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Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Restaurants Steakhouses Barbeque, Steakhouses [Edit]
301 W St John StSan Jose, CA 95110
(408) 295-5414
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 9 pm
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 4 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Chris A. said: "I have been going to this establishment for years with friends and co-workers.The service is very prompt, and I didn't have to wait long for water refills. The food is good and there's always plenty to go around. The only annoying…" read more »
680 reviews for Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
Review Highlights
"There Baby Back Ribs were awesome."
(in 163 reviews)
"The garlic bread was sooo buttery and yummy."
(in 239 reviews)
"After that the baked potato was fabulous."
(in 177 reviews)
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680 reviews in English
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Review from Ruthie V.
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Two words - Arrive EARLY! We got there at 5:30 P.M. and it didn't seem crowded but we had to give our name and place our order and then were told that we would be called when our table was ready. So we had a drink at the bar. The atmosphere was friendly and the bartender was a lot of fun and super cute. We waited for ten minutes and then our table was ready. When we we got to our table, our salads were waiting for us and our server brought us some good garlic bread that wasn't too garlicky and some bbq dipping sauce (probably more than a half cup). My bf dipped his bread in it so I followed suit. It was good but I'd honestly hoped that wasn't the same sauce use for their ribs. Thank goodness I was right.
When dinner arrived, my half rack of ribs looked wonderful. A good sized amount of meat with a nice baked potato that had a large ball of butter and either green onions or scallions, I'm not sure which. Also a large ball of sour cream was on the side. I didn't know where to start so I dug into the tater hoping the butter wouldn't melt too quickly. It was delicious but I only took a few bites before I went for the meat. The sauce was nice and carmelized on the top, just how I like it. I cut off a rib and ate it with my hands, just how I like to eat my ribs - forget the fork! The meat on the bone was nice and thick, and moist. I took my first bite, chewed, then let my senses take over. Hot damn, that was good. I took another bite, and another, it was orgasmic, I had to tell myself not to eat too fast and just enjoy this meat that was melting in my mouth. I gave my bf a rib and he loved it too. He had and end piece of prime rib and said it was good but didn't compare to House of Prime Rib. I'm glad we ate here becasue we're going back next month to take my gf for her birthday.
On the way out, the place was packed with people waiting for a table. It's definitely worth waiting for but I was glad we got there early. We brought home leftovers and the bf just at the rest of my ribs. Well, there goes my breakfast but we will be back next month! -
Review from Ruby M.
San Jose, CA
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had to try this place because I saw the restaurant on Man vs Food. I went on a Friday around 7.00, the waiting time was ridiculous! First, we waited about an 45 minutes to get our number called, once our number was called they took our order. After they took our order we still waited about 30 minutes to get seated.
As soon as we were seated they brought some good garlic bread, which we ate right away because we were practically starving. 10 minutes later they brought our food. Ribs were ok, flavor was good, a little dry on the inside. Tenderloin Steak was ok, had some fat but was cooked well. It did need some steak sauce.
Overall, I was satisfied but not sure if I will return to this place, it is overpriced and the wait time is NOT worth it. But on the other hand, the vibe is pretty cool and I guess I would recommend to just try for the experience. -
Review from Ronny D.
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
The place is a 5 star restaurant....when you can actually find parking or be able to get food in a hour after entering the restaurant.
The issue is, if you want to eat there on the weekend or before Sharks games, you are out of luck. The place is ridiculous on those days.
But if you go there on a Monday...say 6pm or 8:30pm, you will be served quickly and you will get delicious food.
LOVED the ribs. The best damn ribs in the south bay. A full rack plus an extra side salad fed my gf and I pretty easily.
Great sides (although I wish we had more choices).
Great salad (again, wishing I had more choices).
But in the end, if I had a choice to go to any BBQ place in San Jose, it would be Henry's....if there wasn't a line. -
Review from Jason O.
Marina, CA
2/7/2012
The ribs are AMAZING!!! service is great!!! If in San jose must
Stop by and Eat there world famous ribs !!! -
Review from Ray P.
Rowland Heights, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Decent ribs, decent prices. Overall decent...which is good for California bbq. I've been spoiled recently traveling to k.c. and eating Dinosaur bbq in Syracuse. Had chicken and baby backs. Chicken doesn't compare to Dinosaur, and ribs were good, but not special. I'd eat here again, but I'm not drooling over the bbq.
-
Review from Michael C.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012 1 photo
The menu is on the wall and you order off of their. Be sure to come early as it gets packed. Honestly, my meal to me was just average. I had better steak before. Overall, this place is worth a visit. All meals come with a salad and baked potato.
-
Review from reilly j.
San Jose, CA
12/28/2011
Parking sucks, if the lot is full....all 8 spaces, you need to park on the street meter so have some quarters on hand. I ordered a lunch so it came with garlic bread, soft but has a nice crunch, salad was pretty okay, no real produce just greens, romaine etc, and a baked potato. I lucked out, great waiter he actually shimmed the table when he noticed it was rocking. The BBQ sauce was a bit sweet, rather disappointing as it is the only BBQ sauce that was served with my meal. As far as the chicken and ribs combo I ordered, the chicken meat was falling off the bone. The spare ribs were a little tough, not that great in my opinion. The portions were pretty hefty, overall a good value considering cost of aprox. 14$ or so.
The bar was filled with a bunch of loud mouths, not that I would mind, but it was 11:30am on a Wednesday. No one wants to have to hear some loud obnoxious jerks talking about their DUIs or how to avoid check points. Anyway not factoring this into my rating, just saying it was rather annoying.
Overall the lack of variety as far as BBQ sauce is what killed it for me. Coming from spots like Everett and Jones, sauce means a lot to a guy like me. If they offered some variety, or if I carried BBQ sauce in the trunk of my car, I think I would have enjoyed my meal a bit more.
Lack luster BBQ sauce = Derp.
Really wanted to love this place, great location, cool setting.....but not that great when it comes to the plate. I will go back and try the short ribs or a steak, considering how much I love BBQ and based on other reviews seems worth a second chance. -
Review from Ting W.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
honestly, I can make better ribs using BBQ sauce, foil, ribs, oven, and 3 hours. This place has heart-attack garlic bread that I can sit and eat all day long. Their ribs needed more sauce, which meant the meat was just meat, no flavor without the sauce :(. We didn't have to wait too long before the sharks game, suprisingly.. but we also showed up at 530!!
-
Review from Daisy T.
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Meat, meat and more meat!
Finally came to this historic restaurant after years of driving by it. I've been wanting to come here since the Man V. Food episode of San Jose aired.
It can be kind of tricky to get to this place because it's hidden by the freeway and next to a one way street, but you can't miss the building. It's a red wooden building with neon lights. Make sure you bring some change for parking. The place is surrounded by metered parking that goes one until 9PM under the freeway and until 10PM on North Almaden Road (one way street).
When you walk in you're welcomed by the bar. Grab a number from the stack by the entrance to the dining room. They'll call your number when it's up and take your dining order. The menu is put on the wall above the dining room entrance on wooden planks. They offer ribs, chicken, salmon and a variety of steaks. The only vegetarian items they have are fettuccine alfredo, BBQ onions and mushrooms.
We went on a Wednesday night and were seated in 15 minutes or so. It gets really packed on the weekend. The dining room is tiny.
They give you some garlic bread to munch on with their signature BBQ sauce. It's not your typical BBQ sauce. This was more sweet. Kind of like a cross of marinara and BBQ sauce. It's pretty good considering I really don't like BBQ sauce.
You better make sure you're hungry when you come here. Every entree comes with salad (I suggest the continental dressing, a blue cheese vinaigrette) and a baked potato with this cheese-onion butter and sour cream. I guess you have to incorporate the veggies somewhere. =P
My table ordered a full rack of ribs, rib eye steak and BBQ salmon to eat family style. The BBQ salmon was pretty good. It's not smothered in BBQ, but rather just cooked on their grill. Comes with tartar sauce and lemon. The rib eye was your standard steak. It wasn't bad, but there wasn't anything special about it. The ribs were just okay. They looked better on Man V. Food. I didn't care for the BBQ sauce they used on the ribs, but the meat was tender and I was able to clean the bone. I wish they used the BBQ sauce for the garlic bread on the ribs.
