The Caravan Lounge

Love this venue for the cool vibes and the awesome shows they host! Check out Circus of Sin and other events on their calendar. Drinks are well priced and stiff. Vibe is a punk dive bar with stickers in the bathroom and kitch on the walls and ceilings. Pool table is available when a show isn't going on. Love this place!

The staff may come off as rude; however, I think it is because of the punk culture, not necessarily who they are. The live music is okay. CASH ONLY.

The service here was consistently attentive, even with a lively crowd enjoying the bands, which really made for a smooth experience. The staff did a great job managing the flow, ensuring everyone was taken care of without feeling rushed. It's clear they prioritize customer satisfaction, making it a solid choice for a night out!

Used to be a good bar ((BUT)) ever since they’ve got that one bouncer/ID Checker, short dark haired guy, it’s not even worth going. This guy acts like he’s the San Jose police, and treats you like your obliterated drunk, even if you’ve only had soda to drink. Doesn’t matter, I’m telling you this place is not even worth going after that Sad excuse for a bouncer got hired. It’s not our fault that You only make a certain amount a year or you don’t have a good life, but you don’t have to take it out on everyone else, we’re here to have a normal time, not deal with a gaslighting control freak.

I can’t believe how poorly they treat their customers and performers. From the moment I walked in to set up for the show, the staff were snippy with my band, friends, and family. They ended up kicking out nearly all of us because someone had a drink outside, and they took it personally—even going as far as banging on the bathroom door to kick out a friend simply for being associated with us. It’s a shame they cleared out almost the entire bar before the closer could perform. This is no way to treat local musicians or their supporters. Sadly, this was our first live performance—and it will definitely be our last at this venue.

A cool venue but if you order a drink it’ll taste like someone else’s drink and if you watch them wash out the cups you’ll understand they aren’t cleaned just dipped into a sink already full of water.

Very disappointed with my experience. I visited last night to support some local bands and friends who were performing. The drinks were mediocre—I ordered a Long Island and a tequila lime soda, both of which were made incorrectly and tasted watered down. After the performances, a few friends and I stepped outside for some air. There were multiple groups gathered outside, not just ours. At one point, we noticed another group—whom we did not know—taking Jell-O shots. While my group was simply standing in a circle talking, a bouncer suddenly approached us, yelling and accusing us of taking Jell-O shots. He told us we were being disrespectful to the bar and that we were no longer allowed back inside. I explained that none of us had taken any Jell-O shots and even showed him to prove it. He responded that he didn’t care and reiterated that we were banned from re-entering. You’re seriously going to kick out a group of 20 people who came to support your venue and brought in significant business—for something we didn’t even do? That’s absolutely unprofessional. Businesses should remember that their customers are the reason they stay open. This situation was incredibly frustrating because we were doing nothing wrong—just standing outside and following the rules. Overall: I do not recommend this place. The drinks are overpriced and watered down (especially for a dive bar), and the staff is rude and unprofessional. I won’t be spending my money here again.

This use to be my favorite spot, this place has seriously downgraded. The cherry on top was that now bouncers can’t even tell a real ID from a fake, smh do better

Oh Caravan! What a miserably hot spot with the best patrons and live music selection of local bands. I always complain about : 1. the heat and 2. the smell of the crowd, but honestly...it's the sign of a good time going down. Decent bar selection here, nothing super fancy but this place is where magical mingling happens on a random Thursday night. Also, I approve of this bathroom mirror for selfies. The lighting really captures that great portrait mode on your phone and it always has a flattering angle to offer me. Now, to make it in for Mondo's Karaoke night on Tuesday. I must see what karaoke in this spot looks like, then my dive bar missions here will TRULY be complete.

Super friendly bartender and staff! We made it minutes before last call. It was the last stop of our bar crawl in dtsj. I ordered my usual Midori Sour and she made it so well! I loved it. I'll take 5 more lol. Nice dive bar vibes. They even have live local music. Great way to support. No complaints here!

At first the place seemed welcoming but then not so welcoming. It was my first time here so I didn't know what to expect. I knew a couple people that were in the bar and boy some hostile people came up calling my friend idiot and moron, not very friendly vibes . Then i caught heat from some people not long after that. I thought id try my hand at comedy but I definitely wasn't gonna get up there. I definitely became not welcome. The areas not really great nut i thought it might mean its just got some flare and grit to it.

