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Billy Berk's Reviews List

Billy Berk's

Variety is the spice of life. Caramelized Onion,Bacon, Cambozola Cheese Flatbread , Crab and Artichoke Hot Pot, Mojito Skirt Steak, and Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze just to name a few, Billy Berk's has flavors for all palettes. Set in a historic, downtown San Jose brick and timber building, Billy Berk's features a large island bar with 4 50 inch TV's and an open-air patio, perfect for after work, pre-game festivities, and dates; let us know other good excuses.
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58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(58 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • good for groups(25)
  • neighborhood gem(21)
  • vibrant bar scene(18)
  • fit for foodies(15)
  • hot spot(8)
  • special occasion(8)
Billy Berk's Reviews List
Review 1 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very good, will definitely be going back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 2 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our dinner at Billy Berk's was not as good as last time we were there. Our reservations were at 7pm, and before we could even order food, we were told that they were completely out of BOTH salmon dishes as well as the Ahi-Tuna. Two of our party wanted salmon, so that was a real bummer. Our waitress, while sweet, was very involved in another table of about 18-20 people--they probably got all of the salmon and ahi....
I ordered the vermont cheddar mac and cheese w/grilled chicken. The pasta was watery, and the cheese had seeped to the bottom. Not like I remember it.
They did bring out a complimentary birthday dessert for my daughter, which was nice.
I will give them another chance, but if the food/service is the same, I won't go back.
"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 3 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Neighborhood restaurant

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Tried Billy Berk's for the first time on Friday night. Good food and a friendly staff."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Ordered a burger medium and

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Ordered a burger medium and it was extremely thin and torched. (we've had burgers here before that were twice the size. Also tripled the cheese on the burger which ruined it. More cheese than burger. Ordered an apple struedel dessert that came out black on the bottom and smelled burned from a mile away. Sent it back and received no apology or compensation. Very disappointing."
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2012
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Review 5 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very good food. Very good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very good food. Very good service. Right on the spot, right on the corner, and right on the way home."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 6 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Wonderfully restored building,

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wonderfully restored building, great waiter but very disappointing food. Steak was tough, asparagus dried and hard, prawns overbooked and drowned by sauce. Patio shared with Mezcal is very nice. Come for a beer and to watch a game but don't count on the food."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2003
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Review 7 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Met up with some friends for

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Met up with some friends for dinner. Food and drinks were excellent. Service was awesome!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent service with food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Excellent service with food that was very well worth the price, which was moderate in pricing for downtown. It was a small birthday party for my daughter, who was turning 17, so we had to have food that appealed to both their age group and those of seveal parents. Billy Berk's menu covered all their tastes. A personal favorite was the crab and artichoke dip, it was creamy, filled with chunks of crab and artichoke and delicious.
A good time was had by all!
"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
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Review 10 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I always enjoy this restaurant--one

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I always enjoy this restaurant--one of my favorites in downtown San Jose. The food is delicious and plentiful. the Menu is varied, reasonably priced and has some interesting entrees. The service is friendly and prompt. It is a fun atmosphere and a nice place to hang out."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Perfect pre-Sharks dinner venue

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is my third visit to this relative of Max's. Located in Dowtown SJ at the corner of S. 1st and San Fernando, BB's is perfectly located for a pre-Sharks or theater dinner or late night snack. With a busy central bar, brick interior and large glass front walls, the atmosphere and noise are downtown-energetic. Our appetizer, fried calamari, was tasty and light. The entrees--seared encrusted Ahi and grilled salmon--were perfectly prepared, presented with large plantain chips and a noodle salad--and came with our choice of sides (aparagus was slightly overcooked). Service was attentive, timely, and pleasant, if not particularly expert. Wine list was decent with some good budget offerings. Prices are moderate, portions appropriate."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The food quality, preparation,

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food quality, preparation, and presentation really fell short. Fantastic service by all staff I encountered here."
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2010
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Review 13 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Huge Portions - Nice Wine List

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had a birthday dinner here with 5 other friends. Good service - food was good - portions are huge! Good wine list to choose from.
My only complaints were that it was freezing in the restaurant and it took a long time to get our drink orders delivered.
"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 14 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I went on a first date two

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I went on a first date two years ago at Billy Berk's and, over martinis, my date said "You know we will get married some day." I smiled and we moved on to the flatbread and the steak salad. And we just got married six months ago. The food is great and the flatbreads are FANTASTIC! The service is great and bar drinks are good. All the salads are great. You can have a conversation without straining. I highly recommend Billy Berk's."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My husband and I went there

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My husband and I went there for Valentine's day. We were seated immediately and service was prompt. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his fettuccine with mushrooms. And the heavenly aroma from my maple-glazed cedar plank salmon was only exceeded by the taste. The only problem was we were too full to finish the dessert. An absolutely delightful evening and I look forward to eating there again (and recommending it to my friends)!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great happy hour destination!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The staff, from the host to the waiters/waitresses, are always friendly! My friends and I went a couple of weeks ago without reservations and got a table with minimal wait even though the place was packed. We particularly appreciated the fact they honor Happy Hour prices in the dining area. Most restaurants only do so at the bar. The food is great and prices very reasonable."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 17 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We dined at Billy Berk's on

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We dined at Billy Berk's on Valentine's Day. We had never been there before and picked it because it was the only restaurant that seemed reasonably nice and still had tables available at 6 PM. We were very pleasantly surprised. The food was very good and the server was very attentive. We were seated on the patio and a Mexican band played throughout our dinner. We definitely plan to return based upon our very good experience."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was the first time at Billy

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was the first time at Billy Berk's for all four of us; and we all enjoyed the experience -- food, service & ambiance. 8 thumbs up!!!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2007
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Review 19 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had a great time out! Sportsbarish

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had a great time out! Sportsbarish vibe with the accompanyment of surprisingly good fare!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 20 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Billy Berk's Restaurant in

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Billy Berk's Restaurant in San Jose was a great place for Dinner. The menu was varied and met tne needs of multiple individuals in our group. Everyone had a great meal and enjoyed the experience. We stayed for a long conversation afterwards without being rushed by the restaurant staff. We started going to the downtown restaurant to show support during the Hockey lock-out, gut we have found one of out favorite family restaurants."
Dined on 02/10/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great location, consistent

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great location, consistent menu and great drinks. This is my go-to spot for visiting friends and family."
Dined on 02/04/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list
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Review 22 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We decided to eat dinner here

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We decided to eat dinner here because we enjoyed the food here 2 years ago. I have yo say the food was nothing great and the service was lack luster. They were pretty slow for a Tuesday night. There was just 3 of us and 3 other tables occupied.
Overall just average, it wouldn't be my choice yo eat there again."
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2003
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Review 23 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Billy Berk's has a tendency

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Billy Berk's has a tendency to place middle-aged customers toward the back, even with reservations and even if you are a repeat customer. To be frank, I would not have chosen Billy Berk's for that reason, but my guest--it was a birthday lunch--asked to be taken there.
This is the 21st cebtury where multi-cultural and cross-generational is the direction the world is taking. Billy Berk's might reconsider their limited point of view."
Dined on 01/30/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great menu with lots of options to share dishes"
Dined on 01/17/2013
 2007
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Review 25 for Billy Berk's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food and fun energy.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Good food and fun energy. Something for everyone."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Billy Berk's
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic