Date night at Mini boss in DTSJ was a fun night. The drinks were pretty good in balance alcohol and sweetness. It was so cool to see the games I grew up with and play them. For the most part the space is pretty big but it does get busy. The pinball room does get stuffy and hot bc there is no ventilation so bring a fan. Other than that this place is a great visit Oh and bring cash to use the change machine. They do have an ATM but Yano service charges. read more

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It was packed on a Saturday night! Parking was also tough in downtown SJ with paid garages or find street parking and walk. Venue is pretty large with bunch of seating around but still everything was taken. There a variety of old classic games requiring coins for play. Bar is well managed with efficient bartenders so service was quick and easy. Menu has a bunch of variety and interesting cocktails but also recommend coming for the discounted happy hours. 10/10 Winter on Niberu $16 - strawberry with condensed milk flavor hit! Highly reccomend. Tastes like a strong creamier calpico. 8/10 Steal My Sunshine $16- coconut flavor with mango popping boba. Also a strong creamy drink! Coconut flavor was good. 7/10 Jigglypuff $16 - peach cocktail. I think just ok. 6/10 Holographic Charizard Slushy $16 - Tasted good for first few sips but waaaay too sweet. Would not get again. Would come for HH next time as it was so packed with no seating and games were filled. read more

Miniboss - Happy Hour Menu - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Miniboss is a fun arcade bar in downtown San Jose. I've been a few times and had a good experience across various cocktails. Some nights the games cost less or are free, which is something to look for if you are flexible on when you are in the area. It is not the type of place I would go out of my way to get to, but if I'm in the area, I'm happy to go back. read more

Sherry the bartender was amazing!! She truly knows what she is doing and we are so happy that we came to this bar. From the pictures online it looked very small but once we got there, there were three different rooms with so many arcade games. It was huge and we were very surprised! We had such an amazing night. I would highly suggest coming on a Thursday when the arcade games are free! We will definitely be coming back because of Sherry and I would highly recommend this bar!! read more

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Take my money, Miniboss!!! This place is so DARN CUTE!! it's like one of those bars that you see in the movies because it looks like a perfect retro bar, complete with all types of arcade games. I'm not sure what it looks like during the normal season but I came here when they had the holiday pop up and I loved it! The drinks were so cute and they served in these festive cups and even the food was good and piping hot. Even though it took awhile for your turn (as you can imagine in a fully packed bar) the bartenders were friendly and took their time to recommend certain drinks. They had holiday decorations everywhere and they played a mixture of all types of holiday music. It's a perfect first date (or umpteenth!) location and also a great place to go with the homies. I highly recommend! read more

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This was our first time at Miniboss and we just so happened to stumble upon it during their holiday collab. We've been to a different Miracle pop up in SF and personally, I wasn't a huge fan of the drinks. That being said, I think the Miracle drinks stepped up their game this year- we got one that was in a unicorn cup and it was pretty tasty! The decor inside is super cute, and the Christmas decorations made everything feel even more cozy and festive. I was a fan of a few of their games but I think it was a bit more retro than I was expecting LOL. Not too crazy on a Friday night, but still a great crowd! I would come back if I was going for a night out in SJ! read more

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They share the same menu as Paper Plane for the Christmas drinks, but it was cute how they also decorated the interior for the holidays. People definitely come here for the nostalgic vibe and less so for the games themselves since it's quite expensive for what you're playing. If you do plan to play the games, make sure you bring cash to use the machine for coins/credit. Otherwise, the drinks are solid and the vibe is always cool! read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

What an amazing little gem in the heart of downtown San Jose! This bar and arcade is a haven for gamers young and old, with an incredible range of classic games that will transport you back to the golden age of arcade gaming. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the sights and sounds of a time once forgotten. The place is inviting, with a bar in the center and rows of arcade games on either side. They also serve great fresh hot food, making you want to lose yourself for hours in this place. There's also a couple of large rooms behind the bar with rows and rows of arcade games and pinball machines. Whether you're itching for a round of Street Fighter, craving the heart-pounding action of Donkey Kong, or seeking the challenge of Terminator or Ms. Pac-Man, you'll find no shortage of iconic titles to choose from. You can take a nice break from all the playing in the Tetris themed chill out area. I was super surprised with this place. An unplanned visit turned into a great evening of fun. Don't be disheartened by the sketchy location of the place. Once you're here you will lose yourself in all the fun. read more

