Trials is a true pub—cozy atmosphere, quality food and nearly 20 beers on tap. The fish and chips are the flagship menu item, and rightly so. The fish is lightly breaded, crispy and oh so tasty. Order some curry on the side to dip the chips in. And of course, nothing goes better with pub grub than hand-pumped pints and good conversation (there aren't any TVs at Trials to hinder chatting). Trials also boasts a quiz night on Mondays and some of the friendliest staff in town.
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Trials is outfitted like a classic pub in every way. Warm and cozy, this modest hangout in downtown San Jose has a few small tables and comfy chairs up front, a decent amount of bar space and a few more tables in the back, along with a roaring fireplace that attracts cold Guinness drinkers like flies to honey on rainy nights. There are nearly 20 brews on tap, including a few rarities, and the menu of better-than-average pub grub can sate most any craving. The fish and chips are the flagship menu item, but the curry and the burgers are also worth a try.
2009 BEST OF SILICON VALLEY Reader Survey Winner - Third Place
Best British Pub
2008 BEST OF SILICON VALLEY Reader Survey Winner - Third Place
Best Pub
2007 BEST OF SILICON VALLEY Staff Pick and Reader Survey Winner - First Place
Best Pub
The word "pub," we think, originates with the word "public," and pubs are a place to just go hang out and shoot the breeze with neighborhood folks and regulars. Trial's is just such a place. The food's good, the atmosphere is safe and secure and there's even stuff to read on the bookshelf. Oh, and there's drinking also.
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Outfitted in every way like a cozy neighborhood pub, Trials offers a warm, friendly atmosphere to the downtown San Jose bar scene. Friendly bartenders, comfy furniture, a tiny patio area, a lengthy bar with plenty of seats and ample seating near a fireplace in the back half combine to offer beer enthusiasts a setting that feels like home. Trials also offers above-average bar food, with the curry and the fish & chips being the most popular items on the menu.
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