This review is strictly for the bar and drinks since I did not order food. I had just left Tiki Oasis and was still in a Tiki high. I saw Trader Vics and it was perfect! I found a seat at the bar and sat down and since I had a couple hours before my flight, I decided, let me continue the fun! Can I say that the service was amazing and the drinks were spot on! I was worried because it was an airport 'bar' but nope! They lived up to the Trader Vic's name. I will visit every time I am flying in or out of this place, especially when I have a layover! read more

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This is a pretty good restaurant/bar at the airport. Service was fast and friendly and the food was generally good. I ordered the tuna poke and it came out really fast -- possibly too fast... I got the impression that it was already made. The bowl was composed very well with everything in it's own place. But the tuna tasted a tad dry, like it had been sitting out for a little while and some of the rice was a bit clumped. And I found the dressing a bit too much ... A bit too salty with a hint of bitterness I didn't really like. Still, not a bad place and some of the other dishes I saw others eating looked pretty good. read more

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Shoutout to Dominic Augustine for personally ensuring my birthday airport experience included watching my small dogs sit on the floor while other identical dogs enjoyed first-class seating on nearby chairs. Apparently my dogs were pioneering a new "ground-only" policy that did not apply to anyone else within eyesight. Revolutionary stuff. Dominic was kind enough to wish me a happy birthday before enforcing this selective gravity mandate, which I appreciated. Nothing says celebration like public rule inconsistency. Five stars for confidence. Two stars for consistency. read more

Trader Vics - The good vibes restaurant with a rude manager - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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service was incredible. good spam musubi but unfortunately found a black hair in my soda. Overpriced airport food to be expected. nice quick spot though. read more

Trader Vics - Spam Musubi - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

For the convenience of being at the airport - 5/5 But given it is at an airport, this location meets all the airport parameters. You get lesser versions, smaller quantities for a higher price point. The food is aiiight. Filling savory dishes that do the job. I think the breakfast may not be their strong point. The loco moco turned out to sadly be on the bland side. The gravy was nearly flavorless. The eggs were decent. The drinks are wonderful and fun. This is the real reason to go. Very fun, tons of variety so you can make choices to align with your preferences within the tiki wheelhouse. The fun tiki mugs are one of my favorite parts. Lots of seating of a variety. Nice spot to chill while waiting for a flight. Would def recommend for the drinks! read more

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Trader Vic's has very adequate airport food. My husband and I ate breakfast here after our flight was delayed and we needed to waste some time. The food was nothing special, but the staff working there was great. We were able to be seated immediately, our waiter was very friendly, and the bartenders even changed the tv to the Olympics for us to watch. It may have been because it was earlier in the day, but the seating area was pretty empty and quiet. read more

The WORST bar in and outside of the airport. DO not go here. They cannot make a drink to save their lives. If you are desperate and have no choice, stick to a beer or wine/champs; they can't mess that up. We ordered a cosmo that not only didn't come in the proper glass, but it tasted like water. $22 for WATER. The 3-sipper Mai Tai overfilled with ice was not good. And service was horrible. First and last time I will be having a drink here. read more

Trader Vics - This was their watered down Cosmo with HALF a lime. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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I typically have low expectations for an airport restaurant. It's rare that I get anything that actually satisfies a craving (unless it's a fast food chain) because the nicer restaurants tend not to be worth the money. But, I was pleasantly surprised by Trader Vics! The food was actually good and it was a solid amount for the price. Trader Vics serves local Hawaiian style food like plate lunches and poke. I just needed a snack, so I ordered the spam musubi with a side of mac salad. At first, I thought the spam musubi was a little expensive, but when I got my plate, I was impressed. It came with two large spam musubi with plenty of rice and great seasoning. They used teriyaki sauce so it was super flavorful. The mac salad was also good! I only ordered a side of mac salad but it came in a huge plastic container. It didn't have as much mayo as typical Hawaiian style mac salad, but it was still really good! I find myself in the San Jose airport a lot, so this is going to be my new go to spot! read more

In normally don't rate airport restaurants this high, but this restaurant is worth the visit. The menu is different and fun compared to a typical airport restaurant. The food and drinks are creative and good. The prices are a little high, but on par with other airport restaurants. The service is quick and attentive. The ambiance is great and offers a good tiki bar experience. read more

