Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    55 South

    4.0 (826 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    55 South Photos

    Business Info

    55 SOUTH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - 55 South

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Charcuterie platter with questionable prosciutto. Warm and tan/khaki at the tip.
    Kenneth L.

    This place should be a bar, nothing else. The first red flag was we were the only 3 people in the establishment for dinner while other surrounding restaurants were busy. Despite that, we sat down and a waiter came by to take our order with a trainee. We gave him our drink order and needed a minute before ordering food. While looking over the menu, the training waiter is explaining the "do's and don'ts" of the restaurant to trainee right next to our table which was distracting to us and clearly uncomfortable for the trainee. Once decided we order and then the trainer was explaining to the trainee how it's their policy to receive payment after ordering (keep in mind we haven't received food or drinks yet and the starting gratuity was 20%). We pay and give looks to each other after the cards are charged because at this point we are wondering what is going on here?!?!?! The drinks come out 10/10...then the food. I have seen prosciutto look different in Spain and other establishments BUT NEVER have I seen tan/khaki tipped prosciutto. Then once I decline my order (we ordered 2 charcuterie boards and they brought out 1 at a time) the waiter said "we can't reverse the payment so we can give you something else of that value." I looked at the menu and didn't see anything else that looked appealing. When looking at the reaction from my friends, they suggested we leave because the food was either reaching the expiration date or surpassed it. Pros: if you're ever in San Jose the drinks (we only had one each but the ones we had were great) and whiskey selection is grand. Cons: food, the service, and payment policy. I expect to pay fast food establishments before receiving the meal, but never have I been charged (including starting gratuity at 20%) before receiving the meal.

    Rona S.

    Bar hopping one night and stumbled upon this place. Cool little spot, very nostalgic with the cartoon themed drinks. Not sure if the drinks rotate but maybe it does. This place like all other bar in San Jose gets really packed in the weekends. If you want to have a more chill night I would suggest going on a weekday night. Overall great experience and drinks were tasty and fun.

    Merry Mai Tai
    Amy C.

    We had our double date last night here. It became pretty busy on a Sunday night. Lol We got there about 7:00pm, and we snag the last booth that was open. The place was decked out in Christmas decor galore! My man and I got the Pineapple Upside Down drink, Sippin Santa & Cheesy Olive Bread. The festive mugs are very adorable! The drinks were strong, but tasty! And OMFG.... I love the Cheesy Olive Bread!!! It's super yummy with the soft and crunchy bread with scrumptious cream cheese! Mmmmm... Then for round 2 we got the Secret Santa & Merry Mai Tai. Again very cute cups! Mermaid Santa?!?!?! We also got the charcuterie board, which was pretty good. I enjoyed our time there. It's so festive, and they played Christmas music. Our server was friendly and pretty attentive. The bathroom was pretty clean. I would definitely return again to this spot. :)

    Menu
    Patricia A.

    Came in during the Halloween season to experience the holiday vibe and drinks. The place was decorated like the series, Stranger Things. They really went all out and added lots of touches from the series. Welcomed to Stranger Drinks in the upside down. It was a slow night so service was great.

    Cauliflower
    Jo P.

    This is one of my go to places whenever I'm downtown. They change up the menu frequently and always new dishes to try. We came early on a Tuesday evening and it wasn't packed at all. We thought it didn't open yet...it was nice since we could really catch up and hand out. The service was great. Staff was attentive and checked on us frequently. Food: cauliflower dish was so good. Flavorful and cauliflowers cooked with tenderly but not mushy. They had some sauce on sides of dish that has a good kick. The black latte drink wasn't my favorite but the others ones were strong and tasty.

    Inside
    Kristina K.

    This is such a fun bar and a must for the holidays!!! It's decorated so amazingly, I love all the lights! There is wait service when you sit at a booth and you can order food/ drinks. The Christmas drinks are so so good, some of my favorite out of all the Christmas bars in the area. The Jjnglebird was really yummy. I def wanna be back before the holiday season ends!

    Diego B.

    Cozy spot with low light and decent bites. Super recommend the cauliflower! It certainly stood out amongst everything! The staff was polite and helpful in accommodating my bigger than average group. Beware this place is popular and tables run out. So keep that in mind if you are coming in late in the evening. The only complain I have is that the bathrooms have no paper towels. You either use the air blower to dry your hands or whatever cloth you have in your body.

    Sippin' Santa
    Ashley V.

    Updating my review to 5 stars because Chastin provided awesome service and I realized they have more than just two bathrooms. Also really enjoyed frosting bite with vodka! The decor is still on point for Christmas too!

    Lemon drop and some special cocktail the bartender made topped with a macaroon ! N
    Kay O.

    I haven't been to 55 S. in such a long time, I wanna say it was before the pandemic! Lol particular Saturday night I was rather surprised to see Post Street shut down permanently, and there were a bunch of outside vendors. It looked really well lit and very Friendly to walk down. As we got into 55 south, they were mixing with the live DJ and some people are dancing and hanging out in boots. We went up to the bar and ordered our drinks. I got a lemon drop and my friend asked the bartender to make something with tequila and he made this beautiful concoction with a macaroon on top!! She said it was delicious, but had no idea what it was! Lol Our drinks were good! People were interesting, and the music was live. I will definitely come back again!!

