A fine place. No tribulations whatsoever. Happy to report that of the two times I've been here (spaced over six months), Trials Pub is a winner. A handsome building with three distinct areas to settle in, it's easy to find comfort here. The choice mix-tape music with ample offerings from the 80s and 90s especially, help set the mood. And though this is an English pub, the music is not confined to the U.K. The beer selection is great - and international, as well. The Guiness menu on the wall is helpful, but there's even more to explore. Tumer Pils, Stella, et al. And there is a good whiskey menu, too. Trials is also great for food. I recently enjoyed their Pub Burger, which is a hearty plate of 1/2 lb. burger, with bacon, cheese, and the usual veggie accompaniment. The 'chips' are good and plentiful, but I have now tried their beer-battered onion rings -- and those are wonderful. Perfectly crunchy, not greasy, and just salty enough. If you do opt for the salad with any of your dishes, it's deep green and crafted with care. The side salad here is no afterthought. The Shepard's Pie looks great, and apparently is (though my dining companion failed to offer me a bite). Previously, I had enjoyed the falafel plate because sometimes, you just want falafel. Also previously, I tasted the chicken curry dish (hearty and delicious). The Mac n Cheese bites got high marks at our table, though I did not partake. The sausage rolls - classic pub fare - were very good on my first trip here. The cold water is refreshing and welcome. And the Tumer Pils hit the spot. It's all good here. Special mention for Thomas, one of the gents here. Super-likable, with a sly sense of humor, Thomas is a major asset at Trials Pub. Parking is easy -- or just ride-share -- just in case. read more

See all

- 3.5/5: fish n chips. It's OK. could be a little crisper on the batter, and a little more flavor in both the fish and the coating. - They no longer serve the cask-conditioned beers. - Current draft menu is somewhat limited - They do not light the fireplace. read more

See all

An awesome place to meet your friends, have a drink, and shoot the breeze. Service was great. I ordered the Shepherds Pie which is a fan favorite. I unfortunately didn't care for it too much. I needed to add a lot of salt and pepper to get any flavor. I would order something else next time. read more

Trials Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

Bartenders are slow and kinda rude unless you are a regular. Food is bar food, probably good if you're hammered. Right next door has better vibes, drinks, and service. read more

Honestly, idk what the staff is mad about, but it seems like everything. Food and beverages are good. Had pot pie and shepherds pie. Hands down, pot pie over the shepherds pie. I wish this place weren't so depressing. It just seems like a buzz kill. Can't put my finger on it, but it probably is the staffs energy. Probably won't be back, unless I'm depressed. read more

Trials Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Great down to earth bartenders, cool vibe, old-skool feel, and the addausage rolls were tasty. They had a huge certain of whiskeys and the prices seemed great. I just wasn't drinking that night. Thanks guys! read more

In my book, a "proper" British/Irish pub has to have the following: - be primarily about serving beer - not have tv screens with sports on them - have pub food, not gastropub food - not be a pickup spot, but a conversation and joviality spot - assorted knickknacks and a lot of wood on the inside - a somewhat dim lighting scheme, not bright ...and finally, with all of those, the pub also has to be at least a bit shabby -- not too polished. It should look lived in, and you should be able to imagine it being plunked into the British or Irish countryside. To my knowledge Trials is the only pub south of Palo Alto to nail every single point. O'Flaherty's has session music, which is a BIG advantage, but it and the other close facsimiles are missing one or to of the "must haves". If you want that "lived in" pub, Trials is your spot. read more

This place is intimate and friendly. The service is always great. I continue to return for their shepherds pie which is great comfort food to accompany your favorite beer on tap. read more

Laid back bar with good vibes! My partner's grandpa frequented this pub before covid and was bummed they stayed close through 2020. When they finally reopened recently, I had a chance to visit to beloved trials pub. The place had great decors, bar seats as well as tables. You order at the bar and seat yourself. So far I've tried the chicken mushroom pot pie and the fish n chips. Chicken mushroom pot pie was delish. It was seasoned well and the pastry was not raw. I was really excited to try the fish n chips as recommended but found it to lack seasoning. Perhaps they forgot to put salt on after it was done frying :s I also got the mashed peas. That was also okay, lacking salt. They have great drinks tho! Beers on tap are good as well as mixed drinks. Food 3.5/5 Drinks 5/5 Experience 4/5 read more

Trials Pub - Fish n Chips - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

Really great pub with British-style beers, whiskys and Irish beers. The food is homemade and good. Bangers and mash, veg curry and shepherd's pie are hearty and tasty. Tuesdays they have trivia: 20 questions by the trivia master. You can win $10 coupons for food and drink. One week we won and got 5 $10 coupons which made a dent in our food and drink bill. read more

One of the best bars in San Jose, this place actually feels like a neighborhood British pub, unlike other WE ARE BRITISH bars in the Bay Area. They've got a couple ales on cask, they've got bitters, they've got basic lagers and ciders. They've got a fireplace in the back if you want to warm up in the winter. They play punk music and some reggae. They have a quiz night if you're one of the folks who's into that. Bartenders are great, chill to talk to but ignore you if you want to be ignored. The food is good, if it was a restaurant I'd probably be giving four stars. English breakfast is nice, bangers are solid, fish and chips are pretty good for the Bay Area though if you're from Manchester they'll probably be just enough to make you miss home and be mad about it. Drag a friend out on light rail, have a cask ale, have some dinner. Listen to the Pogues. Have another ale. Listen to the neighborhood folks laugh and chat. It's amazing this place is so close to downtown. read more

Nice pub as pubs go! Been coming here for years but lately it's changed, the food for starters: the fish and chips was the thing to order the fish pieces were huge not 1 piece really? Bangers and mash... something changed, the sauce? Also some of the favs on tap are on the menu but not available, the service is still awesome glad to see the same gentleman tending the bar, he knows his stuff and good thing too cuz as I said some Beers no longer available so he recommended a good second choice. read more

Trials Pub - Their amazing selection of Ales and stouts super yum! Pictured: Pendragon and Belhaven - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

I love this cute little pub! The food was delicious, the drinks nice and strong, plus the service was friendly. This is definitely a low key spot but great for a more intimate meet up with friends or date night! read more

Love this place for an evening beer downtown. I like the Guinness split with another beer. It's tasty and eases the taste of the Guinness. Good vibes inside. I can't speak on the food since I haven't tried it. Solid SJ pub!! read more

Bartenders are really good and attentive. The food was really good. I had the Cajun chicken sandwich with fries. Awesome. Will come back again. read more

I live above this pos and EVERY TIME I try to give it a chance its th bartenders pushing me and everyone else in the bar out as soon as possible. Its 15-20 min before closing and theyre PUSHING you to finish up "hey, im doing the kitchen cleanup, finish up man" youre SO disrespectful as you sit there watching videos on your phone and i have 1-2 sips im trying to enjoy while youre open for 20 more mins. Way to keep regulars away and I see why others in local buildining communities say stay away. Pandemic must have hit them Hard now that basic nobodies are not walking around looking for a cheaper buzz read more

A solid bar and great value with inviting atmosphere that offers food till fairly late in the evening. Beer, food, darts and friendly workers. Beer and bar atmosphere are excellent. The interior is warm and welcoming. Old Victorian style: wallpaper, woodwork, fireplace mantel and light fixtures. A dart board in the back to pass the time with your friends and sharpen your skills. Looked like there was some sort of outdoor patio that i didn't explore outside of viewing it Food is good for the money but nothing especially memorable. Big, thick fries hit the spot while drinking. Its right next door to the German restaurant/bar and I'm sure there are many good options in this area. read more

Trials Pub - Dart board in the back - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

The curry is delicious and the ambiance cozy and comfortable. Reminds me of the Queen Inn Pub in Winchester, England, compete with the real fireplace! read more

I drove by this Pub at least 50 times and one day I finally went in with Pardees. It was a pleasant surprise. The place was as some reviews described it. No TV to distract you from conversations. Bartenders are pleasant and helpful with a newcomer to their pub. My first beer was something else but now my favorite is Fat Lips. Beware this beer is really in demand and they almost always run out. Pardees liked one of their dark porter. The pub can really get crowded after 7:30 or so. Age group are mix. It's cool to just hang out and try the different beers. I have been to Trials now a total of 8 times. I still like the pub! read more

