When I stepped off the VTA light rail at San Fernando and crossed the street toward the "Welcome to San Jose" mural, music caught my ear. I followed it two blocks to opening weekend at Spark Social San Jose—the brand-new outdoor gathering spot with the kind of energy that makes you want to stay a while.
People lined up for iced drinks from the Matcha Matcha cart, a balloon artist made animals for the kids, and over a dozen food trucks stood ready to serve everything from quesabirria to smash burgers. It had the easygoing feel of a neighborhood block party, but with cozy seating areas, local beers on tap, and photo booths to document the day.
There are 11 permanent food trucks and a rotating selection of visitors.(Kate Loweth)
Food truck fans will be well versed with the O.G. Spark Social in San Francisco's Mission Bay neighborhood. Ten years after the SF spot opened, the San Jose location has opened just blocks from the SAP Center and Diridon Train Station in the Creekside District.
The new location builds on the original's mix of rotating food trucks and community programming, adding permanent food vendors, a full-service bar, live entertainment, and a massive kids' zone. It's an easy stop whether you're meeting friends after work, grabbing a casual bite before a Sharks game, or looking for somewhere to spend a sunny afternoon.
The Food + Drink Scene
The food truck lineup at Spark Social San Jose is impressive, with 11 permanent trucks and visiting trucks on rotation to keep things fresh. Branching out from my usual food truck pick of street tacos, I grabbed a stuffed arepa from the Pana truck, which was filled to the brim with shredded chicken, black beans, tomatoes, basil, and guacasa avocado sauce. You could feel the excitement from all the food truck vendors, willing to share their favorite picks and make recommendations.
Aguachiles from Mr. Shrimp(Courtesy of @mrshrimpsj)
Beyond arepas, you can find award-winning aguachile from Mr. Shrimp, Nashville-style chicken sliders from Jojo's Hot Chicken, halal smash burgers from Smashies, and House of Tiffins’ crispy dosa filled with spiced potato masala. If you're feeling extra adventurous, The BreakBox truck is serving up a blue grilled cheese dubbed "Breaking Blue."
The best way to enjoy all the food truck options is to come with friends, order from a bunch of different trucks, and share it all. I returned a second day with my teenagers and did just that.
Those looking for an adult beverage can head to the bar for local brews from Fieldwork, Humble Sea, and Laughing Monk; a selection of wines and ciders; and even South Bay-inspired cocktails like the South Bay Breeze, a refreshing combo of Hideout vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple. I particularly enjoyed the spiked jamaica and limón agua fresca. Cocktails are batchmade, so the bar line moves fast.
Live Music, Watch Parties, Fitness Events + More
One of the biggest draws to Spark Social San Jose is the entertainment stage, where you can enjoy live music, 49ers game watch parties, and fitness events. When I was heading home, they were setting up retro plastic beach chairs in front of the stage for the next event.
The Bandwagon stage at The Clubhouse(Kate Loweth)
As a parent, I know how hard it is to find a space where kids and parents will both have fun. Spark Social San Jose has done just that with The Clubhouse, a dedicated family space with a playground, massive sandbox, toddler sensory garden, mud kitchen, and nature play area. Kids can dress up and goof around in the mini playhouses and make music on the Bandwagon stage, while parents relax in one of the cabanas. Expect kid-friendly entertainment and story times to be added to the event schedule.
Right next door to The Clubhouse is Creekside Greens, an 18-hole putt-putt course where you can challenge your crew to a little friendly competition. Because it's contained within the Spark Social SJ footprint, it's easy to play a round, grab something to eat, and then settle in to listen to music or watch the game on the big screen. You can book tee times online in advance.
You'll also find foosball tables and lawn games throughout the property for guests to enjoy. Seats around the fire pits are popular spots once the sun sets.
Creekside Greens at Spark Social SJ(Kate Loweth)
The Details
There's no entrance fee at Spark Social San Jose. General seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can book some cabanas and other group spaces for events. Leashed dogs are permitted on the property and there are restroom trailers and port-a-potties available on site. Most vendors accept card payments only, and outside food and drinks are not permitted.
You'll find a large parking lot across from the venue, plus metered parking on the surrounding streets. Parking can be challenging during events at the SAP Center, so consider public transportation. It is two blocks from the Diridon Station, where you can access Caltrain, Amtrak, ACE, VTA, and BART.
// Spark Social SJ is open 8am to 10pm Sundays through Thursdays and 8am to 12am on Friday and Saturday (food trucks may make their own hours); 140 South Montgomery Blvd. (San Jose), visitsparksocial.com/san-jose
A waffle breakfast sandwich from The Break Box(Courtesy of @thebreakbox)
