Santana Row Chess Plaza

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

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.

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Comments:

by jay - 36 days ago
San Jose, CA United States

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 976

Yep, lots of people do.

by tooeasy1 - 36 days ago
Atlanta, Georgia United States

Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 225

can you play chess with those giant pieces in the front???

by jay - 4 months ago
San Jose, CA United States

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 976

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.