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The Blank Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
44 S Almaden AveSan Jose, CA 95113
(408) 292-5265
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Chill, laid back, and mixed crowd, with fun, great music, and NO COVER! We have state of the art sound, lighting and multimedia presentation… read more »
158 reviews for The Blank Club
Review Highlights
"i love my blank club especially atomic thursdays."
(in 4 reviews)
"A great place to see live rock music."
(in 3 reviews)
"Thursday nights are the best for 80's new wave."
(in 5 reviews)
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158 reviews in English
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Review from James L.
9/25/2011
The space itself is pretty unremarkable and the acoustics could be better, but I'm giving this club a favorable rating for two reasons:
thanks to them I got to see the amazing Gavin Castleton and the incomparable Lex Land here a short while back; and
perhaps because this venue is slightly removed from the downtown hubbub of Santa Clara St., the vibe is way more laid-back and feel-good than you would expect for the area. It doesn't have the meatmarkety, people-watchy, or frattastic feel of many of the nearby clubs and is definitely more my speed, especially when all I want to do is catch one of my favorite artists live.
Tip: Stand closer to the stage. The club space is basically a small rectangular box and towards the back the sound gets really blurred. Even as a Gavin fanboy who has most of his lyrics memorized I found it super-hard to make out what he was singing whenever I moved away from the stage. As for drinks, I didn't partake, but my friends said that they were satisfyingly strong though unremarkable otherwise. Cover was $7 on my night, which was a great deal for someone like me who showed up to see one of his favorite acts live. -
Review from Emily Y.
San Jose, CA
1/24/2012
We went to watch a Depeche Mode cover band (who were fantastic), and loved that the place respects the capacity max. Keeping track at the door, there was a point when they weren't letting anyone else in. So get there early!! The acoustics are great & the baths are clean (hallelujah).
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Review from Vivian D.
San Jose, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gotta say, I like this place. From free to cheap covers, cheap drinks and great crowd, it's a good place to hang out. Staff and people there are friendly; hadn't had a bad experience yet. When a glass breaks, you can expect a staff to clean it up within 10 seconds. DJ Basura usually spins on Atomic Thursdays; free before 10pm! He spins electro, indie and new wave, something new for my ears other than top40s. It's worth checking out. But one warning: might be a little too hipster for some people.
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Review from Romy I.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2012
The Blank Club is so cool! A great, real place in downtown San Jose where the people are down to earth but not plastic. You don't need to earn $300,000 a year to go here, and it's clean but not sterilized. I went this month for my first Club Satori dance event and it was definitely a friendly place and definitely not boring! Imagine being able to go to a club as a woman and not feel like you're trapped in a bad Las Vegas bachelor movie set with rude, fugly guys, which I'm sure scares away most women from the club scene in the South Bay. And if you're a guy, the women here don't look like plastic surgery nightmares who only date CEOs and have boob jobs and orange tans. It's definitely different from what goes on most of San Jose nightlife. There's a nice projection screen, and even though it was goth night I saw young Latino hip hop guys come in and start dancing to Morrissey after being initially afraid of not looking macho and stuff. A lot of people get down on San Jose after having to move here for work, but the Blank Club is a place that makes you realize there's more to San Jose than meets the eye!
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Review from Lynn R.
San Jose, CA
12/29/2011
Atomic Thursdays!!!!! Great music, great scene, great dance floor!
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Review from Lupe M.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
This place is way too small and I wish they played better music.
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Review from D P.
San Martin, CA
12/1/2011
The taps taste dirty. Either they need to clean their taps or they need to filter their water.
The audio is usually ok, but... I've seen some good shows there. -
Review from Nate R.
She Wants Revenge 3/27/11
"The lights that move sideways and up and down
The beat takes you over and spins you round
Our hearts steady-beating, the sweat turns to cold
We're slaves to the DJ and out of control"
My first time at The Blank Club and I've gotta say I'm impressed. Nothing like seeing bands that I love in little hole in the wall joints like this. The drinks were strong, the sound system was crystal clear and the vibe was excellent! We even had time to make some new friends before She Wants Revenge hit the stage.
Come here for live music. I don't know about regular DJ nights; I may be a lover but I ain't no dancer...Listed in: Reviews of the Day
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Review from Paul E.
Oakland, CA
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am not impressed. It's about the worst usage of the space and I felt like I was in a high school gymnasium. Cheap drinks help dull the pain of realizing you're in San Jose.
