Taplands — Restaurant in Santa Clara

I love Taplands and I can't believe it's taken me this long to get around to writing a review for them. I'm sitting in Chicago right now and all I can think about is my hometown Santa Clara tap room, Taplands. Bars, breweries, brew pubs, and tap rooms surround me, and it's Taplands on my mind.

My uncle introduced me to the place. He used to go every Saturday morning, at 11:00 A.M. on the dot, right after he'd grabbed his mail from the Post Office in Franklin Square and finished shopping at the nearby Santa Clara Farmer's Market. Once they kicked the doors opened, my uncle had his favorite stool, and without a word, the bartenders, any of them, knew exactly which, of their various 25 taps, to pour him. He'd mingle with everyone and sometimes meet Bob for lunch, when the two of them would split a panini sandwich and buy one extra bag of chips, so they could each get their own bag and the proper amount of salt to go with those delicious beers.

Eventually my uncle had to let me know about his special watering hole, and I am so glad he did as I, too, enjoyed many a visit to Taplands. Things I have seen there: locals regulars SCU students other clientele brewery 'takeover' events the owner dressed as a Christmas elf TVs rotating tap menu of choice local, independent breweries knowledgeable, friendly staff good snack menu so much more

I will be back soon. Next time I'm there, I'm buying a round for the house, to honor my uncle. Better...

Taplands isn't just a bar; it's the heart and soul of Santa Clara. Stepping inside feels like coming home, a testament to the incredible community and the best craft beer in town. Owner Matt has created a genuine tap room that stands head and shoulders above the rest, fostering a neighborhood vibe where you can literally run into anyone—from the mayor to a police officer, to your best friends. ​The food is just as much a part of the experience, thanks to Jose, the best cook around, who makes everything feel like a home-cooked meal. ​But at the core of it all is the incredible staff. Bartenders like Christopher Foley, Chrissy Pooh, and RAV are part of what makes this place so friendly and welcoming. And of course, a special shout-out to Courtney. She is so much more than a bartender; she is the embodiment of what makes this place so special. Courtney is incredibly attentive, genuinely nice, and truly caring. Her warmth is contagious, and it’s obvious how much she loves her friends and family, and she extends that same love to everyone who walks through the door. Taplands is the best in the world, and it's because of the amazing people who work there. And there's this one random guy named Paulo that's always there and every time they do underbergs he says it still tastes like shit....

Best brewery in South Bay without a doubt. I wont classify myself as a regular but this is one place Im proud to take my friends from the city or from other states. They have a great selection of taps. For all the beer connoisseurs, I would definitely recommend the unique Sids Serrano Pale Ale. I haven`t tasted anything remotely awesome as this one.

I have generally been here to have a relaxing cold brew. This place has a super chill vibe especially in the patio area. Also, you can buy a 6 or 12 pack from their fridge which is super awesome.

Definite recommend to anybody who loves to chill out with...