So, what does the San Jose Convention Center look like?

[dj seifer]

This will be my first con outside of AX, and I'm not familiar with San Jose in general.  What does the convention center look like?  Any nice, grassy areas outside?  How much space does everything take up?  Any decent places to eat around the CC?

[Barnes]

I've got some pics.
First, on West San Carlos St., looking from the outside:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCC1.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCC2.jpg

Inside:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCl.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCm.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCr.jpg

Bear in mind, those are just basic things I'm showing.
As for your other questions, I'll let others answer.

[IamTetsuo]

The convention center looks big.  There are three giant main rooms which are occupied by the dealers room, the artists alley and the gaming rooms.  Then there are a dozen or so smaller rooms that are used for anime screening rooms, panels, and the dances/music fest.  It is set up in a H configuration, with the Hilton and Marriot connected directly to the center.

Yes there are a couple of nearby parks.  Yes there are plenty of great places nearby to eat (my favorites are Johnny Rockets, Pizza My Heart, and Iguana Burrito).

[Sen]

It may be big, but I think it is pretty small compared to the Anaheim convention center. I know AX was at Long Beach CC this past year so I don't know how that would compare. 

[dj seifer]

I've got some pics.
First, on West San Carlos St., looking from the outside:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCC1.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCC2.jpg

Inside:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCl.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCm.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f293/CapeBarnes/Downtown%20San%20Jose/SJCCr.jpg

Bear in mind, those are just basic things I'm showing.
As for your other questions, I'll let others answer.

Looks pretty nice so far.

It may be big, but I think it is pretty small compared to the Anaheim convention center. I know AX was at Long Beach CC this past year so I don't know how that would compare. 

As long as there's no uphill walking involved, it's all good.

[kuroi]

Fanime is probably one of my favorite cons in terms of layout; it's really easy to figure out where things are, nothing's complicated to get to or from (unlike AX last year; good god, the LBCC was a nightmare D:). It's not entirely huge, but it doesn't feel cramped.

It's all on a flat surface, which is really nice when you're running to and from gatherings for a costume change ^^;; It's very pretty, as far as convention centers go, and although there aren't any grassy areas that are the convention center, there are parks incredibly close by (you sit in line in one of them for the Masquerade) There's also a sort of tree bed on the Mariott side, where we've gotten some good pictures in.

[G.I.R]

 Yes there are plenty of great places nearby to eat (my favorites are Johnny Rockets, Pizza My Heart, and Iguana Burrito).

What!?!  No mention of Peggy Sue's?  :o

The convention center from Maps.Google:  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=san+jose+convention+center.+san+jose+ca&sll=37.330891,-121.889749&sspn=0.011722,0.020041&ie=UTF8&ll=37.329176,-121.888815&spn=0.00293,0.00677&t=h&z=18
(The structure with the arched roof is the Convention Center,and you can see the Mariott and Hilton in the front).
The layout is comparable to the San Diego Convention Center, but a lot shorter. 

[astroboy]

Any decent places to eat around the CC?

[size=8]YES[/size]
One of the nice things about Fanime is the good selection of places to eat within walking distance. So long as you're not cosplaying a character wearing high heel shoes, you'll be okay. Ask the info desk or con-ops during the con; they'll usually have a food map and a good chance that 1 staffer knows the area. Check this forum before con; there's always at least one person who will start a thread about food and it can go on for pages.
*begins a hypnotic trance - you will come to Fanime*

[Moonblossom]

Aha! Took me a while to find, but I found it. Regarding your question about places to eat, this thread from last year is filled with some good suggestions.

http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,6656.0.html

I'll also add Asqew Grill to that list, it's got really amazing grilled meats, nice drink selection, and a fun atmosphere, and the prices were really reasonable for good food.
http://www.asqewgrill.com/

[phoenixphire24]

This is posted on the "dining out" thread, but it's a good resource for food, so I'll post it again.

http://www.sanjose.org/visitors/eat/distance.php

Basically it lists different places to eat (with website links) based on the distance from the convention center. That way you'll know approximately how far you'll have to walk or drive to get to a particular eatery.

Also La Victoria=best breakfast burritos EVER