Trader Vic's Outpost

Michael Ong

If you are here during a layover and need to eat, this is a fun change from the typical airport fare. If dining in, the food has a nice presentation and the drinks are a fun change. Of course you are paying airport prices for what you get, but worthwhile. And pretty hard to beat the view of the runway while enjoying your food and drink.

Salim Ali Khan

Amazing and very helpful staff, quite a location in the airport and some good quality food can sum up Trader Vics outpost. A blazing quick stopover to order my food which happened to be the Tuna bowl and requested them to keep it in the refrigerator so that I could pick it up right before my boarding, to which Brianna ( who was working the shift) complied very happily ( very good customer service even though it being crowded and busy) Getting in and out was fast even though there was a bit of a line when I got in there. Boarding time was upon us and I rushed there to pick up the bowl and got back in time to board the flight. Settled in and the first bite from the bowl till the last were just amazing. The tuna was very nicely prepared and had nothing extra to it. The greens looked fresh and everything about the bowl oozed fresh and clean. I would definitely recommend them in case you happen to be at the airport catching your next flight, especially the Tuna bowl. For sure next time just like the last time!!

Ma San

Thank u so much to Maria for getting us our drinks and food. My Stella, delish, as usual. My wife’s drink, nice and sweet and strong. Salad was great. We searched other places at the airport and the workers didn’t seem too interested in our patronage. This place was full and Maria was just running around making sure guests got what they wanted. Umm, isn’t that what u want in a bar? So thank you Maria, for ur help and smiles. She is working hard, and she deserves all the stars we can afford. Thank u!

Haylee Jane Monteiro

Stopped here for lunch before a flight (instead of going to get burgers) and it was a good call. Food was really really flavorful, only wish there were more vegetables included in the meals. Really amazing drinks menu as well! I hadn't wanted to drink alcohol this bad in a while, haha. Actually drank here after over 2 years; I split a Bahia with my boyfriend. It was a pineapple juice and coconut something with rum. kinda wanted to chug that entire thing in one gulp! So good! I ordered the Teriyaki Salmon Hawaiian Lunch Plate (Teriyaki Salmon with steamed rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, sweet plantains and greens). Salmon was cooked perfectly, and that glaze was just amazing!! Perfect sweetness, and went so well with the rice too. The plantains were really nice too and not oily at all. Macaroni salad was just okay; it didn't go too well with everything else on the plate. Only downside here was there were barely any greens! Probably 10 small leaves (countable!) My boyfriend got the Ahi Tuna Bowl (it came with radish, carrots, edamame, a boiled egg, sushi rice, sesame seeds, greens, avo and some sauce). Sauce was on point got a poke bowl, and ahi was fresh as well. Overall it was good and flavors went well together.

After a long day of commuting and packing, Trader Vic’s Outpost was exactly the kind of laid-back escape we needed. Tucked away like a hidden gem, this tropical-themed spot instantly sets a chill, island vibe the moment you step in. Think tiki torches, bamboo, and a fun retro Polynesian flair. The menu is smaller than a full Trader Vic’s restaurant, but it still hits all the right notes—especially if you’re craving island-inspired bites and a strong, delicious cocktail. The Mai Tai is the real deal here—balanced, smooth, and not overly sweet. You can tell they stay true to the original recipe that made them famous.

Yes, it's pricey but you're at the airport and they had relatively good, healthy options. The avocado today was good and four slices. The kalua pork bowl was good and lots of veggies. The mai tai was good, not great but I had to try it. I wish it had a dark rum float. I'd go back when flying out of San Jose. Breakfast is only served until 1030am and I wish they had all day breakfkalua

I always stop here when flying to SJC. It’s my quick dose of tiki and at a well-renowned place. The food is good except overpriced (what do you expect from an airport!) I highly recommend sitting at the bar instead of a table- you get more attention from the bar staff. The drinks are excellent. I order a drink and then buy 1 mug on every trip. If you’re in the airport and curious about tiki drinks, this is the best stop! It’s quick, people tend to leave you alone, and it’s delicious!

Stopped here because the line at Starbucks and Peet's was ridiculous. The service from Trenise was excellent. She was helpful and friendly. I had a coffee and the Spicy Chicken Wrap. The coffee was fine and tasted better since I didn't have to wait 45 minutes to get it! The wrap was decent and I appreciated that they had some healthy options, like fresh fruit and salads.

