If you're looking for a spot to dance your ass off downtown, this is it. Â Lots of themed events. Â This place caters to those looking to cut loose.
Talent at this club is okay. Â DJ's are not bad. Â As an older guy, I appreciate the throwbacks that come on every once and a while. Â Definitely a nice compliment to the bar across the street.
Temple is your average San Jose bar/dance club that tries to seem high-end, but doesn't go about it in a pretentious way. It's a great spot if you just want to crab a few cold ones and go dancing for a few hours, but don't expect anything too glittery.
Pros:
- No cover charge. Even as a guy coming in on a Saturday night, I was let in for free. If I ever go clubbing, it's in SF or Vegas where cover can go up to $50, so this is a breath of fresh air to me.
- Good mix of hip-hop. With EDM taking over clubs lately, it's nice to hear hip hop once in a while. I find it a lot easier to dance to and it's more recognizable to the general crowd. They play a good combination of current top 40, old school 90s hip hop, and Bay Area hyphy classics. Just what I need to get me going.
- Clean bathrooms with cool down to earth attendant. Although the girls had to wait in line, the guys' bathroom was pretty empty and surprisingly spotless.
- Normal selection of beers and mixed drinks. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Cons
- Too many shady characters. Creepy guys who clearly have no game trying to rub up on girls. Ratchet hood rats pushing and shoving everybody "cuz this my soooong." However, you can still find decent people here who just come to have a good time and respect people around them.
I have been here three times since they remodeled and changed ownership. The place looks amazing! They really did a great job with the remodel! This place has great music and is always packed!
I came here last Friday and the people that work here are very cool and friendly! This bar mostly attracts the asian community. This is a really cool fun place! The one thing I would change is I wish security would keep a walking isle from the front to the back by making people move just down one isle. Some small lounge bars do this and it works great! I hate having to get to one side of the lounge and have to squeeze in between everyone.
Temple Bar and Lounge? Where the hell is the lounge; on people's laps? I see the bar, but I have to tackle many people to reach it.
Are you claustrophobic? Do you like to be able to move occasionally with adequate space? If this is you, then Temple Bar will not accommodate your needs. So do not enter, but if you did, get out before you get sucked in and have to shuffle your way out.
Now, I understand why people may like this place; the club scene. If you like to dance and be all close, then Temple will be enjoyable to you. Very intimate and you can smell each other's breathes since you're so damn close.
Cheers! You may spill your drink in here!
Verdict:
1.1 out of 5.0
I only head out here for special occasions that some of my friends are hosting. Â The ambiance and the crowd here is probably one of my favorites that you can find in the Downtown San Jose Nightlife. Â The crowds are fun, the drinks are decent, and it has always a moderate to long line here so that's always a good sign. Â The only thing is that the bathrooms can get a little heinous from time to time and the people outside of the bar especially as it gets later kinda make you feel like you need to watch your own back. Â
Really this place gets two stars because one of the events I attended we saw a guest patron step up to 4 different guys with security watching. Â Apparently the guy was a friend of security cause even though he was visibly drunk and stepping up to people security didn't do anything. Â Someone stared down the belligerent to stand up to him and security escorted the courageous one out! Â And later the belligerent was off causing more trouble, but others were getting pushed off or kicked out. Â Simply ridiculous.
Safety should be paramount at these type of establishments. Â If you feel like you might get into a fight, or have someone potentially walk up to you to start a fight and security backs him up? Â You're better off spending your money at other establishments.
Went on a Saturday night around 11 i think... The people were chill and diverse and looked happy; I was feeling the positive vibe. But I really felt like dancing that night, and the grooves were not making my feet move... It was some classic R&B, I mean really good music actually, but  more for lounging than for dancing. I'd still be interested in coming back on a Friday night when there's more dancing, from what I gather from the other Yelpers.
