Neighborhood dive Bit not mine! Lol Loud ,smelly and really active for that let it and destress mindless hang. Lots of people and seasoned bar lovers. Some good live music and Thursday was happening here! Try it! read more

Creepo Central The Caravan Lounge on South Almaden Avenue in San Jose, CA, cross-cuts past atmospheric charm into a thoroughly less than enjoyable experience fueled by a genuinely creepy, unsettling clientele. While the bartenders are perfectly pleasant and pour cheap, stiff drinks, the overall vibe inside this dimly lit, windowless basement-style venue feels inherently unsafe rather than edgy. The bar attracts an unpredictable crowd of aggressive regulars and menacing loiterers who openly gawk at outsiders, trade hostile glances, and make the tight, crowded space around the pool table feel intensely claustrophobic. Between the heavy, localized scent of stale smoke and body odor, and the lack of visible security to handle the visibly unstable patrons muttering to themselves or starting shouting matches, the entire environment radiates an uncomfortable tension that completely ruins a casual night out. It is a gritty relic of old downtown San Jose, but the hostile, unwelcoming social energy ensures you will spend your time watching your back rather than enjoying a drink. Thanks read more

Caravan Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Oh Caravan! What a miserably hot spot with the best patrons and live music selection of local bands. I always complain about : 1. the heat and 2. the smell of the crowd, but honestly...it's the sign of a good time going down. Decent bar selection here, nothing super fancy but this place is where magical mingling happens on a random Thursday night. Also, I approve of this bathroom mirror for selfies. The lighting really captures that great portrait mode on your phone and it always has a flattering angle to offer me. Now, to make it in for Mondo's Karaoke night on Tuesday. I must see what karaoke in this spot looks like, then my dive bar missions here will TRULY be complete. read more

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Super friendly bartender and staff! We made it minutes before last call. It was the last stop of our bar crawl in dtsj. I ordered my usual Midori Sour and she made it so well! I loved it. I'll take 5 more lol. Nice dive bar vibes. They even have live local music. Great way to support. No complaints here! read more

Caravan Lounge - Midori sour - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

At first the place seemed welcoming but then not so welcoming. It was my first time here so I didn't know what to expect. I knew a couple people that were in the bar and boy some hostile people came up calling my friend idiot and moron, not very friendly vibes . Then i caught heat from some people not long after that. I thought id try my hand at comedy but I definitely wasn't gonna get up there. I definitely became not welcome. The areas not really great nut i thought it might mean its just got some flare and grit to it. read more

Beverly the owner is the best! Warm and genuine with the patrons! Oldest bar in downtown San Jose! Just a classic dive. Enjoy Downtown San Jose at its best! read more

Caravan Lounge - HAPPY ROCKET - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Someone in the bar is running skimmers. They charged my card through entering card information manually. I caught it on my statement. The inside is dirty it doesn't seem like it's clean. It's not a safe space they keep allowing transients in. I'll never go back read more

I really tried to like this place but I had a horrid experience there last night and another time I went. Twice now I was made very uncomfortable by creepy guys and when I mentioned that I was uncomfortable instead of addressing the issue I was dismissed and told that I was not allowed in the club and given song and dance reasons that I was the issue and not allowed to re enter to find a friend and go home. I had hoped for a safe space to support events but instead found myself mocked and Belittled by the owner who was extremely rude and on a power trip. Thumbs down and zero stars if I could. I hope the ABC looks into some of their practices. Not a safe space or helpful if you are feeling uncomfortable with unwanted advances. read more

The van is always a good time! Definitely a dive bar, but it's chill. They do lots of themed nights and different events as well. Karaoke Keyboard is a great time if you've never been! read more

Caravan lounge is a nice dive bar in downtown San Jose. Went to the spot after a concert and it was chill. They had cheap 40 ounce cans so I definitely cannot complain. Good vibes cheap drinks would be back and recommend. read more

Fun spot. Late night entertainment. Support local comedy. I come here on Wednesdays for their comedy open mic. Rachel is super kind and humble and it's very cool to be around a fun different atmosphere in San Jose. I always order a Coke with lemon. Lots of seating. Open mic gets packed. Yet somehow everyone behind the bar seems to be able to provide service with a smile. Don't forget to tip your bartender. read more

Had not been here in a long time. It's a little dice bar, my kind of place! It has made improvements, and the patrons were welcoming . Apparently they also serve pozole once a month. I'll have to check it out! read more

Caravan Lounge - Poster advertising pozole - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Fun times, great dive bar. There was even a dog there, I love dogs! Nice people, cool bartender.

