Best Middle Eastern Food in San Jose, CA
Living in the Bay Area certainly has its perks, including year-round sunshine, awe-inspiring redwood forests, and a booming tech industry. One of the best parts of living in Northern California is access to a variety of world cultures, thanks to the diversity of the region. While many people associate California with sushi, Mexican, and organic cuisine, the San Jose area is actually home to an impressive array of Middle Eastern restaurants. With plenty of options to choose from, it’s helpful to know what locals believe to be the top Middle Eastern food spots in the area.
Our dedicated team members here at Lexus of Stevens Creek have put together this list of four of the top Middle Eastern food spots in the San Jose area. With this guide, you can feel confident when choosing the perfect place next time a pita or falafel craving hits.
1. Gulzaar Halaal

The first Middle Eastern restaurant on our list is Gulzaar Halaal, located right here in San Jose, California. If you’re looking for a place that has an extensive menu with vegetarian accommodations, this might be the perfect spot for you. Their menu dedicates an entire section to “veggie specialties” with dishes including fried eggplant, a spiced cauliflower and potato meal called aloo gobi masala, vegetable samosas, and a sandwich made with fresh avocado, tomato, cucumber, olives, and a tangy dressing.
This family-owned restaurant also has plenty of meat specialties on the menu. Some of their most popular dishes include beef kabob with biryani rice, chicken tikka masala, and wraps made with beef and chicken kabob. If you’re interested in trying a regional beverage, consider ordering their mango lassi, which is a rich blend of mangoes, yogurt, and cardamom. Classic Middle Eastern desserts like rice pudding and flaky baklava are also available to round out your meal on a sweet note.
Location: 1880 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA
Image by wuestenigel licensed under CC BY 2.0
2. Stone Stew Restaurant
The next spot on our list of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the San Jose area is Stone Stew Restaurant. They specialize in Persian cuisine, with the restaurant’s namesake attributed to the dizi, or stone crocks, where they serve many of their trademark stews. Stone Stew has an unassuming location, as it’s connected to a Middle Eastern market that you pass through on your way to the restaurant. Authentic cultural decor lines every inch of the location’s walls, truly immersing you in your Persian dining experience.
Before indulging in your main course, consider sampling some of the restaurant’s appetizers, like their homemade hummus or a fresh house salad. Some popular menu items at Stone Stew Restaurant include salmon fish kabobs, a stone stew made with beef shank and garbanzo beans, and an assortment of other Persian stews made with ingredients such as mushrooms, eggplant, and yellow peas. They offer a variety of rice dishes you can pair with chicken, lamb chops, beef kabobs, or filets. No Persian meal is complete without a delicious cup of tea, which you can order in a pot that serves two.
Location: 4233 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA
3. Falafel’s Drive-In
You can’t talk about Middle Eastern cuisine in San Jose without mentioning Falafel’s Drive-In. This charming drive-in restaurant opened in 1966 when its owners immigrated to San Jose and wanted to create a spot that offered healthy and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine to the community, along with American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and onion rings. Falafel’s Drive-In is a great spot for those searching for hearty vegetarian options, with a variety of falafel dishes. Consider trying other Middle Eastern cuisine classics like hummus, tabbouleh salad, or warm pita bread to accompany your meal.
Along with their extensive savory menu, Falafel’s has its own assortment of sweet treats to cap off your delicious meal. You can try one of their iconic shakes made from non-fat milk and low-fat ice cream with flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, pineapple, or their most famous fresh banana shake. To transport your taste buds back to the 1960s, consider trying one of the malted shakes made from the same flavors. If you’re looking for a more authentic dessert, try one of their refreshing yogurt drinks made with fresh fruit, yogurt, and mint.
Location: 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA
4. Sajj Mediterranean
The final spot on our list of the top Middle Eastern cuisine in San Jose is Sajj Mediterranean, a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in easy-to-eat wraps and bowls full of Middle Eastern flavors. Your culinary experience at Sajj begins when you choose your protein from a selection featuring falafel, chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, chicken kabob, or pomegranate chicken. Next, you’ll pick either a pita bread, wrap, salad bowl, couscous bowl, or rice bowl to enjoy with your main protein.
After choosing your protein and base, you’ll pick a luscious spread to drizzle over your bowl, choosing either hummus, garlic sauce, or tzatziki. Finally, you can select from a long list of toppings to add extra flavor to your meal, including garbanzo beans, sumac-seasoned cauliflower, arugula, tomato-cucumber salad, feta cheese, and tahini sauce, among others. Take your meal to the next level with one of their side dishes, such as french fries, pita bread, lentil soup, or falafel. If you have a sweet tooth, you definitely want to try their chocolate hummus with cinnamon chips.
Location: 4140 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA
So, there you have it. That’s our list of the top four Middle Eastern food spots you can find right here in San Jose, California. We hope this article comes in handy the next time you’re craving a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal. Have questions about other restaurants in the Oakland area? Interested in buying a new or used Lexus or learning about your financing and leasing options? Whatever your inquiry, feel free to contact us today at Lexus of Stevens Creek, and a member of our staff would be more than happy to assist you.
2022 Lexus UX 250H Showcase
The new 2022 Lexus UX 250h hybrid is a luxury four-door sedan vehicle with seating for up to five people. We guarantee this car will turn heads no matter where you go — on a quick journey to the supermarket, out for a night on the town, or just off to work.
Available in your choice of nine colors, including the sporty red and cadmium orange, the Lexus UX 250h packs many features into its compact frame.
The sales team at Lexus of Stevens Creek, serving Santa Clara, San Jose, and other parts of northern California, has put together this guide to the Lexus UX 250h to help decide whether this extraordinary car is right for you.
Lexus UX 250h Trim

Image by Peter Zoon licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Lexus UX 250h is a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with an all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
The car is available in three trims: The UX 250h AWD, the UX 250hF AWD, and the UX 250h Luxury AWD. The car is powered by a 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with the patented Lexus Hybrid Drive. The cars are designated as certified ultra-low-emission vehicles (ULEV III), with each putting out 181 horsepower.
Interior Features
Designers held nothing back in developing the interior experience of the Lexus UX 250h. Start with a day-night rearview mirror, cargo space lights, seats with leatherette back material, carpeted floor trim, folding cargo cover, and front-center armrest.
