Miniboss

    Claimed
    $$ Bars, Arcades
    Closed5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Updated 1 week ago

    What's the vibe?

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    Inside

    421 photos

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    Outside

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    All photos

    1009 photos

    Classy
    Loud
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    Review Highlights

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    Location & Hours

    Map

    52 E Santa Clara St

    San Jose, CA 95113

    Downtown

    Mon

    • Closed

    Tue

    • 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Wed

    • 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Closed now

    Thu

    • 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Fri

    • 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Sat

    • 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Sun

    • 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    Amenities and More

    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Can people who are under 21 come inside if they're with a larger group?

      A:

      unfortunately not

      Spencer G. 
    • 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

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    Overall rating

    419 reviews

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    • Photo of Francis L.
      Francis L.
      San Jose, CA
      12
      43
      3
      Sep 27, 2024

      Steven is the coolest bartender ever. He really knows what he's doing when he makes you a cocktail or any mixed drink of your choice. I really like the fact that they have old retro arcade games like who doesn't wanna get wasted and feel like a child all over again lol. I definitely recommend this place 10/10, they really do make süre you are happy unlike some other places that just hand you a from get your money and act like you never existed.

      I always get the Tea 1000, which if you are a tequila drinker like myself you'll love.

      Helpful 1
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    • Photo of Sergio L.
      2
      80
      110
      Oct 18, 2024

      MINI BOSS is a final-level experience for arcade and video game fans alike! The second you walk in, it's like hitting the ultimate bonus stage. The neon lights, the classic game sounds--it's a *nostalgic combo* of old-school arcades and modern vibes that'll have your inner gamer mashing *start* in excitement.

      The drinks are like power-ups straight out of your favorite game, and the food? Definitely the kind of XP boost you need to keep you going through all the levels. The staff? Total NPC legends, always chill and happy to help you. And no need to worry about any *game over* moments--security keeps things safe and fun, so there's no drama.

      Best part? You can totally challenge a rival to Street Fighter or hit up some classic pinball machines, all while sipping on a killer drink. It's the perfect spot for a night of co-op mode with friends or going *solo* and finding new challengers. This place levels up the fun every time, making it the boss fight of arcade bars!

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    • Photo of Lynn N.
      Lynn N.
      Milpitas, CA
      32
      83
      167
      Sep 1, 2024

      Miniboss is a super fun arcade bar, and I came here with my friends to get drinks and food.

      We got the Chicken Run pizza and Garlic Fries, which you order through a bar code. The food came out relatively quick, and it was good! Pizza was super cheesy, and garlic fries were not soggy. The fries do get cold quick though.

      Our bartender was also really welcoming when getting us our drinks. I got the Pineapple Express, and it was good. We also shared a Zero Cool and that tasted more melony, but not as strong.

      We loved playing the games here and overall had good vibes.

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    • Photo of Julie P.
      Julie P.
      San Jose, CA
      6
      30
      73
      Oct 3, 2024

      This is my favorite arcade bar in San Jose! The cocktails are delicious, and they also serve food. My go-to drink is the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' a citrusy, sour cocktail. The place is filled with colorful lights, adding to the fun vibe. Plus, Thursday is free game night!

      Double dragon on the left and on the right is smells like teen spirit
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    • Photo of Frank A.
      Frank A.
      Port Aransas, TX
      0
      18
      51
      Oct 20, 2024

      It has lots of potential but falls short on the arcade side. It's a really chill place to come and have drinks and grab a bite. Almost everyone seems to have ordered the wings so I'm assuming they are good. The drinks were good with plenty of craft beers and mix drinks as well. On the food and drink side I have the 4 stars. The arcade is not worth trying. There aren't many options and most of the games I've tried kept just taking my quarters and not giving a credit to play. Either i played 4 broken games in a row or majority aren't working properly. After spending $4 in quarters and the game not starting I gave up, settled out tab and left. Great place for drinks and food but not arcade!

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    • Photo of Derick N.
      Derick N.
      Daly City, CA
      116
      64
      92
      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.

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    • Photo of Lety G.
      Lety G.
      San Jose, CA
      40
      257
      920
      Oct 13, 2024
      4 check-ins

      Miniboss is great but my FAVORITE time to come here is during their annual Nightmare on Second Street Halloween pop up! It's the pop up I compare all other pop ups to. A full Halloween drink menu and the decor is insane, every nook and cranny of that place brimming with Halloween decor and they play Halloween movies and the Halloween music, it's amazing! I came right at opening and 5pm-7pm is happy hour. This year's drink menu features a few new drinks as well as favorites from last year. I got the Dead Island and the Jonestown Punch. Both were delicious and my favorite this about the drinks is the presentation. The food is also delicious, the bulgogi tacos are on the happy hour menu and it's 3 tacos overloaded with flavor and bulgogi. I also had the sliders which had bacon jam and the order came with 3 so it filled me up. Got an order of their fries too which were deliciously crisp. I plan to come again before the pop up is over to try more drinks.

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    • Photo of Ivanna O.
      Ivanna O.
      Palo Alto, CA
      54
      45
      36
      Aug 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.

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    • Photo of Quoc H.
      Quoc H.
      San Jose, CA
      183
      448
      2164
      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.

      Happy Hour Menu
      Inside
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    • Photo of Purvika P.
      Purvika P.
      San Jose, CA
      22
      74
      303
      May 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.

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    21 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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