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Had some time to kill before a flight so stopped in for a drink. The tables were closed off and they were doing bar service only, but luckily there were multiple seats open at the bar. They have a great variety of tiki drinks, I wasn't feeling something super sweet so I went with a glass of Prosecco. My mom ended up getting the keoke coffee, which I took a taste of and really enjoyed - would definitely order this in the future! There was only one bartender working so service wasn't the fastest, but our bartender was very friendly. Not the best stop to make if you're in a hurry, but if you have time, this is probably the best place to get a drink in the airport. read more

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Food was delicious and memorable. Ordered the mongolian short rib bowl over a bed of rice. Service was warm, attentive and consistent, though not too busy on a Tuesday at noon. Clean, good atmosphere and smooth experience. I left thinking "I would bring friends here". read more

Trader Vics - mongolian short rib bowl - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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It was an okay time at the SJC airport, although we were delayed a few hours. The menu was just okay. I had a garlic chicken wrap- it was average tasting and came with chips. Wifey had a 9oz. Rose - it was $19.50, kinda expensive. I had an iced tea with orange slices. We sat at the bar and it was the average bar people and blah blah conversation. Our wait staff Janelle was okay, at times I felt like she was moving away as I was trying to talk to her, like she was rushing. The had large TVs so we were able to watch the football games. read more

My crew member and I really enjoyed the Kailua pork panini! It was pretty good for airport food. We doctored it up some, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED- we put the chips they bring on the sandwich, asked for the garlic "sauce" they have.... Dumped that on there, and sriracha sauce. That combo made the sandwich They serve it with fresh juicy pineapple slices. Salmon bowl across the table looked good but we asked the couple and they said they were awful. So glad we got the pork Also the bread was so good! Perfectly buttered and grilled! Excellent read more

Trader Vics - Kailua pork panini - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

It's fun to have a Trader Vics in the airport. The drinks are awesome. The food is very meh. read more

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The first time I came here, I had the salmon bowl and it was delicious with great customer service. This time, not so much. It was early morning and they were very slow, but still took about 10 minutes for someone to take my order. When she came over to do this there was no greetings, just "are you ready? What do you want?". I don't need cheer with my breakfast, but at least a decent greeting would be nice. Totally different experience from the first time. (October 6th). Food arrived, and she plopped it down in front of me, didn't ask if I needed anything just grabbed salt and pepper and walked away.i had ordered spam eggs and rice instead of potatoes. I received undercooked bacon and dry scrambled eggs. Definitely not impressed like the first time, would not return for breakfast. read more

Trader Vics - Breakfast - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I got to the airport way too early and wanted a drink. I got to sit next to the window and watch planes taking off and landing as I sipped. I am normally really frugal, but sprung for the Sea Dreams cocktail. The drink was super strong and just what I was looking for! They were cool with me not getting anything to drink and weren't pushy at all. Perfect place to sit, relax, and wait before my flight. read more

Trader Vics - Sea Dreams - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Asked for sparkling water, no ice. Got it with ice. ($4.99) Asked for bottled water, got Evian 750ml ($5.19), choose Evian! Chicken garlic wrap ($16.99), kinda edible, took it apart and ate the chicken. The pineapple garnish looked old. Would not eat here again. I thought SJC had decent food? Total with tax and tip: $35.07 Indecent experience. Service was fine, albeit distracted by the Super Bowl. read more

If you're looking for a little island escape without leaving town, this Hawaiian-themed restaurant totally delivers! The atmosphere is fun, laid-back, and full of tropical charm--from the decor to the music to the friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The rum tiki drinks are a highlight--creative, flavorful, and just the right amount of strong. Served in fun mugs with great presentation, they really add to the experience. I tried one of their house specialties and loved every sip. The poke here is incredibly fresh and flavorful--easily some of the best I've had. Perfectly seasoned with high-quality fish and delicious toppings that complement without overpowering. Pair that with a cold draft beer, and you've got a perfect combo. This place nails it with both food and drinks. Great for a casual night out, a fun date, or just satisfying your craving for island-inspired eats. Can't wait to come back! read more

