The Fountainhead Bar

My sister treated me to some drinks here after dinner and I’m definitely a fan! The place is in the back of the SoFA Market with plenty of seats/​tables and some large TV’s. We shared The Barragan & The Allto which looked amazing and had a taste to match it.
The Barragan was a Tequila mixed with citrus and ginger beer garnished with fresh rosemary. The Allto was a horchata infused vodka with cream garnished with mint and a cinnamon stick. Both of these tasted great with just the right amount of alcohol to pack a punch. Pricing is somewhat pricey for the quantity, but hey you get a quality drink! Overall, if you’re looking for a not so crowded place to grab a beer/​drink, you should give this place a try!

We happened upon Fountainhead last night while exploring the new Sofa market. The drinks were great, and the bartenders were very friendly! Beware, these are fancy cocktails, so you’ll be spending a good $ 10 – 15 per drink. Think of it like Paperplane or Single Barrel with a more relaxed garage-​like vibe. It’s a good place to start the night if you’re looking for something tasty before moving on to a club or another (maybe cheaper) bar.

Slow night, stopped here to pregame. Since it was slow, real easy to get service and with no distraction. Just got 2 beers and was on my way with the group. Bartender was nice, gave some good suggestions and did his job. Place looked nice, beer was great and so was the service… would come back again

I’d give this place a 4 stars for being in a hidden area, well… somewhat. The place is in Sofa market, kind of similar to San Pedro Square but alot smaller. The bar is to the back of the place and has very ample seating. Also has a small outside seating area as well.
They are a small bar and have limited selections of cocktails and a nice variety of beer.
Very spacious, but with that much space they have ample/​little seating, if you’re here in a large party — good luck.
The surrounding environments are cool, little food shops here and there.
Their drinks? Well, I had better. Let’s just say this place is more of a beer and hangout place than anything, well to me at least.
I’ll come back though don’t get me wrong. Just there’s better bars in the surrounding area.

Place is in the back of some noodle place. I ordered the Gaudi. Tasted like cucumber water… for $ 12. Said it had jalapeño, but I didn’t taste it. Drink wasn’t very good. Took a while to make the drink. Place is super bright. Had live music, that many of the patrons seemed to enjoy. I think there is outdoor seating. Didn’t see anything special here.

We ended the night by having a few drinks here. My drink was called the Greene & Greene, it was light and fruity with very minimum alcohol content. I think a little more alcohol would be better. Felt like I was drinking carbonated fruity drinks.
The place is spacious and very empty on a Friday night. It’s like a marketplace shared with their neighboring ramen shop and a coffee shop.
This place has potential to grow, but they need to tweak a few things here and there. Service was so-​so which I think could use some improvement as well.
Best of luck! Cheers!

I’m partial to dive bars, so this place is a bit fancy pants for the likes of a ruffian like me… however, I still dig it.
They are kind enough to host our little South Bay Vegan Drinks meet-​up once a month, and even give us a discount on a couple of their signature cocktails. The Greene and Greene is a tasty little number, basically a ritzier whiskey ginger, which is my drink of choice. They include green tea, which makes it healthy, right? ;) I noticed that, on the menu, it is listed as having Nikka Japanese whiskey, but my bartender used Bulleit instead. No big deal, it’s still better than well, but I wondered why she made the switch. Is the menu incorrect, or did she forget the recipe?
I like the atmosphere here, even though the bar is right next to a very un-​vegan ramen shop. The outdoor patio feels great on those hot summer nights.
I don’t live in San Jose and I don’t visit often, but I would love to frequent this bar more often. Guess I need to make more drinking buddies in the South Bay.

Drinks here are good and creative. I went when it was brand new so I felt like the vibe was still developing. There’s definitely room for improving the atmosphere.
I thought the bartenders were very attentive when I was there. i think that because it’s so relatively new, they have yet to become jaded.
it’s hidden all the way in the back of the market so don’t be like me and walk passed the front 3 times before walking in. :)

Great service, nice touches to the drinks, menus, and lighting. Follows the theme of Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead book series with a bit of throwback to the 1920s.
Loved their version of a gin and tonic, the Post-​Modern. It had Hendrick’s Gin, dried blueberries, and Seven Trees Tonic Water. The presentation was unique and lovely. An ice cube with a frozen flower of some sort, a spiral of lime peel, and an unusual fish bowl like glass.
A bit pricier than other bars in the area, but I think it’s well worth it for this lovely new spot that’s definitely become one of my favorite go to places.
It’s a plus that it’s in a mini version of San Pedro Market Square, but with Konjoe Tei ramen, Hawaiian Poke Bowl, a burger joint, and a coffee shop (more coming soon).
If it gets crowded here it’ll definitely kill some of the buzz I have about this place because it’s in a space that, in my opinion, won’t hold crowds well.
Parking is parking as usual in downtown San Jose. Find it where you can on the street or in a nearby parking lot (must pay).
Overall: it’s pretty nice and worth the visit

