearers to local techies taking their $10,000 road bikes out for a spin, Chromatic has something for everyone.
For those fueling up for an epic day of drinking, grab a flat white or a café brulee. But if you’re looking to get a head start, jump right in with their café con leche milk stout, a collaboration between Chromatic and Camino Beer Company.
Of course, no matter what you drink, be sure to try a pastry.
The Best Bars In San Jose
Original Gravity Public House
With 35 rotating taps and large selection of house-made and gourmet sausages, you can’t go wrong at Original Gravity. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to help you choose the best pairings.
Pro tip: if you’re feeling brave and want to go off-menu, ask the bartender what exotic meats they’re serving.
ISO Beers
Standing for “in search of,” ISO serves beer you didn’t know you’ve been dying to try.
The bar has an awesome dog friendly outdoor beer garden and encourages outside food, so grab a sandwich from Ike’s Place nearby, pick from the 40 beers on tap or the extensive bottle and can list, and go hang with the pooches people.
AFKgg Gamer’s Lounge
7:30 PM — Whether you’ve brought your own system to a LAN party or played round-robin Super Smash Brothers for hours on end, chances are that you’ve tried to relive your childhood gaming days at least a few times in recent years.
This gaming center will make you feel like a kid again, even while you knock back a beer — or three.
