Paper Plane

Discover Paper Plane in San José, a popular American restaurant with a 4.4-star rating. Enjoy cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere. Explore their menu today.

American · Fusion$$4.4(2,539)San José

Relaxed spot with a long bar in an exposed brick space for creative or classic cocktails & snacks.

About Paper Plane

This popular San José establishment offers a delightful American dining experience, consistently earning a 4.4 out of 5 stars from its patrons. The atmosphere strikes a comfortable balance, making it a welcoming spot for a variety of occasions. Diners appreciate the straightforward ordering process and the prompt service, highlighting the flavorful dishes such as vegan tacos and truffle fries. It's a place where you can easily enjoy well-prepared American fare and sample expertly crafted cocktails, with options that cater to groups and the convenience of reservations.

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Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Moderate
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Casual
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Groups Welcome
+1 more

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Why Travelers Love Paper Plane

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.4 / 5.0(2,539 reviews)

After an exciting win by the 49ers it was time to have one last meal before we hit the road from San jose. This restaurant came highly recommended as a family member of mine said she really loved their tacos. I enjoyed the ease of the menu as you pick your items told the bartender and paid in advance I ordered the vegan tacos along with the truffled fries. My friend ordered a bacon hamburger. I enjoyed that the food did not take much time to come out and the Truffle fries had great flavor I really enjoyed the tacos as you couldn't tell there wasn't meat in them. The brussel sprouts along with their sauce and pickled onions gave these tacos a really good flavor profile. Overall I definitely would try them again. I wasn't able to try a drink at the bar because I was the designated driver for the night however I'd love to try their Bar menu as they had some unique drinks that should be explored. Paper Plane is an amazing spot for a late-night hangout in downtown San Jose! If you’re looking for great drinks, good food, and a lively atmosphere, this place checks all the boxes. I recently stopped by with friends, and we had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The cocktails here are next-level—creative, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. The bartenders clearly know their craft, and the menu offers a wide variety of options, from classics with a twist to fun, unique concoctions you won’t find anywhere else. The food was equally impressive—perfect for sharing and exactly what you want when you’re out for a night of good drinks and conversations. Service was another highlight. Despite how busy it was, the staff was quick, friendly, and attentive without ever feeling rushed. It made the whole experience even better. The vibe at Paper Plane is perfect for both small groups and larger gatherings. It’s lively without being overwhelming, and the seating setup makes it easy to relax and enjoy the night. Whether you’re a local or just visiting San Jose, I highly recommend Paper Plane for a fun night out with friends, great drinks, and good vibes! Finally visited this place and was not disappointed. The cocktails and the finger food were great! They have a limited menu and limited veg options but whatever options were there were great. One has to order at the bar and it's mostly self serve except food. The place can get pretty crowded during weekends. We ordered almost everything from the food menu and really liked the shrimp tacos / al pastor baos/ mushroom empanadas.

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Closed Now
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
ThursdayClosed
Friday5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Recent Reviews

Priscilla P.

November 5, 2025

After an exciting win by the 49ers it was time to have one last meal before we hit the road from San jose. This restaurant came highly recommended as a family member of mine said she really loved their tacos. I enjoyed the ease of the menu as you pick your items told the bartender and paid in advance I ordered the vegan tacos along with the truffled fries. My friend ordered a bacon hamburger. I enjoyed that the food did not take much time to come out and the Truffle fries had great flavor I really enjoyed the tacos as you couldn't tell there wasn't meat in them. The brussel sprouts along with their sauce and pickled onions gave these tacos a really good flavor profile. Overall I definitely would try them again. I wasn't able to try a drink at the bar because I was the designated driver for the night however I'd love to try their Bar menu as they had some unique drinks that should be explored.

Tri D.

September 3, 2025

Paper Plane is an amazing spot for a late-night hangout in downtown San Jose! If you’re looking for great drinks, good food, and a lively atmosphere, this place checks all the boxes. I recently stopped by with friends, and we had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The cocktails here are next-level—creative, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. The bartenders clearly know their craft, and the menu offers a wide variety of options, from classics with a twist to fun, unique concoctions you won’t find anywhere else. The food was equally impressive—perfect for sharing and exactly what you want when you’re out for a night of good drinks and conversations. Service was another highlight. Despite how busy it was, the staff was quick, friendly, and attentive without ever feeling rushed. It made the whole experience even better. The vibe at Paper Plane is perfect for both small groups and larger gatherings. It’s lively without being overwhelming, and the seating setup makes it easy to relax and enjoy the night. Whether you’re a local or just visiting San Jose, I highly recommend Paper Plane for a fun night out with friends, great drinks, and good vibes!

Shruti D.

April 20, 2025

Finally visited this place and was not disappointed. The cocktails and the finger food were great! They have a limited menu and limited veg options but whatever options were there were great. One has to order at the bar and it's mostly self serve except food. The place can get pretty crowded during weekends. We ordered almost everything from the food menu and really liked the shrimp tacos / al pastor baos/ mushroom empanadas.

Nicole K.

May 11, 2025

Solid cocktail bar! Went on a Wednesday night so it was a bit empty but crowded at the bar. Had several cocktails there and all tasted great. Tried one of their special cocktails (had gochujang in it) which I wasn’t a huge fan of but the old fashioned was tasty. The bartender was super friendly and made sure everyone had a drink.

Eduardo C.

July 13, 2025

Great place to chill if you're in the area! They have this menu with a cross-section of different flavor profiles to try 😋 even so the bartenders were fantastic and recommend me some great drinks outside the menu! Great music and awesome staff!

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Paper Plane special

Cocktails

Beer

Wine

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Parking

Free Street Parking
Paid Parking Lot
Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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