Restaurants Near SAP Center in San Jose According to Reddit!
The SAP Center in San Jose is home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. Located in downtown San Jose, the arena also hosts major concerts and events year-round. Fortunately, there are plenty of great dining options surrounding the venue that are perfect for grabbing a bite before events. These restaurants range widely in terms of cuisine, price, and atmosphere and are close to the only sports venues in San Jose. There are casual spots for grabbing a quick burger like Five Guys to casual seafood restaurants like Pier 402 perfect for a special night out. Read on to discover some of the best restaurants to eat at near the SAP Center so you can fuel up with a delicious meal before a short walk to the Shark Tank, the iconic sports venue in San Jose.
Restaurants Near SAP Center in San Jose
Farmers Union
Farmer’s Union is a great spot for a delicious, farm-fresh meal before heading to a Sharks game at SAP Center. Located just a few blocks from the arena, Farmer’s Union offers seasonal New American cuisine with entrees priced from $15-$30.
The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients in dishes like wood-fired pizzas, roasted chicken, and juicy burgers from grass-fed beef. There is also a stellar craft beer selection featuring many local California breweries. The rustic-chic interior provides a comfortable, upscale atmosphere. Farmer’s Union is known for its commitment to sustainability and sourcing ethically raised meats and produce.
With its short walk to the Shark Tank, and delicious farm-to-table fare, Farmer’s Union makes for a satisfying pre-game meal in a restaurant that has good vibes. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up on tasty, health-conscious cuisine before cheering on your team at the hockey game.
Address: 151 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 277-0545
Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
Henry’s Hi-Life is one of the most popular restaurants located near the SAP Center in downtown San Jose, making it a great dining experience before Sharks games. It has a lively atmosphere and serves classic American dishes like burgers, steaks, and ribs in a casual setting. The prices at Henry’s Hi-Life are moderate, with most entrees ranging from $15-$30. They are known for their quality ingredients and generous portions.
If you haven’t been to Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life before, just step inside, grab a number, and wait until they call your digits. Once it’s your turn, check out the menu on the wall and pick your meat selection. Then, let the staff know where you want to eat—inside, outside, etc. We like Henry’s because the staff is friendly offering and they have great steaks.
Henry’s Hi-Life is a good pre-game choice because of its proximity to the arena, reasonable prices, and tasty, filling comfort food. The restaurant has a full bar and often fills up with San Jose Sharks fans before home games. Parking is free on the street on Sundays, but otherwise, it’s mostly metered parking due to the location In Downtown San Jose.
Address: 301 W St John St San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 295-5414
Pier 402
Pier 402 is a seafood restaurant located 1 mile from SAP Center in downtown San Jose, making it extremely convenient for dining before a Sharks game. With entrees ranging from $15-$40, it is reasonably priced for the variety of creative seafood fare. Pier 402 is known for serving seafood in an area where seafood restaurants are seriously lacking. Standout menu items include ceviche, crab cakes, cioppino stew, and clam chowder. The oysters are also a highlight, arriving daily from both coasts.
The restaurant has a calm and casual vibe, with a full bar and an extensive wine list. The location cannot be beaten for its proximity to the arena. Pier 402 is a great spot to enjoy excellent seafood before heading over to cheer on the hometown Sharks – an indulgent pre-game meal that is sure to satisfy any hockey fan’s appetite. Parking is limited at Pier 402 but there is street parking available.
Address: 238 Race St San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 320-4790
Poor House Bistro
Poor House Bistro is a great place located close to the SAP Center in the Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Jose. Poor House Bistro is one of those rare soul food restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. With most entrees priced affordably between $12-$20, Poor House Bistro offers simple Southern fare in a comfortable setting.
The menu features sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes made with quality ingredients. Poor House Bistro is known for its large portions, great service, and budget-friendly prices. The best menu items include the po boy sandwich, crawfish pasta, gumbo, and fried catfish. There is a full bar offering local beers on tap to enjoy with your meal and indoor and outdoor seating.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes Poor House Bistro a reliable spot to grab a hearty, delicious meal before heading to a Sharks game just a short distance away. It’s the perfect place to fuel up on incredible southern soul food while avoiding high arena prices, making Poor House Bistro an excellent pre-game choice. There isn’t ample parking at the restaurant so find a metered spot a few blocks away.
Note: Poor House Bistro’s present location is in Little Italy and not off Ruff Drive.
Address: 317 W St John St San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 292-5837
Slice of Homage Pizza
Slice of Homage Pizza is a great budget-friendly option for grabbing a quick pre-game slice near the SAP Center in San Jose. This counter-serve pizzeria offers pizza slices for $7-12 each. Their specialty is New York-style pizza with a thin, foldable crust and cheese melted to perfection. Toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers can be added for an additional charge. Slice of Homage also serves freshly tossed salads, buffalo wings, and beverages. Protip: Pour Mike’s Hot Honey all over your pizza, it’s fantastic!
The no-frills vibe makes it a convenient spot to pop in for a cheap, satisfying meal before a Sharks game just a short walk away. With its fast service, giant affordable slices, and proximity to the arena, Slice of Homage Pizza is an ideal spot for fans to fuel up on tasty pizza before the puck drops without breaking the bank.