Went for a punk show. Bouncer was incredibly suspicious of my ID, either because it was the newest version (i renewed my DL a month ago), was not a "REAL"ID, or because I'm visibly transgender. I was able to get in, but my friend was denied entry for having an Oklahoma ID because it suposedly "didn't have UV reactivity." Im 23 and my friend is 25. Never had a casual bar be so strict. Overall made him look uninformed and mean. Hoping to try this place again another time. read more

Had a couple Don Julio shots ($13/shot) with friends, the bartenders were very sweet and attentive. The bar got pretty packed but they did their best to get everyone's drink requests in. Love this bar, the vibes are great and everyone is pretty chilled n laidback. The music was great last night, would love to come again. read more

Caravan Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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My favorite place in San Jose! Total go-to spot. I love the music, the staff, and there's always something entertaining going on. They take security seriously too--they card every single time. I'm 40 and still get carded without fail. If I forget my ID, I'm not getting in, no exceptions. Gotta respect that! read more

Very disappointed with my experience. I visited last night to support some local bands and friends who were performing. The drinks were mediocre--I ordered a Long Island and a tequila lime soda, both of which were made incorrectly and tasted watered down. After the performances, a few friends and I stepped outside for some air. There were multiple groups gathered outside, not just ours. At one point, we noticed another group--whom we did not know--taking Jell-O shots. While my group was simply standing in a circle talking, a bouncer suddenly approached us, yelling and accusing us of taking Jell-O shots. He told us we were being disrespectful to the bar and that we were no longer allowed back inside. I explained that none of us had taken any Jell-O shots and even showed him to prove it. He responded that he didn't care and reiterated that we were banned from re-entering. You're seriously going to kick out a group of 20 people who came to support your venue and brought in significant business--for something we didn't even do? That's absolutely unprofessional. Businesses should remember that their customers are the reason they stay open. This situation was incredibly frustrating because we were doing nothing wrong--just standing outside and following the rules. Overall: I do not recommend this place. The drinks are overpriced and watered down (especially for a dive bar), and the staff is rude and unprofessional. I won't be spending my money here again. read more

Old reliable. This is a perfect bar. A safe place. The people behind the bar are professionals, prepared for anything. Melissa, the young KP, and Miss Rachel, to name a few, will handle whatever you need. The pool table plays GREAT, and only takes 3 quarters. They have live music, comedy, etc. My favorite nights in downtown used to be split between here and Cinabar. Only one of the legends lives on. The Caravan MUST be treasured and must never die. read more

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I love coming here for the different shows they put on. the people inside are always super cool. The bartenders are friendly and the drinks are super strong. Bring ear protection if you have sensitive ears because it can get loud during the shows. read more

Only punk bar in San Jose! Great live bands. Great bartenders and peeps. Kiddie corner from Cesar Chavez Park. read more

Caravan Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Great little dive bar. Bartenders were super chill. Good prices for nice pours. Old school vibe. Everything you need in a dive. They have a pool table. read more

Great find! Fun dive bar, they have a billiards table and dice cups if you want to play dice. Great staff. We came in for an open mic night which was an experience. They also have touch tunes so you can play your music with the app. read more

Caravan Lounge - a bar filled with bottles of alcohol - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Good dive bar in downtown San Jose. Dog friendly. Good service. PBR tall boys. Pool table.

Tbh this place hella lit for their Cherry Colored Funk Nights! The DJs go a little too hard and if you ain't ready, you ain't ready. Cash only and $5 beers!!! 10/10 for a bestie night out read more

Beth took great care of me and my friends yesterday and I will for sure come back to this spot when I'm in downtown. She recommended drinks for my gf who likes fruitier cocktails, recommended how my friend should take gin and tonic, and couldn't be nicer about it all. There's live music, comedy nights, a juke box, billiards table, clean bathrooms and bar tops. 10/10 dive read more

