Business Details
21 Years
experience
New Orleans Style Restaurant in San Jose
Established in 2005, Poor House Bistro brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans and Creole Italian cuisine to San Jose. Our restaurant is rooted in the rich history of the Meduri family, whose connection to the property dates back to the 1950s. We specialize in handcrafted dishes made from fresh ingredients, inspired by traditional New Orleans recipes and the culinary expertise of our founder, Jay Meduri, a former airline employee turned restaurateur. Our commitment to authenticity extends to our live music programming, featuring blues and jazz artists that echo the spirit of the French Quarter.Recognized with multiple awards, including Best Cajun Restaurant and Best Live Music Venue, we offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Our menu features iconic dishes like Po Boy sandwiches, gumbo, and bread pudding, complemented by a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. We pride ourselves on creating a space where food, music, and community converge, ensuring every visit feels like a celebration of Southern culture.
Services
Cajun Cuisine
Live Blues Music
Catering
Outdoor Seating
Wine & Beer Selection
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We serve New Orleans-style cuisine crafted from family recipes since 2005.
- Our live blues and jazz performances create an authentic French Quarter vibe.
- Award-winning restaurant with recognition for Best Cajun Food and Live Music.
- Historic Victorian setting with indoor and outdoor seating for a unique ambiance.
- Menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and classic Southern desserts.
What people say
Best Jambalaya this side of the Mississippi
Delicious Jambalaya and Fried Chicken
Warm friendly atmosphere
House-made bread pudding
Authentic New Orleans flavors
Services
Cajun Cuisine
Our Cajun menu features classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and Po Boy sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients and spices imported from Louisiana. Each plate is prepared to reflect the bold flavors of New Orleans, with options for seafood lovers, meat enthusiasts, and vegetarians. Diners rave about our blackened red snapper and house-made bread pudding.
Live Blues Music
We host daily live blues and jazz performances from talented artists across the U.S., creating an immersive French Quarter atmosphere. Past performers include Kirk Joseph & The Backyard Groove and Aki Kumar & Laura Chavez. Our stage brings the soul of New Orleans to San Joses Little Italy district.
Catering
Our catering service delivers authentic New Orleans flavors to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Menus include customizable options like crawfish touffe, fried seafood platters, and Southern-style desserts. We provide full-service support to ensure your event captures the spirit of Poor House Bistro.
Outdoor Seating
Enjoy our spacious patio with string lights and comfortable seating, perfect for casual meals or live music nights. The pet-friendly area allows guests to bring their dogs while savoring dishes like BBQ shrimp Po Boys and crawfish pasta under the California sky.
Wine & Beer Selection
Our bar offers Italian wines, craft beers on tap, and signature cocktails like the Hurricane and Sazerac. The beverage program complements our spicy Cajun dishes, with options ranging from crisp whites to bold reds. Weekly specials include featured beers and wine pairings.
People
Jay Meduri
Founder & Owner
Jay Meduri opened Poor House Bistro in 2005 after studying hospitality management and working in restaurants. His passion for New Orleans cuisine and blues music shaped the restaurants identity. He transformed the familys historic Victorian home into San Joses premier Cajun dining destination.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Poor House Bistro serve?
We specialize in New Orleans-style Cajun and Creole Italian cuisine, featuring dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, Po Boy sandwiches, and crawfish étouffée.
Do you offer live music?
Yes! We host daily live blues and jazz performances from local and national artists in a vibrant, intimate setting.
Is catering available for events?
Yes, we provide full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties with customizable New Orleans-inspired menus.
Are pets allowed on the patio?
Yes, our outdoor seating area is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs while enjoying our menu.
What awards has Poor House Bistro won?
We’ve received multiple awards, including Best Cajun Restaurant, Best Live Music Venue, and Best Small Restaurant from local publications.
What are the restaurant’s hours?
We’re open Wednesday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–9pm, and Sunday 10am–7pm.
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