The rear seats come in a 60-40 split configuration, with a fold-forward seatback. The steering wheel is encased in leather.
Seats in the F-Sport trim include 8-way adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar support as an option. Interior trim comes in a classy metal-look instrument panel, door panel, and console insert. Keep track of your journey with your trip computer.
Performance Specs
As a hybrid vehicle, the 2022 Lexus UX 250h offers great value at the gas tank. According to estimates provided by the EPA, the car produces 41 mpg in city driving, 38 mpg in highway driving, and 39 mpg combined. Those estimates are based on the car’s hybrid electric/gas engine.
The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds and has a top track speed of 110 mph. The car’s cruising range is just a little under 435 miles.
Embedded Technology
Connected and embedded technology is a hallmark of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h. The centerpiece is a 7.0-inch diagonal color LCD that provides access to the Lexus Multimedia System for playing music and accessing navigation, maps, and other information features on apps resident on your mobile phone. You can also use your display to review and monitor information about the vehicle, such as problem alerts. The car comes with six premium standard speakers, and you can integrate your phone into this system using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
For safety, you can see what’s behind you through an integrated backup camera. You will get extra peace of mind from the electronic parking brake. And gain entry to the car through smart access features and get it started through push-button start/stop.
Lexus EnformService Connect is a connected feature that delivers information about the condition of the car, such as fuel level, mileage, and maintenance alert. EnformService is included for the first ten years of your ownership of the Lexus UX 250h.
The Lexus App
You can experience the power of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h in the palm of your hand through the feature-rich aspects of the Lexus App. Available for a free download via the App Store or Google Play, the Lexus App lets you start the car remotely, schedule service appointments, monitor the vehicle’s health reports, such as battery and fuel status, make loan or lease payments, and much more.
While signed in, you can manage settings on various services such as in-car WiFi and safety features. The remote start feature, known as EnformRemote, is included for the first three years of your ownership.
Safety Features
The Lexus UX 250h also uses technology to protect you and your family and any passengers with extraordinary safety features that assist your journey, whether short or long-haul. These Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 safety features include:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
- Lane tracing.
- Lane departure alert with steering assist.
- Road sign assist.
- All-speed dynamic radar cruise control.
- Intelligent, automatic high beam headlights.
The UX 250h also offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and intuitive parking assist feature rear cross-traffic braking to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises during your day.
For added support, for the first three years of your ownership, Lexus includes a subscription to EnformSafety Connect. This connected feature leverages the car’s embedded GPS to send help when it detects a collision and pinpoints the car’s location in the event it’s been stolen. The Lexus App offers features to help you document the accident and file an official police report.
Upgrades in the Lexus UX 250h
You don’t have to settle for standard in the Lexus UX 250h. The car comes with several impressive add-on packages to help customize your driving experience. A few examples, just to get your attention:
- Color head’s up display.
- Wireless charger.
- Power tilt-and-slide moon roof.
- Windshield wiper de-icer.
- 10.3-inch diagonal split-screen multimedia display.
- Heated steering wheel (F-Sport only).
- Power rear door with kick sensor.
- Dual-zone climate control.
Trust the Team at Lexus of Stevens Creek
Whether you are interested in the 2022 Lexus UX 250h or another vehicle in the luxury Lexus lineup, the team at Lexus of Stevens Creek is ready to meet your needs. We’re the top Lexus dealership in northern California, serving buyers in San Jose, Santa Clara, and other parts of northern California. Our experienced sales team will help you find the perfect new or pre-owned Lexus for you and your family.
As a full-service dealership, Lexus of Stevens Creek offers services both before and after the sale. Our finance department will work with you to find a loan or lease that works for your budget. At the same time, our certified mechanics will provide experienced maintenance and repair service with genuine Lexus parts to keep your car on the road as long as possible.
To make an appointment or schedule a test drive, call us or contact us online today. We’d love to work with you!
Best Scenic Drives in San Jose, CA
Whether you’re looking for a way to spend some time with your family or significant other or are just looking for the best views in the area, taking a scenic drive along one of the many roadways in Silicon Valley could be the answer. The weather is beautiful year-round, and with views of the expansive downtown area and the iconic area sunsets with the mountains for a backdrop, there’s no better place to take one than right here in our favorite town.
The team at Lexus of Stevens Creek has taken the time to share where are the best places for a scenic drive in San Jose, California. We hope you find time to do one or more of these drives this season.
About San Jose, California

Image via Flickr by czarcats
San Jose is a beautiful cultural town located in Silicon Valley. It’s the third-largest city in California and is known as one of the cleanest in the country for its mixed energy power grid. There are plenty of things to see and do in the town itself and beautiful scenic roadways that connect everything. This city is great for families due to the abundance of family-friendly activities and attractions, the safe environment, and the beauty the area has to offer.
Santa Cruz Mountains Scenic Road
The Santa Cruz Mountains Scenic Drive will take you down a road less traveled. To make this drive, you can leave from the southwestern edge of San Jose and head west on State Route 9. This winding road offers beautiful views of the mountains, forests thick with redwood trees, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. A nice, leisurely route that lets you meander from San Jose to Santa Cruz on your own time, this short 34-mile drive can easily take an hour to navigate safely while still taking in all the beautiful views.
Before you turn around to head back home, you can take advantage of the restaurants and shops located at the Santa Cruz Wharf. While here, head to the beach for an afternoon of water fun or enjoy a scenic bay cruise. The sights along the Santa Cruz Mountains are awe-inspiring at sunrise and sunset, so planning your trip to accommodate one or both will make your drive even more special.
Drive to the Monterey Peninsula and Enjoy the Sights
Another option to find an abundance of scenic views is the drive from San Jose to the Monterey Peninsula. Slightly longer, at around 72 miles, this drive includes unique places to stop, such as the Del Valle Regional Park with trails and a lake surrounded by pristine beaches. You’ll pass through Santa Clara, Pacific Grove, and Santa Cruz. You can hop on Highway 880/17 to Santa Cruz, where you’ll follow the coastline along Highway 1 South for the rest of your trip.