Don't come here. Coming here will totally ruin the friendly local/regular vibe (unless you are local and not a total douche). Dave is serious about his cocktails. His philosophy is make it well or don't make it at all. I'm not writing this to impress you so you'll come here, I'm writing this to pay ahmage to Dave and this awesome local establishment. read more

***update: recently walked in on a random night, and the SAME angry female bartender immediately asks me if my name is lorraine and did i write a yelp review... as soon as i confirmed she told me to leave with a waive of her hand. that means she must've remembered me from the night where she lost her sh** at the customers. at least she is consistently a rude, aggressive person haha read more

Came here for takeout to get fish n chips for my guys who helped me move staging furniture. So had to be good you know. Their generous piece of perfect fish was happily received. I also got bangers n mash, and the mac & cheese bites. The guys loved and appreciated it all. My ex hubby who is Scottish asked if was from a real British pub and was full and happy. So when it's a Scottish person saying it's good, it's good. read more

We had a very pleasant evening there playing darts and trivia, drinking and eating the shepherds pie, which was very good. It's a cozy place so don't go when it's crowded. It was a Thursday night so I recommend trying it on Thursdays. The bartender was very friendly. read more

Love this place! The food is great, the beer is great, they have full bar, the staff is cool and the best part is NO tv!

This is my favorite watering hole. My real life cheers bar. You can never go wrong with this place. Love the bar staff Dave, big Dave, Ashley and I miss Thane behind the bar. Food is good and the banter with the regular is great. If your experience is any different then just get to know the staff a lil and you will forever be hooked.. cheers read more

Trials Pub - Happy and drunk people - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

Came here last night and although I think I snuck in here before I was even 21, I count this as my first time here. There were quiet a few taps, which of course is my jam, and I went with the Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA which they were super promoting.. Im glad they were, I love that beer. My friend had Guinness, which seems to be quiet the business at this business. Our beers were served in imperial pint glasses, which have a few more oz than your average American pint. I know that 2 pints are usually my limit, so when I was half way thru the 2nd beer, I realized I needed to chill a litlte bit. So watch for that if you normally monitor your intake. The bartenders were 2 men, although I wasn't given their names (idk, some secretive Speakeasy bs, lol), one was referred to as the "Sticker Guy".. and the other was "Not from Santa Clara". I had an awesome time chopping it up with them, they were definitely witty and kept me on my toes. Loved this place.. hope to come back again soon. read more

Trials Pub - Tagged. #southbaybeerhounds - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Quaint English pub stealthy located in downtown San Jose. Their Fish and Chips are the fantastic. Bartenders are chill and large selection of beers and cocktails. Folks who come here seem like welcoming regular. Great place to meet friends. Vibe is to enjoy a drink, but appreciate not having the overdrinkers that get loud and obnoxious. You can actually talk to friends without shouting. Check it out! read more

