Best Places To Grab A Drink at Mineta San Jose International Airport

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Mineta San Jose International Airport is known as the gateway to Silicon Valley, within minutes of the headquarters of many of the world's top technology companies, including Google, Apple, Yahoo, eBay and Intel. To meet the constant needs of a wide range of travelers, the Mineta San Jose International Airport underwent recent upgrades to offer better services such as free Wi-Fi, chairs with power outlets and USB ports and several new high-quality food and beverage services. For visitors hoping to enjoy a drink before their departure, there are several options, although these recommendations only apply to ticketed passengers who have passed through security checkpoints. The following are five of the best places to grab a drink at the San Jose International Airport.

The Brit is a spinoff of the popular British pub chains first established in San Jose more than 30 years ago. Perhaps better known as Britannia Arms, guests can enjoy traditional or continental dishes, along with a drink of their choice from the extensive bar menu. Although the Brit is closely connected to the downtown San Jose location, it isn't nearly as loud, yet can get lively, especially when a local professional team like the Sharks, Giants or 49ers are on the TVs. Among the top food choices past guests have recommended are fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and the grilled chicken Caesar wrap, topped off with a pint of Guinness.

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Wine lovers will be pleased to discover a generously stocked wine bar emphasizing premium wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association, guests can choose from a variety of red and white wines from local wineries such as Bargetto, Close Tita, Guglielmo, Mountain Winery and Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards. In addition to local Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other varietals, Santa Cruz Wine Bar also has a few selections from the California Wine Country. Guests also have the option of purchasing mixed drinks or beer, as well as light dishes, including a cheese-fruit plate, salads and sandwiches.

Based upon Original Joe's, the landmark San Jose restaurant known as "the heart of Silicon Valley," travelers can expect the same quality of food and service at the San Jose Airport. With virtually an identical menu to its downtown counterpart, San Jose Joe's serves fine Italian and American cuisine, as well as beer, wine and mixed drinks. Among the famous dishes offered here are sandwiches, veal parmigiana, Angus steak and baked lasagna. For a full Original Joe's experience, guests may wish to order one of its fabulous desserts, such as spumoni, tiramisu and gelato, along with a glass of pinot grigio or chianti.

The Sharks Cage is a spacious hockey-themed bar and grill operated by the immensely popular local NHL team, the San Jose Sharks. With a full bar, great food, plenty of seating and large flat screen TVs, it's a great place for sports fans to enjoy a beer and watch a game, while waiting for their flight departure. Guests can order tasty appetizers like chili nachos and traditional-style chicken wings, salads, "High Stick" sandwiches, "Penalty Box" burgers and entrees like grilled chicken and brie and French dip. The Sharks Cage also serves breakfast with a hockey theme, including a "Slap Shot Breakfast Sandwich," "Hat Trick Classic" and the "San Jose Omelet" filled with cheddar cheese, red onions, green peppers and ham.

For authentic Baja-style Mexican cuisine, Tres Gringos is the place to go in Terminal A, where all international arrivals and departures are located. Like the Brit, Tres Gringos is a popular bar and grill with a separate location in downtown San Jose, known for excellent food and margaritas, with a lively nightlife. However the atmosphere at the airport location is far more subdued and better suited for business or casual travelers. Popular items prepared right from the kitchen include breakfast burritos, cheese nachos, chicken flautas, churros and Baja fish tacos.

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Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.