Morgan Hill might not be the first place you think of for a night out, but these spots prove otherwise. Whether you’re after craft cocktails or a solid burger with your beer, we’ve got you covered. Here are the bars that are doing it right.
The Running Shop and Hops
$ | (669) 258-5950 | WEBSITE
The Running Shop and Hops in Morgan Hill pours over 70 beers on tap—local favorites from the South Bay to Monterey—but the real draw is the rotating food truck schedule. Show up and a truck straight out of a craft brewery festival with a kitchen’s worth of options parks right outside the patio. Then a friendly staff member who knows every beer profile by heart guides you through a tasting that ends with a crisp, well-poured pint in your chilled glass.
It’s a cool vibe, and an even better gathering spot.
Giorgio’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria
$$ | (669) 270-4940 | WEBSITE
This lasagna has a lot going for it: Layers of pasta are all equally coated in sauce, and the sheer amount of meaty filling gives every bite a hearty quality. But what makes this very good lasagna and makes it great are the crispy, buttery garlic bread slices. We’d order them as an appetizer if we could.
M & H Tavern
$ | (408) 779-9082 | WEBSITE
It’s been common over the last few years for bars to try blending wildly different cuisines, from sushi joints adding sliders to BBQ spots offering tacos. Our favorite mix of the bunch, though, is M & H Tavern’s dive bar vibe with friendly service. The combination of a cozy small-town atmosphere and attentive staff like Erika make this one welcoming spot downtown.
Add on a variety of food options from sushi to BBQ, pleasant atmosphere even when busy, and friendly bouncers, and you’ve got a laid-back tavern that holds its own against fancier establishments.
Sinaloa Café
$$ | (408) 779-9740 | WEBSITE
We’ve heard people say things like “It’s just a taco” or “Who the hell is Sinaloa?” when discussing this classic Mexican spot, but we won’t hear a word of it. Sinaloa Café’s version of the mole enchiladas is the pinnacle of the form and an essential component of any meal at this Morgan Hill favorite. Could the chile relleno be more saucy? Sure.
But if you’re expecting farm-to-table ingredients from a family-friendly restaurant with servers in casual attire serving generous portions in the corner, you haven’t tasted enough authentic Mexican food. This is cheesy, flavorful, satisfying nostalgia at its finest.
Overflow TapHouse Bar & Grill
$ | (669) 257-7744 | WEBSITE
We’ve had IPAs at chain breweries that taste like pine needles soaked in dishwater with a hint of cardboard. But Overflow Tap House is no ordinary bar. The beer here is fresh and vibrant, served in frosty glasses as cold as a Morgan Hill winter evening. The fruited sours are perfectly balanced, so they double as dessert to wash down the savory snacks.
One great thing about this place is the addition of heat lamps on the patio—it’s not just comfortable, but it reminds us of one of those cozy backyard gatherings you’d have with friends and their dogs.
The Hill Bar & Grill
$ | (408) 778-9300 | WEBSITE
We’ve visited many (maybe too many) karaoke bars over the years, but none are as satisfying as the one at The Hill. This lively Morgan Hill spot offers the songs whole, a crucial detail. The karaoke scoops up the hip hop, Latin, and booty shake tracks like precious canoes, evenly coating each appreciative crowd. It’s the kind of punchy, fun thing you want to enjoy with an ice-cold drink, which The Hill does very well.
Milias Apartments
$$ | (408) 848-3474 | WEBSITE
Blackened shrimp devotees, take note—Milias Apartments serves theirs in generous portions that arrive sizzling on the plate, giving the dish a smoky char that is tempered only slightly by the accompanying lemon wedge. The spice-averse diners at your table might hesitate, but that just means more shrimp for you.
Craft Roots
$$ | (408) 612-8297 | WEBSITE
The buffalo cauliflower bites at Craft Roots look like something you’d whip up for a last-minute gathering because the pizza you planned to serve is still bubbling in the oven. They’re a beautiful, messy pile of crispy cauliflower with a generous drizzle of creamy buffalo sauce on top. And like the sauce, the kitchen is generous with the tangy-spicy seasoning and gluten-free breading that add a satisfying crunch.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (408) 779-4152 | WEBSITE
Most of the welcoming family-friendly spots in Morgan Hill are full-service restaurants, so it’s impressive that this casual grill and bar delivers a Chicken Enchilada soup we adore just as much (at a very reasonable price). Chili’s also happens to serve our favorite burgers in town, but when we’re in the mood for something comforting, this hearty soup is our pick.
The broth has a rich, savory depth from slow-cooked chicken, the enchiladas are tender and flavorful, and the melted cheese and crispy tortilla strips add satisfying texture. They’ll also bring you endless chips and salsa without asking, if that’s your thing.
Bartenders Union
$$ | (408) 337-5531 | WEBSITE
A night at this Morgan Hill bar usually revolves around pool games, which you should definitely play a few of. However, we prefer to spend most of our time enjoying Bartenders Union’s non-pool atmosphere, including the excellent recently remodeled space. The restrooms have a nice cleanliness, so they stay spotless even during busy hours. You also get a big ol’ friendly vibe from the bartenders and a little attentive watch from the bouncers outside.
Gilroy Bowl
$ | (669) 600-6471 | WEBSITE
“That’s a heavy pizza”: Our thoughts while watching the bowling balls roll down the lanes and when the server brought out our pepperoni pie piled high with toppings. If you’re a pizza-purist who likes their slice loaded with fresh ingredients, this community bowling alley in Morgan Hill hits the spot. Bonus: It comes with a cold beer from their well-stocked bar.