Review Source:Been here a couple of times..wasn't a great experience either time I went. Always dead it seems like. Or maybe I'm just going at the wrong times. People that go here are a little weird. They stare at you for like 10 min and not say a word then walk away....Ummmm OK..this is a last resort bar..most likely come here when Im already wasted and want to hear music but not be surrounded by hella ppl LOL. This place got 2 stars because no cover charge hahaha
Review Source:What I've heard:
Dope music and chill crowd
What I experienced:
NO COVER. This bar is amazing. On Thursday and Friday nights, it's pretty poppin. There's dancing in the back of the bar. The music is hip hop, 90's music, pretty legit. Bartenders are pretty nice, and always available to help out. Not always super crowded and hard to move around, but always a good amount of people. It's a casual place, not too dressy.
I love going to this place because there's always good music to rely on when you go!
WHY WE WENT HERE:
- post Warriors game
- no one was ready to go home
- some that I was with have been to Temple before and said it' s a chill place to go to
UPON ARRIVAL:
- carded at door
- $2 coat check-in (especially if you're wearing professional sports merchandise)
THE LOOK & FEEL (ON THE INSIDE):
- dim lighting
- bar immediately at entrance
- bar has back lighting and Buddha statues
- music that slaps
- music videos that go along to the songs being played show up on screens against the wall
- pictures of people who have been to Temple before are on a slideshow on screens against the wall
- screens, DJ, and dance floor are at the back
- everyone is dressed casually, some in club attire, others wearing jeans and sweatshirts, which was nice
- beyond the dance floor is a hallway leading to the bathrooms, which are very clean and smell good
I was pretty disappointed with this bar. I went on a Thursday night so I can understand if the place wasn't as crowded on a Friday-Saturday. Temple is very spacious with a long bar with a lot of place to stand and possibly get an opportunity to grab a drink from the bartender.
I thought it was awesome that they didn't charge cover which is what drew me to this bar in the first place. The reason I'm giving Temple 2 stars is because I ordered a 4 horsemen, but I only got a 2 horsemen. He also charged me $10 for a shot that wasn't even made correctly.
Pros:
- No Cover
- Spacious
Cons:
- made my drink wrong
came here on a friday, 10pm a couple months ago, and it was totally empty. Â As in -- we were the only ones there. at least the bathroom was clean?? They didnt even let us sit on ANY of the chairs that were placed around the corners of the room. NOT HAPPY. there wasnt even anyone claiming those seats!
We bought a couple shots to kill some time. At least the bartenders are nice. We talked to them and just stood around thinking of what to do until 11pm annd then we just bounced....... to the sake lounge right next door.
Sat in their comfy seats and killed a bottle of sake and downed a couple drinks. talked for a bit till maybe midnight and went back to check on Temple. NOW it was finally crackingggggg. -__________- but it was insanely packed inside. it was very hard to move, dance, and get drinks. and bathrooms were gross now LOL. But for some reason, we were able to sit on the chairs now.. wtf...
We left at probably 130am, when they were ushering people out. and they were closing down.
The only upsides i like about this place is:
-NO COVER CHARGE!!!!
-line is sometimes  short
-music is alright
-security is usually friendly
i will come here again if i'm in the area or if friends decide to bar hop here
They played some olldddd school R&B and some hip hop here. It was cool once the drinks started kicking in, but I usually prefer more upbeat music. But if you come with a bunch of friends/family and get your drink on I guess the music doesn't matter too much!!!
LIKED: No cover charge, they had a lady worker in the bathroom to hand us paper towels and guard the door because my butt could not lock the damn door, guys here aren't horny, bartenders are nice and attentive, nice amount of seats, drinks were made to perfection, security warns you when the BART is coming!
DISLIKED: The fat Rick Ross POS who decided to spread his arms out for the whole night, you take up enough room already, pretty narrow walkway to get inside/exit
Super packed but I guess thats a good thing:) Good Drinks,Not watered down at atll,Everybody seemed to be into 'it' lol and Bartenders were friendly. I came here on a friday and would come again!! haha Also tons of locals,saw a old group from my Highschool.
