Mention San Jose, California in casual conversation, and the associated images generated are fairly predictable: sand-strewn beaches, scantily clad women roller-blading along elaborate park paths, and ice cream cones melting gracefully under afternoon sun. Very few non-locals think much of what happens after the sun goes down.
The sun does go down, however, every day. What people in San Jose do afterward, tourists and residents alike, defines the city just as much as Dionne Warwick's hit.
Typical of any American city, San Jose offers a wide selection of fine restaurants. However, unlike most other cities, San Jose has the unique advantage of being situated on the water. As you would expect, this means quality seafood can be found in abundance. Hawgs Seafood Bar on Second and San Fernando, for example, has been named the best in the South Bay area. Hawgs, located in a warehouse-type building overlooking the ocean, features both an extensive menu (the "specialties" include a wide array of seafood mixed with rice and pasta dishes) and a spacious dining room that seats 120. Another favorite seafood restaurant is the Old Clam House on Market Street, which has only recently expanded to downtown San Jose.
Even if you don't particular crave seafoood, there are plenty of restaurants open late in San Jose that will appeal to you. San Jose is equally famous, for example, for its "fresh" or healthy cuisine, such as that offered at White Lotus of North Market Street. This vegan restaurant has earned a reputation both for its innovative, meatless dishes and its reasonable prices. For the true health fanatic, furthermore, there is always easy access to the even more health-oriented city of San Francisco, located in the same bay area.
After dining, you might want to take advantage of one of the many San Jose nightclubs. These can be divided into the authentic 'clubs' and the establishments that tend more toward the status of 'bars.' Both cater to young and old, blending new, techno music (such as that found at Club DEEP) to the more culturally geared Habana Cuba club (featuring music and food of the Hispanic country for which it is named). Those interested not so much in dancing as in kicking back with a few beers might find themselves more comfortable at a bar or pub. Some of the better bars include Shooters Bar & Grill (which, predictably, features pool tables) or Star Lounge (the latter is classified as a "lounge" rather than "bar" but promotes the same relaxed atmosphere).
Finally, San Jose hosts a bevy of performing arts centers and troops, ranging from the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts to the San Jose Repertory Theater (between East San Fernando and East San Carlos). The latter hosts lesser known plays, such as "Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Making Tracks" (in the 2005 season), but is widely regarded one of the best non-profit initiatives of the Silicon Valley.
Despite your preconceptions, San Jose life does not stop- or even slow down- once the sun sets.
