Now open Thursday-Sunday, the  Italian Cellar at 323 W. St. John St. rests below the future Italian Cultural Center and Museum.

The Italian Cellar —modeled after a Prohibition-Era speakeasy — is open to members and guests, with revenues from memberships and drinks going to fund the completion of the center. Memberships cost $50 each year and those who sign up now will receive free membership for the remainder of 2023. Also, a $5 Sharks guest pass is available on game nights at the SAP Center.  Memberships.

“We have an extensive specialty cocktail menu such as the Old Fashioned, Sambuca Espresso Martini, Limoncello Gin Collins, Aperol Spritz as well as beer and wine,” said Joshua DeVincenzi Melander, president of Little Italy San Jose.  “We also have an outdoor wine barrel bar and wine barrel tables.”

Since 2010, the non-profit Little Italy San Jose has made progress revitalizing San Jose’s original — and much larger — Italian settlement along two blocks nestled between Highway 87 and Guadalupe River Park. Melander and Debbie Caminiti co-founded the organization.

A 1910 “Beltramo” home is being restored into The Italian Cellar and museum/cultural center.  The space above will celebrate Italian culture and heritage and highlight the numerous contributions Italian-Americans have made to Santa Clara County.

The neighborhood includes: The Painted Lady Salon; The Little Wine House; Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life; Paesano Ristorante Italiano; Famiglia Meduri’s Poor House Bistro; and the “Littlest Little Italy,” which includes Bird by Pour Decisions, Ancora Vino and Salumeria by Enoteca La Store, Bibo’s Little Italy Pizza, and Torino Panino.

More at littleitalysj.com.