Beverly the owner is the best! Warm and genuine with the patrons! Oldest bar in downtown San Jose! Just a classic dive. Enjoy Downtown San Jose at its best!

Fun times, great dive bar. There was even a dog there, I love dogs! Nice people, cool bartender.

Went for a punk show. Bouncer was incredibly suspicious of my ID, either because it was the newest version (i renewed my DL a month ago), was not a "REAL"ID, or because I'm visibly transgender. I was able to get in, but my friend was denied entry for having an Oklahoma ID because it suposedly "didn't have UV reactivity." Im 23 and my friend is 25. Never had a casual bar be so strict. Overall made him look uninformed and mean. Hoping to try this place again another time.

Someone in the bar is running skimmers. They charged my card through entering card information manually. I caught it on my statement. The inside is dirty it doesn't seem like it's clean. It's not a safe space they keep allowing transients in. I'll never go back

I really tried to like this place but I had a horrid experience there last night and another time I went. Twice now I was made very uncomfortable by creepy guys and when I mentioned that I was uncomfortable instead of addressing the issue I was dismissed and told that I was not allowed in the club and given song and dance reasons that I was the issue and not allowed to re enter to find a friend and go home. I had hoped for a safe space to support events but instead found myself mocked and Belittled by the owner who was extremely rude and on a power trip. Thumbs down and zero stars if I could. I hope the ABC looks into some of their practices. Not a safe space or helpful if you are feeling uncomfortable with unwanted advances.

The van is always a good time! Definitely a dive bar, but it's chill. They do lots of themed nights and different events as well. Karaoke Keyboard is a great time if you've never been!

Caravan lounge is a nice dive bar in downtown San Jose. Went to the spot after a concert and it was chill. They had cheap 40 ounce cans so I definitely cannot complain. Good vibes cheap drinks would be back and recommend.

Had a couple Don Julio shots ($13/shot) with friends, the bartenders were very sweet and attentive. The bar got pretty packed but they did their best to get everyone's drink requests in. Love this bar, the vibes are great and everyone is pretty chilled n laidback. The music was great last night, would love to come again.

My favorite place in San Jose! Total go-to spot. I love the music, the staff, and there's always something entertaining going on. They take security seriously too--they card every single time. I'm 40 and still get carded without fail. If I forget my ID, I'm not getting in, no exceptions. Gotta respect that!

Fun spot. Late night entertainment. Support local comedy. I come here on Wednesdays for their comedy open mic. Rachel is super kind and humble and it's very cool to be around a fun different atmosphere in San Jose. I always order a Coke with lemon. Lots of seating. Open mic gets packed. Yet somehow everyone behind the bar seems to be able to provide service with a smile. Don't forget to tip your bartender.

Had not been here in a long time. It's a little dice bar, my kind of place! It has made improvements, and the patrons were welcoming . Apparently they also serve pozole once a month. I'll have to check it out!

Very disappointed with my experience. I visited last night to support some local bands and friends who were performing. The drinks were mediocre--I ordered a Long Island and a tequila lime soda, both of which were made incorrectly and tasted watered down. After the performances, a few friends and I stepped outside for some air. There were multiple groups gathered outside, not just ours. At one point, we noticed another group--whom we did not know--taking Jell-O shots. While my group was simply standing in a circle talking, a bouncer suddenly approached us, yelling and accusing us of taking Jell-O shots. He told us we were being disrespectful to the bar and that we were no longer allowed back inside. I explained that none of us had taken any Jell-O shots and even showed him to prove it. He responded that he didn't care and reiterated that we were banned from re-entering. You're seriously going to kick out a group of 20 people who came to support your venue and brought in significant business--for something we didn't even do? That's absolutely unprofessional. Businesses should remember that their customers are the reason they stay open. This situation was incredibly frustrating because we were doing nothing wrong--just standing outside and following the rules. Overall: I do not recommend this place. The drinks are overpriced and watered down (especially for a dive bar), and the staff is rude and unprofessional. I won't be spending my money here again.

I love coming here for the different shows they put on. the people inside are always super cool. The bartenders are friendly and the drinks are super strong. Bring ear protection if you have sensitive ears because it can get loud during the shows.

Old reliable. This is a perfect bar. A safe place. The people behind the bar are professionals, prepared for anything. Melissa, the young KP, and Miss Rachel, to name a few, will handle whatever you need. The pool table plays GREAT, and only takes 3 quarters. They have live music, comedy, etc. My favorite nights in downtown used to be split between here and Cinabar. Only one of the legends lives on. The Caravan MUST be treasured and must never die.

