We love to spotlight talented musicians here at PHB and we are one of the only venues here in Downtown San Jose offering FREE, LIVE MUSIC DAILY! Stop on over and enjoy some great Cajun food and a brew. Our Namesake is derived from the classic New Orleans sandwich called the Po Boy (Poor), served inside a Victorian family home (House), turned into a restaurant (Bistro).
We also serve Muffaletta sandwiches, seafood fry, grilled burgers, pasta and salad that are delicious! Our cooks are among the best at delivering tasty dishes in lickety-quick speed and they love to make your taste-buds happy! I went to the Fountain Blues Festival and found this great food. It is located near the Sap center on Autumn street which is a one way street.
We also serve Muffaletta sandwiches, seafood fry, grilled burgers, pasta and salad that are delicious! Our cooks are among the best at delivering tasty dishes in lickety-quick speed and they love to make your taste-buds happy! I went to the Fountain Blues Festival and found this great food. It is located near the Sap center on Autumn street which is a one way street.
Services
Poor House Bistro is known as Downtown San Jose's place to go for amazing cajun food and the Bay Area's BEST blues bands around the nation. Every month we offer up some of the best with a private experience in "The Studio". Check out this month's events by scrolling down. MASKS MUST BE WORN INSIDE AT ALL TIMES ( except when eating or drinking) All seating is General admission and is first come first serve.
We feature extraordinarily talented artists from all over the US and beyond. We are blessed to have them and we love presenting them to you in all the glory and joy they bring! Review our blues band videos below and let us know if there is a band you would like to be listed. The Poor House Bistro has been awarded many blues music awards for our live bands and cajun food!
Our PHB Catering Team is ready to assist you in customizing a menu that will dazzle your guests. CONTACT US for more information, our Catering Team is on hand to assist you in planning your next event. The Studio at PHB is the perfect space and location for Business Events, Live Music, Dinner Parties, Wedding Reception, Milestone Parties or Art Gallery Events.
We are happy that you noticed and recognized the Poor House Bistro as one of the BEST places for local dining and live music! Your appreciation inspires us to continue doing what we're doing and bringing you that best "Authentic" New Orleans joint and musical talent this side of "The Big Easy!" We truly feel honored by our recognition through our cajun restaurant awards.
Reviews (25)
Ajay K.
Jan 22, 2022
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Ordered the bbq shrimp and beignets.
The bbq shrimp was just overloaded with vinegar and butter, I can't believe this can be Cajun in any sense. The shrimp was decently cooked though.
The beignets were just disappointing. Maybe the dough was not kneaded properly, maybe it was stale, it was just chewy and way too dense.
Next time I crave Cajun food, well, I'll just subdue my cravings.
The bbq shrimp was just overloaded with vinegar and butter, I can't believe this can be Cajun in any sense. The shrimp was decently cooked though.
The beignets were just disappointing. Maybe the dough was not kneaded properly, maybe it was stale, it was just chewy and way too dense.
Next time I crave Cajun food, well, I'll just subdue my cravings.
Jasmine J.
Jan 12, 2022
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7/10 Atmosphere was great but everything else I must admit was just okay. The fries came out cold once we picked them up. We ordered the shrimp po boy which was soggy and small grilled rock shrimp. It was alright for 'not to quick' bite but I honestly wouldn't recommend unless your just hanging out with some friends.
Sharine D.
Dec 22, 2021
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Hidden gem! Everything.. except the food!
The good, great & noteworthy:
- A+ drinks- had Cadillac Margarita & Mango margarita... Both Great drinks...32oz for $12. Great drinks
- A+ for table set-up, multiple areas with good access to stage/music.
A+++ for life music. The night we came there was a band playing called Hidden gem!
The good, great & noteworthy:
- A+ drinks- had Cadillac Margarita & Mango margarita... Both Great drinks...32oz for $12. Great drinks
- A+ for table set-up, multiple areas with good access to stage/music.
A+++ for live music.
The good, great & noteworthy:
- A+ drinks- had Cadillac Margarita & Mango margarita... Both Great drinks...32oz for $12. Great drinks
- A+ for table set-up, multiple areas with good access to stage/music.
A+++ for life music. The night we came there was a band playing called Hidden gem!
The good, great & noteworthy:
- A+ drinks- had Cadillac Margarita & Mango margarita... Both Great drinks...32oz for $12. Great drinks
- A+ for table set-up, multiple areas with good access to stage/music.
A+++ for live music.
Dermot C.
Dec 21, 2021
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Janet T.
Dec 02, 2021
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Oh my goodness - is this a hidden gem?!
My roommate brought us here before a sharks game, and the vibe is unreal. I felt like I was back in the East Coast, enjoying some good ole southern food!
There's live music from a local band, the side restaurant is small but cozy and bustlin', the bartenders are telling jokes and making conversation with customers, and to top it all - THE FOOD IS GOOD.
When I was eating here, I legit forgot I was in San Jose. I felt like time had paused for a moment and I able to soak in the vibe & live in the moment. Idk if it's the live music or just
My roommate brought us here before a sharks game, and the vibe is unreal. I felt like I was back in the East Coast, enjoying some good ole southern food!
There's live music from a local band, the side restaurant is small but cozy and bustlin', the bartenders are telling jokes and making conversation with customers, and to top it all - THE FOOD IS GOOD.
When I was eating here, I legit forgot I was in San Jose. I felt like time had paused for a moment and I able to soak in the vibe & live in the moment. Idk if it's the live music or just
Azani Fitten
Nov 29, 2021
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Outdoor seating is available. I ordered the sampler that allows you to try the gumbo, jambalaya, red beans/rice and cornbread. Here are my rankings in order of goodness:
1. Jambalaya - delicious, fresh, would definitely order again
2. Gumbo - very good. Would order again but is probably comparable to other places you may find.
3. Red beans and rice - basic. Had to add some salt to mine. Once I did that it was good but still wasn’t “wow!” To me
Cornbread was fire!!
Beignets I would not order again, they had a doughy/cake consistency and didn’t taste very fresh.
Food overall was pretty
1. Jambalaya - delicious, fresh, would definitely order again
2. Gumbo - very good. Would order again but is probably comparable to other places you may find.
3. Red beans and rice - basic. Had to add some salt to mine. Once I did that it was good but still wasn’t “wow!” To me
Cornbread was fire!!
Beignets I would not order again, they had a doughy/cake consistency and didn’t taste very fresh.
Food overall was pretty
Kymberly I.
Oct 18, 2021
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Drove by and had great music so had to stop by.
Parking: Parking is kind of a drag here. You have to pay for parking and it is only street parking. However, street parking is very limited.
Food: The food is okay here. I ordered the jambalaya and the portion is very big. However, the flavor was subpar. It was mostly bland and all of the flavors is carried in the sausage pieces. However, the rice had no flavor to it.
Service: The service here was great. The employees are super nice and cheerful. They also have bands playing in the outside courtyard. Not too sure if it is an everyday thing, but
Parking: Parking is kind of a drag here. You have to pay for parking and it is only street parking. However, street parking is very limited.
Food: The food is okay here. I ordered the jambalaya and the portion is very big. However, the flavor was subpar. It was mostly bland and all of the flavors is carried in the sausage pieces. However, the rice had no flavor to it.
Service: The service here was great. The employees are super nice and cheerful. They also have bands playing in the outside courtyard. Not too sure if it is an everyday thing, but
Kristi H.
Oct 09, 2021
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Food: I had the combination plate with a cup of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans, served with cornbread. All of them were a bit bland, and nothing standout. Quality and taste-wise, it seemed very much like something you'd cook at home rather than taste at a restaurant. The cornbread was very dry, and it wasn't very appetizing so I left it after a few bites.