I used to frequent this place in 2007, but haven't been back in quite some time... 6 years! So when the lovely Janet O. invited me here for drinks, I was thrilled. "This the place with the curry fries, right?!" BEER: --------- * BLACK PRINCE PORTER - I was in the mood for an ultra dark beer, and the bartender was spot on for recommending this one as her darkest. The deep flavors were exactly what I wanted, and I enjoyed the entire glass. (http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=SkzdZ3QmvBg2NGSMRUX4Ww&userid=trUFnQXasV8l2iJSzZKXrg) * FAT LIP ALE - Janet knew exactly what she was getting, and a great choice as they don't have this everywhere. Tasty! GRUB: ---------- * CURRY CHIPS (a.k.a. FRIES) - But of course! How could I NOT order the one thing that stood out in my mind about Trials these last 6 years? They were just as delicious and hearty as I remembered. Looks can be deceiving -- they look a little gross in the pic. But the potatoes heaped with savory curry are the BOMB. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trials-pub-san-jose?select=ZSKbtx31DR2wnYJ7ZIhjgw#IdBQWkTH-rqFDrj3Ck0Gmg) * CHILI-LIME WINGS - Delicious with a lot of kick! These were spicy. Now I'm not the best judge of spiciness since I have a minor allergy, but to me these certainly brought the heat. And so delicious hat we forgot to take a pic by the time there was only one wing left. Between two Yelpers who take pics of everything, it somehow slipped our minds. We attacked that meat! AMBIANCE: ---------------- Really kickback place to hang out and talk. There is a little background noise, but since there are no TV's it is a pleasant spot to chat and listen. There are always friendly people here. Every time I've been here strangers approach and strike up conversation. Overall very chill. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trials-pub-san-jose?select=ZSKbtx31DR2wnYJ7ZIhjgw#nSUeGX_1SHx2w8vFrTNhXQ) Thanks to Janet for a superb night and for reminding me about Trials! TIP: Don't be obnoxious, or else they'll charge you a $10 fine. Yes, I'm talking to YOU! (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trials-pub-san-jose?select=ZSKbtx31DR2wnYJ7ZIhjgw#_K8Q6EZvaNiSb8RyK78s5A) read more

See all

9/20/14: This is my friend's favorite bar. Slightly divey, very intimate. The place is a little on the small side to me. The bar is very close to the eclectically art-lined wall, so much so that people have to squeeze to get through. Just a few tables. Luckily we went when it wasn't so busy, but I have a feeling there would be nights where it would just be way too stuffed. They have a very nice beer selection, including a decent amount of semi-harder to find stuff. Unfortunately I couldn't remember what I had to drink, but I did have fun. I think this place is good if you're looking for a serious bar that seems like the traditional pub, but yet still caters to the trendy hipster crowd. Oh, and the bartender is really great and is a super nice guy. 4/5. #bar #beer #drinks read more

Trials Pub - Us beer geeks. And random girl staring at me staring at her. - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Looks like if you're a regular here you get some poor customer service from the bartenders. They walk by a couple times before even acknowledging that you're standing there ready to order a drink. Especially this one bartender who must hate life or something. Just straight up asked for our IDs first and then asked what we wanted. The seating is cramped here so you just might have to stand up the whole night in a place thats pretty cramped. Honestly, I dont like coming here, we came for someone's bday. I thought pubs were suppose to be fun and friendly. Not this place. read more

It's a pub, don't expect it to be a Michelin star restaurant or some crazy tap house even though their food is amazing and they have really good beer. Go for the killer environment and talk shop with the rad bartenders. read more

Laid back atmosphere. I wouldn't bring my hyphy buddies here unless I wanted everyone to stare at them. Alot of sharks fans run over here after the game. Combination them and it's mostly people from round the neighborhood. A bit of the older crowd and no pretentiousness. Be very casual here. You can sit outside and enjoy your beer until 11pm. Then beware! It gets a bit cramped. Try to sneak your way to the couches facing the windows before then. They serve food at the bar which is fantastic. read more

I finally got to visit Trials Pub last night with a girlfriend and it was awesome. I was definitely thrown off by where it was actually located relative to the general downtown area, but am surprised I haven't visited earlier. First, the beers. No they don't have walls of beers, or crazy numbers of beers, but they have a large, solid selection of beers in this place along with a fantastic set of pub food to boot. We did, of course, get the curry chips, the mac and cheese bites, and the Shepherd's pie all of which were delicious and cheap. The pie was only $11! I don't remember every price but for 4 beers and 3 "lots" of food, the tab came out to be a little over $40. You really can't beat that! The staff was friendly, but a little aloof if you're not a regular. Otherwise, this is a good spot to hit. Particularly at night, nearby parking is easy. But then again ... it was a Sunday night ... I heard this place gets crowded quickly. I think it's a nice local pub but it is totally far from downtown and surrounded by residential condos, townhouses and apartments so I suppose there could be quite a lot of regulars. Don't expect to walk anywhere else after this as everything else is quite far. read more