Stopped by early in the morning at San Jose Airport. Brittany the server was really good and the food very good too! This is the only Trader Vic's in the west bay area. Victor Bergeron the founder was one of two who claimed to invent the Mai Tai.

This airport restaurant has great tiki decor, cocktails ($$$) and food. Airport pricey, but makes the wait for a flight more enjoyable! The Mai Tai was so good we ordered another round... orgeat forward is just how we like them! Poke bowl was fresh and loaded up with goodness- big enough to split it. If you have time before or after a flight in San Jose, stop in for a splurge as it's one of the few U.S. based locations!

Misha Smith

After a long day of commuting and packing, Trader Vic’s Outpost was exactly the kind of laid-back escape we needed. Tucked away like a hidden gem, this tropical-themed spot instantly sets a chill, island vibe the moment you step in. Think tiki torches, bamboo, and a fun retro Polynesian flair. The menu is smaller than a full Trader Vic’s restaurant, but it still hits all the right notes—especially if you’re craving island-inspired bites and a strong, delicious cocktail. The Mai Tai is the real deal here—balanced, smooth, and not overly sweet. You can tell they stay true to the original recipe that made them famous.

James Kennedy

Yes, it's pricey but you're at the airport and they had relatively good, healthy options. The avocado today was good and four slices. The kalua pork bowl was good and lots of veggies. The mai tai was good, not great but I had to try it. I wish it had a dark rum float. I'd go back when flying out of San Jose. Breakfast is only served until 1030am and I wish they had all day breakfkalua

Kim Baker

I always stop here when flying to SJC. It’s my quick dose of tiki and at a well-renowned place. The food is good except overpriced (what do you expect from an airport!) I highly recommend sitting at the bar instead of a table- you get more attention from the bar staff. The drinks are excellent. I order a drink and then buy 1 mug on every trip. If you’re in the airport and curious about tiki drinks, this is the best stop! It’s quick, people tend to leave you alone, and it’s delicious!

Laura Welch

Stopped here because the line at Starbucks and Peet's was ridiculous. The service from Trenise was excellent. She was helpful and friendly. I had a coffee and the Spicy Chicken Wrap. The coffee was fine and tasted better since I didn't have to wait 45 minutes to get it! The wrap was decent and I appreciated that they had some healthy options, like fresh fruit and salads.

Bruce S.

Stopped by early in the morning at San Jose Airport. Brittany the server was really good and the food very good too! This is the only Trader Vic's in the west bay area. Victor Bergeron the founder was one of two who claimed to invent the Mai Tai.

A J

This airport restaurant has great tiki decor, cocktails ($$$) and food. Airport pricey, but makes the wait for a flight more enjoyable! The Mai Tai was so good we ordered another round... orgeat forward is just how we like them! Poke bowl was fresh and loaded up with goodness- big enough to split it. If you have time before or after a flight in San Jose, stop in for a splurge as it's one of the few U.S. based locations!

Beau Laughlin

The staff were extremely kind and quick. The food was okay. We shared the crispy chicken katsu. We live in Hawaii and have never come across this version of chicken katsu. The tiki drinks are very good, but definitely airport prices.

In the desert of SJC dining options, this is a slightly improved offering. Food looks slightly fresher and more varied than the competition. The macaroni salad was decent as a snack. The sandwiches, daily plates, and salads all looked appetizing. Will return to try again.

This review is for Trader Vic’s Outpost - counter service in to go box. Ordered the chicken garlic wrap. The wrap was pre prepped and then warmed by the server. The wrap came with potato chops and two slices of pineapple. The wrap was not bad, but somewhat bland. I assumed there would be some garlic/pesto flavor but it was light. The wrap included lettuce and avocado that was fresh and good. The chips were good, usual fare but thick cut and plentiful. The pineapple was fresh and the best part of the meal. I didn’t regret my choice for airport meal.

Jeremy Kushner

In the desert of SJC dining options, this is a slightly improved offering. Food looks slightly fresher and more varied than the competition. The macaroni salad was decent as a snack. The sandwiches, daily plates, and salads all looked appetizing. Will return to try again.

Mindy Vincent

This review is for Trader Vic’s Outpost - counter service in to go box. Ordered the chicken garlic wrap. The wrap was pre prepped and then warmed by the server. The wrap came with potato chops and two slices of pineapple. The wrap was not bad, but somewhat bland. I assumed there would be some garlic/pesto flavor but it was light. The wrap included lettuce and avocado that was fresh and good. The chips were good, usual fare but thick cut and plentiful. The pineapple was fresh and the best part of the meal. I didn’t regret my choice for airport meal.