Only punk bar in San Jose! Great live bands. Great bartenders and peeps. Kiddie corner from Cesar Chavez Park.

Great little dive bar. Bartenders were super chill. Good prices for nice pours. Old school vibe. Everything you need in a dive. They have a pool table.

This all pertains to the service! I met a friend at the bar who got there before me and not sure what he told the female bartender before I showed up about me, I thought we were friends but maybe he just learned shortly before then that I thought of him as a friend and nothing more so he might have bad mouth me to her needing someone to talk to. I don't know but when I arrived I just asked him what I should have after having a really long day with no lunch and he told me to ask her for suggestions since she was the bartender and he always drank the same thing. She didn't know what to suggest. I told her I liked whiskey she said whiskey and Coke. I said I'm not really into soda so she suggested ginger ale and I said okay. Second drink I wanted it in a shorter glass with just a splash of ginger ale cuz it was still too much soda in it for me. She then proceeded to show me a science experiment about them being the same amount of liquid in the tall glass and the small glass. I said thank you I'd still like a small glass please she gave me a drink and a small glass without any garnish. I thanked her. Later on the guy I was with got real moody and didn't like some of the things I was telling him he should maybe look at about himself meaning to slow down in life so he doesn't burn out, yada yada and he started to get in my face get aggressive and I told him you need to go and he got up and he left and the people at the end of the bar saw that and called me over to join them. I went over to sit down and join them and found out that we all went to the same high school just a few years apart from one another. So the waitress thing that I went over to that group brought me my check to close out because the guy I was with previously had me buy my own drink after he bought me the first one. So I signed out of that tab thinking nothing of it. So in a bit the guy that was in the group that I was now sitting with offered to buy me a drink and he said What are you drinking and I said well I'd like a whiskey drink but I don't know what. He said I'll get you when I'm drinking and he called the waitress over and he ordered a drink. She brought it to him, but then when she found out it was for me,... She took it back and said,"I'm sorry she's cut off, I'll refund you your money!" I looked at her very shocked I said, "Why am I cut off??" (I only had two drinks) And she said, "because you were rude and disrespectful." (Omg... I even complimented her on her nails earlier so I had no idea what she was talking about!) This point, I had nothing to lose, so I proceeded to tell her, "I think it's YOU not me that was being that way." - The guy went over to talk to her, and he came back and apologized that he couldn't get me a drink. I ended up leaving completely mortified and humiliated. SO BEWARE OF THE LADY WITH A RED FINGERNAILS WORKING BEHIND THE BAR! SHE DOES NOT LIKE WOMEN CUSTOMERS

Great find! Fun dive bar, they have a billiards table and dice cups if you want to play dice. Great staff. We came in for an open mic night which was an experience. They also have touch tunes so you can play your music with the app.

Tbh this place hella lit for their Cherry Colored Funk Nights! The DJs go a little too hard and if you ain't ready, you ain't ready. Cash only and $5 beers!!! 10/10 for a bestie night out

Good dive bar in downtown San Jose. Dog friendly. Good service. PBR tall boys. Pool table.

Beth took great care of me and my friends yesterday and I will for sure come back to this spot when I'm in downtown. She recommended drinks for my gf who likes fruitier cocktails, recommended how my friend should take gin and tonic, and couldn't be nicer about it all. There's live music, comedy nights, a juke box, billiards table, clean bathrooms and bar tops. 10/10 dive

Just perfect for a guy like me! Pool table, beer, jukebox and fast service too. Good times on a budget. Christmas lights in August. Booze too

Camel images on this old building on the corner of San Fernando & Almaden. "Booze and Bands" says the website and wondered whether I would ever venture inside. Friend's band came into town and we finally got to check this out on a Friday night. Stepped inside and discovered a classic dive bar. How much a dive? P.B.R. That's right, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a staple. Ha! Our group of 5 ordered a round of cocktails. Bartender was super friendly. There isn't a stage, so one side of the bar is used for musical acts to set-up. Okay that works, BUT, there is a large pool table in the middle of the bar, so you can't fit as many people. At least I got to lean on the pool table to watch the band. Crowd was very supportive for my friend's band and staff was friendly. Not my usual establishment, but had a good time.

Biker gang members, punks and live bands what's not to love about this dive bar. I totally came here for the local punk music scene. The bands were total hard core and the bar staff was great and poured good drinks. It's the bay area so the people watching was awesome everything and everyone is accepted here from 1 percenter biker gang members to transsexuals and it was so chill. Prices seemed high for a dive bar and it's cash only here. Still a good time if you like the music scene.

I love hanging out at dive bars and this one is small and dark, just the way I like it. They have heavy metal gigs at this location but I missed the show which was held on Monday night. It was amateur comedian night on Wednesday.

Extra star for being cover-free with live music and comedy nights! It's great for the community in supporting local bands and comics. LIVE MUSIC: In general it's more on the rock/metal side. But the Saturday night I went went as such... 1.) Mono/Stereo = GREAT band of electric VIOLIN (I LOVE string, especially vionlin), drum, keyboard, and bass. 2.) Dokoe = 3.) Aris = SERVICE: Bartenders are down to earth. Inconvenient that the bar is cash only, but there is an ATM in the bar. ATMOSPHERE: Pretty cozy divy feel, one pool table that gets covered up on a livelier music night. Ah memories of working in downtown and

I love this place. Such a cool, creative place. Not in the greatest part of town, but reasonably safe I think. Stay safe and stay aware if your surroundings late at night; it's right near the Greyhound bus station, which can be sketch.

Love the vibe of this place, its my favorite dive bar in San Jose and one of my favorite music venues. It's dark, it's punk, it's cheap, it's everybody just doing them. They have good, free, live music playing at an absurd volume most nights of the week. One of my go-to places when I have nothing else to do on a week night.

Went here for a goth nigh and loved it. It's a TINY place but everyone's friendly, drinks are priced right, it's a great atmosphere. My fav dive bar in SJ for sure. I intend to return!!

You can't help but love the Caravan Lounge. I spent my formative years working in downtown San Jose in the 80's. The Caravan is one of the few bars that survived San Jose's rebirth. Places like The Tower Saloon, The Laundry Works, Pacific Fish Company, and Manny's Cellar are all long gone. I used to go to the Caravan after work and hang out with the unionized telco guys that worked in the central office across the street. The place is pretty much the same as it was 25 years ago. Same interesting mix of folks all getting hammered and having a good time. My son is in a punk band and invited me to watch a show. During that visit an unfortunate event was seared into my memory. I was quietly sitting at my table nursing a Long Island waiting for the music to start. In walked two sluts in their late thirties. A blonde and a brunette. The brunette was wearing a short leather mini skirt and a tube top. She was leaning against the bar eyeballing the musicians. Anyway she appeared to drop something on the floor. She arched her back and bent over to pick whatever it was up. She gave the entire bar a good look at her clean shaven vagina for what seemed to be an eternity. This actually wasn't a good thing, her privates resembled the characteristics of a catcher's mitt.

Ever since Cactus Club closed in 2002, it's become incredibly difficult for local South Bay bands to play shows. The scene just hasn't been the same. You wouldn't know that by last night's performance by " My First Murder". The fans were out, beer was spilled, and heavy, angry music was repped in a big way. This tiny little dive is often an afterthought as it is off the beaten path, but has been drawing the same crowds for over a decade. It's actually nice to visit this place and not have to deal with the degenerates of society on 2nd St. San Jose will continue to change and grow. Hopefully The Caravan stays as a reminder: " Don't ever forget your roots."

Five stars? Why the hell not... Reasonable prices. No weak drinks. Draught Bud, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Pyramid Haywire, Guinness. $4 PBR tall boys. Sundays $1 hot dogs. Most importantly, live music! No cover charge. Solid fifth star? Women's restroom has toilet seat covers. This blows my freakin' mind. Does this mean the Caravan can still be considered a dive bar? Hell if I know, but my butt thanks you.

Went to see a friends band play here recently. Tiny, grungy little bar with heavy handed cheap drinks, occasional loud ass live music, and an entertainingly dysfunctional crowd. Terrible and sketchy in a perfect sort of way. You won't find me here by myself, but if I was in the area with some friends - why the hell not. Be nice to the bartenders. They're worth it.

1 star only because I can't leave 0. I was kicked out because they didn't feel that I dressed appropriately for a transgender. I was in line for the woman's bathroom because the ONLY all-gender bathroom had a line 5 guys deep and they told me I wasn't transgendered because I wasn't dressed like a woman. I would NEVER recommend this place and I encourage people to NEVER go there.