Overall, this is an a-okay place. I came here primarily for ribs, but I've been spoiled by Texas BBQ and the Reno rib cook off. They had an unfair chance to begin with. But I would come here first for ribs before Famous Dave's. -
Review from Diane L.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011
**3.5 stars** (meaning it's good, but I've had better)
After seeing this place highlighted on Man vs Food, I HAD to try it. I'm from San Diego, so obviously I had to compare it to Phil's BBQ. This place was pretty packed on a Sunday night. Luckily I ordered my food to go, but I still had to pull a number and wait for it to be called. It took a while for my food to come. I had no idea what to expect from this place especially for $16.95 for a half rack of ribs. I eagerly grabbed my food as it was ready and bounced! As soon as I got back to my friend's place, I was pleasantly surprised by my order. The order came with A LOT of garlic bread, baked potatoe, salad, and half rack of ribs with two different sauces. Some of the ribs were dry, others were juicy. The sauce was pretty good... but I still like Phil's BBQ in SD better. I would definitely come back here again for my BBQ fix! -
Review from Nick M.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Warning! This establishment has one redeaming quality, and one only... the RIBS! I have been here enough to have had everything on the menu and I can hands down say that the RIBS are the only thing worth eating.
The chicken is cooked to a chewy crisp and the steaks (even when asked for medium rare) are as tough as boot leather.
However, the RIBS are a thing of beauty. They are soft and tender like the inviting arms of a gentle lover. I even take the left overs home and eat them cold the next morning.
So, if your attending a Sharks game and have some time, drop in and have some ribs, BUT stay away from the rest of the menu. I'll admit, that menu should get any red meat eating person as excited as a 16 year old on prom night, but trust me it's all ugly and you'll regret it the next morning! -
Review from Catherine K.
Redwood City, CA
1/26/2012
I can't get enough of this place! The Hi life is a must before the Sharks game, but you have to get there by 5:30 and wait in the crowded bar for about an hour on average so plan ahead. Sometimes I crave this place so bad because the BBQ sauce is to die for.
Most of the people that come here know the deal so it generally is an awesome vibe. You have to take a number and then wait until the host calls yoour number. Then they take your order and name and ask if you mind sharing a table. At first i thought that this would be weird but i have met some very interesting people by sharing a table. then you wait for them to call your name.
I usually order a cocktail or two while I wait and the bartenders are super nice. when you get to your table the salad is already there. The garlic bread is so delicious and the sauce they serve with it is the best. I always get the half rack of ribs and I can usually eat them all if I don't eat the baked potato. I always ask for extra bread too! It's just so damn good!
I have gone twice on a week day with no Sharks game and there was no wait at all and it was a much more normal dining experience. I would suggest trying that for your first time. Once you have had it once you will think about it for the rest of your life. I am a Hi Lifer for life, go Sharks! -
Review from Jasmin L.
San Francisco, CA
DINNER DATE: 11.19.11@ 9:05 PM
MAN VS. FOOD
Even since we watched our man, Adam R of Man vs. Food do an episode on Henry's World Famous Hi-Life, Henry's has become one of our go-to places in San Jo whenever we are in the area. Last night has been our 3rd visit to Henry's.
http://www.manvsfoodfa...
DECOR/AMBIANCE: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Henry's is a divey/homey kind of place. Housed in an old building that was built in 1900, it was first Hotel Torino before Henry moved in and began serving meat over 40 years ago. Even from the outside, the restaurant resembles Wild, Wild West and walking into the hardwood floored bar, it appeared to be more so.