If you have more time, you can take Highway 880 to Highway 280, then Highway 9 to Highway 1. This winding road will take some additional concentration, but the views are worth it. Plus, you can spend time in Monterey once you arrive, which is always a good time.
Navigate Your Way to Pescadero
We love the drive from San Jose to Pescadero, where you can navigate your way through an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive along a circular path that will take you through Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. You’ll then take Interstate 280 to return to San Jose. In Pescadero, you can enjoy sights like Pigeon Point Light Station, a 115-foot-tall light tower that overlooks the ocean.
There are trails throughout the area to enjoy the wildlife and fresh air and become more in tune with nature, even it’s just for the day. There are plenty of local restaurants to visit before your ride home. You’ll find coastal views and redwood-topped mountains with breathtaking beauty on this scenic drive.
Explore Wine Country on Your Way to Livermore
Within just a short 45-minute drive, you can take the scenic route from San Jose to Livermore. The area is home to world-class vineyards, delicious cafes, and fantastic scenery. This drive will allow you to explore the views to and from the local wineries without making your way to Napa. This short excursion would make the perfect day trip with the scenery as well as the wine and delicious food located at wineries throughout the Livermore area.
Visit World-Famous San Francisco
We can’t forget the historical drive from San Jose to San Francisco. Located about an hour north, San Francisco offers many things to see and do and is a beautiful ride from San Jose. As you travel, find spectacular views as you make your way through bustling cities, San Francisco Bay, and along the Pacific Ocean. Once you arrive in San Francisco, you can take advantage of the many places to visit, such as the historic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, or check out the cable cars or Walt Disney Family Museum.
Bringing Back the Scenic Drive
Setting out for a scenic drive on the weekend offers abundant benefits, from getting in some quality family time to discovering and learning. A drive for leisure instead of necessity is good for the mind, body, and soul. Why not take advantage of the sights surrounding the Silicon Valley town of San Jose, California, for a day trip? You can travel north, south, or any other direction to see oceans, mountains, forests, and more. There aren’t many places you can do that, so take advantage of it.
The Lexus of Stevens Creek team hopes you take at least one of these beautiful San Jose, California, roadways for your next scenic drive. Please send us a message if you have any other favorites you feel should be on our list. You can reach us at 669-231-0397 or using our convenient online contact form. We know there’s no way we could cover them all here and would love an excuse to get back out on the road to explore other favorite scenic drives.
Best Towing Companies in San Jose, CA
When things don’t go as expected on the road, a tow truck company pulls your vehicle out of a bad place and takes it to a shop. They also help you when you’re stuck for any reason, like dead batteries, flat tires, and accidentally locking yourself out. The internet makes it pretty easy to compare tow truck companies in San Jose, California, by price, reputation, and types of services offered. Let’s check out a few of the best tow truck services available in the area.
What Kind of Towing Do You Need?
To help better prepare you if you need to call for a tow truck, let’s quickly go over the main types of towing. The most common type is light-duty, which is when a tow truck secures your vehicle by two wheels, front or back, to raise one end. Light-duty is the standard practice for all consumer cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Towing jobs that can’t be done in the light-duty method fall under either medium-duty or heavy-duty. These tasks require more powerful and specialized vehicles depending on the job. If you need to get your car out of a body of water, which is called water recovery, medium- or heavy-duty towing is necessary.
Most tow customers in San Jose only require light-duty towing, typically for a car that broke down or got into an accident. A tow company can also assist you with roadside services, such as jump-starting your battery.
San Jose Towing Company
Image via Unsplash by Jonathan Cooper
When you need towing or roadside assistance, this 24-hour towing company serves anyone in San Jose, Palo Alto, and other surrounding cities. They offer reliable towing and roadside services, day or night. Some of these include:
- Emergency towing.
- Roadside assistance.
- Vehicle battery jumping.
- Flat-tire service.
- Vehicle lockout assistance.
- Fuel delivery service.
- Wrecker service.
They’ve provided San Jose residents with light-duty towing and common roadside assistance options since 2014. They pride themselves on low pricing for basic roadside assistance such as gasoline delivery, too.
J Towing Services
Are you encountering issues with your vehicle when going to San Jose, California, from another city? Before anything else, you’ll need the assistance of a trustworthy and dependable tow-truck business. J Towing Services and its network of independently owned and licensed affiliates will take care of your automobile jump-start, dead car battery, and other issues. Call from anywhere in the area for:
- 24/7 light-duty towing services.
- Car battery jumpstart.
- Long-distance towing.
- Wrecker service.
- Heavy-duty towing.
- Heavy-duty tire change.
- Accident removal.
- Emergency towing services.
- Flatbed towing.
- Ignition key solutions.
- Motorcycle towing.
- On-the-spot oil changes.
- Out-of-gas services.
- Dolly towing service.
- Open trunk services.
Even if it’s just to unlock your car door after locking yourself out, you’ll see your J Towing Services truck coming to the rescue in minutes. Call from anywhere in the San Jose area for post-accident tows, trunk unlocking, and everything in between.
All-Star Tow SJ
All-Star Tow SJ provides prompt, courteous, and affordable towing services. They’ve been in business since 1986 and guarantee quality work by certified experts. They’re available to respond to automobile emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some of their main highlights over competitors include:
- Over five years of expertise.
- Arrival in 30 minutes or less.
- Competitive rates with no hidden costs.
- Professional and kind service.
All-Star Tow SJ can handle motorcycle, light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing tasks as well as roadside assistance for motorcycle and automobile issues. If you’re locked out of your trunk or need a jumpstart, this popular company can serve you quickly.
Ten4tow
Ten4tow has over 15 years of towing experience and can help San Jose drivers get the fastest, most professional assistance possible. They are a rapidly expanding franchise dedicated to providing high-quality towing and roadside assistance at exceptionally low pricing.
No one wants to wait on the side of the road, or worse, be accused of holding up the road. That’s why the Ten4tow emergency towing specialists are committed to arriving swiftly and working effectively. Thanks to a stellar track record, they’ve established a large number of locations across California and Texas.
Ten4tow’s expert services include light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing, along with private property, motorcycle, and flatbed towing. Take a trip out of San Jose that didn’t pan out? Long-distance towing is no problem with Ten4tow.
