The Back Bar Sofa

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.

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!

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…

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.

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!

High

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.

great spot picking up the tab from where Cactus left the scene in dust!

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!:]

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.

Fun place. Good drinks. Good service! I’ll be back!

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.

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.

wow, worst place ever.
i feel sorry for all those 18+ kids.
those idiots are stealing your money!
waste of time.
WASTELAND was a WASTE of time!!!