Dog-friendly restaurant · Downtown & SoFA, Central San Jose
Poor House Bistro
New Orleans-style restaurant in Little Italy, opened in 2005 by blues musician and former baggage handler Jay Meduri. The Cajun menu runs to po'boys, gumbo, muffuletta, barbecue shrimp and beignets, and live blues and jazz have been part of it since day one.
More about Poor House Bistro
The restaurant lives in an old Victorian house that was once Meduri's grandparents' home. When Google bought the land on South Autumn Street for its Downtown West project, the whole building was lifted and towed about a mile to West St. John Street in January 2022, next to Henry's Hi-Life.
After the move Meduri added some of his family's Italian recipes, alongside Cajun staples like crawfish tail pasta in creole cream and catfish. Soon after the 2005 opening, Hurricane Katrina hit, and the bistro raised money for recovery and gave stage time to displaced New Orleans musicians.
Bringing your dog
According to our sources, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Cajun and Creole bistro near the Diridon area. Its patio welcomes leashed, well-behaved dogs.
Rules change and may apply only to part of the place. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Getting there
- Address317 W St John St, San Jose, CA
- NeighborhoodDowntown & SoFA, Central San Jose
- CuisineCajun
Dog parks near Poor House Bistro
- about 0.4 mi
- about 0.5 mi
More dog-friendly spots near Poor House Bistro
- Voyager Craft Coffee (San Pedro Square Market)Café · treats for dogsabout 0.2 mi
- about 0.3 mi
- Firehouse No. 1 GastropubGastropubabout 0.3 mi
- O'Flaherty's Irish PubIrish pubabout 0.3 mi
- Trials PubPubabout 0.4 mi
Poor House Bistro: frequently asked questions
Is Poor House Bistro dog-friendly?
Yes, according to Pawsides and BringFido. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Can I bring my dog inside Poor House Bistro?
Our sources only mention the outdoor seating area. California law lets restaurants welcome dogs in outdoor dining areas, so at most places in San Jose dogs stay outside. Ask the staff if you want to sit inside.
What kind of food does Poor House Bistro serve?
New Orleans-style restaurant in Little Italy, opened in 2005 by blues musician and former baggage handler Jay Meduri. The Cajun menu runs to po'boys, gumbo, muffuletta, barbecue shrimp and beignets, and live blues and jazz have been part of it since day one.
Where is Poor House Bistro?
Poor House Bistro is at 317 W St John St in Downtown & SoFA, Central San Jose, San Jose.
Are there other dog-friendly places near Poor House Bistro?
Yes. The closest one on our list is Voyager Craft Coffee (San Pedro Square Market), about 0.2 mi away, followed by The Old Wagon Saloon (about 0.3 mi) and Firehouse No. 1 Gastropub (about 0.3 mi).
Is there a dog park near Poor House Bistro?
Yes. The closest is Ryland Dog Park, about 0.4 mi away.
Sources
About the restaurant:
- San José Spotlight, Jan 2024
- What Now San Francisco, Jan 2022
- San Jose Inside, Apr 2021
All dog-friendly restaurants & bars in Downtown & SoFA · All dog-friendly restaurants & bars in San Jose