First Call Towing Service
First Call Towing Service delivers the best towing and roadside assistance around San Jose, Santa Clara, and surrounding regions. First Call Towing is a professional firm with huge resources that hasn’t forgotten the importance of courteous drivers and treating customers with respect. Give them a call for:
- Car towing.
- Flatbed towing.
- Jumpstarting.
- RV towing.
- Truck towing.
- Roadside tire services.
- Fuel delivery.
- Motorcycle towing.
- Trailer towing.
- Stuck vehicle pulling.
Dick’s Community Towing
Last but not least, Dick’s Community Towing provides 24-hour services in Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and West San Jose. This local towing company has one mission: to deliver high-quality services at a reasonable cost. Their tow truck drivers are CTTA certified and have all the necessary equipment and resources to get you back on the road. Their service list includes:
- Local and long-distance towing.
- 24/7 wrecker service.
- Motorcycle towing.
- Specialty car towing.
- Luxury vehicle towing.
- Antique vehicle transport.
- Accident towing and clean-up.
- Flatbed towing.
- Work truck towing.
Send Your Car to Lexus of Stevens Creek With These Companies
Picking the right tow truck after an accident isn’t exactly like choosing where to go for dinner. Even just out of gas a few miles from home, you probably just want to get moving as soon as possible. To stay prepared, take a look at each of these tow truck services available in San Jose. Then, save a couple in your phone or Lexus infotainment system.
Once you’ve figured out who to call for towing, the next question is where to go for automotive service. You can count on the service center at Lexus of Stevens Creek for repairs and maintenance on all makes and models. If you’ve got to get your vehicle towed to an automotive service shop, send it to Lexus of Stevens Creek. Until then, remember the companies above and stay safe!
Car Shows in San Jose, CA
Car shows can be a great place for automobile enthusiasts to learn about new models, share ideas, and admire classic designs. You can also connect with fellow automobile lovers and even score a deal on a sweet new ride. If you’d like to check out a car show in the San Jose area, you’re in luck. There are a variety of upcoming events happening in and around the city, and we at Lexus of Stevens Creek have created a list of five that you can check out this year.
San Jose Super Show

Image via Flickr by Ben124
The San Jose Super Show is an all-custom car showcase that will happen in July 2022 at the San Jose Convention Center. This is part of Wekfest, a national set of automotive events first established in 2008. Discover a wide range of custom cars, including styles like JDM, Euro, VIP, race, OEM, and off-road vehicles. The cars in the show also compete for awards in specialty, manufacturer, and individual categories. These awards include Car of the Festival, Vendor of the Festival, Judge’s Choice, Best Engineering, Best Craftsmanship, Nostalgic Car of the Festival, and Exotic of the Festival.
This event is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, 2022. There will be early preview hours from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. followed by general admission hours from 1 p.m.–6p.m. The location is the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Hall 1, 2, and 3, at 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose. General admission tickets for this show go on sale on May 10. They cost $30 for adults, $25 for military service members, and are free for children under the age of 12. You can also purchase early preview tickets for $45. If you have questions, you can email support@wekfest-usa.com.
Hot San Jose Nights
Hot San Jose Nights is gearing up for its 14th annual Airport Day auto and airplane show this August. You can come see classic cars, or even bring your own to display. You can also explore the collection of air crafts on displays, which have traditionally included over 40 models. Other attractions from years past include race car driver autograph sessions, awards of excellence, a color guard presentation, fire trucks, and antique autos. There is also live music and great food, making the Hot San Jose Nights a great car show pick for the whole family.
Last year, this event was scheduled from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on August 28, at Reid-Hillview Airport, 2500 Cunningham Avenue, San Jose. For more information about the 2022 event, you can contact the organizers by phone at 408-615-1454 or by email at info@hotsanjosenights.com. This event is free for all guests, but organizers do encourage everyone to bring a food donation to contribute to their Second Harvest Food Bank drive.
Silicon Valley Auto Show
The Silicon Valley Auto Show is one of the best summer auto events in the San Jose area. You can explore hundreds of new cars from world-class manufacturers, including hybrids, trucks, sports cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. You can sit in the car driver’s seat, ask the representatives questions, and even inquire about arranging test drives. Manufacturers represented at the show include Acura, Audi, Bentley, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, and Toyota.
This year, the Silicon Valley Auto Show is scheduled to take place July 8–July 10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, located just a 15-minute drive from San Jose at 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. If you have questions, you can get in touch with the Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association by phone at 408-437-7557 or by email at svada81@sbcglobal.net.
Saratoga Classic and Cool Car Show
The Saratoga Classic and Cool Car Show is, true to its name, full of cool and classic cars for you to check out. These include over 300 American Mustangs, Hot Rods, exotics, specialty cars, racing cars, European cars, custom cars, and more. The event supports over 50 local businesses in downtown Saratoga and raises over $1,000 annually to support those businesses, along with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. The event is free and has historically had around 10,000 participants.
The 2022 event will take place from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at Historic Saratoga Village on Big Basin Way, Saratoga. For more information, you can contact the organizers online. You can also still register to become a vendor at this event, which is a fantastic way to make some money, connect with the community, and participate in a day of automotive extravagance.
Lowrider Tour
The Best in the West Impalas Magazine Lowrider tour features Impala Magazine’s best cars in various cities throughout California, Arizona, and Texas, including San Jose. You can also look forward to exciting Impala lowriders, bombs, customs, dubs, motorcycles, and bicycles. Besides San Jose, the tour will stop by other California cities like Stockton, Oakland, Turlock, and Tulare. If you love your experience in San Jose, you can road trip the three-hour drive from San Jose to Sacramento on November 13, 2022, to catch the final stop of the tour.
The San Jose event is scheduled for July 17 at noon. The venue is History park, at 1650 Senter Rd., San Jose. You can get in touch with the car show organizers online using the Impala Magazine website contact page.
Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun or an opportunity to scout out your dream car, these five car shows are wonderful events in the San Jose area to check out this year. Looking for a new car of your very own? Stop by our dealership at 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose. You can experience your own miniature car show when you check out our incredible selection of used vehicles and our beautiful inventory of new vehicles.
If you have questions about the sales process, give us a call at 669-231-0397. If you’re having car trouble, we can help you there too. Schedule a service visit today, and our seasoned experts can make repairs and help you get back out on the road.