Is it weird that a huge redemptive factor for this venue was the mens bathroom-wall shrine to the legitimate stake in 70's & 80's punk that San Jose played a part in? I enjoyed looking at the bygone flyers while peeing the aforementioned cheap drinks out. -
Review from LeAnna N.
Capitola, CA
10/5/2011
I loved this place. I only went once while bar hopping on a Wednesday night with a couple girl friends. That fact that I was a lil drunk which may have contributed to my good time, but there was a band playing and the crowd was lively. Good in my books!
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Review from Shanna K.
1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Darkest. Club. Ever.
This is great for atmosphere but be careful who you think is cute after a few drinks. ;-)
Otherwise - great venue for music. Casual. Cool people. Reasonably priced drinks and good bartenders. I'm a fan. -
Review from Jay A.
12/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Went and saw Passion Pit here a couple years back, no problems, really great venue.
I was planning on seeing the Limousines tonight. Their website said that tickets would be available at the door for $12, and that pre-sale online tickets would be $10. The online site had sold out, which of course, probably meant that there would be tickets at the door (usually the case cause there's no way they wouldn't want to sell tickets at the door, and why would they sell all the tickets online?). My friend Cheo and I show up an hour and a half early to line up (we were the only ones there at the time), only to be greeted by a security guard, walking up and being quite rude about tickets being sold out. We thought nothing of it, and continued waiting.
More people showed up and were hoping to get tickets at the door (the other people waiting also told my friend Cheo and I that they read the online posting saying that tickets would be available at the door as well). We wait in line, and the same security guard comes up, totally rude, and tells everyone there aren't any tickets available. Again, we all thought nothing of it, until the doors open and they start letting people in. They announce that no tickets are available at the door. Now, why would you have postings on your website saying that tickets would be available at the door?
It does not make ANY sense that you'd put up ALL tickets for a show up for sale on a website. It rained tonight, do you really think all the people the got pre-sale tickets would show up??? I just think it's really ridiculous that these guys don't keep track of tickets for any shows. They don't even answer their phone when you try to call about a show. I'd rather drive over to San Francisco for a show at the Mezzanine for something instead of hitting up the Blank Club.
At least the Mezzanine answers their phone for any questions that you might have, and at least they sell tickets at the door for anyone that has last minute plans to catch a show.
Blank Club, you disappoint me. I thought you were better than this. If you guys ever have a big name artist doing a show, make sure you have tickets at the door, not just on the website. I'm not the only one you pissed off tonight. -
Review from D M.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 3/20/2011
I went back for a show this weekend and I had a lot of fun. They have new security guys that were polite and the girl at the door finally cracked a smile!!!!.
Drinks and music good as usual (woohoo chop tops!!!)so here goes another star.
Sitting and parking situation is still bad so I take one star out.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2011
Alright. I give it 3 stars because It has pretty good bands (the Damned, Nekromantix, etc) that I… Read more »
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Review from Edgar N.
11/22/2010 13 Check-ins Here
I used to think I needed to go up to SF anytime I wanted to hear music I like. You know, a club where I didn't have to hear "Fly Like a G6" three times in one sitting. Well, my sanity has literally been saved by San Jose institution The Blank Club.
Nowhere else can I get my music fix like I do here, be it their 80s & electro night, "Atomic" or their goth night "Satori". The very fact that they're catering to a non-Top 40 crowd in San Jose is worthy of 4 stars.
What makes this a 5-star place is easy: cheap, stiff drinks, a very laid back atmosphere (you can show up dressed in your best goth chic or shirt & jeans and fit right in), friendly staff and awesome decor (the booths lining the club floor is a nice touch).
So, if you'd pick Depeche Mode and Wolfsheim over 50 Cent and Rihanna any day of the week, you'll likely find your Mecca at the Blank Club. -
Review from kim n.
7/12/2011
For a tiny place in San Jose, this place is pretty cool. Did I mention it's tiny? I think my place is bigger than this venue. So if there's a band you like it's definitely worth catching here, though some of the acts come on pretty late. Saw Helmet and the Donnas a while back and you can bet both rocked the place out.
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Review from Rachel S.
Somerville, MA
1/2/2011
Hipsters. Hipsters everywhere.
Facial hair, hats, plastic-framed glasses, scarves, piercings and tattoos. Whenever I come back home, I'm always reminded how everything in NorCal is so damn classy. Hipsters in Boston can be kinda sketch and unhygenic. The Blank Club features clean hipsters. Nice.
