Coolest Cafes in Silicon Valley

When people think Silicon Valley cafe, they usually picture tech bros hogging outlets and drinking overpriced drip in sterile spaces. That’s not my scene. I’ve lived here my whole life, and let me tell you, there are better spots. Much better.

I’m talking real coffee, actual atmosphere, and maybe even a chandelier or two. Yes, I judge a café by its lighting. If I’m going to pay $6 for a latte, I want to drink it somewhere with a little charm. Give me a cozy corner, some natural light, and maybe a pastry that doesn’t taste like cardboard.

This list is my personal roundup of places I actually go to. Not the ones with the most triple-mocha-frap-nonwhip-vanilla-ice-confusion options or the trendiest crowd. These are cafés with character, good drinks, and a vibe that make you want to linger. Whether you’re a local trying to escape your usual routine or a traveler looking for somewhere to recharge, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get into it.

Note: I did not look at chains for this list, though a few of these do have a couple of locations. Also, all of these places have free wifi.

Highlights

Croissante Bakery – Santa Clara

_{2908 El Camino Real, Santa Clara}

• Coffee Experience – 3. There was no menu to be seen in the bakery or online. They do have an espresso machine behind the counter. They also offer a high tea service.
• Sweets – 9. Large selection of baked goods and tarts! I didn't give it a 10 because my chocolate croissant was a little burnt and didn't have much chocolate inside.
• Actual Food – 4. Several savory croissants and ciabattas were on the menu.
• Chit chat seating – 6. Wooden chairs and benches. A long community table in the middle.
• Remote work – 6. Plenty of tables and chairs. I could only see 2 outlets.
• Noise Level – 6. Nice Christmas music during my visit, plus rather loud crowd noise due to all the hard surfaces.
• Parking – 10. The bakery is in a strip mall, so there's lots of parking nearby.
• Chandeliers – 2. Tragically, none. I’m giving it a mercy two points for effort via hanging lights.
• Solo people watching experience – 5. Lots of people going through. Not cozy seating though where you'd want to hang out and pass time on your own.
• Hours – 8. Open every day 7 AM to 6 PM-ish.
• Overall Atmosphere – 7. Loved the branding. The pastries look amazing. Would I come back? Probably, to pick up pastries on the way somewhere else. But it’s not somewhere I’d plant myself for hours. Maybe it’ll feel more polished with time, it gave me “new café still figuring things out” vibes.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 6

*Note: I get the impression this place may be pretty new and that's why they don't have menus, and it felt a little bit “tossed together”. I will be sure to return and update my review in a few months.

Sue's Gallery Cafe – Saratoga

_{14665 Big Basin Way, Saratoga}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings. Delicious coffee is served in pottery made and sold at the cafe.
• Sweets – 6. A small selection of pastries.
• Actual Food – 4. A couple of toast options. (ie. avocado toast)
• Chit chat seating – 6. Inside, the seating doubles as a pottery showroom, which makes things visually interesting and surprisingly serene. It’s usually filled with quiet remote workers tapping away on laptops, so if you’re solo and want calm vibes, this is your spot. It might feel too hushed for catching up with a friend. If you’re more into conversation than contemplation, try to snag a seat on the outdoor patio…on a clear day, the surrounding hills make it fab.
• Remote work – 9. Indoor seating has mostly remote workers happily sipping and typing away.
• Noise Level – 7. Not noisy at all. Indoor seating may feel too quiet for chit chat, depending on if it's full of people doing remote work on their own.
• Parking – 6. Located at the end of the downtown Saratoga Main Street. You need to find street parking. So, you could luck out or you might have to park a ways away.
• Chandeliers – 0. We’re talking track lighting and minimal flair. But I forgive them. The pottery does enough aesthetic heavy lifting.
• Solo people watching experience – 5. Not much foot traffic other than the people coming to the cafe.
• Hours – 7. Mon to Thurs 8 AM – 4 PM. Fri to Sun: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Overall Atmosphere – 7.5. Lovely to sit outside and see the beautiful hills surrounding you in nice weather. Fun to browse the pottery for sale, and to “sample” it as they serve their food and drinks on their homemade pottery.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 6.1