2022 Lexus UX Compared to the 2021 Lexus UX
If you’re looking for a contemporary SUV with a stylish appearance and enough room for the family, you might consider the Lexus UX. You can currently purchase the 2021 and the 2022 models of this vehicle. If you’re looking for the hottest new features, this year’s model might be the one for you, but if you’re interested in saving a few dollars, last year’s model is also a fantastic option. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a comparison of the two cars so you can see how they stack up.
Interior

Image via Flickr by Janitors
The 2021 Lexus UX features an elegant interior layout with dual-zone climate control. The power-adjustable front seats also ensure that you’ll have plenty of space. You can choose to add features like heated front seats and a heads-up display that projects information directly onto the windshield. The cargo area is spacious, especially if you choose to collapse the 60/40-split folding rear seats.
The 2022 Lexus UX features all the latest technology and safety features, along with a bold presence and sophisticated look. The leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob create an atmosphere of elegance. Like the 2021 model, you can enjoy the comfort of dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. Like the 2021 model, the rear seats are designed with a 60/40-split, making them easy to fold down. You can also select the optional heads-up displays and explore new interior color combination options like Grecian Water paired with Black, Birch, or Lapis.
Exterior
Both of these vehicles offer a bold exterior design, complete with rear spoilers, 18-inch wheels, and heated mirrors. Both models also offer an optional sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a power-free liftgate, which allows you to open the trunk with a foot motion sensor when your hands are full.
For the 2021 Lexus UX, you have eight exterior color options, including Atomic Silver, Cadmium Orange, Caviar, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Nori Green Pearl, Obsidian, and Redline. For the 2022 model, you can select any of the previously available colors or one of the new options, including sparkling Grecian Water Blue or Cloudburst Gray. The paint on the new 2022 model also extends all the way to the vehicle’s wheels, with color-keyed overfenders on all trim levels.
Trims
The 2021 Lexus UX and the 2022 Lexus UX both come in six distinct trim levels, including sport, hybrid, and luxury options. Specifically, you can opt for the UX 200, the UX 200 F Sport, the UX 200 Luxury, the UX 250h AWD, the UX 250h F Sport AWD, and the UX 250h Luxury AWD. You can make your trim selection for either model based on your interest in comfort, fuel economy, and design.
If you’re interested in a sustainable vehicle, consider a hybrid trim like the UX 250h AWD or the UC 250h Luxury AWD. If you’d like a bold look, you might prefer one of the F Sport trims, which include distinctive interior details like aluminum door-sill scuff plates and aluminum pedals. The F Sport trims also include a unique grille, badging, and front, and rear bumpers.
Power and Performance
The 2021 Lexus UX features a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. You can also choose trim with all-wheel drive if you want more control and power. The 2022 UX options differ by trim. For example, the 2022 UX 200 model features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 10-speed direct-shift continuously variable transmission (DCVT). You can also select the 2022 UX 250h trim for a 2.0-liter engine with a fourth-generation hybrid drive system.
If you opt for the 2022 model, you’ll also have access to a drive-mode control system that allows you to tailor the drive mode to your environment by selecting ECO, sport, or normal.
Technology
Both the 2021 and 2022 Lexus UX models include a backup camera, adaptive cruise control, and a keyless start option. You can also enjoy satellite radio, CD player, MP3 player, and the option of a premium sound system. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard for both models, as is smart device integration, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Both models also include a standard 7-inch multimedia display with the option to upgrade to a 10.3-inch display. You can also expect Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and USB ports where drivers and passengers can charge electronics.
Safety
Every Lexus model after 2020 comes with a standard Lexus Safety System+. This means that you can expect a wide range of standard safety features in both the 2021 and 2022 Lexus UX models. These include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. There is also a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure alerts, and automatic emergency braking. The road sign recognition system uses a camera to detect and alert drivers to road signs they may have missed. They also both have dynamic radar cruise control, airbags, and an automatic forward-collision warning system.
The 2022 model has a few extra safety features. These include standard intelligent high-beam headlights and whiplash injury-lessening front seatbacks that can absorb energy and protect the passengers from the force of a rear-end collision. You can also take advantage of three years of complimentary access to the Lexus Enform Safety Connect system. This system includes vehicle GPS detection, which you can use in the case of a collision or theft, and the Collision Assistance portion of the Lexus app, which allows you to document a car crash and file an accident report.
The Lexus UX is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a compact luxury crossover, and both the 2021 and 2022 models are sure to thrill you on the road. There are a lot of similarities between these two vehicles, so we hope this comparison has been useful. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone at 699-231-0397. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help. You can also browse our collection of new cars and used vehicles to find the perfect Lexus UX.
Best Bed and Breakfasts in San Jose
Are you a tourist planning a trip to beautiful San Jose? Or a San Jose local looking for a mini-vacation? Either way, you might consider booking a stay at one of the beautiful bed-and-breakfasts near the city for a cozy and relaxing home-away-from-home experience. To help you out, our team at Lexus of Stevens Creek has created a list of the best bed-and-breakfast and small hotel options you can book for your next weekend getaway in and around San Jose, California.
Madison Street Inn B&B

Image via Flickr by Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side
Madison Street In B&B is located in Santa Clara, just 14 minutes from San Jose in a beautiful small neighborhood. This gorgeous property boasts free parking, a pool, a hot tub, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, televisions, and self-serve laundry. In the mornings, enjoy a complimentary breakfast before you head out on your day, and kick back with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie before bed. This B&B is also pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friend with you on your getaway.
Madison Street Inn B&B is located at 1390 Madison St., Santa Clara. Nearby attractions include Civic Center Park, Fremont Park, Santa Clara City Hall, and the Triton Museum of Art. You’ll also be close to Santa Clara University, making this B&B a great option for anyone in town to visit a student. To contact, call 408-249-5541 or email reservations@madisonstreetinn.com.
Hotel Clariana
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel experience in the heart of San Jose, you might enjoy a stay at the Hotel Clariana. Created with the goal of fusing the rich Silicon Valley heritage with classic style, this elegant hotel features classic B&B style rooms alongside modern amenities, like a guest lounge, business center, fitness center, gift shop, and a meeting room. You can book a deluxe king room, executive king room, double queen room, or ADA-accessible king room. You’ll recognize the gorgeous historical exterior of the Hotel Clariana by its distinct turquoise coloring and historical 1913 architecture.