I don’t like writing bad reviews, but I would never order the garlic chicken wrap or the Vic’s fix coffee again. I love garlic, but their “signature sauce” is literally just blended raw garlic. It’s really hard to eat and I’ve been trying to convince myself that I can finish it, but it’s just too off-putting. I ate one half of the sandwich, but I can’t eat any more. I only taste raw garlic and it’s spicy because… it’s raw garlic. The pineapple and chips are good at least. The Vic’s fix coffee is just very sweet which is not my thing, but if you like very syrupy sweet coffee drinks, you might like it. The lady who took my order was very sweet-that was the positive thing about this place along with the nice seating. I’m not really sure if I would be willing to get food from here again. That raw garlic still haunts me.

Mae-Ling Kao

I don’t like writing bad reviews, but I would never order the garlic chicken wrap or the Vic’s fix coffee again. I love garlic, but their “signature sauce” is literally just blended raw garlic. It’s really hard to eat and I’ve been trying to convince myself that I can finish it, but it’s just too off-putting. I ate one half of the sandwich, but I can’t eat any more. I only taste raw garlic and it’s spicy because… it’s raw garlic. The pineapple and chips are good at least. The Vic’s fix coffee is just very sweet which is not my thing, but if you like very syrupy sweet coffee drinks, you might like it. The lady who took my order was very sweet-that was the positive thing about this place along with the nice seating. I’m not really sure if I would be willing to get food from here again. That raw garlic still haunts me.

Chris Webster

Ate here during a flight delay. Not a bad place to kill some time, large selection of tropical drinks including mock tails. Teriyaki salmon was over seasoned, the rice a little too much water, mac salad was good with light mayonnaise, good amount of ham, carrots, onions and pineapple. The ham and egg press was a hit with my son. Potato chips were warm and crispy.

Great staff. They are super nice. The food is just ok. I was super surprised that for a dip they gave me a plate of broken chips and crumbs to dip in it. Strange quality and care issues there. The drinks are fun. My only major major gripe is that this place is dirty. Like don't look up and don't look down kinda dirty. All the columns and decorations have layers of thick dust, the glasses are covered in thick water spots and make you double check that they aren't actually dirty glasses. Even the TV screen is covered in a surprisingly thick layer of dust. For such a place that could be super charming and fun, the grime factor is off putting. When people sitting around each other are comparing how dirty their glasses are compared to the next person...you should probably take notice that some changes need to be made. Like, why in the world are you using a small caraf to measure out your wine pours...in the same vessel, for all wines, over and over, by the cash register? How long have you been reusing that thing...a day, all week? Just strange non-typical food service standards kinda weirdness. I'm sure it's all safe and what not, but it will serve them very well to dust, sweep, and maybe update the dishwasher. I'll come back. TV with sports, beer, wine, fun cocktails and ok enough food with a very small list of options...it's fine.

Biinky 05

Great staff. They are super nice. The food is just ok. I was super surprised that for a dip they gave me a plate of broken chips and crumbs to dip in it. Strange quality and care issues there. The drinks are fun. My only major major gripe is that this place is dirty. Like don't look up and don't look down kinda dirty. All the columns and decorations have layers of thick dust, the glasses are covered in thick water spots and make you double check that they aren't actually dirty glasses. Even the TV screen is covered in a surprisingly thick layer of dust. For such a place that could be super charming and fun, the grime factor is off putting. When people sitting around each other are comparing how dirty their glasses are compared to the next person...you should probably take notice that some changes need to be made. Like, why in the world are you using a small caraf to measure out your wine pours...in the same vessel, for all wines, over and over, by the cash register? How long have you been reusing that thing...a day, all week? Just strange non-typical food service standards kinda weirdness. I'm sure it's all safe and what not, but it will serve them very well to dust, sweep, and maybe update the dishwasher. I'll come back. TV with sports, beer, wine, fun cocktails and ok enough food with a very small list of options...it's fine.