Mademoiselle Colette – Palo Alto

_{499 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto}

• Coffee Experience – 8. The coffee menu is solid, but they were out of my beloved lavender syrup when I visited, which frankly threw off my whole fantasy of sipping something floral while feeling mysteriously French. 
• Sweets – 7. A small selection of baked goods.
• Actual Food – 8. Delicious-looking menu for breakfast and lunch items. I plan to come back to try their Salmon Tartine for lunch!
• Chit chat seating – 6. A couple of tables and counters with seating. Outdoor seating is also available.
• Remote work – 5. This is a very small space. I'd only feel comfortable “staking out” a table if it was very slow. I did notice an outlet available.
• Noise Level – 8. It is a tiny place, so noise did not seem to be an issue. If you’re chatting, expect your conversation to become public entertainment. Maybe skip the deep life reflections unless you're okay with everyone learning about your last breakup.
• Parking – 7. Located in downtown Palo Alto on a bit of a side street. Finding street parking nearby does not seem to be a big issue.
• Chandeliers – 4. Though one of the hanging lights over the display case was missing its cover, if both of them were covered it would be kind of cute. Some nice hanging lights over the seating areas.
• Solo people watching experience – 7. Some foot traffic people watching if you sit at the window counter or outside.
• Hours – 5. Monday to Saturday 8 am to 4 pm. Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm.
• Overall Atmosphere – 6. Tiny place that kind of felt like someone turned their living room and dining room into a coffee shop (not in a bad way). I think if you were a Rockefeller and lived in the neighborhood it would be a wonderful place to frequent.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 6.5

Fleur De Cocoa – Los Gatos

_{39 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings. Delicious coffee served in real cups with saucers.
• Sweets – 10. Large selection of baked goods, tarts, and chocolates made from scratch! Their Chocolate Croissant was one of the best I've ever had!
• Actual Food – 8. Quiche, sandwiches, salads, and soup.
• Chit-chat seating – 5. 5 or 6 small tables seating 3 people max inside. Outdoor seating is also available.
• Remote work – 1. For such a busy place with few tables, I wouldn't feel comfortable camping out here at a table to do work.
• Noise Level – 7. Though it was very busy when I was there, no blaring music or loud acoustics.
• Parking – 5. Located in downtown Los Gatos, so depending on when you visit you may find a spot right outside, or end up walking pretty far from a parking lot.
• Chandeliers – 10. 2 fab, glamorous chandeliers over the pastry cases, plus small chandelier sconces.
• Solo people watching experience – 6. Lots of people lining up, but with such few tables and in such a small space not ideal to camp out and while away time.
• Hours – 8. Open Tues – Thurs 8 AM to 4 PM. Fri & Sat 8 AM to 9 PM. Sunday 8 – 5:30. So at least on the weekends you might be able to grab a dessert.
• Overall Atmosphere – 8. Tiny but charming! Love the chandeliers and French feel.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.0

Eataly Caffe Lavazza – San Jose

_{2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose in Westfield Valley Fair Mall}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings.
• Sweets – 10. Large selection of delicious Italian pasteries, chocolates and desserts!
• Actual Food – 10. Wonderful, fresh Italian sandwiches, pizza, pasta dishes and salads!
• Chit-chat seating – 7. Indoor and outdoor seating. Decent size square tables and wooden chairs and benches. On a nice day sitting outside under an umbrella near the water feature is very nice
• Remote work – 4. Not really set up for remote work, though even on a busy Saturday afternoon there were several people pounding away on their laptops. No outlets, except the ones the business uses for its own light up signs, etc.
• Noise Level – 6. Not too loud inside, outside very nice with the trickling water feature.
• Parking – 3. Eataly is located in Valley Fair Mall. On the weekends it is a MADHOUSE! They do have several parking garages where you can park for free for up to 2 hours. TIP: go to the roof of the Stevens Creek garage and follow the signs for Eataly. You can enter Eataly directly from the rooftop parking lot, which often is less crowded that the rest of the garage.
• Chandeliers – 0. Industrial ceiling look.
• Solo people watching experience – 10. Since this is located in a popular shopping mall there are people galore! Especially if you sit outside there is a constant flow of people.
• Hours – 10. Open Daily 7:30AM – 10PM!
• Overall Atmosphere – 7. Sitting outside is quite pleasant. Inside is OK. The sight and smell of their delicious food is a big plus!
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.0

Hello Kitty Cafe – Santa Clara

_{2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara in Westfield Valley Fair Mall}

I didn't actually eat or drink anything here because the line to get in was literally 100+ people long!? They have counter service and no seating if your want to get a foofy coffee drink or dessert (they make donuts onside for $6).

