Sip & Savor: A Tour of Downtown San Jose’s Best Coffee Shops ☕
Downtown San Jose is buzzing with creativity, culture, and a serious love for good coffee. Whether you’re a remote worker hunting for your next productivity haven, a student in need of a study break, or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted latte, there’s a spot for you. We explored some of our favorite local cafés to bring you this roundup of must-visit coffee shops in the heart of the city.
1. Academic Coffee
Small but mighty, Academic Coffee is known for its inventive seasonal drinks like, Red Boat Caramel Latte, "Snake Bite" Latte, Banana Cream Pie Latte, Strawberry Shrub Soda, and an expertly curated selection of single-origin brews. The space feels like a hidden gem tucked between downtown’s hustle and bustle—minimalist in design, maximum in flavor.
https://www.academiccoffee.com/
🗺 Location: 499 S 2nd St, San Jose
⭐ Vibe: Cozy, Minimalist, Creative
2. Dr.ink Coffee
Part espresso lab, part creative lounge, Dr.ink Coffee is where innovation meets caffeine. Known for its modern branding and unique drinks, this spot stands out for both its character and its craft. Try out their seasonal drinks like Tiramisu Latte for something truly different.
🗺 Location: 77 N Almaden Ave, Ste 70, San Jose
⭐ Vibe: Modern, Simple, Unique
3. Voltaire Coffee Roasters
Right near Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Voltaire is a go-to for commuters and creatives alike. They roast their own beans in-house and serve everything from cortados to oat milk lattes. Don’t sleep on their food menu either—the avocado toast is a standout!
https://www.voltairecoffeeroasters.com/
🗺 Location: 360 S Market St, San Jose
⭐ Vibe: Funky, Modern, Trendy
4. Hannah Coffee
This charming café serves up strong coffee and a seriously good pastry lineup. From flaky croissants to seasonal tarts, Hannah Coffee makes you feel right at home. They also offer a wonderful selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. It’s a perfect pit stop before a morning stroll through downtown or a quiet afternoon retreat.
🗺 Location: 754 The Alameda, San Jose
⭐ Vibe: Homey, Charming, Sweet
5. Voyager Craft Coffee
Known for inventive specialty drinks and a colorful aesthetic, Voyager takes inspiration from global flavors. Think Thai iced coffee with cardamom or lattes infused with house-made syrups. They also focus on community partnerships and high-quality, ethically sourced beans.
https://www.voyagercraftcoffeeorders.com
🗺 Location: 111 W St John St Suite 100, San Jose
⭐ Vibe: Artistic, Global, Instagram-worthy
Support Local, Sip Local ☕
Downtown San Jose is home to a vibrant coffee culture that’s as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. The next time you’re out and about, skip the chain cafés and try one of these local gems instead. Whether you're looking for your new favorite drink, a cool place to meet up, or simply a good cup of joe, these coffee shops have got you covered.
☕ Have a favorite spot we missed? Tag us on The Upswing Instagram or reach me directly @daddyd.re, we love discovering new brews and baristas!