Shoutout to Dominic Augustine for personally ensuring my birthday airport experience included watching my small dogs sit on the floor while other identical dogs enjoyed first-class seating on nearby chairs. Apparently my dogs were pioneering a new "ground-only" policy that did not apply to anyone else within eyesight. Revolutionary stuff. Dominic was kind enough to wish me a happy birthday before enforcing this selective gravity mandate, which I appreciated. Nothing says celebration like public rule inconsistency. Five stars for confidence. Two stars for consistency.

Looking for good food at an airport is a little like looking for flowers in a silicon chip factory. It is a world of movement and expanse, of huge windows and too much light and all the time there is a godlike voice looking for someone and telling someone else to come get a lost item… possibly their soul or most certainly at least their sanity. “Joseph Martin please come back to gate 7 to pick up your lost sanity!” And of course don’t let anyone put anything in your bag. Trader Vic’s looked like a decent possibility, it had french toast, the wife wanted french toast, what can you do? After a brief wait in the decompression area we were approached by the waiter who directed us to our seats, like a man with other more important things on his mind. He seemed dismissive and uninterested. That first exchange was off putting, like the blast of cold water you get in the shower when you switch from the main faucet to the shower head. A bit of a shock, there among the lush foliage with the river of humanity flowing past as if you were perched on a bank while the Amazon River flows past full of stories and history. That abrasive feeling continued throughout the meal. Perhaps he has aspirations to work at a real Trader Vic’s, or he is descended from royalty, but I’m afraid it did not feel welcoming or friendly. Maybe it is just that airport crowds are mean and his skin has thickened over the years, but I would skip straight to the aerial pretzels given no other choice. Was the french toast good? Well, it wasn’t bad and although expensive, thin, flabby, and uninspired, was better than McDonald’s. Take that as you may. Much of this could have been fixed with a modicum of friendliness, something to make this a port from the storm, an oasis in the glass and steel desert. There, set to the side of the moving mass of the traveling hordes, could be a place where the weary traveler stops a moment and gathers themselves, makes plans, decompresses from the rush to catch their final leg home. It could be all of this and more. It could be a memory, part of a treasured story, a bright spot in a long journey. But it’s not, it is only a veneer in the hard jungle of the lonely lemming. Remember the food. Remember the pride in service. It’s not just a product, a matter of being proud of the concept instead of being proud of yourself.

Elija Bandersnatch

Looking for good food at an airport is a little like looking for flowers in a silicon chip factory. It is a world of movement and expanse, of huge windows and too much light and all the time there is a godlike voice looking for someone and telling someone else to come get a lost item… possibly their soul or most certainly at least their sanity. “Joseph Martin please come back to gate 7 to pick up your lost sanity!” And of course don’t let anyone put anything in your bag. Trader Vic’s looked like a decent possibility, it had french toast, the wife wanted french toast, what can you do? After a brief wait in the decompression area we were approached by the waiter who directed us to our seats, like a man with other more important things on his mind. He seemed dismissive and uninterested. That first exchange was off putting, like the blast of cold water you get in the shower when you switch from the main faucet to the shower head. A bit of a shock, there among the lush foliage with the river of humanity flowing past as if you were perched on a bank while the Amazon River flows past full of stories and history. That abrasive feeling continued throughout the meal. Perhaps he has aspirations to work at a real Trader Vic’s, or he is descended from royalty, but I’m afraid it did not feel welcoming or friendly. Maybe it is just that airport crowds are mean and his skin has thickened over the years, but I would skip straight to the aerial pretzels given no other choice. Was the french toast good? Well, it wasn’t bad and although expensive, thin, flabby, and uninspired, was better than McDonald’s. Take that as you may. Much of this could have been fixed with a modicum of friendliness, something to make this a port from the storm, an oasis in the glass and steel desert. There, set to the side of the moving mass of the traveling hordes, could be a place where the weary traveler stops a moment and gathers themselves, makes plans, decompresses from the rush to catch their final leg home. It could be all of this and more. It could be a memory, part of a treasured story, a bright spot in a long journey. But it’s not, it is only a veneer in the hard jungle of the lonely lemming. Remember the food. Remember the pride in service. It’s not just a product, a matter of being proud of the concept instead of being proud of yourself.

The WORST bar in and outside of the airport. DO not go here. They cannot make a drink to save their lives. If you are desperate and have no choice, stick to a beer or wine/champs; they can't mess that up. We ordered a cosmo that not only didn't come in the proper glass, but it tasted like water. $22 for WATER. The 3-sipper Mai Tai overfilled with ice was not good. And service was horrible. First and last time I will be having a drink here.