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This review is for Trader Vics at the San Jose airport. My husband and I arrived at the airport a little ahead of time for our flight back home, having not had time to eat at all that day. I also hadn't even had any coffee, which is rare for me. I was hoping to find something relatively healthy, and some coffee at the same time. I was thinking about getting coffee from one of the coffee shops and crarrying it into one of the airport restaurants, but Trader Vics advertised several different flavors of iced coffee on the menu, and I saw salads, wraps and poke bowls, so I was sold. The food was pricey, as airport food always is. The restaurant was actually cute, with tiki cups and decorations all around, as well as a large window, covering the back of the seating area. I am not sure what possessed me to buy raw fish in an airport, but I chose the tuna poke bowl. It came with a side of guacamole, which was a little strange, but I guess avocado is often a staple with poke. It was OK... not bad actually, and was actually pretty fresh. I will not say that it was brimming with flavor, and had I not been in the airport, I wouldn't have paid that much for a very basic bowl. It was nice to have a small orchid flower decorating the bowl. The coffee was disappointing. I asked for the almond iced coffee, which had some sort of cute-sounding name on the menu. Basically, they had pre-made iced coffee and a few flavors of generic syrup. It had sounded much better on the menu. As I do not like overly sweet drinks, I asked for just one pump of the almond syrup. It was not great, but it served the purpose, and I was able to have my daily coffee. My husband had a chicken salad wrap with potato chips. His take is that it was fine, but certainly nothing he would seek out in the future. The food is pre-made and pre-packaged, not freshly made or put together. All in all, I think Trader Vics filled its purposes, as we no longer were hungry. It was also probably healthier ( and more expensive) than regular fast food would have been. read more

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Bad service by young caucasian gentleman while I was drinking at the bar server kicks my family out for waiting for there Starbucks and the whole area was empty read more

Always the spot when traveling. Everyone is always nice and accommodating. I even ate here getting back from a trip instead of going out into the city. read more

Trader Vics - Nice selection , but little on tap. Still a great spot to hand and eat. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

BRITTANY, Jasmine, and Frank are an amazing TEAM! They take care of each other and their customers. They treat everyone with such great respect and have such a great rapport. They're funny and kind, personable, quick and efficient. How do you roll that all into one for such a quick visit? I don't know, but they did it! Also, the spam musubi is the best that I've ever had. I really dug it. I'll be back! Thank you! read more

Trader Vics - The bomb spam masubi - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

I dont like having to write negative reviews, but felt like I needed to after coming here before boarding my flight. My partner and I are frequent flyers here and have been to Trader Vic's multiple times. Each time has been alright, but I will not be coming here after today's visit. We sat and waited 20 minuets when a staff member comes up to ask if we want to order and we say yes. He then gives us a menu (we already had menus) and says "someone will be with you". We wait 10 more mins. before my partner decided to go to the bar to order. After finally getting drinks, he said he didn't like his drink (and wanted to get a refund, but I told him no). A waiter finally came by and rudely asked if I wanted anything to drink & I said no, my partner got a drink from the bar since we had been waiting so long. She continued to ask if we closed at the drinks at the bar and when we told her yes & she immediately walked away not responding... Had to order our second drink at the bar as well as she never once checked up on us after. Told my partner we will not be coming and spending our money here anymore. read more

Skip this place! Horrible service! Took forever to get the Chicken salad- which had ZERO flavor. Should have gone to Jim Stump's place. Oh, and their famous Mai Tai- ehhh. Way better at Tao Tao's in Sunnyvale! read more

Wow! Good drinks, food and the best server who was running around helping someone who broke a glass needed a check everyone sat at once and a full bar. Gotta love a great server who knows how to do their job! Thank you for a great meal before my flight! Steven is lovely! Thank you!!! read more

Trader Vics - Bahia like a piña colada - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Average taste for what is around the airport if you want a sit down meal. Too much sauce on the spam musubi, a bit too strong. And the drink was hella strong and sugary. Mac salad is mid. read more

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Got the short rib bowl. It was good enough but not special. Meat was very basic sauce and salty. The most refreshing aspect was the egg and avocado. Service was poor especially if you're in a hurry. For the price, I'd go elsewhere. read more

I always stop in here when I have the time for a lunch or dinner meal. Located in dead center of the SJC airport, it's a nice stop for a fun cocktail or other choice of drink. There is plenty of seating - at the bar, around the perimeter, looking out on the tarmac - you choose! Meal choices are nice and always served with a beautiful flower adorning the dish. Service is a little hit and miss - hence the four stars. read more

