Philz Coffee

I’ve been here many times for breakfast. Their coffee must be the most unique one in the west coast. It tastes really special and creative. I would like to say that Philz has novelty and passion in making coffee. I also love their hot croissants, which has been the best coffee mate.

One of my favorite coffee spots in San Jose. This location is one of the oldest in the Bay Area, and I’ve been coming for over a decade. The coffee here is amazing. The house blend Tesora mixed with cream is a treat, and the ice mint mojito is the perfect drink on a warm day. Seating indoors and out. If you’re a coffee lover, you will love Philz.

Wow! I walked a ways to get here because they had such high reviews. Worth it. I was early and no one was waiting but as soon as they opened the door. People came out of the woodwork. It was awesome.
I had the silken splendor. So interesting and delicious. I also tried the vegan donut warmed. Holy cow it was good!
All coffees are pour overs and they have all sorts of interesting flavors. The staff is fast and as friendly as coffee shop people can be.

Right across street from the SJSU campus. Opens early 7 days a week to caffeinated the area. This location is definitely a SJSU student hangout / study hall no matter what time of day with the university is in session.

Like all Philz, location is always busy. There will be a wait, but the line does move quickly.

And with all Bay Area Philz locations I have been to, the friendly baristas know their stuff and are very familiar with both Philz’s coffee and food menus. They can quickly figure out what your like to drink if you need drink recommendations while quickly getting down to business and making your customized coffee drink while you wait.

I always do like their prompt, reassuring Philz statement as the Barista hands you the cup - “taste it before you leave to be sure your happy” — so you are never disappointed with what you ordered. I have never asked to make me another coffee.

There is seating both indoors and outdoors. Front doors are wide open so very easy for a disabled person to get in and out without any assistance.

To reduce your wait time, it is faster to order ahead using the Philz app.

As for parking, this location is more of a neighborhood drop in, walk-by kind of place than to find parking and then walk in and get coffee.

This location is my favorite location. No question about it! All of the favorite Philz coffee drinks, a kitchy/chill atmosphere to hang out in while you sip your coffee. Most of all, excellent service from the baristas! The young gentleman who works the back station making drinks for mobile pickup and DoorDash orders is especially competent. Always courteous!

Love this Philz, it is the OG after all. The baristas are friendly and fast! The coffee is hot and full of love!!
I tried out the new plant-based breakfast Sammy, and it is awesome! The ingredients all make this sandwich taste like the not-so-good-for-you versions of a sausage egg and cheese sando. And that is the best part :D

Edit: Jan/24

Philz is back, service and drinks have been astounding the past two months.

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Replace, not remove.

This was my beloved coffee shop, I came here 3 times a week (years ago) when I went to SJSU, but something happened and the magic isn't there anymore.

My experience before:
The moment I walk in I’d smell the soothing sensation of coffee beans shuffling around the store. The baristas would joyfully welcome me in and gladly offer suggestions on what to try that day. Staff would hum along to my favorite hip-hop and R&B artist being played in the speakers while my favorite drink was being made. Lastly my favorite quote, “Try this and let me know if it needs any adjustments.” as the barista confidently waited for my obvious approval.
I didn’t come to this store to get coffee, I came to this store to find moments of peace, joy, safety, laughter, and community from my chaotic school life.

Now:
The atmosphere is stressful and uncomfortable
Staff do not feel passionate or happy working there
Baristas won’t look in your direction when they call your name
Drinks taste more like flavor water than coffee
Mint Mojitos uses half the amount of mint as it did before
Avocado toast (delicious) is no longer on the menu
The prices rose in exchange for less flavor and less service

Maybe social distancing removed their charm
Maybe Covid supply chain issues removed their quality
Maybe the removal of Fire/Police Department patches
also removed the feeling of peace, community, and unity

I hope management will find creative solutions to recreate the charming culture Philz once had.
Don’t remove, replace.

They're almost blend. Cream and sugar added by them to your taste. Good for coffee lovers. It takes about 15min to wait, but it's really worth.

Came out of curiosity and because I happen to be visiting nearby, and I'm glad I did. Had a pleasant experience and satisfied my craving for awesome coffee.

An active and bustling place with a cozy and relaxed vibe and decor. There is even a vibrant mural art on their wall which stands out.

Lots of customers but service is organized and quick. Very impressive since all the coffee made is a pour over.

Coffee selection is diverse with lots of interesting flavours. Ordered a Tesora and Canopy of Heaven coffee with medium level of sweetness. Coffee was very smooth, strong, but not too acidic, and no nasty sour or bitter aftertaste.

Also got a couple of whole coffee bean bags (Tesora and Silken Splendour). $18 per pound. Shop can grind the beans for you. A great deal if you want to enjoy it at back at home.

Keep in mind that there is no restroom in this place.

It is also a chill place to sit down, relax, and people-watch.

Easily accessible via walking or by car. It is close to nearby public parking. Also wheelchair accessible.

Would come back again, and try out their mocha and mint mojito iced coffee.

Visited here during LG meetup event at 6.30AM in the morning. First time here, so I did not know how to order. You need to stand in line go to barista when your turn comes, order your drink then go to cashier and pay for your drink! Any way I am a starbucks guy, I paid first then was trying to figure out where my order was. One of the Baristas understood what I did, she prepared my drink Aromatic Arabic. Coffee was pretty good. Place does get busy with long lines to order, since it is located in prime location in downtown San Jose.

Absolutely worth the wait - currently not served inside due to covid. I had my doubts, but alas, it only took one sip to realize this is some of best coffee I have ever tasted in the US - my cup had a combination of deliciously lingering European taste with a gentle, but very forward notes of west coast warmth. You want to kick back and get inspired!

Love Philz! They never disappoint with their coffee. Nice friendly space as well.

Great place to work and hang out! I had the avacado toast and it was incredible! Huge portion size and will definitely fill you up for breakfast or lunch! Great and friendly service, lots of seating! One bummer - no bathroom

Philz is always great (especially on a rainy morning)! They make your coffee to order and you can choose the sweetness as well as creaminess so it's suited to your taste. There's light, medium, and dark roast options as well as some specialties (mocha and the iced mint mojito!) So you have plenty of options. They also have baked goods which taste so fresh and yummy (much better quality than Starbucks food).

Wonderful coffee place. Nice baristas that really care about your coffee, with unique and fulfilling drinks that are sure to satisfy. Atmosphere is great. Baristas keep a good pace even during a big rush.

Seriously amazing coffee. The hot cocoa and Ecstatic iced coffee sweet and creamy are absolutely out of this world. I was genuinely shocked at how much I loved the blend and I can't recommend it enough. Each barista makes it a bit different and it does take a while to make but it is worth the wait.

The best coffee in the world is served here in my opinion, I honestly regret quitting caffeine! However, their sweet and creamy mint mojito and ecstatic are the definition of what iced coffee should be like! Worth every penny!

Great place to relax and study, they have inside or outside seating, right across the street from San Jose State. Friendly staff and great coffee, I highly recommend the Mojito cold brew!

My favorite cafe place in San Francisco. Strongly recommend Mint Mojito Ice Coffee, so fresh, unique and tasty!

Relaxing atmosphere with lovely baristas. The sitting area is usually packed, but most people don’t stay long so it’s not bard finding a spot. It’s mostly students during the weekdays.

Seating is very limited. I usually bring my coffee back to school or MLK library to work.

Would recommend the Mint mojito iced coffee.