Hotel Clariana is located at 100 East Santa Clara St., San Jose. Its prime San Jose location gives you great access to San Pedro Square, the San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Museum of Innovation, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and other exciting San Jose attractions. To book a stay at this hotel, call 866-429-4050 or email guestservices@hotelclariana.com.
Los Gatos Garden Inn Hotel
The Los Gatos Garden Inn Hotel is an adorable garden getaway located just outside of San Jose in the city of Los Gatos. You can choose a room with a patio setting, a main street view, or a quiet garden environment. You’ll adore the homey decor and vintage style. Amenities include a grab-and-go breakfast, gourmet coffee, Wi-Fi, a high-definition television, free parking, and access to the patio and gazebo seating areas. If you book a suite, your room will also have a kitchenette, where you can cook your own meals.
This B&B is located at 46 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, which is about a 20-minute drive from San Jose. In the immediate hotel area, you can explore the Art Museum of Los Gatos, the Testarossa Winery, Vasona Lake County Park, and Villa Montalvo. You can also go shopping at Kings Court Shopping Center, wander the Hakone Gardens, or taste wine at the Byington Vineyard and Winery. For more information or to book a room, call toll-free at 866-868-8383 during the 8 a.m.–10 p.m. office hours or email info@losgatosgardeninn.com.
Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, hop in the car for the 47-minute drive that will bring you to Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast. This incredible, vintage 1920s inn features spacious rooms with unique themes. You can book the California Sixties room, the Hawaiian Princess room, the Sunflower Retreat and Alcove, or the Endless Summer Room. Four of these rooms still have the original redwood paneling, and all of them are decorated with antiques and collectibles. You can also enjoy a wonderful, hot breakfast in the morning.
This B&B is located near Santa Cruz at 245 Fairview Avenue, Ben Lomond. In the surrounding area, you can explore the Roaring Camp Railroad, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, or go zip lining at Mount Hermon. To get in touch with Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast, you can send them an email at fairviewbandb@comcast.net or call 831-336-3355. You can also make an inquiry online at the Fairview Manor Bed & Breakfast secure online form.
Casa Royal Inn
Casa Royal Inn is a beautiful small hotel located near the Mineta San Jose International Airport and the San Jose Convention Center. At this bed-and-breakfast, you can expect amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, local phone calls, room service, and wake-up calls. In your room, you’ll find a microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, down comforter, air conditioning, and a hairdryer. This is an entirely non-smoking property.
You can visit at 610 East Hedding Street, San Jose. Nearby attractions include a giant Victorian mansion known as the Winchester Mystery House, Levi’s Stadium, and California’s Great America theme park. For more information, you can email info@casaroyalinn.com or call 408-291-3300.
Sand Rock Farm
Sand Rock Farm is a bed-and-breakfast that doubles as a wedding venue and is perfect for those looking for a luxurious getaway. This family-managed establishment includes stunning gardens and grounds, with a farmhouse that can sleep up to 18 guests in five rooms. You’ll have your choice of the Hidden Garden Suite, the Sun Porch Suite, the Honeycomb Suite, the Morning Glory Suite, and the Eva’s Garden Suite.
Sand Rock Farm is located just 40 minutes from the San Jose International Airport at 6901 Freedom Boulevard., Aptos. While staying here, you can enjoy the scenic tranquility of the farm or go sightseeing in San Jose, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and even San Francisco. You can call for a reservation at 831-688-8005.
If you love to sleep in comfort and style, one of these cute B&Bs or boutique hotels might just give you the overnight stay of your dreams. While you’re in town, make sure you stop by our dealership at 3333 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose, to sort out any of your car needs. You can browse our collection of new vehicles, check out our used vehicles, or schedule service for your car. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 669-231-0397.
2022 Lexus UX Hybrid
If you’re looking for a new luxury hybrid SUV that is both fuel-efficient and stylish, the 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid might be the car for you. Packed with the latest technology and safety features, a test drive in this vehicle is sure to leave you smiling. To help you determine if this hybrid is the Lexus of your dreams, we’ve created a guide to its key features and styles.
Interior

Image via Flickr by MIKI Yoshihito
The interior of the 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid features a two-tone design, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a leather-trimmed shift knob that all lend sophisticated elegance to the cabin. You can choose seat and door accent color options like Glazed Caramel, Birch, Birch/Lapis, and Black. For the dashboard and dashboard highlights, you can choose between Black, Lapis, or Black washi. In the back, you’ll find 60/40-split folding rear seats and an adjustable rear cargo deck board, making it easy to pack this vehicle up for a cross-country road trip or a family vacation.
You can stay comfortable with dual-zone climate control, an interior air filter, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar support. Additional available interior features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink garage door opener. If you tend to get cold, you can even add a heated steering wheel and heated front seats to ensure constant driving comfort.
Exterior
You have a wide range of color options for the exterior design of your new Lexus. These include Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Obsidian, Redline, Cadmium Orange, Nori Green Pearl, and Grecian Water Blue. All trim options also allow for color-keyed overfenders and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Bi-LED headlamps, LED taillamps, and daytime running lights complete the basic exterior design.
Other exterior features of the 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid include a concealed exhaust pipe, aluminum roof rails, and heated outside mirrors. If you enjoy natural light, you can also opt for a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. Available windshield de-icer and rain-sensing windshield wipers may be valuable additions for individuals who live in areas with extreme weather.
Trims Levels
The 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid comes in three trim levels. The UX 250h AWD trim includes a 7-inch multimedia display touchscreen, a seven-speaker stereo, and all the basic Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 features. If you’re looking for a car with similar features, but heightened comfort, you might enjoy the UX 250h Luxury AWD trim. This option includes exciting luxury features like acoustic front side glass and wirelessly powered LED-illuminated air vent knobs. It also features a hands-free power liftgate. This means that you’ll be able to open the trunk using a foot motion sensor.
The final trim option is the UX 250h Sport AWD. This trim features unique F SPORT bolstered front seats, perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and performance-inspired instrumentation with a sliding bezel. You can also enjoy unique interior design details like the aluminum pedals and front aluminum door-sill scuff plates. On the exterior, the F Sport features stylish front and rear bumpers, grille, and badging. You may also appreciate the LED foglamps and cornering lights, an 8.0-inch multimedia display, and active sound control technology.
Power and Performance
True to its hybrid identity, this vehicle offers excellent fuel economy, along with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. As you drive, you can adjust the drive mode to match your driving conditions for optimized driving and power distribution. These drive modes include Sport, Normal, and ECO drive. The F Sport hybrid trim features F SPORT-turned suspension for a smooth driving experience and offers paddle shifters, allowing drivers to change gears without moving their hands from the steering wheel.
Technology
All trim levels of the 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid feature a premium sound system and a multimedia touchscreen display, along with Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto compatibility, and Alexa compatibility. You can set up voice command to control your visual and audio experience safely hands-free while on the road. Bluetooth capability, four USB ports, and a backup camera are all also standard. Optional additional technology features include a wireless phone charger, a 10.3-inch split-screen multimedia display, and a heads-up display that projects relevant driving information directly onto the windshield.
Through the Lexus app, new Lexus owners also have access to the Enform remote engine start, so you can warm up your car before you get in. You can also use the app for service scheduling and to receive virtual vehicle health reports.
Safety
All 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid trims come with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and lane departure alert with steering assist, which warns and assists drivers when it detects possible mistaken lane departure while traveling over 32 miles per hour. The system also includes road sign assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and intelligent high beams that can switch from high to low beam illumination when the car senses approaching vehicles. You can also expect ten standard airbags and a strong chassis to protect you in case of a crash.
Other safety features include a blind-spot monitor and an intuitive parking assist. With your 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid purchase, you gain three years of complimentary access to our Lexus Enform Safety Connect system. In the case of an emergency or a stolen vehicle, you can use this system to locate the car via GPS or to request assistance. You can also use the Lexus app to document important collision information and create an accident report. Furthermore, you can enjoy Lexus Enform Service Connect’s remote vehicle status and maintenance assessment page for the first ten years of owning your vehicle.
Are you in love with the 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid? Check out our new vehicle inventory and reserve yours today. You can also stop by our dealership for a test drive at 3333 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose, California, 95117. If you have any questions about the car or the purchasing process, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us online via a secure web form or give us a call at 669-231-0397.
Places To Volunteer in San Jose, CA
Volunteering is an excellent way to get involved with your local community. It may feel rewarding to help others, and you may meet interesting new people. However, it may be challenging to find somewhere you want to volunteer. We’ve created this guide of some places to volunteer in the San Jose, California, area to help you find somewhere you can help others.
Blossom Birth & Family
Image via Unsplash by by_syeoni
Blossom Birth & Family is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based near San Jose in Palo Alto. This community-based organization helps women and families with all aspects of parenting, starting with the planning process through preparing children for preschool. It offers a range of classes, workshops, and resources to help all families. For example, it offers childbirth preparation classes, a breastfeeding support group, and baby and me fitness classes.
Volunteer opportunities with Blossom Birth & Family may include facilitating activities, promoting the organization in the community, working in the resource center, or working in a range of other positions. The organization welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and for any time commitment. It includes a volunteer interest form on its website.
The Hammer Theatre Center
The Hammer Theatre Center is a performance venue in downtown San Jose. San Jose State University owns and operates the venue, but it’s host to a range of community and university programming that highlights local, international, and student talent. The venue has two different theater spaces and hosts events like off-Broadway performances, music concerts, lectures, film screenings, dance performances, art shows, and more.
The Hammer Theatre offers volunteer opportunities for potential ushers. It requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old. Ushers may perform tasks like helping patrons find their seats, running the coat check, and passing out programs. It has an interest form on its website to share your interest in volunteering.
The Dancing Cat

The Dancing Cat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in downtown San Jose. It provides a cage-free environment for at-risk, adoptable adults cats from the San Jose Animal Care Center. Patrons can visit The Dancing Cat and pay a small fee to interact with the cats in a living room-like environment. Guests can visit for an hour to play with the cats and help them socialize, and the organization uses these fees to care for the adoptable cats.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available with this organization. These include special positions, such as providing veterinary care to the cats, or on-site positions, such as greeters and attendants. It also offers a selection of at-home positions, such as being a cat foster parent or helping transport cats and supplies throughout the area. Each position has unique requirements and time commitments, so it’s important to review the qualifications and job descriptions before completing the volunteer interest form.
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose is a 6,400-square-foot facility near downtown San Jose. The museum has a range of permanent and rotating exhibits to highlight Japanese American culture and history. It covers topics like Japanese American immigration, identity, and contributions to communities and agriculture.
The museum offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Potential positions include maintenance, receptionists, docents, grant writers, archivists, IT support professionals, and more. Be sure to review the available volunteer positions and their typical duties, and visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose’s website to complete the volunteer form.
Front Door Communities
Front Door Communities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves vulnerable community members in downtown San Jose. It offers a range of services to help meet the basic needs of these people. For example, it distributes lunch bags with food, toiletries, and basic clothing items on a weekly basis. It also hosts Lifted Spirits events, which help provide women with clothes and other items. Sometimes it also sponsors Dignity on Wheels events, which provide mobile showers and laundry services, and events with a mobile medical van.
Front Door Communities offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers may help with packing lunch bags, performing office tasks, distributing items, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering with this group, visit the volunteer opportunities page on its website for its contact information.
Humane Society Silicon Valley
Humane Society Silicon Valley, which is based near San Jose in Milpitas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It’s the world’s first model shelter, meaning it successfully provides the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. The shelter cares for a variety of animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. It aims to find matches for these animals to match them successfully into adopted homes.
Humane Society Silicon Valley boasts a community of over 3,700 volunteers. It offers volunteer opportunities on a recruitment basis, and it typically opens applications every few months. There are animal care, support, and customer service roles, and most roles require a minimum of a weekly or bi-weekly commitment for a six-week stint.
Sunday Friends
Sunday Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Jose. It offers a variety of programs to assist vulnerable communities and help break the generational cycle of poverty. This includes providing courses in English, financial literacy, nutrition and health, computers, and more. It also has direct initiatives to help families achieve economic mobility.
The organization offers a range of remote and in-person volunteer opportunities. Remote opportunities include hosting a drive for items the organization needs or facilitating online courses. In-person organizations may include assisting with drive-thru distributions, picking up items and bulk orders, and delivering necessities and food to homebound community members.
We’ve reached the end of our list of some great places to volunteer in the San Jose, California, area. If you know about another exciting volunteering opportunity in the area, let us know. We may even update our guide to include it. At Lexus Stevens Creek, we’re proud to serve the San Jose community, and we hope this list helped you learn about new ways to support your local community.
Best Local Coffee Spots in San Jose, CA
If you’re a coffee fanatic, San Jose, California, is a fantastic city to meet your caffeine needs. There are several great coffeehouses and roasters for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer your coffee black or want all the cream and sugar, the coffee spots in San Jose are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a list of the best local coffee spots in San Jose.
House of Bagels

Image by Nathan Dumlao Free to use under the Unsplash License
The House of Bagels is a local breakfast joint in San Jose that offers homemade bagels and freshly brewed coffee. The menu has various bagel options, from unique bagel flavors to bagel-wichs, a modern take on the classic breakfast sandwich. Besides breakfast, the House of Bagels has an extensive coffee menu, so you can pair the perfect drink with your morning bagel.
Ada’s Café
Located outside San Jose in the town of Palo Alto is Ada’s Cafe. This cafe was born out of the founder’s desire to create a space for students with special needs to learn how to cook. It’s a registered nonprofit with a homey feel. The menu has tons of breakfast and lunch options to choose from, as well as signature coffee beverages. Order an iced coffee, cold brew, or signature espresso drink while you enjoy your homemade meal.
Chromatic Coffee Co.
Voted the Best of Silicon Valley in 2021, Chromatic Coffee Co. is a popular, trendy coffee shop in the heart of San Jose. They roast their own coffee beans, which are directly sourced from global locations. While you’ll want to plan a visit to this specific coffee shop, it’s likely that you can sip on Chromatic Coffee Co.’s coffee beans from many other restaurants and cafes in the Bay Area. Their coffee-only menu offers multiple different options for caffeine lovers, who are sure to enjoy this high-quality craft coffee.
Voyager Craft Coffee
Voyager Craft Coffee is a brightly lit coffee spot in San Jose with multiple locations in the surrounding areas. They roast their own coffee beans, provide specialty toasts, and have a rotating seasonal menu alongside a traditional coffee menu. They also feature artists in their various locations, highlighting talented members of their community. This is a great coffee spot to enjoy unique beverages and a creative atmosphere.
Voltaire Coffee Roasters
Voltaire Coffee Roasters provides specialty coffee to people in Downtown San Jose. They work with local farmers in fair-trade markets to source coffee beans, which they roast in-house. You can enjoy pastries and other breakfast foods while sipping on a signature coconut latte or an espresso and tonic. Voltaire Coffee Roasters also serves traditional espresso drinks, tea, and other beverages, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Philz Coffee
A popular local chain in the Bay Area, Philz Coffee, has multiple locations in San Jose. Known for funky drinks and a unique atmosphere, Philz Coffee is a great alternative to traditional beverages. Their drinks combine specialty espresso and house-brewed coffee with expressive flavors to create something new. One of their popular drinks, the Iced Mint Mojito, combines iced coffee with a burst of mint. This is a great place to stop for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Nirvana Soul

Nirvana Soul is a trendy coffee house that strives to create a community within the shop. Founded by two sisters, Nirvana Soul has two locations bursting with color and vibrant culture. You can purchase coffee beans from their website or visit the coffee shop in-person. Their menu includes signature drinks with fun names like the Celebration Latte or the Dirty Diana. You can enjoy both tea and coffee at Nirvana Soul, so it’s a good option for people who prefer one or the other.
Nirvana Soul is on a mission to bring people together through the power of coffee & tea. They are a soulful coffee and tea shop bringing exciting flavor, creative artistry, and bold inspiration to San Jose and beyond.
Academic Coffee Co.
Academic Coffee Co. is a trendy coffee shop and roaster that sells espresso, merchandise, and fresh coffee beans. They collaborate with other local companies to stock their display case with fresh pastries each morning. The menu includes seasonal drinks and traditional coffee beverages, as well as teas. The hand-painted murals and the bright space make Academic Coffee Co. a welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
Coffee & Water Lab
The Coffee & Water Lab prioritizes using the best quality water in your coffee and tea drinks. The baristas at the Coffee & Water Lab use modern technology to create high-quality beverages for customers. Their menu includes single-origin brewed coffee, specialty sparkling beverages, espresso drinks, single-origin tea, granitas, and more. Visit this upscale coffee shop for an unforgettable beverage experience.
Living Room Coffee Craft
Located just outside San Jose, in the city of Campbell, Living Room Coffee Craft is a cozy coffeehouse with tons of space for you to sit with friends, soak up the sun, or get some work done. They use beans from Dune Coffee Roasters, a popular local roaster in Santa Barbara, California. The baristas at Living Room Coffee Craft take pride in their craft, and the space provides opportunities for people to come together during the week.
Big Mug Coffee Roaster
Just up the highway in Santa Clara is Big Mug Coffee Roaster. This coffee spot sells its own coffee beans, or you can have them brew a fresh cup for you in-house. Their signature beverage is the Mont Blanc, a cold brew coffee with heavy cream and sweet syrup. The open plan of this coffee house welcomes customers in, with lots of seating to choose from while you enjoy a beverage.
Paper Moon Café
Paper Moon Cafe is another great coffee spot in San Jose, California. They offer a roaster experience, where you can learn how coffee beans are fine-tuned to make the best cup. The founders of Paper Moon Cafe have also created Coffee Housing, a non-profit that benefits professionals in the coffee business. You can enjoy an insider experience at Paper Moon; Just be sure to book ahead.
San Jose has so many unique cafes and coffee shops for you to choose from. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you can enjoy a great cup of coffee, grab some freshly roasted coffee beans, or simply soak in the atmosphere at one of these establishments. Is your favorite coffee spot missing from this list? Contact us so we can add it to our compilation of the best local coffee spots in San Jose, California.