The entire restaurant is small. The first section is the bar where you will hangout, enjoy a game on TV or play Pacman while waiting for your table.The other section is the restaurant. The dining area has low ceilings and looks like it was decorated by great-great Aunt Myrtle before she died in the 1950s. It has its cozy charm despite the fact that the place is dark, old and not very aestically pleasing. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
BAR/CROWD:
Populated by SJU students, Sharks fans and couples on a date, the bar could get really, really packed without even any elbow room. No reservations are taken but for someone like me who rarely dine out w/o reservations, I do not mind the wait as long as I get my margarita. Henry's bartender makes some mean, strong MARGARITA for $8! There are beer on tap, wine, etc as well.
HOW TO ORDER:
Henry's has a system if you want to dine in.
1. Right before the entrance to the dining area, you will see a stack of numbers.
2. Grab one.
3. Study the menu on the wall.
4. The host/ess will call out your number. Tell her/him what you like.
6. Wait for your number to be called again. Then you will escorted to the dining area where you will be asked for what you want to drink and what kind of salad dressing you want.
OUR FOOD:
RIBEYE http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Every time we go, Mr. P orders the ribeye. I was hoping he would order the baby back ribs this time so I could a taste but no luck! The baby back is the way to go at Henry's. But to each his own. The ribeye was tender, juicy and flavorful according to him but mine is still better. (Can't blame the man. He loves my cooking! ;p)
SALMON http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Ordering fish is usually a not so smart move when at at barbecue house, my salmon though was one of the best I have ever had in a while. Lovely seasoned and charred on the outside, it came with a nice crust while the inside was tender, moist and fresh. Really good that I did not feel like missing out on not eating meat at this carnivore haven. I am glad they have this option for a "flexitarian" like me.
BREAD AND BARBECUE SAUCE http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Not to be missed and you will not since these will come to your table free and plenty. The bread is hot and freshly toasted while the barbecue sauce is not heavy and really good for dipping. I thought it was weird until we tried it and could not stop eating!
BAKED POTATO AND SALAD
*Each entry comes with a hot baked potato with cheesy butter. Very good and comforting. A simple salad comes with the order as well.
PAST MEALS:
We are creatures of habit during date night that when we go back to the same place we order the "tried and true," thus, my man always goes for the ribeye. I had the BBQ CHICKEN in the past. Although it was tender and juicy, I remember it as not very flavorful.
VERDICT:
Do not expect House of Prime Rib, Alexander Steakhouse or even Ruth's Chris when dining at Henry's. It is a cozy, homey, divey barbecue place in old, used- to- be-working class part of San Jose. Henry's is a casual fun place to hit on a Saturday night for strong drinks and hearty meal. You go for the decent food, character and history but this will not be the best barbecue you will ever have in your life. The service is friendly and efficient even on super-busy night. The meats are cooked in a brick oven fed with white oak. (This oven is located in the dining area and can be viewed while dining.)
Enjoy your meal while also enjoying a piece of local history.
CHECK: $60 with 1 margarita, 1 soda before tip.
ADDICTIVE FACTOR: 5 The Bread with BBQ Sauce is Highly Addicting! -
Review from Matheen R.
Fremont, CA
1/20/2012
This is a pretty good steakhouse in downtown san jose. I had the prime rib, it was cooked to just the right amount of done-ness I had asked for. The bread and tomato dip was really good too. We couldn't get enough of it while we were there. The one downside is that it is in downtown san jose so finding parking can be a problem. They also get pretty crowded, but the service is really fast. We all got our steaks out in ~15mts after we placed our order. That was just enough time to finish our salads.
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Review from Tim C.
Palmdale, CA
12/22/2011
This place is dope...
They are pretty small so they improvised and made a very unique way to go about seating. This place is in a very close proximity to the Shark Tank(for those that dont know, the Shark Tank is where the San Jose sharks play, AKA HP pavilion) so thus, this place can get VERY VERY crowded VERY quickly.
So what they do is they take your order, and THEN they seat you. They must really depend on people not just up and leaving but then again you are a pretty grimey person to order at such an awesome place and then leave before they can even serve you!! So i ordered the Baby Back ribs, and my mom ordered the Prime Rib.