This all pertains to the service! I met a friend at the bar who got there before me and not sure what he told the female bartender before I showed up about me, I thought we were friends but maybe he just learned shortly before then that I thought of him as a friend and nothing more so he might have bad mouth me to her needing someone to talk to. I don't know but when I arrived I just asked him what I should have after having a really long day with no lunch and he told me to ask her for suggestions since she was the bartender and he always drank the same thing. She didn't know what to suggest. I told her I liked whiskey she said whiskey and Coke. I said I'm not really into soda so she suggested ginger ale and I said okay. Second drink I wanted it in a shorter glass with just a splash of ginger ale cuz it was still too much soda in it for me. She then proceeded to show me a science experiment about them being the same amount of liquid in the tall glass and the small glass. I said thank you I'd still like a small glass please she gave me a drink and a small glass without any garnish. I thanked her. Later on the guy I was with got real moody and didn't like some of the things I was telling him he should maybe look at about himself meaning to slow down in life so he doesn't burn out, yada yada and he started to get in my face get aggressive and I told him you need to go and he got up and he left and the people at the end of the bar saw that and called me over to join them. I went over to sit down and join them and found out that we all went to the same high school just a few years apart from one another. So the waitress thing that I went over to that group brought me my check to close out because the guy I was with previously had me buy my own drink after he bought me the first one. So I signed out of that tab thinking nothing of it. So in a bit the guy that was in the group that I was now sitting with offered to buy me a drink and he said What are you drinking and I said well I'd like a whiskey drink but I don't know what. He said I'll get you when I'm drinking and he called the waitress over and he ordered a drink. She brought it to him, but then when she found out it was for me,... She took it back and said,"I'm sorry she's cut off, I'll refund you your money!" I looked at her very shocked I said, "Why am I cut off??" (I only had two drinks) And she said, "because you were rude and disrespectful." (Omg... I even complimented her on her nails earlier so I had no idea what she was talking about!) This point, I had nothing to lose, so I proceeded to tell her, "I think it's YOU not me that was being that way." - The guy went over to talk to her, and he came back and apologized that he couldn't get me a drink. I ended up leaving completely mortified and humiliated. SO BEWARE OF THE LADY WITH A RED FINGERNAILS WORKING BEHIND THE BAR! SHE DOES NOT LIKE WOMEN CUSTOMERS read more

Camel images on this old building on the corner of San Fernando & Almaden. "Booze and Bands" says the website and wondered whether I would ever venture inside. Friend's band came into town and we finally got to check this out on a Friday night. Stepped inside and discovered a classic dive bar. How much a dive? P.B.R. That's right, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a staple. Ha! Our group of 5 ordered a round of cocktails. Bartender was super friendly. There isn't a stage, so one side of the bar is used for musical acts to set-up. Okay that works, BUT, there is a large pool table in the middle of the bar, so you can't fit as many people. At least I got to lean on the pool table to watch the band. Crowd was very supportive for my friend's band and staff was friendly. Not my usual establishment, but had a good time. read more

I love hanging out at dive bars and this one is small and dark, just the way I like it. They have heavy metal gigs at this location but I missed the show which was held on Monday night. It was amateur comedian night on Wednesday. read more

Caravan Lounge - Wednesday comedy night - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Biker gang members, punks and live bands what's not to love about this dive bar. I totally came here for the local punk music scene. The bands were total hard core and the bar staff was great and poured good drinks. It's the bay area so the people watching was awesome everything and everyone is accepted here from 1 percenter biker gang members to transsexuals and it was so chill. Prices seemed high for a dive bar and it's cash only here. Still a good time if you like the music scene. read more

Just perfect for a guy like me! Pool table, beer, jukebox and fast service too. Good times on a budget. Christmas lights in August. Booze too read more

Extra star for being cover-free with live music and comedy nights! It's great for the community in supporting local bands and comics. LIVE MUSIC: In general it's more on the rock/metal side. But the Saturday night I went went as such... 1.) Mono/Stereo = GREAT band of electric VIOLIN (I LOVE string, especially vionlin), drum, keyboard, and bass. 2.) Dokoe = 3.) Aris = SERVICE: Bartenders are down to earth. Inconvenient that the bar is cash only, but there is an ATM in the bar. ATMOSPHERE: Pretty cozy divy feel, one pool table that gets covered up on a livelier music night. Ah memories of working in downtown and read more

