City Bar & Grill

Terrible service for the three days I stayed as a guest in the hotel. I wish someone would seat you, and a server would show up within the first 10 mins. Not really that crazy of expectations. Once you are seated and order placed, don’t expect a follow up.

$ 20 for oatmeal and a fruit plate? Seriously?
While the people were nice, service was VERY SLOW. I waited for over 15 minutes just to get my check – and I wasn’t the only one! Our server just kept ignoring us and only dealt with people who were wanting more food. People waiting on coffee were waiting quite a while too. I only got the check when the manager came by to check on me and I told him I was ready for it.
With this restaurant located inside the hotel, you are definitely paying hotel prices. Skip it and go outside and down the block to one of several dozen places that aren’t trying to gouge guests.

In the spirit of fairness, I’m rating the Hilton’s restaurant a 3 instead of a 2 because of the wait staff. While the food is pretty mediocre (and I know, because I tried several items during a recent stay), the waiters and waitresses serve it with great enthusiasm, with an attitude better than the food deserves, and they fall all over themselves to make you happy with the experience.
I’ll give you an example. Hilton has graciously accommodated their smoking guests in this non-​smoking hotel by providing an outside «Oasis» area, accessed outside the back double glass doors of the lobby restaurant and bar area. I think the name «Oasis» comes from the 4 small potted palms they have sitting out there :) along with a little other greenery (nothing fancy, but shows they’ve made a little effort). Anyway, when I went down for dinner, I looked around the restaurant area, didn’t feel terribly inspired by the seating arrangements, but then spied the outside patio area which had a few tables. I asked the waiter whether or not they would serve me dinner out there. He said, «Yes, I’ll do that for you,» and went about the business of taking my order and feeding me. He brought a salad different from the one I’d ordered, but I thought he might have done me a favor as it was pretty good (mixed greens with walnuts, grapes, apple). So for my subsequent two breakfasts, I asked the waitress if she would serve me out there, and she did. I much preferred being outdoors in this area which is well-​protected from the wind, just allowing a nice gentle breeze. I felt relaxed, and enjoyed my mediocre food more than if I’d been inside, upping the overall dinning experience. It isn’t technically part of the restaurant out there, but the wait staff really does try to please the hotel’s guests and I really valued their effort. And bottom line, Hilton got revenue on several meals where I might otherwise have gone elsewhere.

I went here for dinner and then drinks late at night. Both times, the place was completely empty. I had the Chicken Pot Pie, and it was almost a vegetarian dish. There was maybe one or two small pieces of chicken in it. Typical hotel food – below average quality and overpriced. At least the seats were comfortable.

When you’re wanting your Grey Goose fast… this isn’t the place to go…
If you’re stayin at this hotel and need a drink… I suggest to go to a different bar down the street because service was REEEEEEAAAAAAAALLLLLLY slow.

I’m stuck at the San Jose Convention Center for a conference, and just wanted a quick bite to eat that wasn’t a sandwich. Wandered into the City Bar and Grill in the lobby of the Hilton (which is attached to the conference center). The food here is okay, but as a hotel restaurant, is accordingly pricey. Lunch consisted of a Cobb Salad and Sprite for $ 16 (ouch!). Best thing about this restaurant: Free Wireless.

As the restaurant in the lobby of the Hilton in downtown San Jose, City Bar & Grill has a good selection of americanized fare on the menu and a full bar of course. The restaurant doesn’t perhaps get as much business as it should since it’s not visible/​accessible directly from the street (just stroll in through the Hilton lobby) There’s a new chef on staff who has improved food preparation here dramatically.