The BBQ ribs were probably the BEST BBQ ribs I have ever tasted in my life, big juicy, fall of the bone, caramelized sauce, bold flavor, smoky after taste. My tongue was in heaven.
The prime rib was top 5 for sure, can't say it was number 1 since i hold a special regard for namely, the Bellagios steakhouse and Lawry's in Los Angeles but this was right there...I mean Henry's Hi-Life doesn't have the most diverse menu in the world but they do what they do right!
Also this is the first bar I had ever seen Lagunitas IPA. I'm usually not much for IPA's except Stone Brewery's but this one was spectacular, dare I say refreshing? Yes, a refreshing IPA...There, I said it. Going back next time im up North, FOR SURE -
Review from MarJay's P.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
Baby back ribs ftw!
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Review from Carol T.
San Jose, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here with the beau, and had our early dinner. I would recommend coming early around 3pm to 4pm because there might be a line for seats for Hi-LIfe, but it was worth the wait.
We had a few drinks while we were waiting for our seats, and we weren't in much of a rush. The boyfriend had the ribs of course, and I had the salmon, overall I would say it's pretty good, and the service was good also.
Service: 4 stars
Food: 4 stars
Drinks: 4.5 stars :]
The bartender didn't know how to make one of the drinks I had asked, but requested another one which was terrific of him, will come back soon :] -
Review from Jenna L.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/14/2011
3.5 really.
One day we were watching Man vs. Food and they featured this place in San Jose. We always saw it when we were driving by, and had even made comments about how it looked like it was a good hole-in-the-wall place that we should try. We decided to try it while my parents were here.
For being right off the freeway, it's a little tricky to get to. When we parked and got out of the car, it reminded me immediately of Texas BBQ - it smelled so smoky and delicious, like good BBQ should smell. We walked in with high hopes. You walk in and the menu is on the wall - you order while you're there and they seat you when your order is ready. Pretty efficient I'd say.
Anyway, we ordered some steak and some ribs, with some other stuff as well. We read on yelp that we got free garlic bread, so were excited about that. We were seated and started eating our garlic bread.
The steak and ribs followed shortly after.
Final consensus was that it was a pretty decent place. Their smoker is right in the room, making the place smell super delicious, but it really just can't compare to Texas BBQ. I am spoiled from Texas BBQ - BBQ here will just never be the same :( This place can definitely satisfy a craving though! -
Review from Victor P.
San Jose, CA
12/9/2011
The place is decently good, but it's not BBQ. more like a steak place.
Unlike many other folks who came here because of Man v. Food, I came here on the recommendation of a coworker. Here's my assessment:
-Come early, otherwise wait.
- Prepare for a lot of food..
-Stock up on the garlic bread.
- It's primarily a steak place.
-It's not high quality meat (like a good steakhouse), but it's good for the price.
Like Diane L's review, I am still looking for a place like Phil's BBQ (which is legendary) here in northern california., and when I want a cheap steak fix, this place will do. When I want real BBQ, ,I'll keep looking.
But, overall; I would come back. -
Review from Mabel P.
San Jose, CA
11/27/2011
I've been here so many times I kinda lost track :) So here's what I know!
This place was featured on an episode of Man vs. Food as a you-should-eat-place when visiting San Jose. A lot of the popularity comes from the fact that it's a historic building in the San Jose downtown area ( it was a hotel in its past life). The architecture and structure makes it stand out from the other buildings and the freeway that surrounds it.
When you enter you're greeted by a small bar area and people standing/waiting to be seated (I wouldn't recommend a party of more than 10) because of the fact that the dining area is quite small and cramped. The lighting of the place is dim which gives off that "cool" ambiance and makes it unique.
The entree I recommend is the Prime Rib if you're a steak fan! It was absolutely great. The ribs plate is the majority of what my party always orders so I assume they're delicious! :) I don't recommend getting the grilled salmon though..it wasn't too tasty.
