B2 Coffee
The Zagat-recommended B2 Coffee occupies a former garage, but along with its vaulted ceilings comes a simple and effective menu free of ostentation. They serve high-quality loose-leaf teas – including chai – as well as hand-crafted espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes using coffee from esteemed producers Verve and Sightglass. The sheer size of the premises makes it easy to find a quiet space in which to work and utilize the free WiFi. Seating is available in booths, at the bar, on tables and chairs, or outside.
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA, +1 408-244-2457
MoonBean’s Coffee
MoonBean’s Coffee have been roasting their beans in-house since 2000, ensuring their customers get the freshest possible beverage. Their roaster is located on the shop floor, so the aromas of beans imported from South and Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia will waft your way as soon as you walk in. MoonBean’s has a real neighborhood coffee house feel to it, and the staff is invariably friendly, personable, and chatty. Of particular note are their specialty drinks. The Dirty Asian, a Thai iced tea with a shot of espresso, is the perfect blend of sweet and bitter.
6219 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA, +1 408-281-8128
Elva’s Coffee Stop
Frank and Elva run this family business in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, serving up pastries, paninis, and breakfast burritos with homemade chipotle salsa to accompany their coffee. Their lattes offer the most choice, as you can choose between – among others – green tea, chai tea, hazelnut, and vanilla, as well as the more outlandish flavors of gingerbread, snickerdoodle, and pumpkin. Also worth a try are their iced cappuccinos and the decadent Zebra Mocha. The latter is an espresso made with two different kinds of chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream.
2206 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA, +1 408-269-2245
Crema Coffee Roasting Company
A green terrace and a cozy reading area complete with armchairs are provided here at the Crema Coffee Roasting Company, two spaces in which to enjoy their delicious red velvet or white chocolate and raspberry lattes. Also of note are their caramel macchiato and iced mocha with toasted coconut. Smoothies, fruit juices, teas, Italian sodas, and cider are also on the menu for those craving something a little different. For the vegans, go for a grilled eggplant panini and a caramel almond royale, brewed with almond milk.
950 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, +1 408-295-5690
Hannah Coffee Tea & Sweets
This establishment’s owner, Hannah, is a cupcake craftswoman, and her creative spark has evidently rubbed off on the baristas here, who execute wonderful latte art. They do the basics here, like Americanos and espressos, but they also push the boat out by whipping up ice-blended smoothies, Swiss mochas, salted caramel lattes, and affogato – a scoop of gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso. It would be a crime not to pair your drink with one of the artisan cakes on offer. The red velvet cupcakes and Nutella cheesecake are the pick of the bunch.
754 The Alameda Suite 80, San Jose, CA, +1 408-971-1207