HEDLEY CLUB LOUNGE 58 South Bay Accent SAN JOSE This longtime downtown lounge in the Hotel De Anza has a comfy, soothing, art-deco atmosphere, and even though it’s been around for ages, it takes its drinks seriously, whether a superb top-shelf Margarita, amped up Manhattan or the popular barrel-aged Negroni featuring fine whiskey and sweet vermouth. Many female patrons like to sip on the smooth, tasty Diving Diva with pear vodka, elderflower liqueur and grapefruit juice. The Hedley Club isn’t geared toward noisy, newly minted drinkers, instead being classy and a bit old school in a good way. Instead of neon and noise, the decor features a hand-painted ceiling, huge ferns, well-placed couches and soft chairs, a woodburning fireplace, plush rugs and carved arches. Those wanting a nosh can select from the Mediterraneaninspired food from La Pastaia restaurant in the hotel and order things like fried calamari, thin-crust pizza and Brussels sprouts with pancetta. The lounge also features a wine bar with international choices. Instead of hip-hop on the soundtrack or guest DJs, the Hedley Club offers some very good live jazz performers— mostly trios and quartets in keeping with the small stage and soothing atmosphere. 233 W. SANTA CLARA ST, SAN JOSE; 408/286- 1000; HOTELDEANZA.COM/DINING-ENTERTAINMENT/HEDLEY-CLUB-LOUNGE NOMIKAI SAN JOSE A popular cultural event in Japan involves a nomikai— a group of colleagues or friends celebrating something together in a bar. The same happy, outgoing attitude is found at this downtown bar and eatery, which was transmogrified from a poorly lit sake lounge into this modern establishment with cool lighting and a diverse crowd. Given the Asian bent of this place, there’s a big selection of sakes, Japanese whiskeys and soju, but appealing cocktails are now a major draw. Sip on the refreshing Mugi Mule, which blends fiery soju (a strong, vodka-like distilled beverage usually made in Korea) with house-made ginger syrup, ginger beer and lime juice. Or dial down the alcohol and try the Coco Berry, a mixture of sake, coconut juice, berries and agave nectar. Also on the light and fruity side are the Lychee Martini and White Peach Bellini. Snacks feature Asian themes, including a variety of pizzas in flavors like coconut-chile-shrimp (it’s popular, reportedly). Or munch on tummy-filling items such as “kimcheese” fries and crispy pork belly. Nomikai has one of downtown San Jose’s longest happy hours, while its nice ambience is a draw for first dates. 48 S. FIRST ST., SAN JOSE; 408/287-7199; NOMIKAISJ.COM THE HEDLEY MANHATTAN STRAWBERRY BLISS
South Bay Accent - Dec 2014/Jan 2015
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