All in all this is a cool place to experience if you're ever in the San Jose area :)
Since it's in the downtown area, don't forget to bring coins for the meters and come hungry! It will be worth it :D -
Review from Tiffie L.
11/28/2011
I'm not sure I understand the hype of this place... but perhaps I should make two caveats up front.
#1: About 3 days before I went to Henry's for lunch, I was at Phil's BBQ in San Diego... which has probably the best BBQ on the West Coast.
#2: I can only ingest a very small amount of red meat in a particular time frame.
That being said, somehow Henry's was just disappointing. I think I had heard so much about it before getting there, I was expecting really amazing BBQ. But... I ordered the ribs and it was pretty dry. It was not "fall off the bone" kind of BBQ at all! And the service was quite slow and neglecting.
The one redeeming quality? The pretty amazing garlic bread that you put BBQ sauce on. Sounds weird... but tastes delicious. This is not your complimentary bread service, however, so it's not unlimited. Savor it! -
Review from David B.
Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI
1/15/2012
Small little place that resembles an old saloon or country kitchen. Service was friendly and fast. Prices are a little steep but the food is excellent. I am a sucker for ribs and I must say, these were the best ribs I have ever had. I really enjoyed the sauce, a watery light sauce that enhanced the meat without over powering it. I order a 1/2 rack and demolished it. I would highly recommend to anyone in the San Jose area.
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Review from Mellanie D.
San Jose, CA
11/14/2011
Been here twice - I'm guessing the hype comes from it being in San Jose for a loooooong time with the history of it and the architecture of the building.
Once for lunch (wasn't busy and easy to find parking), the other for dinner (before a Sharks game)- was nice walking distance to the HP Pavilion.
Both times I remember the food being great. Ribs, Steak, and prime rib- YES!!! YES to the Garlic bread too!
May not be the place for you to bring vegetarians (although they do regular alfredo and a salad to choose from) as there is meat meat meat and more meat on the menu.
I don't think I would ever wait 1-2 hours to get seated so it's key to go at the right time or plan ahead and try somewhere else. -
Review from Gary T.
Pleasanton, CA
1/15/2012
I really don't know why, but we keep coming back here. I was introduced to Henry's last year before a Sharks game, as it is a Sharks fan hang out and within walking distance to the HP Pavilion. But now when ever I have a collegue in town, its were we go. The place feels like a neighborhood dive...I guess maybe it is. It gets packed, but they have it down to a science and they never get overwhelmed. Grab a drink at the bar, then grap a number from the wall. When they call you number be ready to order and then listen for your name, when it's called they seat you for your dinner.
Ribs and Prime Rib are great, steaks are fair, but a decent bargin. Henry's is load and fun, a great place to hang out and make some new friends. -
Review from april j.
Santa Clara, CA
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is awesome! Seriously, a place you Must check out.
PRos-
-good customer service
-awesome food!! SERIOUSLY! get the ribs, there so tender!
-cool building history
-takes cash/credit/debit
-you'll have extra food to bring home, since you wont be able to finish it
Cons-
-had to wait for an hour to get seated
-super crowded at the entry way, where the bar is. You got to get through the crowd to get to the seating area for the restaurant.
-meter parking-better to go after 6pm since parking is usually free for meters
all in all, great place to eat and try! it's worth the money to try! -
Review from Annette N.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
I have been coming to Henry's for year now but last night was the first take I ordered take-out. Of course the food was wonderful. The baby back ribs are to die for. But the take out was wonderful. I ordered got there within 20 minutes and my food was ready. The place was crowded as always and I just walked in and out. Take is a way to go when you don't have the time to wait to sit down. Henry's is always a great place regardless if you eat in or have take out.
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Review from Colton Y.
San Mateo, CA
1/8/2012
Henry's Hi-Life couldn't be more of a hole-in-the-wall. There is no room to breathe, and you will bump shoulders with people inside. The incredibly long wait for your food looks like a ploy to get you to buy drinks at the bar, but if you bring good company, the great atmosphere allows for a great time. The food is worth the wait; the ribs are delicious, and a full-rack is big enough to share.
