Our newest travel guide comes courtesy of our friend Jess Vuong, a San Jose native and super Yelper. Enjoy!
– Kathrine & Jeff
San Jose isn’t built around one central scene. It’s a collection of everyday places, local favorites, and lowkey spots that come together to shape how you live, eat, and spend your time. If you know where to look (and are willing to drive 15 minutes in any direction), you’ll find some of the best food and drinks in the Bay Area.
Eats
San Jose is not about “destination restaurants,” but more about knowing which plaza to pull into. If it looks unassuming, then you’re probably in the right place.
Pho Ha Noi: There are a lot of pho spots here, but this one is consistently good with big portions, and it’s always busy. Go to this Pho Ha Noi located in the Vietnamtown / Little Saigon plaza and take a walk around. If pho isn’t for you, there’s tons of other restaurants side by side for you to choose from. Afterwards, for a sweet treat, all the dessert and milk tea spots are just a few steps away.
Cafe Rosalena: Known for having the best breakfast burritos in San Jose. Once you see the size (and take the first bite), you’ll understand why.
Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen: It’s casual and a little chaotic and loud, but really good. They’re known for their tacos, birria, and large burritos. Their orange sauce alone has a bit of a cult following (it’s quite spicy)!
Duc Huong Sandwiches: If you’ve been on Bay Area TikTok or Instagram at all, you’ve seen this place. They’re best known for their stuffed bánh mì sandwiches (and you have the option to order it with a garlic bread baguette)! There’s usually a line outside and little to no indoor seating, so grab the sandwiches and drive to a nearby park to enjoy them!
Milk Tea (Boba), Coffee, & Dessert
San Jose (and the Bay Area in general) might actually be the boba capital of the U.S. There are so many boba shops that it starts to feel like there’s one in every plaza, and honestly…there kind of is. New ones are constantly popping up, going viral, and replacing your current favorite every few months. At the same time, we also have some really good coffee and dessert spots here.
7 Leaves Cafe: A Bay Area staple. The house coffee and sea cream jasmine milk tea are the go-tos. If caffeine isn’t for you, their mung bean milk tea is a favorite to many.
HEYTEA: This is one of the newer arrivals that immediately drew a crowd. Originally from China, it’s known for its cheese foam teas (yes, sweet cheese on tea…just trust) and its super simplistic branding. No matter which location you go to, there will most definitely be a line, so order ahead using their app!
Cô Ba Dessert, Tea & Coffee: Go here for Vietnamese desserts, an assortment of chè, and really strong Vietnamese coffee that will keep you up all night.
Academic Coffee: A local coffee shop that takes its coffee seriously and experiments with new flavors. They have a variety of well-balanced lattes, consistently solid cold brews, and new seasonal flavors. Come here to meet up with friends or to do some solo work.
California Bakehouse: A family-owned Vietnamese bakery that’s known for their pandan waffles, custom cakes, flaky pastries and Vietnamese-inspired treats.
Drinks
Nightlife in San Jose can be pretty lowkey. It’s about having a few reliable spots you like and going where the vibe fits your night.
Paper Plane: This is widely considered one of the best cocktail bars downtown. Known for their inventive cocktails and snacks.
Haberdasher: Go to this below-ground bar if you’re looking for a spot that gives off speakeasy energy and strong cocktails.
MINIBOSS: A fun spot for good drinks while you play vintage arcade games.
Goodtime Bar: A cozy, laid-back wine bar with a nice selection of natural wines and small plates. It’s everything you need to have a “goodtime.”
Guildhouse: It’s part bar and part gaming lounge. They lean into the e-sports / gaming culture with a huge space, multiple screens, and a setup that’s built for groups. You can also just hang out and play one of the many board games that they have available.
Shopping
Santana Row: Perfect for a day of outdoor shopping, good food, people-watching.
Westfield Valley Fair: Just across the street from Santana Row. More shopping and eating.
Mitsuwa Marketplace: It’s a Japanese grocery store with a food court, and it’s connected to a Japanese book store that sells cool trinkets and stationery.
Things to Do
San Jose has a mix of chill activities and places you can drop into without much planning.
San Pedro Square Market: It’s a food hall with occasional live music. Great for groups when no one can decide what they want to eat.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade: Located inside a mall. There’s bowling, arcade games, claw machines, and karaoke, so you don’t have to just pick one thing to do. It’s great for groups, casual hangouts, or date nights.
Municipal Rose Garden: Known as "America's Best Rose Garden,” this is a historic and beloved public garden in the heart of San Jose. It’s a popular spot for casual walks, photos, and picnics.
San Jose Museum of Art: A compact but lively downtown museum filled with rotating contemporary art. It’s quick to walk through and always has something new and visually interesting to see.
Japanese Friendship Garden: Take a peaceful walk in this tucked-away garden with koi ponds, bridges, and winding paths. It’s a calm and scenic escape from the city.
Alum Rock Park: If you’re looking to go hiking, this is a local park with a lot of open space hiking trails. It’s great for spending time in nature without leaving San Jose.
Uniform
Keep it simple. This is sunny California, so you’re rarely dealing with true cold. A hoodie, a couple of light layers, and a solid pair of sneakers are enough for almost any day. Bring a tote bag to carry your belongings if you’re out for most of the day. For jackets, just a lightweight layer or packable windbreaker is perfect for the occasional cooler morning or evening.
Good to Know
You need a car. Public transit exists, but you will feel limited without a car. Everything is spread out.
San Jose isn’t about one big attraction. It’s about the mix of everyday spots that add up to a lifestyle you can enjoy, with just enough variety to keep things interesting.
