Trials Pub
| Address: | 265 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA |
| Phone: | +1 408-947-0497 |
| Site: | trialspub.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM Closed |
Location
Photos 89
Reviews 19
AD
Adrienne Tegreeny
I went here on a Friday at around 9:30 or 10 and was able to get a table in the back easily. This is such a nice and laid back place. The appetizer portions were bigger than I expected which was a nice surprise! Our table got the garlic fries, curry fries, mac n cheese bites, and the sausage appetizer. They were hot and delicious. Great for sharing with everyone at the table! Theres a dart board in the back near the fireplace if you want to play a game. I didnt hang out near the front so Im not sure if theres anything to do up there besides enjoy your friends company. Its a great place to do that too as it is not too loud.
SI
Simon Cooper
While most efforts at pubs in the US have very little in common with the real English variety, this place is really good. They even have proper locally brewed beer on handpumps. You still have to tip the bar staff and endure people assuming Guinness is English, though. Barstaff can be a bit variable, mostly its because theyre chatting with customers, your best bet is probably a night when Thane is on. Clientele is young professionals unwinding, its very friendly and isnt very big so gets quite intimate at busy times. Cant recall what music there was, but it wasnt imposing and you can talk freely.
KA
Katherine Haworth
Food was decent, but service was terrible. Looked like only 1 cook and 1 waitess running the bar and food delivery. After 30 minutes of waiting and seeing other people who had arrived after us get their food delivered, we flagged the waitress down to ask if our order had been lost in the rush - she made some snapped excuses about them being "slammed" and "sometimes things get mixed up in the kitchen" when its like that and told us to be patient. Probably fine on a slow night, but if they look busy just go elsewhere as they dont have the resources to handle it if all 4 of their tables are full.
A
A Private User
Discovered this place by accident a good few years ago, while its not all that accurate a British pub copy (bar staff still want tips, half the patrons drink mixed drinks, no teenagers), it is still well worth a visit. Some of the more colourful characters of the city behind the bar, the foods actually good, Highlights are: Cask Ales (which arent really too cold) Food (the chips and curry sauce is a hot pick) Staff (albeit often rushed off their feet) Atmosphere (theres always a healthy level of conversation at every table in there)
NO
Norman Finnance
I used to be a regular at Trials, then moved to Baltimore. Trials is unlike any pub Ived visited and there are many. Somehow, they maintained an atmosphere of the small local pub in one of the largest cities in the states. The beer and food and those working there have created an experience for the regulars and the one time stranger that is welcoming, delicious and fun. Conversations are interesting, especially if sitting at the bar. Trials is truly unique, a gem in Silicon Valley.
A
A Private User
We were in San Jose for a week long conference and were looking for a nice place to relax. Trials was not too far from our hotel, and located near a Light Rail stop, so we gave it a try. We instantly became regulars stopping in every night we were in San Jose. Great food and wonderful people. Everyone from the staff to the regular customers adopted us and made us feel welcome. The chicken curry is some of the best I have ever eaten.
KE
Kevin Kennedy
Trials is one of San Joses hidden gem dive bars disguised as a British pub. While the imperial pints, ska and brit pop posters, and European football pennants do a good job of convincing you that this place hails from across the pond theres no mistaking the San Jose Sharks rally towels, locals chopping it up, darts, board games and lack of television reveal this bars rightful place as one of the best dives in San Jose.
AL
Allie Peña
I was disappointed and a little pissed when my coworkers and I were greeted by rude staff and pretentious patrons as we walked into Trials. Would probably go back on a busier night. The place is small but I dont mind. Its a dive bar for sure as I do not get a English pub feel despite the wall decor and things. The kitchen was closed so we didnt get a chance to order food. GOOD BEER.
MA
Mary Howard
Great beer selection, delicious food, and board games! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and youll come to call them friends after only a few trips back. Trivia on Mondays is a staple in my life; the crowd is made up of regulars and has a homey feel. The music is always enjoyable and I love that there are no tvs to distract from conversation.
RU
Russell Palmiter
Stuck up staff. The regulars are odd mix of losers and wannabe pretentious snobs. The place is too small to move comfortably. Food sucks. Takes way too long to get a beer. And did I mention the bar tenders here arent nicest people Ive ever met. Theres a million hole in the wall pubs in town. Skip this one.
ER
Eric Medeiros
One of the best local bars in SJ that doesnt attract the exact crowd you want to avoid in SJ. Legitimate atmosphere, drinks, and staff. One of the best ways to finish off a night (or start if you want to as well) and its a quick walk from the "main" downtown without the things you hate about downtown.
SA
Samuel Frens
Its one of the very few "pubs" Ive been to in my life that was an actual pub! It felt exactly like it should. A little dingy, but still tasteful. Good beer at a reasonable price, and when I was there, a German band playing in literhosen. The staff behind the bar was courteous and prompt.
CA
Cameron Guglielmelli
Looking for a real English experience in the downtown area but dont want all the hassle of downtown? This is the place for you. We love the Guinness on tap! Great appetizers and a generous dinner menu. Lively conversations and friendly staff. We have been coming here for years!
TH
Theresa Afzali
Bad service, rude staff that ignored us while we sat at the bar waiting to be served. The Union Jace is hanging upside down behind the bar so that is not very British . The bar needs a good cleaning It seems more of a dive bar that a British bar to me.
IA
iacopo gambino
Great place for relaxing. Decent food. Decent drinks. Lot of beers and European taste. Super friendly staff and no pretentious San Jose wannabees .Recently discovered but immediately got to be a standard stop. Plan to get to be a regular.
A
A Private User
Great beer selection and the top shelf whiskey cost less than most places. Which is a huge plus for me. The food is great. Canadian chips (poutine), Cheddar soup, Irish BLT and shepherd pie are favorites. Weekdays are good nights.
RI
Ritesh Nayak
Had a great time here on a Tuesday night. It was quiet overall with good beer and company. We also played darts which was a bonus. Love the inexpensive and divey nature of this place. Dont miss the currency wall here
AN
Andrew Moody
It is a great hole in the wall place to go to for a drink. Lots of awesome character and personality is found to be here which makes it a unique and great local neighborhood hang out spot!
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Ralf Fischer
Awesome pub with great food and decent drinks, including a european beers as well as craft beers. Staff is very friendly and fast, though half of them are named Dave if I got it right.