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Review from Sam A.
Alamo, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
We came here for dinner and drinks before the UFC fight last night and I believe I have a new favorite pregame spot before going to the Shark Tank!
We had the ribs and chicken, and both were delicious. Some of the best BBQ in the bay area - oh, and unlimited garlic bread? Yessir...
The service was great, the bartender was friendly and outgoing, and the drinks were reasonably priced.
I am still stuffed from this place! I can't wait to take my dad here. -
Review from Melissa B.
Campbell, CA
12/16/2011
I am simply giving this place 4 stars for it's food.
If I could give stars based on the bartender/owner he would get zero stars.
Came here for my 30th birthday dinner with the fambam and we came just at the right time. Hardly any wait and hardly anyone in the bar.
Please note that I have been coming here with my parents since I was a baby. We love this place!
I just couldn't get over how rude the bartender was to me and my father. We were simply trying to order our first round while we waited to be seated and the bartender was acting like he was in a rush. He even rolled his eyes when I asked what kind of wine they had. Whatevs.
Anyway, we were seated fast and our food was delivered fast as well.
The steaks were cooked to perfection and the potato....mmm the potato! Absolutely delish.
I am not going to sit here and say we won't be back based on the bartenders dickish attitude because the food makes up for it, but a little friendly customer service would be nice. -
Review from Eric J.
11/6/2011
Not a huge selections to choose from, nothing wrong with that!
Steak was cooked to order and the service was great! -
Review from Desmond C.
San Jose, CA
10/6/2011
BBQ!
CLEANLINESS: 4/5
SERVICE: 4/5
FOOD: 4/5
+ Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs
After hearing about how much people love this place, I finally got the opportunity to try it out. Location is a bit odd, but parking is plenty (depending on day and time you go). I came here for lunch and parking spots were available. But becareful, the meter maids love to ticket people here for some reason. They would wait for the last minute to end!
Now on to the food...
The baby back ribs were really good. The meat was tender and slipped right off the bone. The amount of bbq sauce was just right. It was sweet and savory. It came with a huge baked potato. Ask for sour cream, it'll taste better. They also have complimentary bread with their house bbq sauce, which is delicious. Best part... free refills! I would definitely come back here again for a good rack of ribs.
The decor of the restaurant is very historic. The buildings old, but functional. The bar is in the front and has an interesting feel to it. I would come here again. -
Review from Christopher a.
San Jose, CA
11/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite place to eat in my hometown San Jose. I could be satisfied off the complimentary salad and garlic but I really get satisfied when I eat their tender Filet Mignon. No A1 or any sauce is needed for this cut of meat. Would recommend their BBQ'd onion. The food is too good to be left overs for tomorrow.
Feed the meter! -
Review from Asian G.
Saratoga, CA
10/4/2011
I'm not sure what the hype is??? Ordered their chicken & ribs combo. Was served fresh garlic bread, which wasn't bad. A very plain green salad followed, ok but nothing fancy. Then the meal came...their meats had ZERO flavor & the bbq sauce that was brought out just wasn't to my liking. I don't like bbq where they add flavor after it's cooked, etc. I like the flavors to be infused from the get go. Not so here.
The chicken was just OK, the ribs (regular, not baby back) were SO TOUGH. It was like eating jerky! I asked if they offered different bbq sauces & our server brought out their baby back ribs sauce...now that was good but not good enough to save my meal.
Our service was *great*, our guy was very attentive & super friendly. What disappointed was obviously the food. Not returning! -
Review from Jer N.
Bear Valley, CA
11/17/2011
Best in the Bay Area - Don't go any where else. Don't go at rush hour, but if you do the wait in the Bar is not bad. Perfect smoke. Perfect Dry Rub. I think I'd have to say the best in the West.
--RibChamp -
Review from Kathy N.
San Jose, CA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lunch
Walk to the back of the restaurant. You'll be seated. Order the meat dishes and you'll receive a baked potato and salad.
