Best Cocktail Bars Near San Jose and the South Bay | Eater SF

"Feeling like dressing up? Head to Second Story. Taking over the former home of Mountain Charley’s – a local favorite for over 50 years – this dress-coded cocktail lounge is serving up a vibe that’s modern yet reminiscent of an old-school supper club. Look up at the glowing 1920s-style gilded lighting, sink into a velvet armchair, or watch your bowtie and vest-clad bartender shake up your next drink to 90s hip hop. Turn around and a surprise martini cart might be rolling up to your table, offering you a choice of gin, vodka, or vesper. Want to treat yourself to some caviar? They’ve got that too. Crowd cocktail favorites include the Cowboy Carter, a mix of tequila, blood orange cordial, vino chinato, spiced brown sugar, and bitters; and Start Me Up, a sweet and well-caffeinated drink with vodka, Mr. Black, demerara, and espresso." - Laura Zhang