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My friends and I went to Mini Boss for a girls night out in SJ. We ordered 3 cocktails (Smells like teen spirit, shrek's swamp, and jigglypuff). They were all priced to be $15-16 which was reasonable. They gave us a good buzz by the end of each one. Our favorite was the Jigglypuff. The vibe was really fun for a night out and it was pretty crowded there. There is a lot of new and classic games that included racing games and pinball machines. We love coming here to play games and drink. read more

Miniboss - Jigglypuff, Smells like teen spirit, and shreks swamp - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

MiniBoss is the perfect spot for a fun date night! The retro arcade vibes, glowing lights, and great music give it that nostalgic yet lively feel. Tons of classic games (all in great condition) plus pinball, so there's never a dull moment--and the layout is spacious enough that it never feels cramped, even when it's busy. We grabbed drinks and tried the Cheesy Korean Fire Noodles from Super Good Kitchen inside--both were solid! The cocktails are creative, and the bartenders are friendly and chill. You can order ahead while you wait, which helps when it's crowded. It's a cool twist on a night out--great energy, great food, and way more fun than just sitting at a bar. Definitely recommend for a casual date or group hangout in downtown San Jose. Will be back for more rounds (of both games and drinks). read more

This is a fun place to hang out, especially if you don't like to drink. It's easy to order quick bites and shareable pizzas, there are plenty of games to play, and for those who do want to drink, there's a full bar. I'm always surprised at the food here because it's pretty good for a bar. Over the holidays they decorate really well too, with a dancing Santa, inflatables, lights, tinsel and all. Plus the lines shorter than for paper plane! read more

Miniboss - Christmas drink menu - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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I love this place it's always such a fun time to let loose and hang out with friends. It really brings out the inner kid in everyone. I always come during Christmas time and it looks like Santa threw up all over the place. I love how cliché it gets in there. All of the decorations melt my grinch, icicle heart. Every single drink is so detailed and thought out. From the crazy ceramic cups to the toppings... They take their time and put in a lot of energy. You may think that the cups are tiny but trust me... they pack a big punch! read more

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If you love pinball.. great place. I love pinball. Food is ok. Drinks ok. Good enough. Lots of young ppl. I'd come again for pinball read more

Creative drink names and they're tasty, I also like how they do themed drinks for events sometimes. If you go on a busy night it'll be hard to play a lot of games since so many people are playing. They do have some really cool decor! Bathroom wise, the women's one wasn't too bad but I have gone during busier times so it's understandable that it can get a bit messy. I've come here a few times and I'll definitely go back! read more

This is my favorite arcade bar in San Jose! The cocktails are delicious, and they also serve food. My go-to drink is the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' a citrusy, sour cocktail. The place is filled with colorful lights, adding to the fun vibe. Plus, Thursday is free game night! read more

Miniboss - Double dragon on the left and on the right is smells like teen spirit - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been here twice now. The second time was on a Thursday where they have free games. You should come within happy hours on Thursdays and you'll get a really good deal. The drinks are decent and the food is pretty good, surprisingly. I liked their chicken wings. My husband liked the pepperoni flatbread. Service is great too! Definitely recommend as a place to hang out and have a drink. read more

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Love coming here for Miracle Bar during Christmas. Paper plane is just TOO crowded but I can always find a seat here. Lots of vintage video games. Three different rooms with plenty of seating. Two bar areas but sometimes the back bar is not open. Bartenders are super laid back and nice. Can't comment on the food as we only had cocktails but it's my go to spot during the holidays. No cover charge! read more

Miniboss - a santa mug with a drink in it - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