Address: 163 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 490-4477
Spoonfish Poke
Spoonfish Poke is a great restaurant choice before heading to a Sharks game at SAP Center. Located about a mile near the SAP arena in downtown San Jose, Spoonfish Poke offers fresh, customizable Hawaiian-inspired fare like a custom poke bowl and sushi burritos. Guests can choose from tuna, salmon, shrimp, and other proteins to create their poke bowl with rice, veggies, sauces, and toppings for $15-$20. Signature sushi burritos wrapped in soy paper are also on the menu.
Spoonfish Poke is less than 2 miles from the Sharks arena, with speedy counter service, and lighter, bowls of nutritious goodness like flavorful poke bowls, Spoonfish Poke is an ideal spot to grab a refreshing bite with good companions to eat before a hockey game. The fresh Hawaiian flavors provide a nice change of pace from typical sports bar food. It’s easy, delicious fuel but we recommend getting your poke bowl to go since there is a lack of seating inside the restaurant.
Address: 111 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 320-2607
San Pedro Square Market
The San Pedro Square Market is one of those great restaurants to stop at before a Sharks game, located a mile from SAP Center in Downtown San Jose. This indoor culinary market houses a variety of restaurants and bars with something for every taste and budget. With options like pizzerias, taquerias, sushi, and more, you’ll find entrees ranging from $10 to $25.
The best eats include Hella Good Burger, Pizza Bocca Lupo, Phonomenal Noodle House. Thanks to the diverse dining choices, you can sample several signature San Jose dishes and drinks under one roof. The ample seating accommodates large groups too which is great because this particular area gets crazy busy before an event at the SAP Center.
Considering its proximity to the arena, local events like live music performances, and a fun selection of top local eateries, the San Pedro Square Market is an ideal place to fuel up delicious food and drinks before cheering on the Sharks.
Address: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
Restaurant Chains Near the San Jose SAP Center
La Victoria Taqueria
La Victoria Taqueria, commonly known as “La Vic’s”, is a popular Mexican Northern California chain that has become a local favorite. The menu offers a variety of Mexican street foods, including quesadillas, street tacos, and nachos. Prices at La Victoria are generally reasonable, falling within the affordable to mid-range category.
This restaurant is an excellent option before an event at the SAP Center, such as a Sharks game, due to its convenient location and quick-service style. The flavorful and satisfying fare provides a hearty and quick meal for fans on the go, making it an ideal choice for those looking to grab a bite before heading to the event.
The casual atmosphere and diverse menu make La Victoria a popular spot for San Jose locals and visitors alike.
Address: 140 E San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95112
Five Guys
Five Guys is one of the most popular burger chains with restaurants all over the Bay Area. There is a Five Guy on Santa Clara Street near the SAP Center in downtown San Jose. It’s a great restaurant for a quick meal before a Sharks game since it is a short walk from the SAP Center.
Five Guys is known for its simple menu of burgers, hot dogs, and fries cooked fresh to order. Burgers come with your choice of free toppings like lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, barbecue sauce, and more. Fries can be ordered regular or Cajun style. You can also order protein-style burgers which is a burger without the bun. The price range at Five Guys is about $10-$15 for a burger and fries.
While not exactly fast food, Five Guys burgers and fries are ready pretty quickly. The food quality is excellent, with juicy burgers made from fresh ground beef and hand-cut fries fried in peanut oil. Given its proximity to the SAP Center, speedy service, and delicious protein-style burgers and fries, Five Guys is an easy and perfect spot for pre-game burgers and milkshakes when you’re heading to the Shark Tank.
Address: 975 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 288-9172
Floodcraft Brewing at Whole Foods
Floodcraft Brewery at Whole Foods is an excellent option for pre-gaming before a Sharks matchup. Located just over a mile from SAP Center, Floodcraft is a Norcal brewery that offers an array of handcrafted beers along with a limited appetizer menu. With dishes ranging from $5-$15, they offer affordable pub fare like wings, flatbreads, pretzels and sandwiches.
Must-have dishes include their brick-oven pizzas and Korean fried chicken wings. There are over a dozen unique beers on tap, like their hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The industrial-chic taproom provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying quality craft beers before heading to the hockey game.
Less than a mile from the Sharks arena, Floodcraft offers up a great beer selection and appetizing shareable plates, Floodcraft Brewery is a top choice for grabbing a bite and a hard cider or beer before your next event at SAP Center. It’s a perfect pitstop for getting your pre-game fuel without breaking the bank. Parking is easy since Whole Foods has its own parking lot and there is plenty of street parking.
Address: 777 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 207-1126
Mexico Lindo Y Cantina
Mexico Lindo Y Cantina is a Silicon Valley restaurant chain located conveniently near the SAP Center in San Jose. With entrees ranging from $10-$20, it offers authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. The menu features all your favorites like street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more. You can get traditional dishes like carne asada and menudo.
There is an extensive tequila selection as well as a popular happy hour. The festive decor and mariachi music provide a fun, energetic atmosphere. The generous portions and affordable prices make Mexico Lindo Y Cantina a great place to fill up on yummy Mexican cuisine before heading to a Sharks game.
The proximity to the arena makes it easy to walk over after enjoying the variety of options. With its authentic food, festive vibes, classic cocktails, and close location, Mexico Lindo Y Cantina is a good meal option for pre-gaming with amigos before a hockey matchup.
Address: 11 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 295-7765
