{"id":18609,"date":"2010-09-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2010-09-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metroactive.com\/best-of-silicon-valley\/2010\/music-nightlife\/reader-picks.html"},"modified":"2022-09-16T09:30:52","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T16:30:52","slug":"music-nightlife-reader-picks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrosiliconvalley.com\/music-nightlife-reader-picks\/","title":{"rendered":"Music & Nightlife | Reader Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"\/<\/a>
The gang at KSJS-FM<\/strong> offers everything from hip-hop to rock en espa\u00f1ol.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Best College\/Independent Radio Station<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

KSJS-FM (90.5)<\/strong>
KSJS isn\u2019t just an award-winning training ground for up-and-coming radio professionals; it\u2019s also a hotbed of great programming. Their cutting-edge hip-hop programs alone are worth a tweak of the dial. The station\u2019s format isn\u2019t as scatterbrained as typical college radio, so they manage to squeeze in some sports coverage and a cool movie-soundtrack show, Celluloid Dreams<\/i>. There\u2019s always plenty of electronic music, rock en espa\u00c3\u00b1ol, jazz and subversive rock in heavy rotation. And with a signal that reaches way up the peninsula, you only need change the station when you\u2019re giving your mom a lift to the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. KSCU-FM (103.3)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. KFJC-FM (89.7)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Local Jock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Greg Kihn, KFOX<\/strong>
How long has Greg Kihn been on the radio now? Between his own hits blasting out of the hi-fi in the \u201980s, and his smoky voice doing mornings on KFOX, it seems like a lifetime. Who could be a better choice to host on a classic rock station than a classic rock icon? He\u2019s even had a song parodied by Weird Al. In addition to being a talented DJ and a top-notch musician, he also writes novels. We hear he works at NASA assembling rockets on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Dave Morey, KFOG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ophelia Necro, The Suicide Watch, KFJC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Local Winery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines<\/strong>
1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose; 408.918.2160. Think local. Drink local. Yes, the Napa Valley is filled with lots of great wineries, but readers are fans of the local flavor of San Jose\u2019s J. Lohr winery. Save yourself a two-hour drive to the Napa Valley and visit the winery\u2019s comfortable winery a mile-and-a-half from the heart of downtown San Jose right off The Alameda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cinnabar<\/strong>
14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.1012<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Testarossa Winery<\/strong>
300A College Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.6150<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Local Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gordon Biersch<\/strong>
357 E. Taylor St., San Jose, 408.278.1008; 33 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 408.294.6785; 640 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650.323.7723. The main brewery on Taylor Street is now one of the biggest producers of fine beers in the country. They buy their hops and yeast strain from Germany and follow the Reinheitsgebot\u2014the German Purity Law of beer. At the brewery restaurants, longtime regulars have their own beer steins located behind the bar. Even longer-time regulars have their names engraved on the lids and also the cabinets. The brewery\/restaurant revamped its repeat customer program a few years ago, but the original regulars still receive preferential treatment over everyone else. GB is a place that truly values its regular customers. Of course, new customers can become regulars, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Rock Bottom Brewery<\/strong>
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408.377.0707<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Los Gatos Brewing Co.<\/strong>
130G N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.9929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a>
Johnny Van Wyk (right) and Alfonso Cervantes keep the music flowing at Johnny V’s in San Jose.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Best New Bar\/Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Johnny V\u2019s<\/strong>
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.947.8470. After shutting its doors last year, Johnny V\u2019s has picked right back up where it left off. On the surface, it\u2019s just a tiny dive bar with cheap booze and not a lot of flash (although we do dig the redesign and the fact that it now has actual bar stools). But the music! Punk rock, hip-hop, drum \u2019n\u2019 bass, rockabilly, you name it. There are killer local and touring bands playing all the time, plus a much-loved hip-hop open-mic night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Willow Den<\/strong>
805 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.271.1880<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Single Barrel<\/strong>
43 W. San Salvador St., San Jose; 408.792.7356<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Local Band<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Joe Sharino Band<\/strong>
What sets the Joe Sharino Band apart from other cover bands is charisma, lots of it. They\u2019ve played weddings, corporate events, fundraisers and festivals of every kind. And audiences have fun, dancing and singing along every second they\u2019re onstage. Their song list goes into the hundreds, ranging from the 1940s to the present. It\u2019s like having a jukebox come to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Whiskey Avengers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Peelers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Gentlemen\u2019s Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pink Poodle<\/strong>
328 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.600.1941. Here\u2019s the thing. No matter what anyone says, the Pink Poodle is a South Bay icon. Far more people have been than will admit they\u2019ve been. They bring their friends there for birthday parties, then bachelor parties, and then down the line, divorce parties. The girls are varied and energetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The Brass Rail<\/strong>
160 Persian Dr., Sunnyvale; 408.734.1454<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Cheetah\u2019s<\/strong>
907 E. Arques Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.733.2628<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Wine Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Grapevine<\/strong>
1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.7574. It can get packed, but this is a great place to relax with a glass of wine, appetizers and some live music. You can hang out a while or just sample some new wines. They are constantly changing their by-the-glass selections, plus the staff is more than happy to help locate the perfect gift. Want a glass of wine, but don\u2019t want to go through the hassle of making a selection? No problem. Order the \u00e2\u0080\u009cTotally Random House Wine\u00e2\u0080\u009d and be pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Vintage Wine Merchants<\/strong>
377 Santana Row #1135, San Jose; 408.260.1115<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar<\/strong>
20 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.298.9463<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Gay or Lesbian Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tinker\u2019s Damn<\/strong>
46 N. Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara; 408.243.4595. Tinker\u2019s Damn is has long been considered one of the top gay bars of the South Bay. There\u2019s great dance music, lots of shirtless men, drag nights and not much in the way of attitude from the staff and regulars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Brix Nightclub<\/strong>
349 S. First St., San Jose; 408.947.1975<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Watergarden<\/strong>
1010 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.275.1215<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Hotel Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