We came here on a Thursday for their Halloween themed drinks and it was really crowded! The bar was decked out with lots of spooky decor like spider webs and the bartenders were all dressed up. We ordered the Mapinguari which was in a skull shaped cup and the Ziggy Starburst which was in a red devil cup. The Mapinguari was essentially a Brazilian lemonade with alcohol. It was really creamy and refreshing. The Ziggy Starbust was also really refreshing and tasted very fruity. It probably my favorite drink out of the two. All games were also free since it was a Thursday so I definitely recommend checking this place out on Thursdays. Excited to come back hete when it's holiday themed! read more

Miniboss - Mapinguari + Ziggy Starburst - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

HO HO HO if you haven't been to Miniboss for their Christmas Pop-Up, then you are MISSING OUT! They've really stepped it up from last year in terms of holiday decor and drinks! The vibes are so chill and I always love visiting on Thursday for free play day. (I love the pinball machines.) The drinks and mugs are so cute! My mom loved the "Yippee Ki Yay MotherF*****" drink, which comes in a Santa mug. I had the Rudolph's Replacement, which comes in a Godzilla mug, but it was a little too strong for me. It was quite busy when I visited, but I imagine it'll only get busier as the month goes on. The bartenders were really fast making drinks. Also, they do bag checks when you leave to make sure the mugs don't get stolen -- so don't even try it! Highly recommend, come visit for some holiday cheer! read more

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This place is a lot of fun, especially for boomers like me! Ha. It was pretty nostalgic coming in and playing games I played in my childhood. So as someone who worked in downtown San Jose, times have definitely changed a bit. As you walk in, crowded- they check your bags. All great. The line to get drinks was long, and bc all drinks are hand crafted it takes awhile to get your order set. The drinks are strong and tasty. They really know what they're doing, and come in really cute cups! The food is great! Easy to share and is fresh. Once you order, you pick it up yourself at the food counter. Again it does get crowded, but we were able to snag a table. When you leave they will check your bag and coats to make sure you're not walking out with their cups. Have fun, be safe and don't drink and drive! read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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This place has some delicious yet dangerous drinks. This place is a regular stop for my friends and I, they really get in the holiday spirit with the Halloween and Christmas decorations. My groups go to is the purple yoshi, an ube flavored tequila cocktail. This place gets very busy but if youre patient enough you can usually find a table within 10 minutes or so because people are often moving around to play games. The games take quarters so be sure to bring some small bills to get change at their change machine. Food is okay bar food, the fries are yum but the wings are a hit or miss, the last time we ordered them they were too burnt. Compared to many other bars downtown this place is always very clean. There are many staff members constantly grabbing empty glasses and wiping down tables. And the bathrooms are no exception, and I hardly ever experience lines when going. I would recommend this place as a date night spot, especially if it's just for a fun activity and drinks. read more

Came here with my friend on a Thursday to enjoy the holiday decor and drinks! They do free games on Thursdays so we had a good time trying out all the ones we wanted to without having to worry about paying. As for the drinks, we both ordered off the holiday menu. I got the Christmas Cricket which had a great vanilla, pandan, and chocolate flavor with a hit of alcohol. Meanwhile my friend got the Rudolph's Replacement which tasted of coffee and chai which I thought was really good too. The ambience of the place is nice and there's a self serve water station which is a win. The holiday decor was so fun too! I would definitely come back but probably on Thursdays for the free games! read more

Miniboss - Christmas Cricket and Rudolph's Replacement - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Love this bar. The menu is always super creative. The bar tenders are so skilled and always great to talk with. I love that the games are at great price and adore the Christmas decor this time of year. Please stop steal in their cups though people read more

Miniboss - Christmaspolitan - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Food here is delicious. Highly recommend the wings with dry rub and the carnitas ramen. Those hit the spot after you get a couple of cocktails. Came during Christmas and they had a few good drinks to try. Some are a little sugary and pricey but they were festive. Ambiance is loud. It's an arcade bar so it comes with the territory. But there's not a place to sit here on a Friday night so beware. The service was pleasant considering how packed it was. They work quickly but did mess up one of our orders (we ordered one shot and got a different one than what we ordered). read more

