Black Sheep Brasserie

- 1202 Lincoln Ave STE 30, San Jose, CA 95125

Black Sheep Brasserie offers a sophisticated and memorable dining experience in the heart of San Jose, California, by masterfully fusing the culinary artistry of Modern French cooking with the fresh, innovative spirit of Californian cuisine. Categorized as both a Modern French restaurant and a Californian restaurant, this establishment provides a distinct culinary niche within the popular Willow Glen neighborhood. It stands out by offering an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, making it a preferred location for a romantic evening, a sophisticated group dinner, or a high-quality solo dining experience. The menu is a testament to this fusion, featuring both classic brasserie staples and inventive, regionally-inspired dishes.

The culinary philosophy at Black Sheep Brasserie focuses on delivering complex flavors through expertly prepared dishes. The Entrées section showcases a premium selection of meats and seasonal fare, highlighted by the use of mesquite charcoal grilling. Diners seeking top-tier cuts can choose the Mesquite Grilled Rib-Eye ($68.00) or the highly-prized Mesquite-Grilled Filet Mignon ($50.00). The restaurant also features more adventurous, yet equally classic, dishes such as the Cast Iron Seared 38 North Duck Breast ($49.00) and the Rack Of Lamb ($55.00), which one customer noted was "perfectly cooked and flavorful." For those with a taste for poultry, the menu offers Mary's Roasted Half Chicken ($42.00) and the ever-popular Fried Chicken Sandwich ($16.00). The kitchen demonstrates versatility by also excelling in seafood and pasta, with options like the Seasonal Fish ($39.00), Mussels And Clams ($30.00), and the hearty Beef And Pork Sugo Pasta ($33.00).

Complementing the main courses is a wide array of Starters designed to engage the palate. These range from French-inspired fare such as Duck Liver Pâté ($17.00) and classic Steak Tartare ($22.00), to casual American favorites like Buffalo Wings ($12.00) and Potato Skins ($12.00). This blend of high and low-brow cuisine, from the Charcuterie Board ($30.00) to the BSB French Onion Soup ($17.00), perfectly encapsulates the "brasserie" concept. The bar service is also a key feature, noted for its 'Great wine list,' 'Great cocktails,' and 'Great beer selection,' ensuring that every dish can be paired with an appropriate libation, enhancing the overall upscale dining experience for guests in the California region.

Black Sheep Brasserie is located at 1202 Lincoln Ave STE 30, San Jose, CA 95125, USA, placing it centrally in the sought-after Willow Glen area. This is a very popular location surrounded by many appealing restaurants. While the neighborhood is lively and appealing, customer reviews indicate that parking can be a challenge, sometimes requiring patrons to park a few hundred feet away from the entrance. Despite this, the restaurant does offer free parking in a lot and free street parking, which helps mitigate the difficulty.

The establishment is committed to making the dining experience accessible to all guests. It provides comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that the restaurant can comfortably welcome a diverse clientele from across San Jose and the wider California area, allowing everyone to enjoy the high-quality dining environment and service. The atmosphere inside the brasserie is a key part of its appeal, described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, creating an ambient setting that is perfect for date nights, group celebrations, or a professional solo dinner.

Services Offered

• Dine-in service with Table service for a full, high-quality dining experience.
• Outdoor seating is available, allowing guests to enjoy the Willow Glen atmosphere.
• Convenient off-premise dining options including Curbside pickup and Takeout.
• Dinner is the primary dining option, with dessert also being a featured offering.
• The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them due to the popular nature of the establishment, and notes that there is Usually a wait for walk-ins.
• High chairs are available to accommodate families dining with young children.
• Accepts various payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

• Unique culinary positioning as a Modern French and Californian fusion restaurant, offering a diverse, high-quality menu.
• Extensive beverage program with a highly-rated Great wine list, Great cocktails, Great beer selection, and Hard liquor.
• Upscale, multi-faceted atmosphere described as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale.
• Specializes in Mesquite Charcoal Grilled entrées, including premium cuts like Filet Mignon and Rib-Eye.
• Dedicated Vegetarian options on the menu, such as Mushroom Risotto ($30.00) and Gluten-Free Fettuccine Pasta ($30.00).
• Commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, noted for providing fresh oysters and exceptional house-made focaccia bread.
• Accessible dining environment featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Popular for Dinner and Solo dining, catering to both intimate and individual experiences.
• Highlights include 'Great dessert,' with options like Crème Brûlée ($13.00) and White Chocolate And Berries Bread Pudding ($15.00).

Contact Information

Address: 1202 Lincoln Ave STE 30, San Jose, CA 95125, USA

Phone: (408) 816-7251 (also listed as Mobile Phone: +1 408-816-7251)

What is worth choosing

Black Sheep Brasserie is a compelling choice for discerning diners in the California region for several distinct reasons that elevate it above typical local restaurants. Firstly, the unique culinary identity—the seamless blend of Modern French technique and fresh Californian ingredients—results in a menu that is both exciting and comforting. Where else can one find a Mesquite Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chop ($48.00) situated alongside a creative Mesquite Charcoal Grilled Beet And Strawberry Salad ($17.00)? This duality caters to a wide spectrum of dining desires, from those seeking rich, classic brasserie fare to those interested in lighter, organic dishes. The attention to detail in the preparation, such as the duck breast cooked to a perfect medium rare and the well-made French onion soup with its 'nice beef flavour,' as noted by patrons, underscores the kitchen’s expertise.

The beverage program further enhances the appeal. The presence of a 'Great wine list,' 'Great cocktails,' and an alcohol offering that includes hard liquor and beer means STACKS can provide the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s a classic pairing with the Filet Mignon or a unique cocktail enjoyed at the Bar onsite. The dining atmosphere itself—cozy, romantic, and upscale—is ideal for creating a memorable evening, justifying the recommendation for dinner reservations. The positive feedback on the atmosphere and the efficiency of the service, described as 'quick' and 'impeccable' in similar contexts, ensures that the high-quality food is delivered with professionalism and care.

Furthermore, the generosity of portion sizes, with a colleague noting the pasta was "humongous," suggests that the premium pricing reflects both quality ingredients and substantial value. The menu is also thoughtfully designed for diverse needs, offering vegetarian options and the ability to accommodate large groups, as evidenced by the large party that "walked out happy." While parking in the popular Willow Glen area presents a minor challenge, the provision of free lot and street parking, coupled with the restaurant’s full accessibility features, demonstrates a commitment to customer convenience. For a high-end, yet unpretentious, dining experience that beautifully synthesizes global and local flavors in San Jose, Black Sheep Brasserie is unequivocally the top recommendation.

Black Sheep Brasserie

1202 Lincoln Ave STE 30, San Jose, CA 95125, USA