Playback Coffee: Brewing a New Beat in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market is gaining a unique addition with Playback Coffee, a new spot that blends high-quality brews with a nod to the city’s radio broadcasting past. Currently in its soft opening phase, this 5,000-square-foot coffee shop at 87 N. San Pedro St. is set to officially open its doors on Saturday, July 26.

The vision behind Playback Coffee comes from David Mulvehill, president and COO of Nuvo Hospitality, and Frank Nguyen, the founder of Academic Coffee. These two have a history that goes back nearly a decade, starting when Nguyen hosted pop-ups at Mulvehill’s Five Points Cocktail Bar. Together, they’ve crafted a space that feels uniquely tied to San Jose. The shop’s playlist spans decades, featuring everything from ‘80s and ‘90s classics to contemporary hip hop and rock. A mobile DJ station keeps the tunes spinning all day and doubles as the drink pick-up area, with plans for early-morning pop-up raves adding an extra layer of excitement.

The interior of Playback Coffee reflects its bold identity. Stereos with light features and artist murals are being added to the walls, enhancing the atmosphere. The menu builds on Academic Coffee’s reputation, serving the same expertly roasted coffee beans and matcha. After the grand opening, expect an expanded lineup of drinks, including new creations and some fan-favorite throwbacks from Academic’s seasonal menus. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting July 26, this spot is designed to be more than just a coffee stop; it’s a place for the community to gather and enjoy something fun.

Academic Coffee is my favorite of many great coffee options Downtown, so I can't wait to see how this turns out.

Source: SVBJ

Tres Vinos 2025: A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of San Jose

San Jose is gearing up for an incredible night of culture and community with the 26th annual Tres Vinos fundraising dinner, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose. This event promises a vibrant mix of wine tasting, delicious food, and live entertainment, with a standout performance by Tito Puente Jr.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza, known locally as La Plaza, has been a vital hub for East San Jose for over two decades. Tres Vinos raises funds to fuel La Plaza’s mission of championing community heritage through arts and culture. This year, the money will support their 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which tackles big goals like preventing displacement and reinforcing neighborhood identity. One exciting piece of this vision is the push to earn state recognition for La Avenida Cultural District, a first for San Jose.

Imagine an evening filled with the rhythms of Tito Puente Jr., the taste of local wines, and the warmth of a community coming together. Tres Vinos isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about investing in San Jose’s future. By attending, you’re helping preserve the traditions that make this city special and ensuring East San Jose remains a place where culture and identity flourish.

Ready to join the fun and make a difference? Grab your tickets now for Tres Vinos 2025. Every sip and every dollar raised helps La Plaza continue its work, strengthening San Jose one celebration at a time. 

Celebrate 15 Years of Theatrical Joy with Playful People Productions in San Jose

San Jose’s Playful People Productions is stepping into its 15th anniversary season with an exciting lineup for 2025-26. This family-oriented theater company has crafted a schedule that spans Disney classics, side-splitting comedies, and imaginative new tales, ensuring there’s something for every age and interest. It’s a milestone year that also welcomes back home-school casts after a decade, adding a fresh layer of community connection to an already vibrant season.

The fun begins with Disney’s Moana JR, a journey of courage and discovery suited for ages five to eleven. Auditions run August 11-13, rehearsals start August 25, and performances hit the Historic Hoover Theatre stage October 17-19. Next up is Disney’s Newsies!, a high-energy story of young newsboys standing up for justice, perfect for ages eleven and up, with performances November 8-16. In 2026, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong brings laughter for ages sixteen and older in March, followed by Between the Lines JR in April for ages twelve to seventeen. The season closes with Willy Wonka JR, a delightful adventure for ages four to twelve, running May 15-24.