I usually get the continental dressing and a substitution of their chili (really good and it has a kick to it) instead of the baked potato. Helps with the carb intake.
I recommend their baby back ribs, pork chops and chicken and rib combo (for $4 dollars more you can get their baby back ribs instead).
FOOD COMA
Dinner
This is when it gets a bit funky. Pick a number before you go through the hallway. Look up and then you'll see their whole menu. They'll take your order and then seat you when there's availability. Make sure you have your whole party there to order. They won't let you add on.
Lets just say I was a hungry that night...
16 oz TBone (minus about 3 oz because I SHARED hehe) + 3 baby back ribs = Happy Camper + letting out the belt a few notches...
I was pretty proud...so were the fellas that were with me =D
I don't like BBQ, but I'll eat it here...
MAKE SURE TO EAT THE BREAD WITH THE SAUCE - JUST DO IT...
I'm on a diet, but I try to make sure that it's my cheat day when I head here =P -
Review from Michelle W.
New York, NY
12/27/2011
I went there for only one dish, and it didn't disappoint! Juicy, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, so soft and tender... yumm~
-
Review from Kevin W.
San Jose, CA
12/14/2011
great food, drinks, and they keep the garlic bread comin!
if you are in the area and visiting san jose and feel like some bbq its a mandatory attend kind of joint.
if you are from the san jose area and have not been here then actually look into the mirror and ask yourself again if u r really from san jose...not to be mean...but when u actually eat here youll know what im talking about...
overall great place and i would recommend to show up with a small crowd cuz if you dont and you show up with a crowd 7+ you'll get stared at due to the capacity being smaller than a crowd at an low budget indie film plus the larger the crowd the longer u have to wait to be seated ESP at this this comact place...
and DO NOT come here when the sharks are playing unless you are willing to wait over 120 minutes to be seated
no doubt the best bbq in the southbay -
Review from Isaac L.
10/9/2011
Girlfriends, wives, and mothers, "steer" clear. If you are looking for a nice delicate salad, you will not find it here.
Meatlover's special, from every angle.
The cool thing is that the menu is super simple - just the way guys like it.
I was torn between the ribeye and the t-bone, but I was very pleased with the r.e. juicy, thick, cooked perfectly as I wanted it - medium rare. They even rest the bad boy so it stays moist and tender. The grill flavor was rich and smokey - no need for any sauce.
The rib and chicken - you know, it's good. Would I say, it's par/above par - good flavor, the ribs were a tinge dry, but still a thumbs up. The chicken was also a tinge dry - but doused with q sauce, and you'll be OK.
I'd probably stick with the steak cuts - can't go wrong.
I'd definitely will be back to take on the ny strip and/or t-bone. Someone at the next table had the filet mignon, but it didn't look all that.
The dining area is super casual - laid back, back of the bar-room character. It's basically feed and go home. I think the filet was probably good, but the ambiance wasn't aligned. Kind of like taking a Mercedes off-roading. It's a waste. -
Review from Janice L.
Cupertino, CA
9/26/2011
AWESOME baby back ribs. they literally fall off the bone and are so tender, even a baby with no teeth can eat it. they're juicy, flavorful and definitely messy to eat. their portions are a good size and they come with sides, so you'll definitely leave full and satisfied.
you enter through a bar and when you get your number to get a seat, you also let them know your order. but yes, there's a reason this place was featured on diners, drive-ins and dives. IT'S THAT GOOD, SO GO THERE SOON.
note: be careful not to go when there's a shark's game cuz parking will be hell! -
Review from Adam C.
San Jose, CA
11/19/2011
I went here for my Girlfriends birthday and well its was good but not amazing...
The wait was crazy for a for a Friday night, no parking at all, had to park next to the Hp and walk to the place. When you first walk in you take a number then place your order for food. (Small menue of BBQ items,which are good). The you wait while they find you a place to sit in the back and when you sit down salad and food are waiting for you.
the Hi-life is ok but if you are claustrophobic and dont want to wait to long, I wouldn't go here. Other than that I liked the place and the food.