    Miracle take over menu
    Michelle V.

    Definitely a fun place, especially for those 30ish & under. Came with my niece and her husband and it was a very festive environment as it was the weekend before Thanksgiving. It was full on Christmas decor & Christmas themed drinks & glassware. It was crazy packed, but managed to ger a spot at the bar. Bonus that there are street vendors selling food outside, so once you finish your drink, fill the tummy with some food before heading home.

    Night in Cancun
    Lawrence C.

    This was a restaurant that a friend recommended that we check out before a comedy show at the San Jose Improv theater, as the location is quite close to it. The interior is fairly spacious and dimly lit, but we were able to be seated as a party of 4 right away. The service was good and the waiters were friendly, with nice recommendations for what to get. For their food and drinks, I got the Night in Cancun cocktail, their Chicken Tinga hot pocket, and also The Bear sandwich. I have to say, all of these were delicious and definitely surpassed my expectations. The cocktail is pretty creative, with a tasty hibiscus foam on top that gives it a unique look. The Chicken Tinga hot pocket is probably the best hot pocket I've had in my life as it bursts with flavor and has a great crispiness to it. The Bear was also delicious, with really tender and juicy meat inside. If you are looking for a place to eat in Downtown San Jose, 55 South is not a place that you should miss if you want some great food.

    Luna Tequila house margarita
    Cathy T.

    Raymond was an exceptional server. He bantered with us and engaged in our conversations in a way that really made us feel like we were hanging out in our living room. I tried their house cocktail with Luna tequila. At $15 dollars a drink it felt like such a great find in the local area considering how expensive drinks can get when it's not happy hour! Such a great spot to catch up with friends. On a Thursday night the vibe was quiet enough to chit chat but still a fun spot to grab a drink

    Pork belly musubi. Photo by @martiwantsmore
    Marti L.

    Lunar New Year pop up at 55 South! It's really great that the bar took time to decorate and create a cocktail menu for Lunar New Year. There are 8 specialty craft cocktails on this menu to celebrate the holiday. We had a great time trying these creative cocktails. A few really stood out. Rice Cookie - top favorite! Shochu, black sesame, sweetly fermented rice. This cocktail had great balance. First Banchan - for the adventurous ones Gin, cucumber, sesame, and kimchi sour. This one surprised us. It's on the savory side but subtle. Reminds me of kimchi cucumbers. Such a fun drink! Coconut Candy - nostalgic Cocchi Americano, coconut, jackfruit, tangerine. On the sweet side but reminds me of the Asian coconut candies we used to eat during LNY! Don't forget about food! This was the first time we've really tried the food. So good! Our top favorites were the cheesy olive bread, chicken tinga hot pocket, aloha shrimp tacos, and duck confit sandwich. We were told that the LNY pop up usually runs for one week but was extended it to 2 weeks this year. Last day to check it out will be February 9th!

    Mac and cheese

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kenneth L.
    386
    39
    14

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy C.
    1958
    1399
    2877

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo P.
    66
    300
    1282

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa N.
    98
    1008
    3294

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Poonam G.
    72
    80
    101

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dustin D.
    759
    95
    53

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz P.
    1
    42
    16

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aly A.
    967
    661
    15057

    3 years ago

    Helpful 27
    Thanks 2
    Love this 34
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 21

    55 South Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - 55 South

    What time does the kitchen close on Saturdays-Mondays?

    Can we come in with kids?

    Unfortunately it's 21 and over only inside. The temporary seating outdoors does allow for kids but of course it's weather permitting.

    Do you offer happy hour?

    No more happy hour as of 9/16/2021.

    Do they still have happy hour?

    No more happy hour as of 9/16/2021.

    Outdoor dining open? Reservations available?

    I dont know about reservations but outdoor dining is back

    Is there a cover charge?

    No cover since it's a bar not a nightclub.

    Can I come at 12:01 AM the night of my birthday? I know CA doesn't have a law against this, but I'm assuming bars might have their own policy?

    They call last call at 1:30, ask for Michael and you will get a free birthday drink! (He's sitting next to me now)

    My 21st birthday is coming up. Could I get a free drink or some deal?

    Ask your friends to buy your drinks & then it's free LOL

    What is the name of the band that plays on Sunday nights?

    The Illiance

    View All 13 Questions

    You might also consider

    Alter Ego Cocktail Club & Still OG

    Alter Ego Cocktail Club & Still OG

    4.4
    (304 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Pet friendly

    I was confused at first by the setup, but it seems to be 2 bars in 1 location. I started out with…read morehappy hour at Still OG Listening and got the $5 drinks and some appetizers like the chicken skewers and fries. The music was really loud and I couldn't hear the conversation of the person with me so the Asian bartender helped us turn down the music a little. It wasn't until mid evening that I realized there was another bar in the back. The bartender told us the cocktails at Alter Ego were more fancy. Definitely instagramworthy! Tried two of the cocktails at Alter Ego. Overall, both have different vibes. Alter Ego is good for a more intimate dark setting date vibe. Service was pretty good at Still OG! The Asian bartender checked in several times and was really nice as well as provided some recommendations on which happy hour specials were most popular which helps since I'm indecisive. The back does seem like a more classy environment and I'd choose this setting over a dive bar any day. The music at still OG that they were playing at the time wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm sure they mix it up from time to time. I would love to hear some oldies!