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Fun spot! Came by on a Sunday night. Beers were on the pricier end, and they weren't the best. -drakes juicy hoot -original pattern citra squeeze The games are on the cheaper end since they are older, but it was still a good place for some chill vibes on a low-key Sunday. Seating throughout the entire place. Street parking only. read more

Miniboss is a super fun arcade bar, and I came here with my friends to get drinks and food. We got the Chicken Run pizza and Garlic Fries, which you order through a bar code. The food came out relatively quick, and it was good! Pizza was super cheesy, and garlic fries were not soggy. The fries do get cold quick though. Our bartender was also really welcoming when getting us our drinks. I got the Pineapple Express, and it was good. We also shared a Zero Cool and that tasted more melony, but not as strong. We loved playing the games here and overall had good vibes. read more

This is such a fun place to come to. They have old arcade machines, food, and great drinks! As of right now they have the holiday Christmas spirit. It's decorated with lights, and blow-up x-mas characters. Came here on a Friday night for some food and drinks. what we ordered: -mini burger sliders 4/5 -mozzarella cheese sticks 5/5 -Christmas shots 4/5 -green drink (Xmas) 4/5 overall, great atmosphere and fun place! will definitely be back! read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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one of my favorite bars to visit everytime i go bar hopping! i love their themed drinks, they have a lot of space to sit and chill. i really like playing the pinball machines in the back! i noticed they have a new menu which is sad for me since i really liked their pineapple express drink and cinnamon toast crunch shot! they also serve food, we sometimes order fries to eat with our drinks. read more

Ambiance: - Fun place to hang out with lots of arcade games, 10/10 Food: - Crack wings: 6/10 - good flavor but oversauced - Yuzu pepper wings: 6/10 good flavor but oversauced - Nuoc mam wings: 7/10 pretty good read more

This is one of my favorite bars across the board. Granted, it's one of the first date spots we had so it also holds some sentimental value but their drinks, the quick service, the food, the games; it all speaks for itself. Some of my favorite drinks includes the Jigglypuff, Smells Like Teen Spirit, and especially Secret of the Ooze. I also highly recommend trying their french fries. I can't tell what ranch they give but it's amazing. I have yet to try their other food but you can see into the kitchen and it's so clean and organized. I am especially a fan of the pinball machines but Donkey Kong rings a favorite for us as well. read more

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I drink twice a year, if that. I can go through life w/o a drop of alcohol. I have nothing against it. I just don't like the taste, that's all. When I do drink, I either never finish my drink or I feel like I won't be able to run if a zombie apocalypse were to happen. After dinner at Original Joe's, we took an Uber here. I was in heels and wasn't about to walk a mile in them. They have a full bar but they were mot able to make me a chocolate martini. The nice gentleman at the bar offered an espresso martini instead. It was smooth and gave me the illusion that all of the caffeine would keep me up and energized all evening. It was a little past 6PM when we arrived here. Games take quarters only and very cheap. I spent about $7. They have 2 change machines and little red cups to hold your quarters. They have a menu here that I wanted to try but I was already full from dinner so I will try it next time. They have poutine and Detroit-style pizzas! I see this place on DoorDash, too so that is awesomely convenient. After losing in Donkey Kong, we went back to the bar. I had 2 shots of tequila (super gross, why do people do this?) and I ordered the Thunderdome. It reminded me of Orange Julius; super creamy and yummy drink. The creaminess came from the egg. I'll be back next year. My drink quota for the year is done. read more

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Absolutely love coming here with a group of friends, they are especially busy on Thursday since all the games are FREE that day. I've never come on a regular day before so I don't know any of the prices for the games. I will say that the drinks are a tad pricey, around $16-$18 BUT the quality and size of the drinks are great. I love that they switch the theme of the place dependent on the holiday/season, they do the same for the menus as well. I love seeing people come in dressed up as different Mario characters (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Wario, etc.) read more

