Independent Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Silicon Valley, San Jose & South Bay
Part of selling real estate in Silicon Valley is the fact that I am passionate about the area where we live – here, I’m putting together another one of my “favorites” lists. This time, it’s non-giant-corporate coffee shops and bakeries. For the first time in awhile, lots of indies are popping up and they are worth a try. Each has a place to sit down & meet friends or family for catching up. (i.e., some bakeries were not included due to counter service only) Most also have some type of worthy pastries. These are my go to spots when I get tired of Starbucks and Peet’s.
The Latte Art bunch:
Bitter + Sweet; www.bitter-sweet.com; 20560 Town Center Lane, Cupertino CA 408-255-2600 (Sightglass coffee, Humphrey Slocombe ice cream, Satura pastries–try the Kouignamann, etc.) Espresso drinks, teas & single pour coffees.
Barefoot Coffee; www.barefootcampbell.com 1819 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell CA 408-340-5026; www.barefootcoffee.com 5237 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara CA 408-248-4500, 15567 Union Ave. Los Gatos CA 408-377-1052.
Philz Coffee; www.philzcoffee.com; 3191 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto CA; 101 Forest Ave., Palo Alto CA; 118 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose CA.
Roy’s Station; www.roys-station.com; 197 Jackson Street San Jose CA (Japantown) 408-286-2236. A revival of a landmark, with plenty of outdoor seating (plus ample indoor).
Other coffee spots:
Crema, www.cremacoffeeco.com, 950 The Alameda San Jose CA, 408-295-5690 & 50 W. San Fernando St. #120 San Jose CA 408-287-4111. Outdoor seating at the location on The Alamaeda.
Cafe Venetia, www.cafevenetia.com, 419 University Ave. Palo Alto CA, 650-323-3600. Experience the good side of pretentious Italian coffee service.
Cafe Borrone, www.cafeborrone.com, 1010 El Camino Real Menlo Park CA 650-327-0830, a Silicon Valley stalwart. Don’t miss any of the cafes on this list, but you might want to start here from the longstanding historical standpoint.
Bakeries with coffee and tea:
Paris Baguette; 3561 El Camino Real #75 Santa Clara CA, 408-260-0404, 383 University Ave. Palo Alto CA 650-838-0404. A Korean-run French bakery with huge selection. Gift cakes are packaged in gorgeous presentation boxes. Pastries are reasonably priced.
Fleur de Cocoa; www.fleurdecocoa.com, 39 N. Santa Cruz Los Gatos CA, 408-354-3574. Authentic French bakery run by Pascal de Janvier who wins pastry competitions all over the world.
Cocola; www.cocolabakery.com, 333 Santana Row #1045, San Jose CA 408-551-0018. I like their Palmiers, Creme Feuillette & more. Plus it’s nice to have a unique spot to people watch in Santana Row.
Flower Flour; www.flower-flour.com, 896 Willow Street San Jose CA (Willow Glen), 408-279-0843. To-die-for chocolate chip cookies. Coffee is decent — but it is more the baked goods, homemade lunches and in-house florist that make this noteworthy.
If I have missed a notable spot, please let me know about it & why you like it. I’ll give it a try!
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My main business is to help people with home buying and home selling in Silicon Valley, San Jose & the South Bay. Contact me if you need to buy a house or if you are getting your house ready to sell.