    Came here on a Saturday night for some pre-dinner drinks. I wasn't really sure how it works with…read morethe two businesses in one, but Alter Ego is the speakeasy in the back, with reservations recommended, and Still OG is the walk in bar in the front. The front was pretty full so we checked out Alter Ego first, but they were also full with nothing available until 11pm, so Still OG it was. You grab a spot yourself and then order at the bar. All cocktails are on tap, which actually ended up being great because I was between a few of them and the bartender was able to give me samples of them. We also ended up getting an order of the Chicken skewers, which were super tender and juicy. We were too late on our visit, but they do have a daily happy hour that includes some of the skewers and fries, as well as some drinks and shots. Service was super friendly and vibes and music were great! Cocktails, weren't the best since they were on tap, but still good enough! I would absolutely come back here for a drink and snack though!

    Photos
    Asteroid Blues
    Asteroid Blues
    Silk Sheets and Sweets $19
    Silk Sheets and Sweets $19
    6/21/2024 symphony in black (mocktail of kyushu coffee) SO GOOD BEST BLACK SESAME COFFEE EVER wish i could drink this every morning

    See all

    6/21/2024 symphony in black (mocktail of kyushu coffee) SO GOOD BEST BLACK SESAME COFFEE EVER wish i could drink this every morning
    Haberdasher

    Haberdasher

    4.5
    (755 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Walking into haberdasher always makes me feel like I'm going back in time. It's beautifully…read moredesigned and has amazing staff. My husband and I had a baby free night out to celebrate my birthday and haberdasher did not disappoint. We went soon after opening so there was no line but I know they tend to have one later in the evening. We were greeted warmly at the door by the attendant who checked our ids. I was even wished a happy early birthday. When going into the bar, you walk down a staircase into a space that makes you forget you're in downtown San Jose with beautiful reds and burgundy decor. The staff is all smartly dressed; the bartender and bar back were both sweet and funny. I ordered a jack rose (my all time favorite), their seasonal watermelon waltz (this may be a new favorite for me, nice and refreshing) and one of their zero proof cocktails called a Mariposa which was soooo good as well. My husband ordered a couple old fashioned and a watermelon waltz for himself. We had an amazing time and look forward to coming back in the future.

    My friends and I went to several bars down the street and none really stood out but we saw…read moreHaberdasher and needed to check the place out. There was about a 10 min wait. And they don't allow outside food in even if the food was leftover in Togo bags from dinner. The place was busy when we finally went inside. But the bartenders were fast and we got two rounds of drinks as far as we could order. The dim lighting did look reddish. The large tables were reserved but there plenty of smaller high tops around. Memorable drinks were the perfect pear and the Andean Ascent. Perfect pear was not fruity at all and had a nice aroma and spice to it. The Andean ascent was a nice drink to start with, refreshing with a bit of fizz.

    Photos
    Kentucky Buck
    Kentucky Buck
    Back bar
    Back bar
    Their bathrooms fit the theme very nicely.

    See all

    Their bathrooms fit the theme very nicely.
    Goodtime Bar

    Goodtime Bar

    4.7
    (244 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    OMG, I am truly impressed with the food here! Most restaurants have at least one so-so dish, but…read morenot Goodtime Bar. Went here on a Saturday night with a girlfriend and we ordered: Steak Fries, Bucatini Pasta, Clams, Tomato & Cheese Dip (AMAZING! ) In fact, every single dish was completely on point. The vibe inside is super fun--there's a tiny bar lit up by a spinning disco ball. However, the ordering process is pretty disconnected and chaotic. You normally have to order food and drinks at the bar, but because the entire interior was so packed with people waiting for tables and pre-dinner drinks, the host kindly offered to help us at our table. The catch? She could only take our food order and not the drinks. It's definitely a bit disorderly, but the incredible food almost makes up for the logistical mess!

    I came here with a party of 8 for a birthday celebration. There are no reservations, just walk-in /…read morefirst come first serve basis. The bar was pretty busy with groups at all the tables so we had to sit outside on stools at a fold up table. You walk inside to place an order then you get seated at a table. The staff were really nice and gave great recommendations for our group who were beginner wine drinkers. Super cool vibe inside, they even have a disco ball and cute decor. My expectations were already low as I'm not usually into tapas style (aka small portion but expensive and possibly mediocre food) but boy was I wrong. All of the food that we ordered was genuinely so good. I still think about the BUCATINI (tom yum butter, lime, garlic and basil) and would solely come back for that dish. The portion sizes were on the smaller side but it is tapas, we had a group of 8 hungry people so that was on our part lol Overall, would recommend and come back to try some of their other dishes and wine! super cute for date night

    Photos
    Indoor seating area
    Indoor seating area
    Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
    Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
    A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

    See all

    A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

    55 South - lounges - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...