What makes this season stand out is Playful People Productions’ dedication to inclusivity and creativity. Since 2010, they’ve built a welcoming space where performers of all ages and backgrounds can thrive, guided by principles of positivity and individual support. Families can even perform together, with opportunities for kids to share the stage with parents or grandparents. Add in the Enchanted Masquerade fundraising event on September 27 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, and you’ve got a season that invites everyone to join the celebration.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Great Big Game Show Now Open at Westfield Valley Fair

San Jose just welcomed the arrival of the Great Big Game Show at Westfield Valley Fair. This interactive experience lets you step into a real game show setting, complete with a live host, bright lights, and lively music. Two teams compete in a variety of fast-paced challenges, from trivia and chance games to creative tasks involving props. Whether you’re drawing, building, or guessing your way to victory, this attraction delivers all the thrills of a televised game show without the stress of a huge audience.

To mark their grand opening, the Great Big Game Show is hosting a special competition packed with free games and fantastic prizes. If you’re eager to join the action and test your skills, head to their website to join the waitlist and secure your spot.

Nestled in Westfield Valley Fair, a go-to spot for shopping and dining, the Great Big Game Show adds a new layer of fun to an already popular destination. One of the reasons why Valley Fair continues to thrive while most malls across the US are on life support is their willingness to add nontraditional stores and entertainment into the mix. Valley fair also has escape games, Bowlero, Immersive Gamebox, and a new high-end movie theater (Alamo Drafthouse).

Savor the Flavors of Brazil: Show De Carnes Brings South American Flair to San Jose

San Jose’s dining scene is heating up with the arrival of Show De Carnes, a Brazilian steakhouse chain expanding its footprint in the South Bay. Starting with its first location in Sausalito in 2023 and a second in Palo Alto in late 2024, the chain has now doubled its presence by adding two new spots in San Jose. This growth, happening within just three months, highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse and exciting culinary experiences.

The new West San Jose location, set to open in October, will transform a former Red Robin at 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga into a 7,900-square-foot space seating about 250 guests. Meanwhile, Downtown San Jose will welcome Show De Carnes at 167 W. San Fernando St., where it has taken over the former Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse. Already operating under the new brand, this location will soon update its signage, fully integrating it into the chain’s vision of bringing Brazil’s gaucho traditions to California.

At Show De Carnes, the menu revolves around rodizio-style service, where servers, known as gauchos, carve an array of grilled meats tableside. Guests can also explore a self-serve salad bar packed with cold meats, vegetables, and Brazilian staples like farofa, a seasoned cassava flour with bacon, and feijoada, a hearty black bean and pork dish. Adding an unexpected twist, the salad bar includes sushi, reflecting a fusion common in Brazilian steakhouses. For dessert, options range from passionfruit mousse and açai sourced from the Amazon to classics like lava cake and cheesecake, all paired with drinks like the Caipirinha, Brazil’s iconic cocktail.

The atmosphere complements the food with green and wood tones that nod to Brazil’s natural landscapes, creating an inviting space for both locals and visitors. With these additions, San Jose now hosts four churrascarias, including Santana Row’s Fogo de Chão and Silva’s Brazilian Steakhouse on Alum Rock Avenue.

Source: SVBJ

Celebrate Mexican Heritage at San Jose's Fiesta del Mariachi

San Jose transforms into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with the fourth annual Fiesta del Mariachi at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. This family-friendly event brings together music, dance, artisan goods, and delicious food for an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and lively community that make San Jose so special.

The lineup features the Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, a legendary group founded in 1961 by Nati Cano, known for their soulful performances from albums like Amor, Dolor y Lágrimas. Joining them are Mariachi Bonitas, an all-female ensemble breaking barriers in the genre, Mariachi San José, showcasing student talent from San Jose State University, and Mariachi Internacional Tapatio, delivering authentic Jalisco flair. The stage comes alive with Los Lupeños de San José, whose regional dances tell Mexico’s stories through movement and color.

Beyond the performances, explore a variety of hand-crafted goods from local artisans, perfect for finding unique treasures. Savor mouthwatering dishes prepared by small-business chefs and cool off with refreshing drinks, all while mariachi melodies fill the air. It’s a full day of enjoyment for all ages, blending culture and community in the heart of East San Jose.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

• Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116

• Tickets: $60 Premium Adult (3+), $40 General Admission (3+)

Make plans to join this celebration of heritage and togetherness. The Fiesta del Mariachi highlights the best of San Jose’s cultural landscape.