Take a chicly themed bar, install it as a cornerstone to a marketplace integral to the rejuvenation of SoFA, then let proven and capable restaurateurs run with it. That’s Fountainhead.
If you’ve had the chance to enjoy any of the signature, crafted cocktails (or two or more) here, then you’ve probably also enjoyed the company and hospitality of a warm and personable staff (full disclosure: I know David and Jamie from a previous endeavor where I got to learn firsthand how friendly, professional, and customer/​experience oriented they are; they obviously have brought that focus and import to Fountainhead.)
Even if the Fountainhead theme flies under the radar for some people — I don’t know anything about architecture and haven’t read Ayn Rand in decades — many will appreciate the stylish look and upscale offerings at this bar, attracting a chill crowd; the mood stays even and enjoyable, a vibe conducive to conversation and laughter, catch-​ups or introductions, casual business or friend-​dates.
The backbar and bartop are an elegant use of [repurposed?] wood stone, & brick, a complimenting juxtaposition to the iron & concrete surroundings of SoFA Market, flanked by the bustling kitchen at Konjoe Tei (my review coming) and the Hawai’ian Poke Bowl stall. While the Market is still awaiting a couple more tenants (wood-​fired pizza and a gelato place, I hear?), it hasn’t waited to establish itself as a central venue for community events. Over the past few months, SoFA Market — and particularly Fountainhead — has played host to a number of gatherings, soirees, afterparties, and recurring meet-​ups.
And when there aren’t gatherings capitalizing on the nouveau space, you can most definitely rely on there being a melodious, funky-​fun, soulful soundtrack playing overhead. This is what happens when one of the operators/​managers happens to also be an insightful social/​music-​culture journalist and deejay.
My growing affinity for this spot is no secret nor wonder — they’ve got a choice locale & concept staffed & managed by a great people supporting community and culture of downtown San Jose. I wish them continued success…
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Right across the street from the climbing gym? And host to a monthly drink-​n-​draw meet-up?Great soundtrack as the norm? Yeah, you can find me there on the regular…

This little bar is hidden in the back of the new SoFa market downtown. The bartenders are always nice and helpful. I haven’t had a drink I did not like.
The only caveat is that they close a bit early for a bar. The drinks are presented beautifully, I’ve never had a flower in my ice cube before :)
It’s never been crowded here, and there’s plenty of space. They also have TVs that feature different sports games. The vibe is very chill and quiet, not an upbeat bar, but a great one to relax at for a nice drink.

Good local spot | Good drinks
$$
Good place to hit up with a friend or coworker at night! I really like the location because across the street is The Studio and it’s in this big indoor spot with other ‘fooding’ places. Like, my husband walked two feet away from the bar to grab some ramen from this new business next to it. NEAT. I wish we had more places like this up in our area, but I think it’ll catch on slowly. At least it seems to be common in more urban areas.
My friend had a Vitruvian drink. I tasted it and it was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. Whoever the bartender was did an excellent job. It didn’t really burn my throat, it was kind of sweet. (after tasting her drink, I was tempted to grab one myself… but i wasn’t really into paying the price lol)
I just ordered an 805 :)
Nice sitting area.
I like the whole feeling of the Fountainhead. I’ll be back again.

The first time i tried to go here it was closed. Seems like the bar is at the whim of the SoFa Market space. Even on a weekend night it was quiet as theyre out in the back. It’s not too crowded but i think the crew is slightly overwhelmed. Decent selection of liquors and im alway glad to see new watering holes in the area. Perhaps it will pick, up but i think SoFa needs to stay open later or let them lock up after?

This is the only place I’ve tried in the SOFA market so far. I came on a Sunday night & was surprised that the bar opens until midnight. Naturally @ 10 PM on Sunday, the place was empty. They have a TV @ the bar area as well as a small outdoor space. All the tables inside are high bar style tables meant for communal sipping. The cocktails are architecture themed so you’ll see references to architects or design lingo (words like Gaudi, post-​modern can be seen on the menu). I don’t really get the theme of the menu with the architecture or how it relates to drinks but nevertheless, the drinks were great. I tried the passion fruit cocktail made with real passion fruit (the Prarie) as well as the Julia Morgan paradise (made with a rum that tastes like tequila). Both cocktails were delicious & refreshing. They were equally aesthetically appealing & light.

I was prepared for the sparse «market» area, but the bar itself was smaller than expected. If it hadn’t been relatively quiet for a Saturday night, I can imagine it being a looong wait along the narrow bar to order and get a drink.
The cocktail list is short but sweet, with everything sounding interesting and with high quality liquors/​liqueurs. The drinks are so strong that my friend had to ask for extra tonic water, which our bartender kindly added without judgment or complaint. The presentation was great too, with flowers embedded in the ice.
There is a nice back patio area — tables are oddly low though — to sit and chat with friends, but otherwise there isn’t much else going on.