If you want to sit down they offer an Afternoon Tea ($70 per person) and a “Evening Delights” option ($30 per person). When I checked for a reservation they were booked 2 months out for the Afternoon Tea, and 1 month out for the Evening Delight!

I think maybe we should buy stock!

Roy's Station – San Jose

_{197 Jackson St, San Jose}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee and tea offerings.
• Sweets – 6. Small selection of cookies and sweet croissants.
• Actual Food – 7. Sandwiches and deli items fresh from Zanotto's Grocery.
• Chit chat seating – 6. Plenty of shaded tables and chairs outside. Only a couple inside. So if it's not nice weather, not great.
• Remote work – 6. There is a counter with outlets and stools for remote workers. This doesn't look very comfortable, though, and faces the wall. Very few indoor tables, but many good sized outdoor tables.
• Noise Level – 7. Reasonable level music playing inside.
• Parking – 6. Street parking in the charming Japantown of San Jose. Sort of hit and miss.
• Chandeliers – 7. This is a refurbished gas station theme so fancy lighting isn't expected, but they do have a nice brushed metal fan light, as well as string lights outside.
• Solo people watching experience – 8. Corner location in Japantown makes for some great people watching!
• Hours – 5. Mon-Fri 8am-2pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
• Overall Atmosphere – 8. Loved the historic refurbished gas station, which has been in the same family since the 1940s! Though the interior is small, the patio is spacious. Overall a charming place! Be sure to check out what's going on in Japantown if you're visiting on a weekend.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.1

Big Mug Coffee Roaster – Santa Clara

_{3014 El Camino Real, Santa Clara}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings. Coffee roasted onsite. I had a delicious Lavender Latte I can't wait to have again.
• Sweets – 4. A small selection of baked goods.
• Actual Food – 3. Toast-based concoctions mainly.
• Chit chat seating – 7. Many basic tables and chairs.
• Remote work – 10. Lots of people tend to work and study here! There are a couple of long communal tables with power strips as table centerpieces.
• Noise Level – 8. Good. Even with a full crowd, the noise level wasn't annoying. Good “coffee house music” playing in the background at a decent level.
• Parking – 9. Located in a strip mall on the busy El Camino Real.
• Chandeliers – 7. Fab modern “chandelier” including heart-shaped lights. What's not to like?
• Solo people watching experience – 6. Busy place. Mainly just people to watch who come in the shop since it's in a strip mall which doesn't seem to have a ton of foot traffic going by.
• Hours – 8. There are two locations. I was at the El Camino Real location which is open M-S 8-8 & Sun 9-9. So, no super early work sessions, but you could possibly get an after-dinner coffee.
• Overall Atmosphere – 7. This isn’t a cozy hideaway, but it’s one of the best options in Silicon Valley if you want strong coffee and a no-nonsense spot to get stuff done or catch up with a friend.
  
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.2

Moonwake Coffee Roasters – San Jose

1412 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose

• Coffee Experience – 7. Full coffee offerings. I gave this a lower rating because I just ordered a black drip coffee, and when it came my friend and I could not tell by looking at it or smelling it if it was coffee or tea! It took tasting it to tell. I was odd…watery, yet a sharp taste. I still drank it of course 😀 My friend's Jasmine tea arrived in a clear cup and was a bright yellow which somehow seemed odd, but she said it was delicious.
• Sweets – 7. Small selection of baked goods. I got a chocolate croissant which was very flakey and good.
• Actual Food – 3. Small selection of savory croissants and tarts.
• Chit chat seating – 8. There is a good amount of seating with wooden benches/booths, stools and large square or small round tables. A few tables and chairs are available on the sidewalk in front.
• Remote work – 9. At least half of the people there were working on their computers. Many outlets were available.
• Noise Level – 7. OK, when packed like it was when I was there I found myself having to speak a little louder to be heard, but nothing crazy. I noticed many of the people working remotely were wearing headphones.
• Parking – 9. This cafe is located in a strip mall, so a good amount of parking is available. There is a Holder's Country Inn breakfast restaurant nearby, so if you go on a weekend in the morning it might be a bit crowded.
• Chandeliers – 8. No actual chandeliers, but there was clearly a lot of skill and thought in the beautiful design of the space. I loved the round counters and plants. There are various lighting fixtures.
• Solo people watching experience – 7. The cafe had lots of people coming and going, and often a line out the door!
• Hours – 7. Mon. – Fri. 7 AM to 5 PM; Sat -Sun. 8 AM to 4PM
• Overall Atmosphere – 8. I really liked the atmosphere. The look and design of the cafe was unique and fun.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.4

Douce France Cafe & Bakery – Palo Alto

_{855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto}

• Remote work – 5. No laptops or paperwork to be seen when I was there, but perhaps if you visited at a non-busy time it would be ok. 

