My favorite restaurant in Northern California. The place has a historic, charming vibe after 50 years in the same location. Everything from the fire toasted bread, to the baked potatoes, and on the entire menu is executed to 10/10 quality. My dad has been coming here since he was a frat boy at sjsu and maybe I’m still in love because of that nostalgia…. But this spot is truly a hidden gem beyond words. Highly recommend the prime rib and ribs. Cheers
A great place to get value for money steak. Very nice ribs as well that paired perfectly with the bbq sauce. Those table side bread that they served was so unpretentiously good.
The eating experience is a little different here, but the food is excellent. It's mostly meat, with basic salads and southern sides (Mac n cheese, baked potato). The plates are huge, so plenty of leftovers. No desserts though. When you arrive, as soon as your whole party is present, tell a server you're ready, because you don't get on the waiting list to get a table until AFTER you order, and you need your entire party present to order. There is a 10-15 minute delay after you order, before you're seated, and the only menu in the dining room is drinks. The salads are waiting for you when you sit. Efficient service and great food, super friendly staff. This place has a long history in San Jose, so it's worth visiting, but try to be there when they open and don't go when there's an event at SAP Center (crazy crowded). Parking is limited, only on the street (and it's metered, but you can pay by credit card).
The only place in the SF Bay Area where you can get a real steak, with a good selection of local beers on tap, and probably one of the best restaurant in the SF Bay Area overall.
My Tbone steak was so tender and tasty.. just perfect.
The environment is rustic/friendly and the workers are very friendly too.
I'll tell you why I ate at the Hi-Life.....
I dropped off an 1865 45-20 Prescott Bellicose to a Craig's List buyer named Willie Peasbody, he claimed to be a direct heir to the Winchester family and he's the true owner of the Winchester Mystery House. Well, after that story I told him no personal checks, cash only, so we made our trade at the bank around the corner from Henry's World Famous Hi-Life. When I saw this place I knew right away I was in for a great dinner. Well, once again I was wrong!
The Hi-Life wasn't a great place, it was an Amazing place! The food and the service were exceptional, one word comes to mind...Spectacular!
5 stars all day long. ☆☆☆☆☆
This place was recommended to me by a buddy in my hometown. - we live about 35 miles south of San Jose.
Had a concert planned at SAP Center and he told me that I had to stop here before the show for dinner and just a 7 minute slow walk to the SAP Center.
He did not give it enough credit. Super cool atmosphere and not your normal "wait here to be seated" restaurant.
The entrance puts you right in the bar area. You walk up to the wall and pull a number. Right above you is the menu of all their options. You take your number with you to the var area where you met by the chillest, laid back bartender who makes sure you understand how the restaurant operates and serves and the offers you a drink at the bar.
The waiter then comes get your number and your order. As soon as your table is ready, they move you to the next room away from the bar atmosphere to a more intimate seating area.
100/100 on the food, service and experience. Obviously would highly recommend
It's not your typical high-end steak house, but it's definitely a steak house that serves high-end steaks. At least the filet mignon I had was perfect! Very laid back, blue collar type crowd which makes the place comfortable and relaxing. The wait was rather long because of a concert down the street, but it was worth the wait. Don't fill up on bread before the steak arrives!
This is an awesome place .First, you come into a bar setting. Take a number and place your order, and I will say, like, 5 minutes you're seated, and they just start bringing your food. Very different and amazing food 😋 we even was able to order more food togo.
The baby back ribs were terrific. My friend's Porterhouse was cooked perfectly. The choice of draft beers is great. A great place for a carnivore!
Really delicious, tender and juicy full rack of baby back ribs that my wife and split. They also let us get an extra salad and baked potato for the split. The bread with bbq dipping sauce was also delicious. Finally, they have an amazing 24 tap selection of really great local craft beer.
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