This venue is out in the middle of nowhere in sad downtown SJ, but it's worth making a trek out here. Everything looks new and shiny. PBR posters smile at you. The only real downside is that my friend's vodka and sprite was weak (my whiskey sour was fine.) -
Review from Dianna D.
San Jose, CA
3/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cool little spot. Heard about it or a while ago and finally went to check it out and see a band I love.
Don't wear heels unless you want to be overdressed and uncomfortable. No seating, and none of the other women wear heels here. They must be regulars...I had no clue...thank god I had my chucks in the truck!
It is loud, small, and tons of fun. Everyone in the bar is friendly and the bathrooms were clean enough.
I'm definately heading back here again! -
Review from Penelope B.
Redwood City, CA
12/18/2010
OK so we were SECOND in line to see The Limousines last night, my friend was assured by the venue and band website that there would be tickets at the door despite a sold out show - not so when one of the bouncers hollered out that the show was indeed SOLD OUT. Wtf Bank Club??? Not what we read the website.
So after we gave fairly good pouts do we go? Or wait and see if any extra tickets show up? So we wait. For about three hours to be exact in the cold and semi-frequent rain - when a guy with two extra tickets (wish I had gotten your name) offers them - someone beats me to them by a millisecond. We let him have them - karma - after this ticket guy comes out to check on how we're doing periodically now feeling guilty - nice guy in the end.
It wasn't until about a half hour before showtime that finally we were let in for $12 each. Yeah we had to wait and it was kind of ridiculous since it was empty inside but the patience paid off because the SHOW WAS AMAZING!!!
I would come back with tickets next time :) -
Review from Kim D.
7/13/2011
Came here a random thursday night with a friend. We were like first ones here 'cuz it was early still. We just grab some drinks and talked it up and the place got filled up fast. Music was great. Totally enjoyed it and it's a different crowd than the usual dt sj scene which is a relief. It's kinda dingy but besides that I like it.
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Review from Britt P.
San Jose, CA
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
My go to spot for a Thursday night out. They used to have 80's night, but it's since become "Atomic Thursday", which luckily still falls into my musical taste. The place is usually packed and no one is afraid to dance. The DJ is awesome and I don't spend much time off the dance floor. Their live shows are great too. Everyone is there to have a good time- which we usually do!
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Review from Jaime L.
7/5/2010
The sound here is murderous; it may be too much for such a small venue. I dig the small booths that line the dance floor, as they are comfy and great for meeting strangers.
The bathrooms were fairly clean and there's enough script in the stalls to entertain you while you take care of business.
Most importantly, good eats are within walking distance. -
Review from anna e.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2011
I LOVE the Blank club! My first time here was to check out Atomic, their thursday-night 80's dance party. I love Atomic, despite the $5 cover. There are PBR drink specials, and they always play my favorite songs from the 80's/new wave era. The crowd is slightly older, but everyone is just there to dance and have a good time, no groping here!
I've also been here to see Cage the Elephant, which was an excellent show. I was able to dance with the band because they were so close!
Minus one star because this place is so damn tiny!! This is great for when you see a band perform here, but awful for Atomic. I need room when I D-A-N-C-E!! -
Review from Felicia A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Atomic Thursdays!! This has been my place for years. The blank club is amazing because it doesn't matter what you look like, how you dress, or especially how you dance...everyone comes here for a good time and a good time you will have! I love Atomic Thursdays because its the perfect place to people watch and/or dance to some great 80s jams!! I think its funny how some guys come to this place and hug the bar stools ...you can tell they really didn't come for all the fun that is happening on the dancefloor. Blank is for dancing and having a good time not to be creepy and cruise! No but really, great staff: friendly bartenders (that are amazing at their job...so on it!), friendly security, and you can get in for free until 11pm if you get your name on the guestlist. If you're looking to just have some random fun I definitely recommend atomic Thursdays.
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Review from Brent C.
San Jose, CA
8/12/2011
Best Bar/Club/Place to kill time in San Jose. Period. Local bands, international bands, it's all here. support our local music scene and head down to The blank club.
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Review from Michael H.
San Jose, CA
11/8/2010
Came here this past Friday night with a couple friends for the $1 PBR all night long! We showed up at 9:30pm and it was nearly empty, which was fine as it gave my friends and me a chance to get caught up. People slowly filled in and by 11pm the place was beginning to get packed which was when we headed out.