V Bar (Hotel Valencia)<\/strong>
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010. Any hotel bar is a good hotel bar, right? Add a dress code, some fancy cocktails and an ambience that manages to pay respect to the tried-and-true classic bar motif while giving it a glossy upgrade, and you\u2019ve got a pretty good lounge on your hands. But add to that tasty mix a gorgeous outdoor patio complete with fire pits, water fountains and spacious seating that practically demands an extended sit, and you have the best hotel bar in San Jose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Hedley Club Lounge (Hotel De Anza)<\/strong>
233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.286.1000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Lobby Lounge (The Fairmont)<\/strong>
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Happy Hour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rock Bottom Brewery<\/strong>
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408.377.0707. Tucked in the Pruneyard, Rock Bottom Brewery provides great food and a batches of fresh brewed beer, including the famous Raccoon Red. Happy hour lasts all day on Wednesdays, so a patron can enjoy a drink outside on the patio or in the bar with some tasty appetizers. Join the Mug Club and after 25 visits, you can walk out with one of their famous Growler Coolers. Once emptied, you can join a jug band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. McCormick & Schmick\u2019s<\/strong>
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.283.7200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Britannia Arms, San Jose<\/strong>
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Big Dance Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saddle Rack<\/strong>
42011 Boscell Road, Fremont; 510.979.0477. The sheer enormity of the Saddle Rack is a big reason why this club won. There\u2019s a huge dance floor surrounded by bars, an Oxygen bar, a mechanical bull and the Margarita Chair, where for $6, a brave soul sits in a chair, leans back and the bartender makes a margarita in their mouth. Equally entertaining are the live shows and DJs. For those of us who are, let\u2019s say, rhythmically challenged, free dance lessons are also offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Avalon Nightclub<\/strong>
777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara; 408.241.0777<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Wet<\/strong>
396 S. First St., San Jose; 408.282.8938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Small Dance Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

