Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profilePaper Plane
San Jose, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Paper Plane's cocktail program is the main draw, with draft punches, shooters, and a celebrated Asian-influenced menu. The annual Miracle pop-up adds festive flair with themed drinks in collectible mugs. Beer and wine lists are concise but well-chosen, and zero-proof options are plentiful. A lively spot for drinkers seeking variety, though the menu can be a puzzle.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Don't Tell Mom Punch, a rum-based pitcher with black tea and pineapple. For a shooter, the Ichigo offers shochu and strawberry. During the holidays, the Snowball Old-Fashioned is a festive rye-based choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for creative, Asian-influenced drinks and a festive holiday atmosphere will feel at home. Groups will appreciate the shareable punches and the fun of the Miracle pop-up. Those seeking non-alcoholic options are well served.
- When should I go?
- The Miracle pop-up runs during the holiday season, drawing crowds for its themed experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $8 shooters to $14 glasses of punch, with pitchers at $50. Holiday pop-up drinks are around $15-$18. Wine by the glass is $11-$13, and beers are $4-$10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Miracle holiday pop-up transforms the bar with themed cocktails in festive mugs. The regular menu's Asian influence and draft punches set it apart from typical cocktail bars. A broad spirits list, including shochu and baijiu, adds depth.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative, Asian-influenced cocktails with draft punches and shooters. The Miracle pop-up adds themed holiday drinks. Quality is praised, though the menu can be hard to navigate.
Menu strengths
- — Asian-influenced creative cocktails, with standout Ring of Fire.
- — Draft punches and shooters offer variety and value.
Standout selections
- — Don't Tell Mom Punch: Evan Williams Bonded, orange curaçao, black tea, lemon, pineapple, ginger ale, nutmeg.
- — Where There's Smoke, There's Fire: mezcal, reposado tequila, port, lapsang souchong tea, grapefruit, spices.
- — Ichigo: shochu, Grand Poppy Amaro, strawberry, honey.
Pricing: Cocktails $8-$14; punches $14 glass/$50 pitcher; holiday drinks $14.95-$17.95
Wine
A compact but varied wine list with familiar varietals and sparkling options, all available by glass or bottle. Pricing is reasonable.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and sparkling.
Standout selections
- — Resplendent Pinot Noir: black plum, marionberry, carnation, vanilla.
- — Riesling from Santa Ynez Valley: apricot, lychee, white peach.
Pricing: Glasses $11-$13; bottles $43-$50; sparkling $31-$35
Beer
A curated craft beer list with styles from pilsner to sour, plus a boilermaker option. Priced accessibly.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of craft styles including IPA and hefeweizen.
- — Boilermaker with Montucky Cold Snacks and Larceny Bourbon.
Standout selections
- — STS Pils: German-style pilsner dry hopped with European hops.
- — Good Moment: West Coast DIPA with Mosaic, Sabro, and Vic Secret hops.
Pricing: Beers $4-$10
Nonalcoholic
A robust non-alcoholic program with creative zero-proof cocktails, N/A beer, and sodas. Holiday options are equally festive.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple zero-proof cocktails with unique ingredients.; Includes non-alcoholic beer and a N/A negroni.
Standout selections
- — Dukes Lagoon: mango, coconut water, condensed milk.
- — Jupiter Jazz: Melati Classic, passion fruit, orgeat, lemon.
Pricing: Zero-proof cocktails $12; holiday N/A drinks $11.95
Spirits
An extensive spirits list covering many categories, from American whiskey to shochu and baijiu. No specific products or prices are documented.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is documented, but the cocktail program's bold flavors—like the smoky Where There's Smoke, There's Fire—would pair well with savory Asian dishes. The beer selection, including a West Coast DIPA, could complement spicy fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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