Tags
-Chill
-Kickback
-Crowded
-No cover charge
Also people hang around the front and if you make your way to the back that is where the dance floor would be at.
Guys at the door were nice. Too bad the guys inside were all horny and sleazy.
Crowded super packed inside on a Sat night- that said, tons of persistent pervy guys who would grope and pull up dresses like they're slick or something. It was not cool. Also had beer spilled on us and somehow gum ended up in my friends purse.. Forreal?
Worst of all was actually the DJ who played the most random variety of music and cut them all off and kept yelling over songs and then would orchestrate cut offs like its a karaoke bar and expect the crowd to fill in the blanks. That got old fast. Too bad he didn't get the hint.
If you ever need a spot to just chill, drink some & dance, come to Temple!
PRO'S
-NO COVER.
-not too many thirsty ass creepy dudes
-dress code is relaxed, there's girls looking cute in jeans & some still tryna go off top & rock dresses. Nevertheless, look good & you'll have fun.
-the drinks are good! Not too strong, just enough alcohol & they're decently priced.
-for some reason, there's never a line for the bathroom even though there's only 2 stalls
-$7 flat rate parking garage right across the street
-bouncers are super friendly
-you're downtown, so there's hella places near-by that you could hit up, then make your way back to Temple!!
-music for the most part is HIP-HOP/RAP :]
CON'S
-the line can get long esp friday nights, so try to make it there before 11
-the first time I went the DJ was just okay... he was mixing pop w/ dance beats -__-
So this is the Temple Bar & Lounge in San Jose, and not Temple Nightclub in San Francisco. Got it.
I've never been in Temple before until this month. My Berni recently became their inhouse photographer and I was luckily enough to cover one of his nights there upon my return to the nightlife industry from retirement (yeah, I pulled a Jordan).
I remember years ago, everytime I walked by this spot there was always a line outside the door. I never understood it. The place looked small and the music is probably all hip hop and such... at least that's what it sounded like back then. Now, a new perspective.
I approached the place like any other nightclub -except this one isn't a nightclub, and got in line like a regular customer (I always tell people, knock off that Diva nonsense) even when I was the photographer for the night.
He checked my ID and I walked in. Said hi to Phat, got my drink tickets and ordered my first drink and hung out at the bar. (I like to scan the room first and see what type of crowd I have to work with. To be aggressive, nice, or patience or all the above. Each requires a certain amount of energy and intoxication level. I've been doing this for years)
First, the staff (bartenders, security, waittress) were nice. About 50% of them carries a smile with them, the other half doesn't but, they are as equally nice as the other. (Especially the cute Filipino bartender... *drools*)
Second, the crowd mainly consists of Asian ethnicity. And I said MAINLY, not all. I don't normally like "Asian spots", but the crowd here is different from most crowds I dealt with. Their more chill, polite and friendly. You get the same amount and type of people hitting on you, but they approach you with respect and politeness. (Aggressiveness can stay in the bedroom.) Women here are pretty chill and nice. Asking for a photo politely instead of grabbing you by the arm and demanding a photo... Sold!
Third, music. Alright, most of my friends know I am a total House Head. Meaning, all types of music preferred. Although I respect and enjoy a few minutes of other genres, I always enjoy house music over any other genres the majority of the time. It was a little hard for me to enjoy the music they played here for the first hour (because I haven't had my 3rd Goose on the rocks yet), but after getting into the mode of photo-taking and crowd-pleasing, I bumped my head for a few songs. The DJs were cool and gave me a few poses for their close-ups.
Other stuff that would make this spot a total of 6 stars but isn't, which is not their fault.: when I'm in Downtown San Jose, I refused to pay for parking. It's my home and I know the spots to park. So for this spot, I had to park quite a few blocks away. Which isn't bad for me, because I love to walk -run if I could- but for most, they would totally hate it. So pay, if you're not willing to walk.
Close proximity. I live in Redwood City now, so having a couple of drinks is out of the question. This is a trip made for two (2) purpose: no work the next day, or for photo coverage, otherwise, I will not travel this far.