VooDoo Lounge<\/strong>
14 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.286.8636. A downtown San Jose staple, the VooDoo caters to a full range of tastes, from DJs to punk to metal to reggae to hip-hop. Over the last couple of years, they\u2019ve stepped it up a notch and brought in some big names, but they\u2019re still grounded in the local scene, booking up-and-coming South Bay bands and hosting art shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The Cardiff Lounge<\/strong>
260 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.374.7477<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Blank Club<\/strong>
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.292.5265<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Sports Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Double D\u2019s Sports Grille<\/strong>
354 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.6882. Double D\u2019s Sports Grille has made its rep on the ton of TV screens strewn about, sports memorabilia on the walls and the friendly staff. There really isn\u2019t any place you can sit and not see the game of your choice\u2014football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, rugby\u2026maybe even badminton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Britannia Arms, San Jose<\/strong>
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Britannia Arms, Almaden<\/strong>
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best DJ<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

King Raffi<\/strong>
The name just says it all. King Raffi reigns on his throne with over 25 years of bringing the party to the people. He was responsible for organizing the biggest dance night in the history of San Jose, Disco Inferno at the Cactus Club in 1990. He does weddings, he does clubs, he works for famous people and has interviewed some of the greats in the entertainment world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. DJ Basura<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Remedy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Karaoke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

7 Bamboo<\/strong>
162 Jackson St., San Jose; 408.279.9937. For decades, 7 Bamboo has been a top choice when it comes to karaoke. The Japantown fixture is easy to miss from the outside. But inside, would-be singers pack the place six nights a week, a mixture of young screamers and the traditional Japanese-American patrons who have being going there for decades. We recommend reserving a table in advance and being prepared to be seen on the Internet, as there is a webcam to capture every performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Britannia Arms, Almaden<\/strong>
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Goosetown Lounge<\/strong>
1172 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.292.4835<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Henry\u2019s Hi-Life<\/strong>
301 W. St. John St., San Jose; 408.295.5414. This San Jose landmark may be known mainly for its barbecue, and did gain notoriety from Man vs. Food<\/i>, but Henry\u2019s Hi-Life also has an established and dedicated Sharks fan base. Being a block away from the Shark Tank probably helps. The building is more than 100 years old and Henry\u2019s has been there for the past 40. Good food, a kick-back environment and friendly service (unless you\u2019re a Ducks fan), this is truly Sharks territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Britannia Arms, San Jose<\/strong>
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Poor House Bistro<\/strong>
91 S. Autumn St., San Jose; 408.292.5837<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a>
JJ’s Blues hosts top-flight acts most every night, including regular appearances by guitarist Gene Washington.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Best Jazz\/Blues Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