Miniboss - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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I do think the concept of a retro arcade bar is unique and fills a niche that not many other bars fill in the Bay Area. And while they nail the decor and ambiance, I do believe the execution of them being an actual bar could be better. Came here on a Saturday night with a group of 5. It was decently crowded and the vibes were definitely good. Lots of people playing a variety of different games like Time Crisis, Pac Man, Pinball, and Street Fighter. However, the cocktails we got were just about one of the least enjoyable drinks ordered in a long time. While I do give them some respect for being bold in creating cocktails with things like popping boba, it does not really matter what you do if the drinks, at their core, are not enjoyable and taste terrible. Did not try the food, but it looked decent -- will probably come back again sometime to try the food. Overall, I recommend getting drinks elsewhere, and then coming by to play some games and vibe with your friends if you're in the downtown SJ area. read more

Couldn't drink so got a non-alcoholic drink, holy moly it's super good. Would totally order again even when I can drink. There are a lot of choices of games. My first time there and I had a blast. Me and my friend got $10 of quarters and we had a lot of fun. Mostly on pinball, super fun!!! Will come back again!! read more

Miniboss - Winter on Nibiru, Casper - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Miniboss has been on my bookmarks since they've opened but I never got the chance to until last night. We stopped by on a Sunday night around 930-10ish after myth close by. We got two rounds of drinks and small bites to eat. Winter on Niberu was my favorite because it reminded me a strawberry milkshake Casper was a second favorite because of the soursop component. My friends got other drinks but nothing wowed me except the Phoenix down bc of the smoked glass ball. Not a fan of the smokey taste but it was interesting. The blue pina colada reminded me of an AMF LOL but it was frozen so it wasn't too bad Definitely want to come back and try some others We got the ham and cheese croquettes, crack wings and churros. We loved them so much that we ordered another round of the same food! That was enough for 4 people for a late night dinner. Ham and cheese croquettes were soft warm and crispy. Crack wings were perfectly seasoned and crunchy. Churros we're amazing with that caramel sauce. Prices were a little on the pricier side but not much. Drinks relatively the same $15-20 I loved all the games there, pricing was cheapish. We played initial D most of the night and it was 50¢ per game. Or 25¢ per race. The place was dimly lit, which was perfect for the illuminating games and neon signs on the wall Will definitely come again! read more

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Mini boss is great, we enjoy the free game days and it's smart on their part because the food there is pretty good and it brings people to spend money. It's very cute inside and they have plenty of fun drinks to choose from! Always a great hang out, they could use a DJ some days. read more

This place has no new games and all of the old games are wack. Great location but I was in and out because at the end of the day this is an arcade and the games are lacking. I didn't even grab a drink here cause the inside was pretty hot for a bar/arcade. read more

Love how energetic it is in here, it was packed on a Friday night. None of the games caught our eye so we ordered at the bar - bartender was friendly and efficient. I ordered Shrek's Swamp because it's funny but the drink itself was very good. Will be back to try the charizard. read more

Miniboss - shrek's swamp - Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Miniboss is such a vibe!! Arcade games and cute drinks, what more can I ask for? I came here during their Christmas season and their decor was quite decked out! It was so beautiful and I felt the Christmas spirit. What I got: - grandma got ran over by a trex; more on the fruity side, so yummy! - jingle bells nog; I'm usually not a big fan of egg nog, but I thought this was good as well. This contains egg, dairy and nuts fyi!! Overall, the games and drinks were awesome! Will definitely return on a night out again!! read more

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Mini boss is perfect for groups that want to casually drink and play some old school arcade games. It's a gaming adults dream come true other than Guildhouse down the street for the PC/Console gamers. My favorite part is how casual everything is. The bartenders are fast and the food service is efficient. They have a great variety of drinks that rotate depending on the time of year and it's not show stopping but the food is good even if you're sober. The food menu also has a fairly good variety from fries to pizza to tacos and ramen. read more

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