Environment: They have live music and some outdoor seating! Both the indoor seating in the house and outdoor seating are currently open.
I probably wouldn't come back to this restaurant even if I were in the area. I'm
Environment: They have live music and some outdoor seating! Both the indoor seating in the house and outdoor seating are currently open.
I probably wouldn't come back to this restaurant even if I were in the area. I'm
Italia Cardenas
Sep 30, 2021
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Kalwant Sandhu
Sep 25, 2021
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What a gem of a place
What took me so long to find this place!!
Walking distance from the San Jose Dridiron CalTrain station.
Ae3some music venue. Awesome food and superb owner and staff. First visit was on Friday and I made sure I went back the next day.
And afterwards it was great to go next door to listen to the Delgado Brothers at Poor House Bistro Media
What took me so long to find this place!!
Walking distance from the San Jose Dridiron CalTrain station.
Ae3some music venue. Awesome food and superb owner and staff. First visit was on Friday and I made sure I went back the next day.
And afterwards it was great to go next door to listen to the Delgado Brothers at Poor House Bistro Media
Shannon N.
Sep 24, 2021
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Ugh. I love love love their shrimp and grits special, and have ordered it many times since the Covid shutdown started. Tonight it was a fiasco. It's like slop - the grits are like a soup, the sauce and shrimp just sloshed on top. It's awful :( Picked up two orders of it to go and I'm so disappointed. I'm being generous to keep this at a 3 star because tonight was barely a 2. :(
Jeremy C.
Sep 09, 2021
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I've been meaning to visit Poor House Bistro for a while. I have biked past it several times and the historical home its business is located definitely has some character.
I finally made today the day to check it out--and I brought an appetite!
I ordered the lunch special--half a po boy and a cup of gumbo.
I asked for a recommendation from a staff member. He recommended The Drippin's, which is a roast beef po boy with au jus sauce. It was delicious!
The roast beef was tender and melted in my mouth. The au jus sauce was exquisite and the shrimp gumbo was also great!
I look forward
I finally made today the day to check it out--and I brought an appetite!
I ordered the lunch special--half a po boy and a cup of gumbo.
I asked for a recommendation from a staff member. He recommended The Drippin's, which is a roast beef po boy with au jus sauce. It was delicious!
The roast beef was tender and melted in my mouth. The au jus sauce was exquisite and the shrimp gumbo was also great!
I look forward
Laura P.
Aug 28, 2021
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We tried 2 pasta dishes, they were fine, but the pasta was a bit mushy. It seemed like the sandwiches were the way to go.
They had live music which was fun! People were up and dancing and it has a great atmosphere. There are some tables indoors and some on the porch and in the tent. Outdoor is the place to be.
The cocktails were fairly priced, but only so-so. We got a mule and a margarita and they sorta tasted the same.
They had live music which was fun! People were up and dancing and it has a great atmosphere. There are some tables indoors and some on the porch and in the tent. Outdoor is the place to be.
The cocktails were fairly priced, but only so-so. We got a mule and a margarita and they sorta tasted the same.
Abby W.
Aug 21, 2021
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One of my coworkers plays in the band so we stopped by on date night to show our support. If you're a fan of live music, this is a great place to grab a few drinks, but the food is just aiite.
Rating Breakdown:
1/2 Stars for Taste --
I had a hankering for carbs so I ordered the fried seafood platter. The baby shrimp and oysters were great but I was disappointed by how sad the catfish was -- the strips were so thin and small it looked more like eel. I don't regret upgrading to cajun fries, I think the seasoning makes the fries borderline palatable. My fiance ordered the cochon de lait
Rating Breakdown:
1/2 Stars for Taste --
I had a hankering for carbs so I ordered the fried seafood platter. The baby shrimp and oysters were great but I was disappointed by how sad the catfish was -- the strips were so thin and small it looked more like eel. I don't regret upgrading to cajun fries, I think the seasoning makes the fries borderline palatable. My fiance ordered the cochon de lait
Michael Grant
Aug 19, 2021
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Candice T.
