What's the vibe?
See all 411
Inside
411 photos
See all 32
Outside
32 photos
See all 985
All photos
985 photos
Review Highlights
“The pinball machines are my favorite because it is 50 cents per play and you get alot of value more so than round 1.” in 46 reviews
“Winter on Nibiru: Junipero gin, strawberry, condensed milk, lemon, vanilla, black pepper & cinnamon tincture.” in 14 reviews
“Notable arcade games we played, T2 shooter, Sunset riders, Xmen vs Street Fighter, Initial D link play.” in 10 reviews
People also searched for
Location & Hours
You Might Also Consider
in Museums, Venues & Event Spaces
in Breakfast & Brunch, Mexican, Sports Bars
Amenities and More
Ask the Community
Q:
Can people who are under 21 come inside if they're with a larger group?
A:
Q:
Where do you park?
A:
There is no designated parking lot. You can park in the nearby garages or lots. There is also street parking.
Joanna S.1 person found this helpful
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
414 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Ivanna O.Palo Alto, CA544536Aug 27, 2024
This is one of my favorite bars across the board.
Granted, it's one of the first date spots we had so it also holds some sentimental value but their drinks, the quick service, the food, the games; it all speaks for itself.
Some of my favorite drinks includes the Jigglypuff, Smells Like Teen Spirit, and especially Secret of the Ooze. I also highly recommend trying their french fries. I can't tell what ranch they give but it's amazing. I have yet to try their other food but you can see into the kitchen and it's so clean and organized. I am especially a fan of the pinball machines but Donkey Kong rings a favorite for us as well.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Bo N.Santa Clara, CA52451Aug 15, 2024
Ambiance:
- Fun place to hang out with lots of arcade games, 10/10
Food:
- Crack wings: 6/10 - good flavor but oversauced
- Yuzu pepper wings: 6/10 good flavor but oversauced
- Nuoc mam wings: 7/10 pretty goodHelpful 1Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jul 13, 2024
Date night at Mini boss in DTSJ was a fun night. The drinks were pretty good in balance alcohol and sweetness. It was so cool to see the games I grew up with and play them. For the most part the space is pretty big but it does get busy. The pinball room does get stuffy and hot bc there is no ventilation so bring a fan. Other than that this place is a great visit
Oh and bring cash to use the change machine. They do have an ATM but Yano service charges.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - May 1, 2024
It was packed on a Saturday night! Parking was also tough in downtown SJ with paid garages or find street parking and walk. Venue is pretty large with bunch of seating around but still everything was taken. There a variety of old classic games requiring coins for play. Bar is well managed with efficient bartenders so service was quick and easy. Menu has a bunch of variety and interesting cocktails but also recommend coming for the discounted happy hours.
10/10 Winter on Niberu $16 - strawberry with condensed milk flavor hit! Highly reccomend. Tastes like a strong creamier calpico.
8/10 Steal My Sunshine $16- coconut flavor with mango popping boba. Also a strong creamy drink! Coconut flavor was good.
7/10 Jigglypuff $16 - peach cocktail. I think just ok.
6/10 Holographic Charizard Slushy $16 - Tasted good for first few sips but waaaay too sweet. Would not get again.
Would come for HH next time as it was so packed with no seating and games were filled.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 2170279May 27, 2024
What an amazing little gem in the heart of downtown San Jose! This bar and arcade is a haven for gamers young and old, with an incredible range of classic games that will transport you back to the golden age of arcade gaming.
From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the sights and sounds of a time once forgotten.
The place is inviting, with a bar in the center and rows of arcade games on either side. They also serve great fresh hot food, making you want to lose yourself for hours in this place. There's also a couple of large rooms behind the bar with rows and rows of arcade games and pinball machines.
Whether you're itching for a round of Street Fighter, craving the heart-pounding action of Donkey Kong, or seeking the challenge of Terminator or Ms. Pac-Man, you'll find no shortage of iconic titles to choose from.
You can take a nice break from all the playing in the Tetris themed chill out area. I was super surprised with this place. An unplanned visit turned into a great evening of fun.
Don't be disheartened by the sketchy location of the place. Once you're here you will lose yourself in all the fun.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Aug 15, 2024
Came to miniboss for wing Wednesdays, where they have $.75 wings. I got five each of the crack wings, Yuzu pepper nouc mam and buffalo. All of the wings were flavorless besides the buffalo since that had sauce. If they season the wings more, it would have better flavor. The wings do not taste like anything. The Yuzu pepper had a hint of lemon pepper flavoring. And the nouc mam had flavoring if you dip it in the sauce. And Buffalo is regular. The wings were pretty small and somewhere very small. The only good thing about these wings that were very crispy. I'm not sure this warrants even for $.75 wings. Otherwise we got happy hour fries, which was a huge bucket for four bucks which was good value. Their fries were regular. Order on the phone and pick it up at the counter. I did not realize this my food is waiting at the counter for sometime. The vibes here were pretty nice. I would come for happy hour again.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Aug 15, 2024
Stopped in on a Thursday around 6 before comedy down the street and was pleasantly surprised! Miniboss does in fact have FREE game play on Thursdays before 7pm. Add to that a great happy hour menu and attentive bar staff and it was quite the perfect spot. There weren't too many people at that time either, so very little waiting for any games. I'll be returning and recommending!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 1772119Apr 5, 2024
My friends and I went to Mini Boss for a girls night out in SJ.
We ordered 3 cocktails (Smells like teen spirit, shrek's swamp, and jigglypuff). They were all priced to be $15-16 which was reasonable. They gave us a good buzz by the end of each one. Our favorite was the Jigglypuff.
The vibe was really fun for a night out and it was pretty crowded there. There is a lot of new and classic games that included racing games and pinball machines. We love coming here to play games and drink.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jun 21, 2024
I recently visited Miniboss in San Jose and was impressed by the lively and nostalgic atmosphere. Although I didn't try any of their drinks, I walked in to check out the vibe and played some of the arcade games.
The arcade bar offers a great selection of classic games, all available for free play. It's a fun spot to hang out with friends, relive some childhood memories, and soak in the vibrant energy.
While it was a fun experience, it felt like a one-time thing for me, and I'm not sure if I will revisit. If you're looking for a unique and entertaining place in San Jose, Miniboss is definitely worth a visit!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jayne M.San Jose, CA203556Jul 10, 2024
Miniboss offers an exceptional fusion of nostalgia and entertainment, boasting one of the most enjoyable atmospheres for vintage arcade aficionados.
Stepping into this haven, I found myself immersed in a realm of retro charm, with an impressive array of arcade games spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It was a thrill to rediscover classics I hadn't played in decades, rekindling memories of childhood joy with each flick of the joystick.
The combination of a vibrant bar and restaurant further elevates the experience, offering delectable bites and refreshing drinks to complement the gaming excitement.
From Pac-Man to Street Fighter, every moment spent at Miniboss is a blast down memory lane, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a dose of vintage gaming magic.Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 2Oh no 0
You Might Also Consider
in Vegetarian, Indian, Beer Bar