You can't help but love the Caravan Lounge. I spent my formative years working in downtown San Jose in the 80's. The Caravan is one of the few bars that survived San Jose's rebirth. Places like The Tower Saloon, The Laundry Works, Pacific Fish Company, and Manny's Cellar are all long gone. I used to go to the Caravan after work and hang out with the unionized telco guys that worked in the central office across the street. The place is pretty much the same as it was 25 years ago. Same interesting mix of folks all getting hammered and having a good time. My son is in a punk band and invited me to watch a show. During that visit an unfortunate event was seared into my memory. I was quietly sitting at my table nursing a Long Island waiting for the music to start. In walked two sluts in their late thirties. A blonde and a brunette. The brunette was wearing a short leather mini skirt and a tube top. She was leaning against the bar eyeballing the musicians. Anyway she appeared to drop something on the floor. She arched her back and bent over to pick whatever it was up. She gave the entire bar a good look at her clean shaven vagina for what seemed to be an eternity. This actually wasn't a good thing, her privates resembled the characteristics of a catcher's mitt. read more

Caravan Lounge - High Road @ The Caravan - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Ever since Cactus Club closed in 2002, it's become incredibly difficult for local South Bay bands to play shows. The scene just hasn't been the same. You wouldn't know that by last night's performance by " My First Murder". The fans were out, beer was spilled, and heavy, angry music was repped in a big way. This tiny little dive is often an afterthought as it is off the beaten path, but has been drawing the same crowds for over a decade. It's actually nice to visit this place and not have to deal with the degenerates of society on 2nd St. San Jose will continue to change and grow. Hopefully The Caravan stays as a reminder: " Don't ever forget your roots." read more

Five stars? Why the hell not... Reasonable prices. No weak drinks. Draught Bud, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Pyramid Haywire, Guinness. $4 PBR tall boys. Sundays $1 hot dogs. Most importantly, live music! No cover charge. Solid fifth star? Women's restroom has toilet seat covers. This blows my freakin' mind. Does this mean the Caravan can still be considered a dive bar? Hell if I know, but my butt thanks you. read more

Caravan Lounge - The Caravan's admittance stamp - God is Love. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Went to see a friends band play here recently. Tiny, grungy little bar with heavy handed cheap drinks, occasional loud ass live music, and an entertainingly dysfunctional crowd. Terrible and sketchy in a perfect sort of way. You won't find me here by myself, but if I was in the area with some friends - why the hell not. Be nice to the bartenders. They're worth it. read more

It's dark outside, this corner spot is even darker, the people look suspicious, walk on in, and your amazed how friendly the bartender is! In route to get our drink on, pre-drinking at the pad of course, "its not a date" and we decided (more me than her since this place looks hella scary) to check it out. From the outside, you'd figure this place would be pretty big, but it isn't. You've got your bar, pool tables, jukebox, and old/rough stale decor. What more can you ask for? Well, cheap drinks of course! Why else would you be at a bar. On a Monday, this place was pretty dead, which was great, as it gave "red-flags" and I time to talk about things in our own little world. It was nice, that even though we're sitting at the bar, we had our privacy. Butch was super friendly and had a good aura. However, drinking on a Monday? I'm going to have to pass the next time, Tuesday, definitely! read more

Love the vibe of this place, its my favorite dive bar in San Jose and one of my favorite music venues. It's dark, it's punk, it's cheap, it's everybody just doing them. They have good, free, live music playing at an absurd volume most nights of the week. One of my go-to places when I have nothing else to do on a week night. read more

Went here for a goth nigh and loved it. It's a TINY place but everyone's friendly, drinks are priced right, it's a great atmosphere. My fav dive bar in SJ for sure. I intend to return!! read more

I love this place. Such a cool, creative place. Not in the greatest part of town, but reasonably safe I think. Stay safe and stay aware if your surroundings late at night; it's right near the Greyhound bus station, which can be sketch. read more

I guess this is where all the tattoo'ed punk rocker, indie kids and other misfits go. I have never been to a dive bar that was not filled with old people so this was a nice refreshing change. Everyone keeps mentioning the cheap drinks in their reviews but luckily I did not have to pay for my drink so I cannot comment on that, but they do have Guinness on tap which is a favorite of mine so kudos to that. Overall, this was a fun bar with friendly people. Despite it being small, I would definitely head back with some friends. read more