Sitting just outside the core of downtown San Jose, the SAP Center is surrounded by numerous options for dinner or a drink before Sharks games and events.
From sushi to one of Silicon Valley’s best burritos, there’s no reason to go hungry before or after a visit to the Shark Tank. Here are a few of our favorites.
Located just a few blocks away from SAP Center, Farmers Union is one of San Pedro Square’s newest editions. Specializing in modern American cuisine and cocktails, when events are happening at SAP Center, Farmers Union gets busy quick. Visitors should plan on arriving a little early for a table or keep an eye out for an open seat at the bar, where food is also served along with drinks.
La Victoria's orange sauce is possibly the most talked about hot sauce in Silicon Valley. What might otherwise be written off as just another taqueria burrito is transformed into a thing of beauty by the creamy, spicy sauce. It's a great stop for a quick pre-game meal and it's also one of the few places downtown open after hours.
It gets crowded before Sharks games and events, but diners can grab a drink at the excellent bar or wait their turn for a table. Vegetarians might have a bit of trouble with Henry’s menu: this place is all about the meat a their ribs and steaks are well known.
The closest restaurant to the SAP Center, Poor House Bistro is the place for New Orleans-style food and live music. With a different blues band playing every night, diners can enjoy New Orleans classics like muffaleta, jambalaya, po boys and maybe a beignet or two for desert.
San Pedro Square Market is the spot for those groups who can just never agree on where to eat. More than 15 vendors at here serve everything from pizza to crepes to falafel. Local bands entertain guests on the outdoor patio most Fridays and Saturdays and there's a fully stocked bar and coffee shop on site.
With the SAP Center so near the re-emerging Little Italy neighborhood, we’d be remiss not to mention this Italian standout. It’s a bit pricier than the other spots nearby, but well worth it for the classic Italian-American staples and some lesser known Southern Italy dishes.
Just across the tracks from the SAP sits Bluefin Japanese Restaurant and Lounge. With a full bar and a solid sushi selection, Bluefin gets pretty packed before Sharks games. While the sushi sits on the pricier end of the spectrum, it has a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm, even on Sharks game nights.
On the corner of Market and St. Johns Streets, sits this Caribbean American grill. Specializing in island favorites: jerk chicken, curry chicken, beef oxtails, plantains and warm bread rolls, Back A Yard seeks to bring the back home taste of the Caribbean to San Jose.
Before the next SAP Center event, grab a beer at the Whole Foods Market Brewery. The upstairs brewery over looks The Alameda and is located directly across from the SAP Center. Try any one of the many local craft beers featuring local breweries such as Santa Clara Valley Brewing company, Mission Creek Brewing Company and three taps for house brews.