Would I bring my friends here: yes.
Would I bring myself here again: yes.
See you guys soon! =)
Though its small and crowded I always seem to have a fun time here. Its one of my favorite spots downtown.
I'm a girl so this is from my "buzzed" point of view
-definitely a fun place to dance with your girls or boyfriend.
-bathrooms are fairly clean but small (2 stalls) and I always seem to find new friends in there :)
-LOTS of guys, not many lookers. And we always get a creeper (a guy following the group)
-People, for the most part, are very nice and friendly
-Music is on point and the DJs are always nice
-drinks are fairly priced
-they have chairs! usually occupied by a group but you can rest your feet some.
-plus entrance is free which beats the $20 cover everywhere else.
Rating a bar in downtown San Jose is a lot like rooting for the A's, you have to lower your expectations or you are bound to be disappointed.
Temple is in the heart of downtown San Jose, whether you think that is a good thing or a bad thing is a matter of perspective. They never charge cover ... which should be true about every bar in dtsj, but for some reason other bars like to pretend they are located in Vegas. The bartenders are always really friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced.
If I'm stuck going out with friends in San Jose I try to make a stop at Temple because it is one of the most tolerable bars in downtown.
It's been awhile since I've been here. For once, I was able to experience Temple Lounge without it being packed wall to wall. Temple had a pretty intimate setting for a Yelp elite event here a couple weekends ago. It felt more like a home this time around. I felt like I was walking into a very clean living room. Comforting and kick back!
The staff, DJ, and bartender were great at the event! One thing I forgot to order here was a special drink I need to still try. If you ever come here order "The Silverback"! I believe the is the birthplace of the drink! Correct me if I'm wrong.
Not a big fan of this place.... definitely one of those "LAST RESORT TO END A NIGHT OF BAR HOPPING" kind of place! Â If it wasn't free I'm sure this place wouldn't attract the crowd they do now. This place is hella small inside!!! But definitely a perfect spot if you wanna witness some fights......
Come here ONLY if you're with good company... YOU WILL enjoy this place more! TRUST ME, you and your friends will probably have a good time "people watching" here....
OVERALL:
+ 1 STAR for NO COVER
+ 1 STAR for good music.
REMEMBER.... LAST RESORT!
G-H-E-T-T-O
It was a Saturday night, 6 lovely ladies strolling down 1st Street for our first Downtown San Jose rendezvous. Â We see The Temple Bar. Â It looks pretty poppin inside and there's a line outside. Â We walk straight up to the bouncer, show our IDs, and walk right in. Â Â
This is what we saw: Â
10 round creepy old guys standing around
9 short creepy old guys
8 ghetto short guys saying "Gurlllll you look damn fine"
7 reallllllllllllllly drunk girls
6 random girls on the dance floor
5 more creepy old guys trying to grind up behind the 6 random girls
4 bartenders dancing around behind the bar and not making drinks
3 girls staring at the rest of this madness, just as scared as we were
2 really trashy looking girls all up on that...
1 not-so-good-looking-guy-but-better-looking-than-Âthe-rest guy
Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating, but I just wanted to get out of there ASAP!
So we walk right out again in search for another joint to quench our thirst.
I thought this place was fairly nice for what it was. Came here for a Yelp event, their drinks are reasonably priced, the place is smaller than I expected since the initial entrance looks very big but its just a huge hallway with a bar, and then at the end there's an area with a dance floor that's not too big.
I like the vibe, decor and the atmosphere, but the bartender wasn't that friendly so I don't know if he was just having an off night. We didn't even go get the free drinks at the Yelp event, we paid and hung out at the bar and he was still ... meh.
I like that there is no cover and it's just a good place to come chill and drink if you don't want the hyped up club scenes.
Where everyone knows my name...
