Came here for a party and had a decent time. Pros - it has a cool vibe to it and the staff was super nice and friendly. Cons- people vaping inside, it was a grungy inside and could use a deep clean read more

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I don't want to come off like a regular in bars but i am pretty aware of the pricing and I made the biggest mistake of my life. I saw Hennessy behind the counter one alcohol that I prefer above the rest. I asked the bartender how much she said $15.00!!!!! Shot or mixed. Mind you it's it a fifth of Hennessy is about $30. I said forget it and opted for a well rum and coke mix. We got our bill and it was still $30 for the two smh. Keep in mind the charge the same for shelf alcohol as they do premium. Make sure you ask prices before ordering or you will be surprised as I was. read more

The Back Bar is not bad for a venue to watch some local bands. What I especially like about this place is the ample seating. There are lounge couches along the perimeter. In addition to the bar seating, there are high chairs/tables by the bar. Back Bar has two stages: a smaller one closer to the main entrance and a larger one in the room next door. During the latest show I went to, I saw that the room next door was re-purposed as a club. Previously I've seen this room used as spillover for people to hangout. There's only one bathroom area, which is shared between the two rooms. The Womens' restroom was considerably clean and well maintained. The latest show I went to at the Back Bar was for SJ's very own 5606. The lineup also included Lido Beach, Above the Noise, and GOLDVIEW. Each band put on a great show, but 5606's set was absolutely epic! The guys were such showstoppers, and fans were stage diving and moshing. While the show itself was awesome, there were a couple of things about the overall experience that could've improved. There was only one bartender for a really long time, so getting drinks took forever. The bar should also invest in better sound equipment. I saw first-hand the frustration some of the band members felt about the subpar sound system and acoustics at the Back Bar. One of the band members had to run back home to bring back a mic. Also if it wasn't for another band that brought some particular equipment, then there would've been no way we could hear the singers articulate their words over the instruments. read more

I doubt the owners look at these reviews because the security guys are still employed. Putting people with the emotional intelligence of a 5th grade bully in a position of power is a bad play - everyone appears to be a tiny 2nd grader to them. They are power tripping SO HARD. They will take every opportunity they can find to assert that they're in charge - they'll unnecessarily frisk you and ask personal questions that have no relevance to you being at the bar. I'm also astounded at how they spoke to the bands when they were setting up. When asking if there was a parking spot available to load up the gear I heard the security guy yell "YOU GUYS DON'T GET SPECIAL TREATMENT". Ok buddy. Chill plz. The venue at least has a lot of talented local acts - they're the only reason I still go. I hope this venue can start treating people with more respect because I'm only here to support the bands - not some place that acts like it's doing artists a favor for giving them a stage. read more

I came here last night with some friends to watch my friends' band rock out! This place as a venue for a concert isn't bad at all! It was my first time checking this place out, and it is actually bigger than I thought. It has an indoor patio area, and it also has two bar areas. They are both pretty big and the service is quick and helpful to give drinks. Prices are fair, not overpriced for a bottle of beer (about $4-5). The crowd is pretty cool too. Overall; I had a lot of fun, and would come back again! read more

The ambiance , decor, and lighting are perfect here. The stage is pretty awesome makes you feel like a star. The bathrooms are big and clean too. The drinks are great. My favorite is the open mic that dirt bag dan hosts on I believe its Tuesdays. There's usually a great lineup of people out here. The place isn't very hard too find . The location is great actually, I love it. Bring your friends, this place is great. read more

I came here for a few bollywood nights and this place is unhygienic and chaotic to say the least. I understand that most venues get a bit untidy on a night like that, but I felt like I was going to catch some sort of infection just walking into the bathroom. Though the music and lighting was good, I also felt like the prices for drinks and entry did not seem fair considering the venue and service. I wouldn't recommend this place as there are better clubs and lounges nearby. read more

Had a very bad experience there with management and the security guard. Had a slip and fall over a spilt cocktail that was never cleaned up, when I complained the security guard had no care and blamed it on me, when I spoke to the owner he seemed to care and tried to handle the situation.Course we never got the drinks he offered to buy us, & now I'm 86 from the bar. on top of that my knees are bleeding next day have black and blue bruises all over my legs. Makes no sense.. read more

Saw a few bands here the other night... Kind of a small place, but the music was good and the drinks were tasty. I will definitely be back!:] read more