Aug 06, 2021
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Since Disneyland, I've been craving beignets. Fresh beignets are the best! I've never been to Poor House Bistro before but I was told they have really good po boy, jambalaya, and drinks. I looked at the menu and the photos that are posted on Yelp all look very appetizing. I ordered the seafood flatter which comes with fried oysters, shrimp and fish. I don't like coleslaw so I chose fries for my sides and a side of jambalaya. The beignets were dense which was a bummer but it was still good. I would enjoy it more if the dough was soft and fluffy.
While waiting for my food, I notice
While waiting for my food, I notice
Jessica M.
Aug 06, 2021
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This review is for delivery bbq shrimp plate.
WOOWW good thing they give you a decent amount of bread because the sauce is freakin amazing I wanted to drink it. It's not bbq though, it's a delicious tangy, buttery, garlic, chili , yummy Cajun flavors . The shrimp were plentiful and easy to peel.
I cannot wait to have this again. I might just ask if I can buy the sauce to have for crab at home too lol. Love how hard these people try and the great energy this place has!
WOOWW good thing they give you a decent amount of bread because the sauce is freakin amazing I wanted to drink it. It's not bbq though, it's a delicious tangy, buttery, garlic, chili , yummy Cajun flavors . The shrimp were plentiful and easy to peel.
I cannot wait to have this again. I might just ask if I can buy the sauce to have for crab at home too lol. Love how hard these people try and the great energy this place has!
Geneva L.
Jul 11, 2021
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I got the Trio. Jambalaya , Gumbo & Red Beans And Rice
I'm not sure which one was supposed to be the Jambalaya. It gave me chili vibes almost. I mean the flavor was good but there was no chicken no shrimp no sausage. The Gumbo had no seafood no sausage. It's basically washed down Cajun food. The corn bread taste like it wasn't mixed enough. Very grainy. The burners were horrible . Not good , literally a cup of sugar . Nothing like being in actual NOLA . I'll go back to try something new but I know that they aren't authentic so don't expect much .
I'm not sure which one was supposed to be the Jambalaya. It gave me chili vibes almost. I mean the flavor was good but there was no chicken no shrimp no sausage. The Gumbo had no seafood no sausage. It's basically washed down Cajun food. The corn bread taste like it wasn't mixed enough. Very grainy. The burners were horrible . Not good , literally a cup of sugar . Nothing like being in actual NOLA . I'll go back to try something new but I know that they aren't authentic so don't expect much .
Stephanie H.
Jul 10, 2021
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You're here for the environment, not so much for the "Cajun" food.
I enjoy coming to PHB for live music. The crowd is mostly elderly Caucasians who love to dance. :) I'm glad PHB is a short walk away from the Caltrain station and SAP Center.
Now for the food. My favorite item is the crawfish pasta. I don't order this often because I try (albeit fail) to limit my carbs, but if you are feeling feasty, try the crawfish pasta. The beignets are pleasant; nothing noteworthy, simply beignets. I do not like the blackened chicken wings (always dry) and popcorn shrimp (small pieces
I enjoy coming to PHB for live music. The crowd is mostly elderly Caucasians who love to dance. :) I'm glad PHB is a short walk away from the Caltrain station and SAP Center.
Now for the food. My favorite item is the crawfish pasta. I don't order this often because I try (albeit fail) to limit my carbs, but if you are feeling feasty, try the crawfish pasta. The beignets are pleasant; nothing noteworthy, simply beignets. I do not like the blackened chicken wings (always dry) and popcorn shrimp (small pieces
Justin C.
Jul 05, 2021
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First time here and it was great tasting food but the atmosphere is off putting . The demographic shows and you can smell the prejudice in the air . I smiled at several people and was rewarded with nasty looks and cold shoulders by the guest. It was so bad that we cut our stay short because it didn't feel right.