Finally stopped by for drinks at the bar in the up-​and-​coming SoFA Market – it’s the mini me version of SPSM. The Fountainhead puts an architectural twist on their craft cocktails, with names like The Gaudi, The Greene & Greene, and The Vitruvian. I believe the owner is also an architect.
Being a huge Gaudi fan (will be in Barca in September!) I was tempted by The Gaudi, but opted for The Kahn since I was in more of a Whiskey mood. The Kahn mixes together Whiskey, Fernet, Agave, and Gold Luster, and goes down incredibly smooth. Maybe too smooth.
The bar and décor are really clean and sleek – though the super white bar counter has a bit of a sterile, hospital feel to it. But that’s just me nitpicking the details. I really like this bar and look forward to more food spots opening inside the SoFA market so we can spend a few more hours here.

The Fountainhead Bar is still a relatively new addition to the SOFA market, but I was pleased to see that they’ve moved in and are starting to make their mark.
Stopped by on a very quiet Saturday night and got our drinks in a flash. I grabbed a Greene & Greene ($ 11 or $ 12) which was super refreshing and light for a whiskey based cocktail, and my man got himself some whiskey cocktail with gold flakes and fernet which was totally my jam.
I’m excited to go back again soon and see how things progress, it seems like they are still coming into their own a little bit. I definitely appreciate another addition to the craft cocktail scene in DTSJ.

This is such a cute little bar tucked away behind the Sofa Market! Some neat details that others haven’t mentioned would be that I’m pretty sure this place is named after the famous novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, which is a story about a young architecture and his endeavors after being expelled from architecture school. Each communal table also has various issues of architecture magazines next to the menu. These clues along with the well designed space and small attention to details (both in the crafted cocktails and interior designing) tell me that the owner is probably an architect and/​or really intended for this place to be themed around architecture!
Additionally, the cocktails are apparently made with local, organic ingredients, based on seasonal offerings.
Now onto the drinks themselves, they were well-​made, strong, but smooth. My group got the Prairie, Vitruvian, and Julia Morgan Paradise and we all agreed Prairie was the best out of the bunch – fruity and refreshing, yet you can still taste the alcohol. Made with real passion fruit!
Julia Morgan Paradise had a weird, artificial, almost soapy after taste, but wasn’t a bad drink by any mean.
Vitruvian was the strongest out of the bunch, the subtle fruitiness had a nice taste.
Only downside was that the drinks took quite long to come out, and the place wasn’t that busy. Oh, and the wooden tables have some uneven surfaces so if one isn’t careful, drinks may spill.
The place provides a warm atmosphere to the other wise currently sterile Sofa, as it is still under construction. Spacious and charming, Fountainhead is a great addition to the arsenal of bars in DTSJ. Definitely not the type of bar to «turn up» in, but a great place to have a few drinks and catch-​up with friends.

From the awesome bartender (I think his name is Dave), to the super delicious, very smooth, carefully crafted and tasty drinks, I give this place 5 stars. It’s so refreshing to visit a bar where you can see the bartender taking care of the pours and taking time with making a yummy drink. The recipe for each drink too are pretty unique.
The ambiance in this place is still pretty mellow since it is tucked away in the back of SoFa Market, but the drinks this place gives you will wake you up real quick!
We ordered the Prairie (Tanqueray Limited Edition, Fresh Lime, Mint, Passion Fruit) and the passion fruit was FRESH! Awesome.
We also ordered the Greene & Greene (Nikka Japanese Whiskey, Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Lemon, Green Tea) because we wanted to taste the Nikka Whiskey, and that was equally delicious. It went down very smooth and this may be one of my new go-​to drinks.
Lastly, we tried the Julia Morgan Paradise (Pitu Cachaca, Fresh Lime, Barenjager Honey LIqueur, Muddled Strawberries). This was a little on the sweeter side, and the strawberries added the fruit twist to it.
This is my new go-​to bar (even though I’ve only been here a couple of times) but I feel like I need to get my visits in before more people hear about this awesome spot and I get kicked out of my regular bar stool!
Definitely recommended. Two thumbs up, Five stars, this place is about to be the next hot spot in the area, for sure!

We came here while SoFa is still under construction. I would have never guessed there’s a bar open inside if my friend didn’t tell me. The drinks are decently priced and the bar itself is a cute place to hang out with friends for a few drinks. I see a lot of potentials in this place once the whole area opens up for business.
The place reminds me a lot of San Pedro Square which I’m glad because we need more places like that in DTSJ! Will be back here again when I want to avoid the crowds from other hot spots in DTSJ.