I guess this is where all the tattoo'ed punk rocker, indie kids and other misfits go. I have never been to a dive bar that was not filled with old people so this was a nice refreshing change. Everyone keeps mentioning the cheap drinks in their reviews but luckily I did not have to pay for my drink so I cannot comment on that, but they do have Guinness on tap which is a favorite of mine so kudos to that. Overall, this was a fun bar with friendly people. Despite it being small, I would definitely head back with some friends.

Dirty little punk rock bar. Great jukebox. When the legendary cactus club of san jose closed in the early 2000's, all the regulars migrated to the Caravan. Bartenders have a ton of attitude, but in an entertaining way. Modest draft beer selection, but honest cocktail prices. They have a Patron machine and a Jager machine. One pool table, which they cover up during live music. There is no stage, and bands have to run their own sound, but the room is so tiny, it makes for an intimate venue. Al in all, an honest dive bar, full of character, and a place local legend.

Fun punk/metal dive bar. One of the go to joints for a night of cheap beer and fun music! They have great local and touring bands multiple nights a week. People seem bummed about the no moshing policy, but the place holds 60 people tops and they have 2 pool tables. Not their fault they don't want to get sued! Been here a slew of times, always had a blast. Will I be back? You know it! Thanks Caravan Lounge!

What a wonderful, welcoming place! The drinks are cheap, the bartenders are lovely, and the atmosphere is accepting and relaxed (oh, and their playlists rock). I lost a ring on the floor and all the patrons and staff went out of their way to help me find it, flashlights and all! The ring was my grandmother's, so it had sentimental value, and I'm so glad I was at a bar like this where everyone was so kind and invested in helping me get it back. Would definitely visit again! Seems like a cool place for cool people, and a great local place to support.

You can see just about any style band at this venue. Pretty loyal crowd who love to be entertained, & usually is no cover to get in. You're treated like family when you come in and usually will make a friend while there. It doesn't get any better than that . We're in a weird time period In the Silicon Valley right now that many businesses are opening up catering to the newer wave of residence and this bar is one of the last of its kind out here. Not everyone wants hip and trendy tasting rooms or places that are brotastic and made to appeal to the taste of people in the same industry as each other. The Caravan is made for the rest of us but those other people are always welcome to come join the fun. They'd probably love it too.

A proper dive bar. Divey but clean with friendly doormen and friendly bartender. Generous pours at a reasonable price. Couldn't really ask for more!

We were there to see Dough Stanhope on 3.7.22 and the women working the morning and Kat at night where the shit! We had a lovely time. Cute dog Barnabas (bar dog Andrew's pup) awesome! Love that place.I'm from SJ and can't always say I love a venue but I and my friends def loved it! We will be back forsure!

As far as dive bars go, I would go here over the Brit any day. I would go here over several places I went in downtown San Jose actually! Had more of a "biker bar" feel. We walked in and ordered 2 shots of tequila and were in and out quickly. Our bartender was very sweet and if we had had more time we might have hung out longer. Only thing is they are cash only! There is an ATM there if you need!

This place used to be my to-go spot. They used to always have great metal and punk shows, but as of lately the quality of the shows have gone down and the prices of the drinks have increased, but the quality of this place has decresed. Maybe I'll try back in a few months to see if things have changed for the better

The drinks are reasonably priced. That is always appreciated. But I felt so out of place here. For starters, I did not wear a flannel shirt. I also did not have any tattoos. Oh yeah, and I am not ugly. This place is really ugly. I think I may have been the prettiest girl there that night. Unfortunately, I am not a girl.

Loved the camel on the wall, and the guy with decent ink at the bar. I don't think the pool table was meant for sitting, but we used it for that. No one was playing, and my bum needed a place to rest. Jukebox was going to play a familiar song at 12AM, but was stopped by the local band playing some tunes. Good place for some jeans, chucks, an old faded t-shirt, and a nice drink with some Jack Daniel's in it.... I missed if they have a dart board, but that would be a great addition, if there isn't one already.

The dive bar score card for Caravan: Old and questionable decor: Check! Pool table and Juke Box: Check! Super cheap drinks: Check! Cigarette smelling air, furniture, walls, and people: Check! Sketchy patrons: Check! Caravan scores well on the dive bar points. We got 4 drinks for $14 which always makes me happy. Would I go there by myself? Hell no--it's all a bit sketchy. But if you're with a group of friends that don't mind a little sketchiness, Caravan is the place for you!