Santana Row Chess Plaza

Posted by: jay
Location:
   Santana Row
   355 Santana Row
   San Jose, CA, 95128
   United States


Website: www.santanarow.com/

This isn't really a "club", but eventually we'll be changing this category to Clubs & Places to Play, so I thought I'd add this now since this is a great place to play chess. If you're ever in the bay area, and want to stop by a fun and beautiful place on the weekends, definitely check out Santana Row. It has great shops (very expensive) and lots of restaurants to eat at. Usually on the weekends there are bands playing, dog shows, farmers markets, etc. It's really a great place to go. And then of course, they have a great little chess area with 10-15 chess tables, and a giant chess set in the middle (for the kids or the adults).

 

Last time I went here on a Sunday afternoon, there were about 10 serious chess players here, a few with clocks and their own boards. Players range from the casual passer by who just wants to play a game for fun, to the avid chess tournament player, expert level. I don't know of any masters who play here, but I wouldnt be surprised if there are a few.

Comments:

by sk8erkid - 2 years ago
west palm beach, fl United States
Member Since: Jun 2007
Member Points: 366

thanks

 

by Knightly - 23 months ago
Wisconsin United States
Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 719

This place sounds really cool! I wish I could go. I especially like the gigantic chess set!

by hptchess - 23 months ago
Warwick United States
Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 262

sounds fun.

 

by CHrESS - 22 months ago
Sacramento United States
Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 2
this place is awesome! i was there during the summer. played after getting out of the mystery house.
by jay - 20 months ago
San Jose, CA United States
Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 1289

As the weather gets better, more and more people go here. If you want to find SERIOUS players here, best chances are go on the weekends, mid to later afternoon'ish. Serious people also go here every now and then during the week but usually much later, after work. During the weekday, if its nice, you'll just find lots of couples and casual chess players. Santana Row is very nice though and lots else to see and enjoy while there. Just don't expect any good bargains, stuff is EXPENSIVE here!

 

While I'm at it, I'll add my food reviews. My wife and I have eaten at about every restaurant here. Amber is a VERY good Indian restaurant. The Counter has some great burgers, fries, shakes, etc. Wahoo's is always pretty good. Yankee Pier is decent if you're looking for seafood. Pasta Pomedoro is fairly well priced, and has decent italian food. Everything else is just ok, or mediocre in my opinion.


by tooeasy1 - 17 months ago
Suwanee, Atlanta, GA United States
Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 617
can you play chess with those giant pieces in the front???
by jay - 17 months ago
San Jose, CA United States
Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 1289
Yep, lots of people do.
by donngerard - 16 months ago
Cebu Philippines
Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 3531

wow never seen like that before Cool


by synesthesia - 14 months ago
california United States
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 9

I played here a couple weeks ago on the big board.  Reminded me of Amsterdam.  Nice place.

by owennap - 14 months ago
Vancouver Canada
Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 53

cool

by drmr4vrmr - 10 months ago
baguio Philippines
Member Since: Jul 2008
Member Points: 463

Good players do frequent the area. Played there a few times... when the weather is good. Else, you won't find anyone to play with. Most of the players were from eastern europe.. I think.

by ni178 - 8 months ago
Wellington New Zealand
Member Since: Aug 2008
Member Points: 322

Could you send me a copy of one .hehe

by slopapa - 3 months ago
San Luis Obispo United States
Member Since: Jul 2008
Member Points: 51

Visiting from out of town today, a Sunday, from around 1:30 - 2:30 and nobody playing chess except us. Frown

Somebody showed up toward the end as we were leaving so maybe more people there in the later afternoon.

Still, a very nice day - great place to play some outside chess.

by jay - 3 months ago
San Jose, CA United States
Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 1289

yes, most people showup around 5 or 6 and play until 10 or 11.

by MPradical - 7 days ago
San Jose United States
Member Since: Oct 2008
Member Points: 4

I frequent the place a lot, anyone else a regular? We could play a few games.

by volark - 7 days ago
san jose United States
Member Since: Nov 2009
Member Points: 1

hey i love chess too. just got started and readin the book, how life immitates chess. by the way i always pass by santanna row about once ever week or so, yes id seen the experts play at time but im too intimidated to challenge them, maybe later when my skills is worth thier time, maybe ill run into you some day and get a chess game going some time, i often visit my family just a few blocks away.. good to see that chess not only your playing against your opponets but also your tryin to beat your self in the process. God bless


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