Earlier this year, I spent a week in San Jose for work (you’ve guessed it, for Connect Live!). Given that it was my first time really exploring the area, I took my usual approach by looking for unique sights…and finding all the local breweries. I was impressed when I did a Maps search for local breweries @brittym and I could visit, so of course I made a list.
Why breweries? I just love the vibes at breweries. Whether or not you drink beer, there’s always something interesting to see or someone interesting to talk to. Breweries are often also a really good food option because they rely on smaller businesses or food trucks over having a full kitchen. They’re also pretty friendly when you’re a solo female traveler and just want to sample local brews.
Camino was the first brewery I visited with @brittym. We loved that it felt brand new and that the bartenders were so helpful. They even invited us back later that week to watch the Sharks game with them!
Santa Clara Valley Brewing was one of my favorites. Between the cool decor, the nice beertender Brian, and a few sour beers, I felt right at home. They even have comedy nights and old school arcade games.
Clandestine was my other favorite—so much so that I went back for another beer on my last night in town. I saw the same lovely couple (hi Ann and Michael!) and beertender (Chris) as earlier in the week, along with the beertender from my other favorite brewery, Brian. This brewery also had the most dogs ready for petting.
Floodcraft was the most interesting. Why? It’s located in a Whole Foods but has its own patio that overlooks the SAP Center where the San Jose Sharks play. I popped in here right before the game and the energy before a game is just insane!
I actually returned to San Jose last week and you know what? I visited my two favorites—Santa Clara Valley Brewing and Clandestine—and they were still amazing. The icing on the cake was that after Clandestine, I was able to snag a seat in Chavelas Restaurant having the best burrito I’ve ever had.
Hi, @TraciC . Thanks for sharing. I’m already following your list. I love this kind of place as well. I’m going traveller solo to Bay Area, so it’s like you said good place to meet and talk to interesting people. And I Iove beers hehehe
I can see @ Matt95Bassett@RiccyB jumping of joy, while reading it. He’s the official brewery expert of #TeamItaly, the one that is offering an alternative to my post about wine.
Btw, I love beer too, so I will be happy to follow your list on site
Hey @TraciC , nice post I didn’t know there was so much choice for San Jose breweries, good to know! I can’t wait to go to one of these clubs with you and the other local guides, it will be great! I love beer, especially light craft beers, and if there’s more, there is also some little dog to cuddle even better. Thanks @ErmesT for mentioning me but there must be an error in the description … the real beer expert of #TeamItaly is @RiccyB
Wow @TraciC , this post is simply great as perfectly describes the pleasure of having a good beer in places where normally (as you say) are friendly and of simple access for a good break. Love your list and I hope to try one or more of these breweries in the future.
I love breweries as well as an avid beer drinker, IPA lover, and flight aficionado. I love hitting up breweries while solo traveling as well because it is easy to make conversation with bartenders or other solo drinkers. What were some of your favorite beers/styles you had? Also, that burrito looks delectable!
Love the beer, and even more than wine!
I always like to discover different taste combinations, from fruity ones to bitter ones, perhaps with a hint of licorice or a little honey!
The beer it’s always the right bride for my pizza!
thank you for this great post, wow such nice breweries in SJ! Wonderful list, this is a must to try on site then, @RiccyB is our expert and can guide us to explore some of them … isn’t it #TeamItaly@ErmesT@Matt95Bassett@Giuseppe75 ?
Good to know there are great breweries in San Jose. It was obvious you do have a nice time. I recently become a fan of beer . I am not yet a heavy drinker. I once visited Efes brewery located in my neighborhood on excursion and it was really exciting moment as enjoyed every moment I spent there.
Like you @TraciC I have always found breweries interesting places to visit. When in Asheville a couple of years ago I visited 4 or 5 of the two-dozen local craft breweries and I loved the atmosphere, food, live music in some and of course, the beer!
Oh wow! Fantastic post @TraciC !! I’m a huge fan of beer cake … Wait, I’m meant to type beer chocolate… What’s going on?!? There’s a bug on Connect!! I try to write that beer ice cream is the love of my life but I just can’t! Ah well…
Loved the sound of the old school arcade at Santa Clara Valley Brewing @TraciC . I’m not a huge fan of beer, but I have been known to enjoy a pear or apple cider (or two-lol). I also play a mean pinball and space invaders game. Sounds like a great place to grab a bite, get to know the locals and just chillax. Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t know there was so much choice for San Jose breweries, good to know! I can’t wait to go to one of these clubs with you and the other local guides, it will be great! 
I love beer, especially light craft beers, and if there’s more, there is also some little dog to cuddle even better. 
Thanks 
and I hope to try one or more 