• Noise Level – 8. Good, even when crowded a conversation could easily be had. Very faint music in the background.

• Parking – 9. The Cafe is in Town & Country “strip mall”, so there is plenty of parking typically available.

• Chandeliers – 3. I'll give some credit for the cute blue and white lights hanging over the display cases.

• Solo people watching experience – 7. Lots of people coming and going. The Cafe is in Town & Country “strip mall”, so there is foot traffic.

• Hours – 8. Mon. – Sat. 7 AM to 7 PM – Sun. 8 AM to 4PM

• Overall Atmosphere – 7. Nice large French posters on the walls, delicious-looking treats, and good coffee. Nice atmosphere in the Town & Country strip mall. I haven't focused on price during these coolest cafe visits, but I was pleasantly surprised that my order of a cappuccino, quiche, and chocolate croissant came to only about $14.

• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.4

Marvel Cakes – Campbell

_{1614 W Campbell Ave, Campbell}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full Coffee menu
• Sweets – 10. Amazing selection of beautiful pastries including their Spiral Croissant! I had a chocolate croissant, which was excellent!
• Actual Food – 4. They offer a few sandwiches made with those spiral croissants, which sounds fun in theory but didn’t really tempt me at the time. This is more of a sweet-tooth destination.
• Chit chat seating – 10. The space is well-designed for conversation. Tables are comfortably spaced, chairs are plush, and if the weather’s nice, there’s outdoor seating too. (It's in a strip mall, but still.)
• Remote work – 4. It’s not quite built for remote work, only a couple of outlets, and the small round tables aren’t the most functional for spreading out a laptop and charger, but it looks like a place you’d want to write a novel in.
• Noise Level – 10. Very pleasant light jazz/lounge music in the background. Noise from the patrons not too loud. French cafe music sometimes which is delightful!
• Parking – 7. Located in a large strip mall shopping center, so lots of parking but it's also a busy center.
• Chandeliers – 7. Chandelier with lampshades to match the sconces on the walls. A sparkly chandelier would fit right in and be lovely!
• Solo people watching experience – 7. Because of the busy shopping area, there is a fair amount of foot traffic.
• Hours – 7. Closed Mondays. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm
• Overall Atmosphere—9. The decor was surprisingly chic and charming. It felt like being in a Parisian hotel lobby, in a good way!
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.7

Great Bear Coffee Roasting – Los Gatos

19 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings. They roast their beans on-site, which gives the place that rich, cozy smell that hits you the second you walk in. Always a good sign.
• Sweets – 9. Large selection of baked goods.
• Actual Food – 7. Quiche, Wraps/ breakfast burritos.
• Chit chat seating – 8. Many basic tables and chairs. Outdoor seating is also available.
• Remote work – 8. Lots of people tend to work and study here!
• Noise Level – 8. Noise levels are just right, enough background hum to keep it from feeling too quiet, but not so loud that you can’t have a conversation or concentrate.
• Parking – 5. Located in downtown Los Gatos, so depending on when you visit you may find a spot right outside, or end up walking pretty far from a parking lot.
• Chandeliers – 8. Three sweet old-timey ones that add a cozy, nostalgic feel to the room. Not glamorous, but charming enough to notice, and that counts.
• Solo people watching experience – 8. Busy place. Great people watching esp if you get a window table or sit outside.
• Hours – 7. Daily 7 AM- 6:30 PM. No after-dinner coffee/ desserts here.
• Overall Atmosphere – 7. It’s not a “special occasion” café, but it is a dependable one. The kind of place you go back to over and over, because it just gets it right.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.7