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Bowl was mediocre at best. It's a weird variety of toppings, so I ate the salmon, rice, egg and mangos. Service was excellent. I at the bar and the server was very attentive! Also had a 9oz Cabernet which was ok as well, but I bought the cheap one! Great place for a pescatarian option! read more

Trader Vics - Teriyaki Salmon Bowl - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

1. Food: I came for the food. Even with other good choices in the same area, it looked interesting and ... by and large.. it was. 4 stars. 2. Drinks: the business model is clearly geared toward serving fun alcoholic drinks and so if that's the main draw for you: go for it. I cannot judge; don't do alcohol. 3. Service (courtesy, welcoming attitude, speed, answers to your questions, checking on customers, feeling that they want customers to come back, non-pushiness): not good: 2 out of 5 stars. 4: Ambiance: Good placement and furniture, but the customers do respond to the lack of hospitality. 5. Overall: 3 out of 5 or, in academic terms: a C-C+. read more

They reuse chips. Gross as f. Asked why the chips have black sauce on it and he said it's from the glove touching pork. Wtf

We arrived early at the San Jose airport and needed a snack so we chose Trader Vic's. They have a poke bowl with blue fin tuna! Our waitress is so nice and brought me another glass of water because the straw isn't gluten free. It's made out of noodles which is so interesting! Plenty of seating with views of the runway so you can watch the planes take off and land. My tuna poke bowl was pretty good for airport food. read more

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TLDR: their pasta straws are gluten free Came here for breakfast during a layover. I had the avocado toast and it was tasty, bread was good and avocado was fresh. Francisco, our server, was so nice and took great care of us. My husband has celiac disease, a severe gluten allergy, so he just ordered a Coke. Upon drinking some of it he realized the straw was not plastic and we asked Fransisco what it was made of. He said it's made of pasta. Ekkkk! We asked Fransisco for a glass of water so my husband could quickly take a couple charcoal pills. He did and then called corporate who checked and confirmed they are actually gluten free! Whew. It was a relief to know my husband didn't get glutened from that one sip. Even better, to ensure there are no similar scares in the future Fransisco told us they are making a sign to hang in the back so that all staff are aware the pasta straws are gluten free. Will return next time we are in the San Jose airport. read more

Trader Vics - Avocado toast - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Stopped by for beer and it was pretty good. Service was friendly but I felt that they were always understaffed because people had to line up to be seated and there were plenty of seats waiting to be filled. I'd recommend this spot if you like a glass of beer before your flight. read more

Service was good, food was pretty bad. The Mongolian short ribs was drowning is an ultra sweet sauce. The macaroni salad wasn't good either. Even the rice, though it had furikake on it was bland. The best thing was my Jack and diet coke. At least I was able to sit, relax and recharge my electronic devices. I will avoid this place the next time I fly through San Jose International Airport. read more

Trader Vics - Mongolian short ribs plate - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Bad service and $48 for only 2 drinks. Avoid. Go elsewhere there are a lot of lot and the staff will be better.

This is my favorite place to go to when waiting for my flight. I'm so glad they are open early now. I usually just get drinks while I wait since I'm not much of an eater so early in the morning. The bar staff are always warm and welcoming! Can't wait to have a later flight and try out their food. read more

Trader Vics - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

Great drinks terrible Manager. The bartender made a mistake and charged my CC and extra $20. She said she was going to get the manager to fix it. As she explained to him what happened she suggested they just give me $20 cash to make up the difference. She scolded her and said no. His solve was To give me a piece of receipt paper with his name on it and deny it happened. When I tried to show him on my bank app that it had already showed up he said he didn't need to see it and walked away. I can't believe this guy is in charge of people or a restaurant. I frequent the Emeryville location and purposely fly in and out of SJC to visit this location and I've never seen anyone treat people the way this person treated me and his employee. read more

Trader Vics - Bill for 60.33. I added a tip, while the overcharge was a mistake she tried to fix it. The manager is just the worst. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

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Great place for a healthy meal. Great find for an airport. Nice to have something healthy that isn't a salad. Service was fast and friendly. Tuna on my poke bowl was fresh along with all of the other ingredients. Presentation was nice and appeared to be made with care. It was expensive, but it is the airport. read more

Trader Vics - Tuna poke bowl. - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California

They put pineapple juice in the Hawaiian macaroni salad, which is very disgusting and not authentic. Not coming back. read more

Trader Vics - Macaroni salad - Tiki Bars Near Me - San Jose, California