We would have stayed longer, but we had other plans for that night. Now that I know about their Friday $1 PBR I think I'll be back more often! -
Review from Kary M.
San Jose, CA
6/3/2010
I love to come here on Thursdays for 80s nights. I haven't dropped by on any other night, so I can't really compare... but Thursdays are fun!
It's really a chill place -- no need to dress up, but you won't look out of place if you want to. It's a small place, but I never feel suffocated. The only thing is its kind of dingy -- the floor is sticky, so it kind of brings me back to the days of highschool dances. haha.
I can't really comment on the crowd because with the smoke/dark atmosphere its hard to really say. Most people just want to dance. . . and that's what I come here for. I haven't had any problems with anyone.
We usually stop by here after going to another bar, so I can't really comment on the drinks either (too drunk to remember -__-). I remember them being pretty strong though... although not the best prices.
I've definitely come to love this place :)Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Dorothy N.
Milpitas, CA
10/1/2010
FUN!
Music was always poppin.
Haven't been in awhile, but 4,985,890,348,093,893 times better than Rickshaw Stop. -
Review from Lisa N.
9/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
We came to see Cash'd Out. They were AWESOME! The lead singer sounds just like Johnny Cash, but he sure doesn't look like him. The band was sooo good! I would definitely see their shows again when the come back!
About the bar, they had cheap booze...and clean bathrooms which are always a plus! -
Review from Nguyen T.
San Jose, CA
7/8/2010
The only one of it's kind in San Jose. If you aren't into the clubbing scene which is abundant in downtown San Jose, and you like indie/rock/electronic music, check this place out.
I love how the place is pitch black dark. I hate being buzzed and having lights hit my face and killing my buzz. The bands that play here are usually locals who aren't well known but there are some big names playing from time to time. The drinks here are pretty strong too and are fairly priced. The speakers are loud! But sometimes that is a good thing.
Check out this place for 80s night. If you want to be trembling with nostalgia from the good old days while you dance your ass off, 80s nights is what's up. -
Review from Egan W.
Half Moon Bay, CA
8/11/2011
This place has different kind of bands all the time , get a few friends together and head down you wont be disappointed, and the drinks our strong.
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Review from Adrienne g.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2010
Just saw the BUZZCOCKS at The Blank Club & have to say it was a surprising night overall
This venue is super teeny tiny w/ 1 room, no upstairs & as you enter, you're practically right at the stage....& for this sold-out crowd, we were sardines.... & I'm thinking oh jeez, what have I got us into?
But the crowd was extremely cool & friendly - for instance, this girl pulled Sis up to the bar so she could get drinkys; we had scoped out an area along the side & people happily made room.....the list goes on
When the mosh pit started up, the bouncers created a barrier if you will to ensure things didn't get too, too out of hand. Props for crowd control!
Then if you thought chivalry was dead, out comes this totally random guy who put himself between the mosh & us 3 ladies & "protected" us from oncoming slams.....after the show he walked away so we grabbed him to thank him & he was all shy about it.....YOU ROCKED!!
Speaking of rocking - the band was all kinds of awesome & proved that you can still be punk at any age. Given the fact they didn't come on stage until midnight & we had been standing there for 1 hr since the opening act had ended, I was cranky & potential for enjoyment was doomed......that is, until they started playing.
Sound system was good & crisp & loud & we had a most enjoyable night around fun, happy, people, cool boppy music & feeling a bit rebellious w/ our inner punk selves, all at the same timeListed in: Awesome Venues
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Review from Archie G.
San Jose, CA
12/23/2008
This place is scenester central. Everyone here is desperately trying to be different, but ultimately, all look the same.
Anyway, I give this place an extra because they are supporters of live rock music, their DJs play new wave '80s music that no one* really cares about, but it's cool to listen to once a year, and the booze is reasonably priced.
*No one outside of scenesters. And I guess the bands that made the music and earned a living from it. -
Review from Kimmy N.
San Jose, CA
1/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
First Impressions: I really like the Blank. It is a club, venue or fashion runway all in one. The Blank is like a chameleon, it is different than all the clubs in San Jose. However, The Cellar tries to be it in a younger, fresher, more energetic way.
Decor: No dress code. Really dark and black with a stage and disco ball. It looks like a prom dance in a horror film. I LOVE IT. I am just sick of florescent lights, douche bags and half naked women.