A decent venue for live music, but definitely a hard floorplan to navigate for a first time visitor like I was during the SoFA Street Fair a few weekends back. My friend's husband was playing with his band in the afternoon and the plan was to meet up with her outside before he started playing. It was incredibly hard to find her as when I walked in what I assumed was the main room, it stopped short - there was also a DJ playing there so I figured I was in completely the wrong place. When the going gets tough, I tend to get going but considering it was my pal's birthday and I was determined to meet up, I followed some guys loading out equipment from a previous set into a room that I wasn't quite sure I should have even been entering; luckily, it turned out to be just where I belonged. To make a long story longer, during the show there were circumstances that led to us being made to feel uncomfortable by security, but the gentleman who I later learned was one of the owners made us feel more welcome after the fact. I like a good time as much as the next guy, but for those who know me, "rip roaring" are not words commonly used to describe my sensibility so it was odd to feel singled out as the sober one in a crowd of people who had essentially been drinking all day. The vibe was cool and it ended up being an ok experience (the show the band put on was awesome, of course), but when all is said and done I doubt I will plan a visit unless I have a very compelling reason to return. read more

The attitude from everyone that works here makes the entire experience terrible. The security discriminate and are just playing dicks. If the doors open and 8, don't even bother coming early. They won't actually start the show until 10pm-1030 and No ins and out. read more

I like this place. I have never experienced any drama or fights . Very chill place unless there is a popular artist performing.

Came here for drinks, so I can't comment on the live music, BUT... This place is meh-heh at best. I came here on a Thursday night for a few drinks with friends and had an ok experience. There was a small crowd and it was nice to sit out on their patio with our drinks. The place itself is very tiny, including the patio, so I can't imagine how this would've been on a Saturday night. Drinks were straightforward & reasonably priced. read more

Don't order the nacho chip platter. Unless you're into gooey melted factory processed cheese and cafeteria style chips. Also the kitchen got my order wrong, I wanted the fries, so I left since it took 30+ minutes for the food to come out. Besides the food, everything else is fine.. read more

Kool place for a music venue. This is the spot to see very good Bay Area artist ya diiggg! Lots of chill area here, Sofa seating, VIP area, nice size bar (drinks are a lil watered down tho, open air lounge, no smoking, security strictly enforced, in and outs are o.k. read more

Went for an event, the line took 2 hours to get through!! It was a nice venue, the performers were poor, but I enjoyed my night. The crowd was mixed and fun. Parking was horrible because there is none. Security is lame. read more

Really piss poor attitude security had. Asked if I had herb on me and turned me away from the event for having medication on me. Frisked me for no apparent reason! DO NOT SUPPORT THIS VENUE! read more

Cool mexi rock vibe I came here with some friends to see a local band called rock sin fronteras ! read more

The Back Bar Sofa - Dope band awesome electric guitar skills - Dive Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Back in the day this was the 'legendary' Cactus Club which was a cramped little punk and metal club on First St offering cheap door prices, cheap drinks, and touring bands like 7 Seconds, BL'AST, D.O.A., M.D.C., and a slew of others. After sitting closed of years it has been reborn as 'The Back Bar' and the results are mixed at best. The old stage has been torn down and replaced in a different part of the room by a very low riser set up. The space has taken over the small space next door and expanded their bar area. The bar is one of the most expensive I've ever been to in SJ ($9 for a shot of Jack), more expensive than the bar at the Marriott nearby. The sound system is ok, but doesn't really push it for loud bands. No coat check, I've heard they sell food but didn't see any. Going here made me sad for the old Cactus of the 1980's..... I'll be back now I just know that I need to have a few drinks before going in! Approach with caution.......... read more

You know the plastic cups you get at round table for your soft drinks? Well that's what they serve your ten dollar well drinks in. Weird. Cool that they have a stage and dance floor. The sofa is on the dance floor... the bathroom is next door at the hip hop club... very San Francisco vibe read more

Cool place they have nice live music. Nice deco. They are fairly new so they dont have a full range of alcohol to make mixed drinks. Prices are comparable to other bars. $4 beers $6 well drinks. Bartenders are very nice and pay attention to their patrons. read more

One of the rawest and relaxed clubs in the Bay and definitely San Jose. You can catch live rock, hip hop, punk, metal, Banda, DJ nights, basically ANYTHING Live. No dress code, great atmosphere. Huge patio and really cool bartenders! read more

Went dancing here at Touch Bass's event last Wed.. Great venue- lots of danceable space, cool outdoorsy feeling secondary bar area, and friendly, efficient bartender. I will be back. Thanks, Back Bar! read more

Cover charge was supposed to be $10 per person... they charged me $13! I didn't find out until I checked my bank statements the next morning. It's only $3 but it's the principle. DON'T come here..unless you want to get charged extra without your consent.. read more

My friends and I went there for 60s night and had a great time. The bar tender was Daria and she was awesome. Definitely made the experience that much better. The outside seating was great and two different dance spots. Great spot while on a crawl... read more

We've done shows here and we are having one coming up soon in Sept. This is good place if you are getting started and would to grow your fan base and network with other artist. The bar is coo, but I usually focus on the performers and security is pretty tight...lol. read more

They didnt accept my PR driver ID because they needed a 'US issued ID'. Read a little please, Puerto Rico IS part of the US so it is a US issued ID... I suggest buying the fake ID book. read more

They offer the beer I love at a price I like. Great to have a new venue for live music.