
Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
A historic San Jose sports bar and steakhouse famed for its oak-wood smoked BBQ and classic American comfort food.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Henry's World Famous Hi-Life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic San Jose sports bar and steakhouse famed for its oak-wood smoked BBQ and classic American comfort food.
"Experience authentic BBQ and a lively sports bar atmosphere that's been a San Jose favorite for decades."
Avoid Peak Wait Times
Visit during off-peak hours or make reservations to minimize wait times.
Try the Dry Rub
Ask for their signature dry rub on steaks for an authentic and robust flavor.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue, Steakhouse, American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic BBQ & Steaks
Experience slow-smoked meats over oak wood, from tender ribs to flavorful steaks, with a signature dry rub.

Lively Sports Bar Vibe
A historic spot with a classic bar, TVs showing games, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sports fans.

Efficient & Unique Ordering
Get a number upon arrival, order from the bar, and your food is served quickly once seated.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Wait Times
Visit during off-peak hours or make reservations to minimize wait times.
Try the Dry Rub
Ask for their signature dry rub on steaks for an authentic and robust flavor.
Ribs Portion
Consider the half slab of ribs for a satisfying portion of their well-prepared BBQ.
The Check-In Process
Get a number, order from the bar, and your table will be ready quickly. It's efficient!
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Wait Times
Visit during off-peak hours or make reservations to minimize wait times.
Try the Dry Rub
Ask for their signature dry rub on steaks for an authentic and robust flavor.
Ribs Portion
Consider the half slab of ribs for a satisfying portion of their well-prepared BBQ.
The Check-In Process
Get a number, order from the bar, and your table will be ready quickly. It's efficient!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Henry's World Famous Hi-Life is a long-standing San Jose institution praised for its authentic BBQ and classic American fare. Diners often rave about the tender ribs and the cozy, laid-back atmosphere. However, some reviews point out that the steak quality and pricing can be inconsistent, with a few diners finding the ribeye disappointing for the cost.
"That was my best steak I’ve ever had!! And the server was kind and nice even I wasn’t good at eng. I’ve ordered fillet mignon and new york(12oz). I was good for two person."
yeoreum kim
"Their check-in process is a bit unusual, but make sense. When we arrive, we had to get a number. When our number was up, the host came to take our order and we continued to wait at the bar. Then when the table was ready, we got seated and the food came quickly. Unusual, but quite efficient process.
I went there specifically for their prime rib. I would say it was average. The pork belly side order was very good! Their Long Island Ice tea was quite strong."
julian liu
"High-quality steaks, chicken, and ribs in the little italy section of San Jose. A little different setup. Go in and take a number. Wait for your number to be called and place your order, where they'll take your name. Wait for your name to be called, and you'll be taken back to your seat. From there, the food comes fast. Note: you order from the wall, but it doesn't list everything (e.g. - Mac n' cheese, which is really good). Ribs were great. Sirloin was decent."
Tim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Upon arrival, get a number. When your number is called, place your order at the bar, and then wait to be seated. Food arrives quickly.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned, but it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times.
The baby back ribs are highly recommended for their tenderness and flavor. Their signature dry rub on steaks is also a highlight.
Yes, the restaurant is described as family-friendly with a relaxed vibe, and they offer a kids' menu.
It's a lively sports bar with a classic, old-school feel, featuring numerous TVs and a casual, upbeat ambiance.
Opinions vary; some reviews suggest avoiding it, mentioning it can be under-seasoned and not cooked to order.
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If a dive is more your style, sidle into the tiny, no-frills music venue The Caravan Lounge, or head to the historic Henry’s Hi-Life, a barbeque restaurant with a classic, old-school bar up front.
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Consequently, the best way to enjoy a game of football, baseball, or basketball in any city is at a sports bar with fellow supporters. For over 60 years, Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life has been the go-to place for sports fanatics in the San Jose area. Boasting casually rustic indoor and outdoor seating, the steakhouse attracts an array of customers, from tourists and university students to families and large groups.
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301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110408-295-5414 Visit Website. Henry’s Hi-Life is a more casual steakhouse in San Jose where you can get steaks, barbeque, and old-fashioned hospitality. They have a signature dry rub that’s been handed down for decades, and the restaurant has a family-friendly, relaxed vibe that will totally put you right at ease.
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Housed in a historic building that once served as a hotel in the early 1900s, this unpretentious eatery serves up mouthwatering ribs, steaks, and chicken grilled over an open flame. The menu is straightforward, focusing on quality and flavor. Each meal comes with a baked potato, garlic bread, and a hearty salad.
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301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110 Henry's World Famous Hi-Life. If you want to try out delicious pork chops or even that grilled chicken in San Jose, be sure to check out Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life BBQ joint. Every day, Henry’s barbeque kitchen fires up its grills to produce the best BBQ in San Jose.
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Henry’s Hi-Life specializes in authentic barbecue fare, with a menu featuring slow-smoked meats cooked over oak wood for a distinctive flavor profile. From tender ribs and brisket to juicy chicken and sausages, the restaurant offers a variety of mouthwatering options for barbecue enthusiasts.
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Having been opening its door since 1960, Henry Hi-Life is your next go-to place for hearty portions of pork chops and steak. Meat lovers will find their bliss at this well-known steakhouse, all served in a casual and upbeat ambiance. There’s nothing we’d like to change about this place!
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At Henry’s WorldFamous Hi-Life, you will get your favorite steaks and BBQ with sides and sauces at affordable prices. You can also order online for free delivery right to your doorstep. Plus, it is a kid-friendly multiregional BBQ over the counter in rustic digs with a covered deck.
Visitors can stop by Henry’s Hi-Life restaurant, which was originally the site of the Torino Hotel, where Italian immigrant field workers would live while working in the fields. Now it serves as Little Italy’s spot for superb BBQ and sparkling atmosphere to enjoy the big game.
Where to Eat and Drink in San Jose, California
If a more casual, American-style meat and potatoes meal is what you’re after, head to Henry’s World-Famous Hi-Life, where a menu of steaks, dry-rubbed barbecue, and ribs—plus a variety of beers on tap and delicious sides—has been pulling diners in since the 1960s.
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A photo posted by Tri Le (@sir_jam) on Jul 18, 2016 at 9:07pm PDT. When it comes down to ribs, Henry’s Hi-Life ain’t playing no games. Prepare yourselves mentally as these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and shamelessly, finger-licking good.
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301 W St John StSan Jose, CA 95110(408) 295-5414 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Welcoming guests since 1960, this American steakhouse entices guests with its hearty portions of pork chops and steak.
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Henry's Hi-Life serves "The Best BBQ Steaks, Ribs, Chicken" in San Jose!. Award winning BBQ Steaks & Ribs!!. Featured on Man v. Food for fall off the bone "BBQ Baby Back Ribs".
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- Rating: 4.0/5 (1875 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 301 West St. John St. San Jose, California - Categories: Steakhouses- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit