Poor House Bistro

- 317 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

For California diners seeking an authentic slice of the American South right here in Silicon Valley, **Poor House Bistro** is an unparalleled destination. More than just an American restaurant, it is a dedicated **Cajun restaurant** that transports patrons directly to the lively streets and kitchens of New Orleans. Housed in a historic, converted Victorian-era home, the venue exudes a **Historic** yet **Cozy** atmosphere, creating a truly unique and memorable dining experience in San Jose.

The mission of Poor House Bistro is to bring the genuine tastes and sounds of the Big Easy to California. This is immediately evident in the menu, which showcases the greatest hits of New Orleans dining. Specialties include rich, savory dishes like the **Crawfish Pasta ($27.00)**, the classic **Jambalaya ($19.00)**, and the hearty **Red Beans & Rice ($19.00)**. For a truly immersive experience, the **New Orleans Combo ($25.00)** offers a sample of Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Red Beans & Rice, served with corn bread.

A major highlight of the menu is the selection of **Po Boys & Sandwiches**. Customers rave about the authentic offerings, such as the messy but delicious **The Poor House ($19.00)**, which comes stacked with ham and roast beef, and the signature **Whole Classic Muffaletta ($35.00)**, a New Orleans staple. Seafood lovers can opt for the **Fried Shrimp ($19.00)** or the **Fried Oyster ($18.00)** Po Boys. The menu is rounded out with a tempting selection of Charbroiler items like the **Burger ($16.00)**, and delightful Louisiana desserts, including freshly made **Beignets ($11.00)** and a rich **Bread Pudding ($13.00)**.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is electric, largely due to the **Live music**—a major highlight that often features blues bands, creating a **Festive** and authentic vibe. This combination of "great food & live blues" ensures that Poor House Bistro is a full sensory experience, making it a favorite spot for **Groups**, **Families**, and even **Tourists** looking for a taste of New Orleans culture.

Location and Accessibility

Poor House Bistro is situated in a prominent and easily accessible location in Downtown San Jose, making it a convenient stop for locals and travelers passing through the area. Its historic home has a story itself, having been moved to its current location to preserve its history and contribute to the local Little Italy neighborhood.

The establishment can be found at: 317 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA. Its proximity to key city landmarks and the San Jose Diridon Station makes it highly convenient for a pre-game meal, a weekend lunch, or an evening out.

The restaurant is committed to welcoming all members of the California community, offering robust accessibility features:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
• **Wheelchair accessible seating**

For drivers, the area offers **Free street parking** and **Paid street parking** options nearby. Furthermore, the venue is exceptionally **Family-friendly**, offering **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu** with familiar options like **Grilled Cheese ($13.00)** and **Chicken Tenders ($13.00)**. They even welcome pets, as **Dogs are allowed outside** in their courtyard seating area.

Services Offered

Poor House Bistro offers a wide array of service options to cater to every preference, whether you wish to immerse yourself in the live music environment or enjoy the flavors of New Orleans at home.

• **Dine-in:** Enjoy your meal in the **Historic** interior or on the lively **Outdoor seating** patio with live music.
• **Delivery:** Convenient service including a **No-contact delivery** option.
• **Takeout** and **Curbside pickup:** Quick and efficient options for meals on the go.
• **Full Dining Schedule:** Serving **Breakfast**, **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, including a popular **Sunday Brunch** option.
• **Catering:** Services available for larger events and gatherings.
• **Full Bar Service:** Features a dedicated **Bar onsite** with a great selection of drinks.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Poor House Bistro goes far beyond its menu, with numerous features contributing to its status as a local California favorite and a must-visit venue.

• **Live Music Venue:** A central highlight, offering **Live music** frequently throughout the week, creating an exceptionally festive and dynamic atmosphere.
• **Authentic Cuisine:** The restaurant **Serves local specialty** New Orleans and Cajun/Creole food, recognized for its depth of flavor.
• **Great Drink Selection:** Boasting a **Great beer selection** and **Great cocktails**, alongside **Wine**, **Hard liquor**, and **Happy hour drinks**.
• **Fast Service:** A noted feature, ensuring quick delivery of meals even during busy periods, making it convenient for lunch or pre-event dining.
• **Versatile Dining:** Highly **Popular for Lunch, Dinner**, and especially good for **Solo dining** and large **Groups**.
• **Comfort Food Focus:** Offering rich **Comfort food**, **Small plates**, and quick bites, suitable for all appetites.
• **Historic & Cozy Vibe:** The converted house setting provides a unique, **Historic**, and inherently **Cozy** dining experience unlike modern chain restaurants.

Contact Information

To experience the Cajun hospitality and reserve a table, especially on nights with live music, local California residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 317 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
Phone: (408) 292-5837
Mobile Phone: +1 408-292-5837

It is recommended to check their schedule for the full line-up of live bands and to confirm Sunday Brunch hours, which often run from 10 am to 2 pm.

What is Worth Choosing

Poor House Bistro is the premier choice for California residents seeking a truly unique and culture-rich dining experience in San Jose. The main reason to choose this venue is the **unbeatable combination of authentic Cajun/Creole food and daily live blues music**, a rare and vibrant offering in the Bay Area.

The food, which includes classics like the **Crawfish Pasta** and **Jambalaya**, is praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions. While Po Boys can be messy—a sign of a truly authentic sandwich—they are packed with flavor. The option to enjoy both quick, affordable bites like the **Cup Red Beans & Rice ($7.00)** and full, indulgent specialty platters like the **Fried Seafood Platter ($29.00)** ensures there is a perfect meal for every occasion and budget. And don't forget the **Beignets**—a New Orleans dessert essential.

Furthermore, the **vibe** is truly special. The experience of sitting in the **Outdoor seating** area, enjoying a **Cocktail** or one of their well-selected beers, and listening to a live band perform authentic blues music is a cultural treat. This creates a highly **Festive** and friendly environment, making it a perfect spot for both a fun date night and a relaxed evening out with a large group of friends. The fact that the restaurant is housed in a historic bungalow adds a layer of charm and authenticity that larger, modern venues simply cannot replicate. For an immersive, friendly, and delicious taste of the American South, Poor House Bistro is the definitive choice in San Jose.

Poor House Bistro

317 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA