In the bad old days, most of the coffee consumed in the U.S. was of the instant variety and the only items people augmented their brew with were cream and sugar. We’ve come a long way since those dark times. Nowadays, there is a java for just about every palate—from picky to epicurean. Whether it’s a student in need of a finals week jolt, or a nine-to-fiver grabbing her morning joe, everyone has options. These Silicon Valley coffee shops do more than just pour a mean cup, their beans are delicious to the last drop.
Verve Coffee Roasters
1010 Fair Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060
No list of Bay Area coffee shops is complete without the dedicated team over at Verve. This Santa Cruz-based roaster wants to wake people up physically and ethically. With their Farmlevel Initiative, Verve aims to ensure that every single bean they brew is handled with care—from the farmers all the way to your cup. They pride themselves on fair-trade practices. Try their specialty "Bowl of Soul," made with a tea of your choice, frothed soy milk and honey. Add a shot of espresso for extra lift.
Chromatic Coffee Co.
5237 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
The folks over at Chromatic have turned coffee roasting into a science, bringing out the mysterious natural sweetness of coffee beans. In addition to their unique roasting approach, they add a special touch to every bag of beans by encouraging fans to submit drawings and incorporate some into a monthly theme, which they print on every bag. Any of their small-batch coffees are worth a try, the most popular are Gamut espresso, Keynote and Encore.
Philz Coffee
118 Paseo De San Antonio Walk, San Jose
This place is more than a popular hangout for San Jose State University students. Some surely would not survive without it. With lines that often extend out the door, the coffee here speaks for itself. Try their unique mint mojito, which comes with real mint crushed in every cup. They also serve specialty teas and have outdoor seating that is great for study groups.
Crema Coffee Roasting Co.
950 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Comfortable chairs and WiFi add to the cozy atmosphere found in this coffee shop. One-of-a-kind pour-overs, paninis and breakfast burritos are just a few of the tasty options that can be found here. Coffee isn't the only thing they are famous for. Their award winning gelato is fantastic—especially the bourbon butter pecan.
Barefoot Coffee
1819 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
True to its name, Barefoot Coffee prides itself on its direct trade sourcing and sustainable coffees. Their tasty beans have prompted Metro readers to vote them "Best Coffee Roaster" seven years in a row. A while back, they had the brilliant idea to take their delicious coffee on the go and so, Barefoot Mobile Cart was born. Try any of their legacy specialty drinks or hand-crafted pour-overs for something special.
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
101 W Main St, Los Gatos
Founded in 1982, the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company has nearly 35 years of experience getting beans ready for brew. The history behind this coffee can be tasted in every cup. LGCRC prides itself on the community it has fostered around its product, which is apparent in their loyal customer base.
Dana Street Roasting Company
744 W Dana St., Mountain View
Enjoy live music, freshly baked goods and specialty espresso drinks. Tasty options include Irish cream latte, banana mocha with authentic Monin banana flavor, thai coffee and caffe borgia with chocolate, orange & nutmeg.
Blue Bottle Coffee
456 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
The coffee shop phenomenon that is Blue Bottle is sweeping across the Bay Area. For many, the newly iconic brand is nothing short of the most authentic coffee in the region. With a promise to serve only responsibly sourced beans roasted within the last 48 hours, it's little wonder their brew is so choice. If you're craving Blue Bottle on the go, the company offers a service that can have coffee delivered straight to your house. They ship within 48 hours of roasting, so the coffee is still at its peak flavor.
Caffe Frascati
315 South First Street San Jose
Caffe Frascati brings real Italian flavors to downtown San Jose, with their cappuccinos, paninis, quiche and, of course, cannolis. The shop also plays host to an assortment of karaoke, opera and comedy acts weekly. Those interested in the best cappuccino on three wheels, should check out the piaggio ape, which is available for rent for special occasions.
Caffino
2790 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara
This coffee shop gives a new meaning to morning pick-me-up with their speedy drive-through service. Enjoy your favorite coffee, milkshake or pastries from the comfort of your car—along with great customer service. Vegetarian friendly options are available. Try their classic caramel lattes for satisfying sweetness.
Red Rock Coffee
201 Castro St, Mountain View
The folks over at Red Rock pour their coffee according to the three C's. Caffeine, culture and, perhaps the most important, community. They function as a not-for-profit business, meaning that any expenses not used to keep the business going, are returned right back to the community to be used by non-profit and charity groups. Music, spoken word, visual art, photography, poetry, writers, dancers, thinkers, servants and comedians from all over are welcome to showcase their talents.
Big E Cafe Artisan Empanadas
1683 Branham Ln, San Jose
For something truly out of the ordinary try the delicious drinks and empanadas at Big E. The place has been family owned since 2005 so everything is authentic and always the highest-quality. They offer breakfast, lunch and dessert empanadas alongside hand-crafted espressos. Although all their breakfast options are delicious try the bacon empanada with bacon, eggs and cheddar cheese with a cappuccino.
So/Po
200 S. 1st St., San Jose
On the bustling Paseo de San Antonio pedestrian walk, which connects San Jose State to Plaza de Cesar Chavez, this hip java joint, gallery and performance space does only a few things—but it does them well. Caffeine fiends should be sure to try their cold brew, the only iced coffee option they have. It's sure to get anyone's motor running.