MOHI Farm – Morgan Hill

90 East 3rd St, Morgan Hill

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full Coffee menu
• Sweets – 3. A small selection of pastries near the register and a few desserts are available to order.
• Actual Food – 8. A full small menu of farm-fresh meals.
• Chit chat seating – 10. Couches, tables, and countertops with comfortable chairs. Outdoor couch seating with fireplace tables, and tables and chairs with heat lamps nearby.
• Remote work – 7. Plenty of tables and chairs. A few outlets are available.
• Noise Level – 4. Country music played sometimes too loud. It's quite loud inside when it's crowded. No noise cancelling acoustics.
• Parking – 10. Lots of street parking and a free lot nearby.
• Chandeliers – 5. No chandeliers but nice wood beams in the ceiling, and a tree inside. Also twinkle lights and heat lamps outside. It all works together to create a relaxed, welcoming space.
• Solo people watching experience – 10. Especially on a Saturday morning when the farmers market is going on nearby, there is a parade of people and dogs walking by constantly.
• Hours – 10. Open daily at 7 AM, until 8 PM S-Th; until 10 PM F-Sat. I love being able to go there first thing in the morning to get some work done and be able to grab a coffee after dinner at night.
• Overall Atmosphere – 9. Very open and airy with a variety of comfortable seating options. Surrounded by windows, which open wide (like roll-up garage doors) when the weather is warm. Awesome people and dog watching on Saturday mornings when the farmers market is going on nearby. Frequent live music, ie. guitar/ singer soloist.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 7.8

What Coffee – Santa Clara

_{1002 Monroe St, Santa Clara}

Note: This is a brand new cafe in its “soft open” stage. The grand opening will be in October, and I will update this review after that when the full menu is available.

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full coffee offerings.
• Sweets – 9. Delicious looking assortment of pastries, made on site.
• Actual Food – N/A. Their website mentions that they will serve sandwiches and brunch food soon.
• Chit chat seating – 6. Plenty of tables and chairs inside and outside.
• Remote work – 7. Plenty of descent sized tables and chairs. Quite a few outlets available inside.
• Noise Level – 9. Pleasant background music.
• Parking – 7. Street parking in downtown Santa Clara. Sort of hit and miss.
• Chandeliers – 9. Three different lighting treatments that look cool and cohesive. Gives a great ambiance.
• Solo people watching experience – 5. Not a huge number of people wandering around this area. You’ll mostly see other coffee-goers and the occasional stroller or dog walker.
• Hours – 8. Open every day 7 – 7 (after the grand opening)
• Overall Atmosphere – 8. Cool mural on the wall. I loved the background music, pastries, lighting and general feel. Good-sized tables for working remote.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 8

Lele Cake – Los Gatos

_{14178 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos}

• Coffee Experience – 10. Full Coffee menu
• Sweets – 10. Gorgeous concoctions! The most impressive pastry case I've seen. Desserts I've never tried before and can't wait to experience!
• Actual Food – 7. Small, unique menu featuring Russian cuisine. I tried the “Gruyere Waffles with Goat Cheese and Onion Marmalade”. It was like having a loaded baked potato! Delicious!
• Chit chat seating – 10. Indoor and outdoor tables and chairs. A large communal table in the center, as well as tables for various-sized parties. There was also a charming table with high-back rattan chairs.
• Remote work – 7. Remote work is possible here, thanks to bench seating with scattered outlets. It’s not a laptop zone per se, but you won’t feel out of place if you’re typing away for a bit. 
• Noise Level – 8. Even full, the noise level didn't preclude easy conversation.
• Parking – 10. This cafe is in a strip mall with a large parking lot. No issues with parking.
• Chandeliers – 7. No chandeliers but cute lighting features with live plants make it feel cozy and welcoming.
• Solo people watching experience – 5. Though Lele Cakes has waves of being busy, it's more like a restaurant where a line will form and people will then sit. Not a high traffic of people parading through.
• Hours – 7. Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 6.00 pm
• Overall Atmosphere – 8. Delicious “real food”, amazing desserts, and a full coffee bar! Welcoming decor with live plants, some rattan chairs, and plenty of seating with outlets for remote work! Also outdoor seating.
• Final Sue Score (average of all scores above) – 8.1

Always a Work in Progress

So there you have it: my current caffeine-fueled leaderboard of Silicon Valley cafés. Yes, I literally keep a spreadsheet to track all my ratings because that’s who I am now (send help… or pastries). I update this list regularly as I find new spots, so check back often. Got a favorite coffee haunt I missed? Drop your recs in the comments. I’ll happily “sacrifice” myself to test their croissants for science.

You may also want to check out the other posts on Cities in Silicon Valley.

What happened to K Cafe?

Map of Mentioned Cafes

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