Service: The owner is usually one and another one, but the drinks are fairly priced. It is usually not super crowded there so there is breathing room in the club and bar.
Music: Alternative, Electro, & Indie
Specialty: Live bands, events, and not the average top 40 clubbin' music.
Price: $5-7/drink
Recommendations: Definitely a chill place, there is a mix of personalities here. I am pretty sure you can't find two people looking similar even if you have your beer goggles on. I would definitely go here to escape San Jose clubbin' scene reality.Listed in: Night-ventures!
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Review from Tif W.
Santa Clara, CA
8/10/2009
This is not a review of their '80s nights. I hate trashy, vapid sounds of '80s pop music; it's possibly the shittiest era in music history. Wouldn't be fair to review something I hated to begin with.
I couldn't believe The Melvins played at the Blank Club. Was San Jose their stop because they were desperate for cash? Fifteen dollars cover and no opening band. The place was rightfully packed and people were already piss drunk at 10:30 p.m. It might just be The Melvins crowd but it was as if all the fat, hairy, sweaty, smelly, super-sized men in San Jose congregated to be assholes that night. They had no regard for anyone in the crowd, pushing people out of the way with their swampy bodies to get to the front. No utters of apology. Good thing the floor was so filthy and sticky, our feet were glued to the ground. There was no way to fall. Who knew grime could save lives?
The sound guy should have been dragged out and shot during the first set. The Melvins, most likely not giving a shit about the venue or the ugly crowd, reflected their attitude via their playing. I was tempted to leave during the short break. However, the second set made up for the night. The Melvins ruled. It was pretty fuckin' amazing.
The Melvins were amazing, not The Blank Club. I'd rather drive farther to SF for shows than to deal with inconsiderate assholes with B.O.
Two stars for hosting a Melvins show in San Jose. -
Review from Jonathan S.
San Jose, CA
12/9/2008
A song that perfectly describes this place:
"Bottles and pints, and shots and cans
Couches and floors, and drunk best friends
Models and whores, and tattooed hands
Cities and secrets and cats and vans
Good times, laughter, bad decisions
Strippers and actors, and average musicians
Mornings after and walks of shame
The bartender knows me by my real name" -
Review from Mclovin S.
Honolulu, HI
5/27/2010
terrible experience.
Last night, My Life with the thrill kill kult performed there-unfortunatelly. In a weekday, doors opening @ 9 and the main attraction going on stage around 11:30...what the hell?
sound was bad, staff not very welcoming.
I've been there before, and had a similar experience... deja vu
Very not recomended for bands from out of town, it sure does not represent San Jose very well
oh and by the way, THE CARAVAN is right around the corner, no charge to get in and beer is cheaper, for those who seek that deal -
Review from Brian R.
Berkeley, CA
12/8/2008
When I was in third grade, our teacher gave us an assignment to write a sequel to the story of Peter Rabbit, the children's book. I submitted a violent, bloody depiction of a mischievous young rabbit causing all sorts of trouble, and I believe it ended with an unplanned pregnancy. My teacher contacted my parents and recommended I see a psychiatrist. My parents opted not to send me to a psyc (bless them!)
Now I enjoy places like Blank Club. -
Review from Celeste B.
San Jose, CA
2/28/2008
I like this place because it's the opposite of pretty much every downtown dwelling--with the exception of the Caravan and Cinebar. It's soooooooooo anti "I'm a Rockstar" and I love that.
The guys here look like they haven't showered in a week. But sometimes I think showering really is overrated.
Thursdays has a great 80s night and there's a really cool VIP area upstairs.....
Come to think of it I'm not sure why I don't hang out here more often... -
Review from Johnny V.
Scotts Valley, CA
7/8/2011
Don't get me wrong, I love me a punk rock club. Went to see the toasters at the place a few weeks ago. Site advertised the doors open at 8.. Waited till 9 for the doors and till 10:15 for the first band to start. Opener didn't go on till midnight on a weeknight! Common guys I'm a working stiff. If the show starts late I understand but at least advertise it.
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Review from Melisser E.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2006
I have some very lovely friends in the South Bay, so when I go to see them, we end up here. The crowd is odd, not pretentious, not attractive, just odd. I don't mind though because the music is great, especially when Basura is on the decks!
Go on Thursdays for your 80's, Indie, Electro fix & watch out for nights like Victim or bands you might want to see. If you must go out in San Jose, this is the only acceptable place to do so!Listed in: Take me out tonight, where…