JJ\u2019s Blues<\/strong>
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.243.6441. Long a South Bay favorite, JJ\u2019s has been showcasing quality acts in blues and jazz daily for more than 20 years. It is a cozy, nonpretentious long bar with honest drinks, a lot of character and soul and a popular pool table in back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Poor House Bistro<\/strong>
91 S. Autumn St., San Jose; 408.292.5837<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Fairmont Hotel Lobby Lounge<\/strong>
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Latin\/Salsa Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Azucar<\/strong>
71 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.293.8482. Azucar is at the top when it comes to the Latin club scene. The margaritas and mojitos are cheap, but it\u2019s the music that\u2019s the standout. Latin rock, salsa, cumbia and merengue are just a taste of what the club has to offer. Tantalizing entrees make Azucar the whole package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Miami Beach Club<\/strong>
417 S. First St., San Jose; 408.242.9621<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Agenda\u2019s Wednesday salsa night<\/strong>
399 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.3991<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best British Pub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Britannia Arms, San Jose<\/strong>
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400. You don\u2019t get much more British than Britannia Arms. Their famous phone booth in front has served as a beacon for people looking for the London experience. They have the food (gotta try the British Bangers), the beer (19 beers on tap along with two hard ciders) and the best place to see the Earthquakes play. The only thing they don\u2019t have is those bad British teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Britannia Arms, Almaden<\/strong>
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Duke of Edinburgh<\/strong>
10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.446.3853<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Irish Pub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Flaherty\u2019s<\/strong>
25 N. San Pedro St., San Jose; 408.947.8007. The luck of the Irish shines on this authentic pub, which boasts a perfect Guinness pour and an extensive Scotch and whiskey selection. The Shepherd\u2019s Pie is homemade and the hospitality makes anyone feel Irish. In fact, drink enough of that good Jameson\u2019s and you\u2019ll start sounding Irish, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Katie Blooms<\/strong>
369 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.379.9687<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Rosie McCann\u2019s<\/strong>
355 Santana Row #1060, San Jose; 408.247.1706<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Martinis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Original Joe\u2019s<\/strong>
301 S. First St., San Jose; 408.292.7030. What, didn\u2019t know the martini was invented by Italians? Fuggedaboutit! It was Italians who came up with the vermouth that was shipped to the U.S. to create the martini in the first place, so it\u2019s no surprise that the South Bay\u2019s premier Italian dining spot should make an excellent one. Keyword: dry. See also: arid. Just be smart and don\u2019t hassle your server about how many olives you want. You get how many olives you get, capisce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The Grill on the Alley<\/strong>
172 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.294.2244<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. V Bar<\/strong>
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Live Music Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Blank Club<\/strong>
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.292.5265. Through the South Bay scene\u2019s best and worst times, The Blank Club has brought the rock. After turning in some of the best shows in its history over the last two years (James Williamson, Buzzcocks and Passion Pit, to name three), the Blank continues to be an intimate spot to see great indie touring bands, and a booking that lets local bands know they\u2019ve made it. Plus, you can\u2019t argue with an awesome \u201980s night, great DJs and dollar Pabst night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. JJ\u2019s Blues<\/strong>
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.243.6441<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. VooDoo Lounge<\/strong>
14 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.286.8636<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Margarita<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aqui<\/strong>
Various locations. What exactly is Aqui putting in these things?* In the last few years, their margarita has become like sweet, sweet nectar for the after-work-and-weekend crowd. Aqui serves gold tequila margaritas blended or on the rocks for $6.25. They can be swirled with sangria or upgraded with a variety of premium blue agave tequilas. (*Answer: Equal parts tequila and vodka.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pedro\u2019s<\/strong>
316 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.7570; 3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, 408.496.6777<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Fiesta del Mar<\/strong>
1005 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, 650.965.9354; 735 Villa St., Mountain View, 650.967.3525<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Place to Play Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

South First Billiards<\/strong>
420 S. First St., San Jose; 408.294.7800. This SoFA District anchor continues to evolve with brand new blue tournament felt, 9-ball competitions and other associated recreational diversions, like ping pong, pinball, local artists\u2019 exhibits, live music on weekends and a full bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Santa Clara Billiards<\/strong>
4525 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.296.3333<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. California Billiard Club<\/strong>
881 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View; 650.965.3100<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Bowling Alley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

300 San Jose<\/strong>
5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose; 408.578.8500. At some point, bowling stopped being ironically cool and started being actually cool. This might have had something to do with The Big Lebowski<\/i>, but in the South Bay the tipping point locally was the opening of 300. Suddenly a night out on the town didn\u2019t seem that different from a night out on the lanes. Outside the swank, clubby hang-out spots, this place has more lights than a Japanese game show, and is guaranteed to load up the senses while it loads up the pins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Strike<\/strong>
10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.252.2695<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Fourth Street Bowl<\/strong>
1441 N. Fourth St., San Jose; 408.453.5555<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Dive Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Black Watch<\/strong>
141 1\/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.2200. Finally, something hipsters and old-schoolers can agree on. In fact, you never know who you\u2019ll find here on any given night. The bartenders are chatty\u2014on a recent trip, one joined in on a graphic and hilarious conversation about worst pickup lines and the disasters they can lead to when successful\u2014and mix some of the strongest drinks this side of the creek trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cinebar<\/strong>
69 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.292.9562<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Dive Bar<\/strong>
78 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.288.5252<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Read the latest features and columns from the South Bay’s Metro Newspaper, and find information on upcoming events, lifestyle, the arts and more. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":1663345739,"_expiration-date-type":"draft","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[1910],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n