By admin 
Myth Taverna & Lounge, located in downtown San Jose at 152 Post St., was a unique establishment that combined Greek-inspired dining with a vibrant nightclub atmosphere. Opened in the summer of 2011, Myth quickly became a hotspot for locals, offering a dynamic experience that shifted from a relaxed restaurant by day to a high-energy nightclub after dark 1.
The Venue: Aesthetic and Ambiance
Myth Taverna underwent a dramatic transformation from its predecessor, Smoke Tiki Lounge, adopting a sleek, Vegas-inspired design with stone accents, colored lighting, and a flat rock waterfall feature. The interior featured lounge tables and booths, often reserved for bottle service during club nights, while the spacious patio—equipped with heaters and covers—provided a stylish outdoor retreat year-round 1.
Culinary and Cocktail Highlights
The restaurant’s Greek roots shone through its menu, which included standout dishes like:
- Patates Tiganites: Crispy fries topped with kefalograviera cheese and tomato sauce.
- Dolmathes: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, beef, and cheese, drizzled with lemon sauce.
- Keftethes: Herb-spiced beef and lamb meatballs 1.
The bar program featured inventive cocktails such as:
- Achilles Heel: A frothy mix of Pimm’s No. 1, yellow chartreuse, and citrus.
- Greek 75: A twist on the French 75, blending Tanqueray 10 gin, ouzo, and Prosecco.
- Whiskey Sour: Made with Bulleit bourbon and egg white substitute for a silky texture 1.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Myth’s nightclub scene thrived on weekends, drawing crowds with celebrity DJs and bottle service. Wednesdays featured live jazz and blues, catering to a more laid-back audience 1.
Controversy and Closure
Tragedy struck in 2015 when an unlicensed bouncer fatally injured a patron, Danny Esquivel, leading to a wrongful-death lawsuit and heightened scrutiny. In 2018, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control suspended Myth’s liquor license due to multiple violations, including operating as an unlicensed nightclub and noise complaints. The suspension was indefinite pending compliance, marking the end of Myth’s era 478.
Legacy
Though Myth Taverna & Lounge is no longer operational, it remains a notable chapter in San Jose’s nightlife history—a place where Greek flavors, creative cocktails, and club energy once converged, leaving behind both fond memories and cautionary tales about accountability in the hospitality industry.