Paper Plane

Downtown San Jose's best cocktail bar, hands down — inventive seasonal drinks, serious bartenders, zero pretension. This is where locals take out-of-towners to prove San Jose has a real bar scene. It gets loud and packed on weekend nights, so go early or midweek if you want a seat and a conversation.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a non-alcoholic drink at Paper Plane?

Yes — they take zero-proof cocktails as seriously as the boozy ones, which is rarer than it should be. Designated drivers won't feel like an afterthought.

Does Paper Plane serve food?

They keep a small bar-food menu — think elevated snacks rather than dinner. Eat a real meal first (Original Joe's is a few blocks away) and come here for drinks.

What days is Paper Plane open?

It's closed Mondays. Otherwise it opens around 5pm (4pm Thursdays), running until midnight early in the week and 2am Thursday through Saturday. Double-check their Instagram for holiday changes.

How do I get to Paper Plane without a car?

VTA light rail stops on 1st and 2nd Streets about a block away, and downtown buses run along Santa Clara Street. If you're driving, use a downtown garage — street parking near 1st Street is tight at night.

Is Paper Plane worth going to in San Jose?

Yes — it's the cocktail bar locals name first, with a rotating seasonal menu and bartenders who actually care. If you only hit one bar downtown, make it this one.

How much are cocktails at Paper Plane?

Expect craft-cocktail pricing in the mid-to-high teens per drink. It's not cheap, but the drinks are legitimately inventive and well-made — you're paying for craft, not decor.

Is Paper Plane loud or good for a date?

Early evening it's great for a date — dim, handsome room, attentive service. After 9pm on weekends it turns loud and shoulder-to-shoulder, so time it accordingly.

Do I need a reservation at Paper Plane?

It's mostly walk-in. On Friday and Saturday nights expect a wait for seats after 9pm; weeknights or early evenings you can usually slide right in.

Nearby in Ask San Jose

• Flights RestaurantRestaurant0.01 km · 0 min walk
• Downtown San JoseNeighborhood0.02 km · 0 min walk
• Cathedral Basilica of St. JosephAttraction0.08 km · 1 min walk
• San Jose Museum of ArtMuseum0.17 km · 2 min walk
• Plaza de César ChávezPark0.28 km · 4 min walk