The staff is great and the food is awesome, however if you have guest who make your customers feel bad for being a certain shade of skin you definitely have tolerated it in the past. Maybe it was because it was the 4th of July but I am just as American as everyone else there , and
The staff is great and the food is awesome, however if you have guest who make your customers feel bad for being a certain shade of skin you definitely have tolerated it in the past. Maybe it was because it was the 4th of July but I am just as American as everyone else there , and
John Haggis
Jun 12, 2021
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Order at the register, sest yourself, listen to the music while you eat and drink. Food register on the inside, bar on the patio. Very warm and comfortable, albeit low-budget place. I enjoyed the Gumbo and Jambalaya. The bread pudding was delicious. And the Hurricane with a splash of Meyers's was, too.
Vivi B.
Mar 27, 2021
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Wow just wow! Arrived around 7 PM on Friday. This is a hidden gem in San Jose.
We ordered the shrimp gumbo bowl, shrimp po boy over rice instead of bread, pulled pork po boy, beignets, a hurricane, beer and wine. Very friendly service. All precautions taken with masks and gloves.
Grabbed a table in front of the band. Live blues music - yes, an actual band! - Just terrific. They played until 9:15pm. I cannot believe I have lived in the bay area almost all of my life and didn't know about this place.
When I went to pick up the drinks at the bar, the bartender told me he is the great grandson
We ordered the shrimp gumbo bowl, shrimp po boy over rice instead of bread, pulled pork po boy, beignets, a hurricane, beer and wine. Very friendly service. All precautions taken with masks and gloves.
Grabbed a table in front of the band. Live blues music - yes, an actual band! - Just terrific. They played until 9:15pm. I cannot believe I have lived in the bay area almost all of my life and didn't know about this place.
When I went to pick up the drinks at the bar, the bartender told me he is the great grandson
Richard W.
Jan 04, 2021
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If you're looking for heavy, texturally rich, flavor-bomb experience, then look no further! A perfect occasion would be the last office day of the year blowout (amongst three socially distanced workers).
SAUSAGE BREAD
Pretty self-explanatory - like a clear-the-pantries dish someone thought of in rural Louisiana in the 19th century. But it works! Can be a Saturday afternoon snack, or an entire meal (warning: no greens here)
POOR HOUSE SALAD
Remove the guilt - order this and you're home free! The mixed greens, and acidity of the chopped apples balances very nicely with the gooey
SAUSAGE BREAD
Pretty self-explanatory - like a clear-the-pantries dish someone thought of in rural Louisiana in the 19th century. But it works! Can be a Saturday afternoon snack, or an entire meal (warning: no greens here)
POOR HOUSE SALAD
Remove the guilt - order this and you're home free! The mixed greens, and acidity of the chopped apples balances very nicely with the gooey
Chetan S.
Jan 02, 2021
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Ok we have heard of this place for many years and for one reason or another we had not been able to taste the New Orleans style cuisine served here.
Finally 2021 did fulfill this long standing wish of ours!!
We were wanting something different from our more easily available Asian flavors here in the South Bay and we got exactly what we were looking for!
We ordered their BBQ Shrimp Po Boy along with a side of Poorhouse salad and the Cheesy Shrimp and Grits served with a side of the Sautéed veggies.
We absolutely loved the Po Boy!! Light flaky crusty bread overflowing with huge mound of fresh
Finally 2021 did fulfill this long standing wish of ours!!
We were wanting something different from our more easily available Asian flavors here in the South Bay and we got exactly what we were looking for!
We ordered their BBQ Shrimp Po Boy along with a side of Poorhouse salad and the Cheesy Shrimp and Grits served with a side of the Sautéed veggies.
We absolutely loved the Po Boy!! Light flaky crusty bread overflowing with huge mound of fresh
Sarah Biggs
Nov 26, 2019
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