Trials Pub — Restaurant in San Jose

I never thought I'd find a true Pub in the USA...

The "Pub," is a Public house where all are welcome. Most pubs in the UK were actually someone's home, at some point... They just decided to open a business, installed a bar and invited their friends over for a pint. The living room slowly became the seating area, and the walls were eventually adorned with random momentos donated or accidentally left by neighbors.

"British Pubs" of the US present themselves as more British than Brits. They are souless self-advertising machines that pelt you with pictures of red telephone booths, shiny brass rails, Union Jacks on everything and Guiness ads under every drink. Absolutely obnoxious, and totally American in execution!

However, San Jose's Trials gets the vibe right! Great food, cask ales, classic music, and a vibe that feels like a home, lovingly decorated by the locals. It is wholey owned by its clientele and it would be hard to find a night where the patrons don't already know each other.

You can grab a drink and get loud over a bowl of hot curried chips, or slink around to the back room, and curl up next to the fireplace with a good book and a ploughman's plate.

I have a deep love for Trials and I can only hope that you are lucky enough to...

If this was 10 years ago, the rating would've been 5 stars. The bartenders used to be loud, engaging with a keen sense of humor. Went back last night for a bit of nostalgia and was happy to see a lot of people engrossed in conversations and the bar looks esentially the same with some minor furniture changes.

But now, the bartender (albeit she is pretty which is always a plus) was blah, the drinks were so so and the ambiance was just OK. I go to a pub for the energy/people and sorry, it just ain't the same as the good ol' days. Glad I got my nostalgia fix but that itch has been scratched...so unless my friends are dead set on going there, the Duke of Edinburgh or Fibbar MaGees in Sunnyvale are the better places...

I went here on a Friday at around 9:30 or 10 and was able to get a table in the back easily. This is such a nice and laid back place. The appetizer portions were bigger than I expected which was a nice surprise! Our table got the garlic fries, curry fries, mac n' cheese bites, and the sausage appetizer. They were hot and delicious. Great for sharing with everyone at the table!

There's a dart board in the back near the fireplace if you want to play a game. I didn't hang out near the front so I'm not sure if there's anything to do up there besides enjoy your friends' company. It's a great place to do that too as it is...