When ever I'm in town with the crew and we are drinking at Koji's.. it's convenient that whenever the girls want to go dance they can always hop next door to here to dance their asses off. This one time I was looking for Michelle and Tin let me in to go find her, no wait, no hassle, no nothing but good luck. I like him, even if he did hurt me in junior high... well rather he allowed me to hurt myself. That's another story.
Besides there being a lot of guys or what not.. security has always be on top of things and have been cool with me. Yes, its a lil crowded but then again you wouldn't com here if it were empty. So, in that regard the number of people there is a double edged sword. And no, I'm not trying to put anyone on blast, it's just that well, I do like place and trying to keep it in perspective.
Man, there are some valid points as dock stars from this review, but it is hard for me to do that considering all the damage me and mine have gotten away with over here. Remember that time Esco drank a shot of whiskey and threw up on the counter... or when we found her in the men's rest room, or when... you know, I'll just stop right there. Whether it's because of my charm and good looks or whether the owner probably owes me money... we had some great times here!
;D
I like free things and Temple was free. The DJ, however, never played Billie Jean as I requested. Also, what is with everything in San Jose closing so early (1:30 am)? Goddamn culture shock from my Taiwan partying days.
I actually bumped into two people I really did not expect to see here, but liked seeing, so that was very cool, but had little to do with Temple besides it apparently being THE party spot in San Jose. Temple was really packed. It's not a very elegant place...rather the opposite.
There were also some very large people bustin' moves, which I hadn't seen before. I was impressed, no sarcasm intended. I can't dance for shit myself. Â
While we were sitting, Mina T. told one of the guys who approached us to give me a lap dance, despite my protests. It was actually not traumatizing, although it did absolutely nothing for me. I think that even if you hooked me up to one of those physiology machines you would find nothing.
The guys here in general are okay-looking, bold, and a little annoying. You also have your typical awkward dudes trying not to look awkward by dancing awkwardly alone but not really alone because they are physically close and inching closer to other people who are not really with them and pretend not to notice but they are laughing inside.
Lots of bumping and grinding, bodies sweating and rubbing to the beat of music that's non-stop.
I've been to the The Temple a couple of times and I'm surprised as to how small this place is compared to what it looks like from the outside. Dance floor is a bit on the cramped side. Lots of visual stimulation from music videos that are projected on the walls.
Don't know what the drinks are like, but it's a great place to do some serious people watching.
For a second...I thought I was going to run into Johnny Depp.
I mean it looked like a sword fight was about to break out at Temple.
Ladies, if you like the boys checking you out...come here.
The music was somewhat decent, I mean he did play some Mos Def...give the guy some credit. Â Staff was nice, and I liked the couches and chairs. Â This club knows, that girls with high heels NEED some seating area. Â Dogs are barking y'all...
If we do this a second time around, I would swap out the DJ with the Ottobot. Â This talented DJ even told me about that "VIETCAN" club next door...wowza! Â Mexican music on first floor, and a Vietnamese club on second floor. Â PARTY...!
This place is cool and a place I don't mind going to when I am with a group of friends that wants to go dancing. This place has changed a lot in the last 2 years. I remember coming here in 2006 and it was much different then it was last Friday night. I like the layout of it now. Plus the bouncers at the front door never give me a hard time about my ID! ;)
The music is decent and fun to dance to. I also like the couches to lounge in when you need a break. It is small so be prepared for a very small dance space if you are coming out with a big group.
And I can't really complain about a place that is FREE to get into and no dress code so I can come in my jeans and tennis shoes and that is a big plus for me. I don't go to the club too much now because I am old and get tired earlier then when I was in my 20s but this place is one of the better clubs in downtown SJ.
I've frequent this bar back in 2004-2006 but times have changed when we visited this bar last Friday night. The music was giggin' at the first half but hey, gotta roll with the punches.
Two Chopin and tonics later and I was buzzin' like a damn lightweight but in all seriousness, this bar has a lot of potential and wished they start imposing an attitude adjustment code, for real. Sausage fest night. But that's what you get for partyin' in downtown SJ. It's a cheap shot but it's so effin' true.
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