Trials has everything I want in a pub, dimly lit, no hipsters and a Canadian flag. You have no idea how hard it is to find a pub in the U.S. flying the flag of my homeland. But seriously, this pub is wonderful. Popped in last night for some darts and fish 'n chips and could have stayed the entire evening. The pub itself is shaped like a big C. There's a nice sized seating area at the very front, then you walk down the bar and there's more of a "restaurant" at the back (that's where the dart board is, fyi). Don't expect anyone to wait on you. You go to the bar to order both drinks and food. I started out with a 1066 Pale Ale with my obligatory 1/2" of 7-Up on top. The 1066 is a little light tasting even for a pale ale but was still good. $6.00 for a pint. I ordered the fish 'n chips which were $12.00. The Mister and I hadn't even finished our first game of darts before our food arrived. The piece of fish stretched the length of my plate and it came with a solid serving of steak fries. Was this the best fish 'n chips I'd ever had? It was certainly up there, maybe a 7 1/2 out of 10. The fish was just a bit greasy but hey, I like it that way. For dessert, I had a lambic framboise which is basically a raspberry flavored Belgian beer. It was incredibly delicious. I know it might sound gross but you owe it to yourself to try one. On a hot day, it's very refreshing. I'll definitely be going back to Trials. read more

See all

Somehow the beer tastes better here. Pub food is notoriously know for being quick and bland, but we don't go for the food...we go for the selection of beers (Boddingtons, Guinness, Smithwicks, Hoegaarden, etc). Too bad they were out of Strongbow last time I visited. If you want to hang out in a true British pub, enjoy a cigar on the patio, and not be on your guard, hang out here. read more

The new owners certainly have started on the road to hell. I live about 500 yards away, and I have stopped going all together. While I was certainly not a regular, there was nothing like playing darts in the back with a good beer. The new guys working behind the bar leave just about everything to be desired, even if you didn't know the old guard. Its too bad because the place has too much going for it to be run like this. If I could bring my own Samual Smith beers in, I'd go back. read more

Trials Pub - Rita G. having a drink - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

Great pub with good vibes. Tried chicken mushroom pie and fish and chips - really good. Recommend! The employee support Ukraine - they stopped an angry customer who was talking shit and praising putin - thanks Trials Pub for supporting Ukraine. This accident might get a bad review from that particular customer. Yelp please delete any 1-star review that might come from that angry customer that loudly supported russian aggression and got kicked out read more

Dive bar with good food! This bar is located in Downtown San Jose, but it's away from where you'll find most of the night scene. It's a little hidden. You would never expect it to be there! But there's plenty of party right around the corner from it! The place is pretty small with less than 10 tables and about 10 seats at the bar. They have a good selection of beers on tap. They even have a delicious cider on tap! The bartenders are super friendly and will take care of you if you need any drink suggestions. I was most excited about their food though. They had HOMEMADE pot pie! I looooove me some pot pie! It's fresh pot pie made with chicken and crimini mushrooms in a brandy cream sauce topped with puff pastry served with fries and a little side salad. It was just the right size and didn't feel heavy at all. There was just enough dough to filling. I could eat it everyday! Next time I want to try their fries with their homemade curry sauce. This is a cool, chill place to hang out with some buddies. Try to get there a little early though. Seats run out quick. read more

See all

Trials is amazing! I've been here a few times now and I love it more every time. They have everything you need to be an awesome bar. They have games, seating, DARTS, and even a fireplace! The bartenders, amazing. They are so sweet and kind. Not pretentious like at some dive bars. The place usually had a crowd but isn't so crowded that you can't find a seat or a spot to hang out in. The drinks are made strong and cheap! I have never eaten here, only come for drinks so unfortunately I can't comment on that. read more

Trials Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Being from NYC... I know what a good Irish Pub is and this is it. Lost of beer, great Irish food and good times in a comfy dive-like joint (aka... a pub!). This would be a great place to come on St. Patrick's Day (or anytime) because they can serve a real Black and Tan (Guinness and Bass). They serve Boddington's and Fish and Chips as well... that's a combo made in heaven. I liked Trials, this is a nice, un-pretentious place for beer drinkers to congregate. read more