Top 5 Smart Garage Door Features San Jose Homeowners Are Installing in 2025

Below is a guest post courtesy of YBM Garage Doors.

Introduction

You may have noticed it lately. In neighborhoods all over San Jose, from Willow Glen to

Evergreen, there are more and more homes with modern garage doors. It is not just about the

look. In 2025, smart garage doors are a huge trend in the Bay Area. Families want more

security, more convenience, and a way to keep up with the busy Bay Area lifestyle. Here at YBM

Garage Doors, we have seen this firsthand. We have helped families all over San Jose makes the

upgrade. In this post, I will break down the five most popular smart features homeowners are

choosing right now.

1. Smartphone Garage Door Control

Bay Area traffic is tough. A lot of people spend hours in the car every week. That is why

smartphone control is the number one feature people want. You can open or close your garage

with your phone, no matter where you are. If you forget to close the garage when you leave for

work or school, just tap the app. You will get alerts if the door is left open, and you can even let

in a family member or neighbor while you are still stuck on 280.

Tip from the field: We have installed these systems for busy parents in Almaden and Cambrian.

One family uses the MyQ app to let their teenagers in after sports practice. No more lost

remotes or keys.

2. Camera and Video Monitoring

With all the package deliveries and visitors in San Jose, having a camera on your garage door is

a big plus. Brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain now offer smart openers with built-in

cameras. You can see a live video of your garage from your phone, anytime. Some homeowners

in Evergreen and North San Jose have told us they love checking the camera when a package

arrives, or if they hear a strange noise outside at night.

Why it matters: Package theft is a real problem in San Jose. A video camera gives you peace of

mind and evidence if something goes wrong.

3. Amazon Key and Package Delivery Features

More homeowners in San Jose are signing up for Amazon Key. With a compatible smart garage

door opener, delivery drivers can drop packages safely inside your garage instead of leaving

them on the porch. You get a notification as soon as the delivery is made, and you can watch it

live or check the video later.

Local story: We set this up for a homeowner in Willow Glen who was tired of missing packages

or having boxes stolen. Now all deliveries are safe inside, rain or shine.

Learn more about our smart garage door installation service

4. Smart Alerts and Automatic Scheduling

San Jose weather can change fast. Some days are sunny and dry, but winter can get rainy and

windy. Smart garage doors can send alerts to your phone if you accidentally leave the door

open, or if there is unusual activity at night. You can also set a schedule, so the door closes

every night at 9 PM — perfect for families with kids or anyone who forgets sometimes.

Pro tip: At YBM Garage Doors, we always help new users set up these alerts and schedules

during installation, so you stay safe and worry free.

5. Battery Backup and Home Automation

The Bay Area sometimes has power outages, especially during fire season or storms. California

law says all new garage door openers must have battery backup. This way, you will never get

locked out of your garage if the power goes out. Many homeowners also want their garage

door to connect with the rest of their smart home — things like Alexa, Google Assistant, or

Apple HomeKit. You can use voice commands or connect your garage with the lights and

security system.

Real life: In Downtown San Jose, one customer has their garage set to turn on the lights and

play music when they get home from work. That is real comfort.

Smart Brands San Jose Homeowners Trust

In 2025, most families here ask for LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Genie. These are brands we

trust at YBM Garage Doors because they work with the best apps, offer good support, and

stand up to local weather.

If you want to see what a smart garage door can do, we are happy to show you real setups we

have installed in San Jose homes. Every installation is a little different, and we always give

honest advice about what fits your house and your family.

‏

Summary

Smart garage doors are changing daily life for San Jose families. You get more safety, more

control, and a little freer time. If you are curious, just ask your neighbors or stop by one of our

installations in the area.

For more tips or to see real examples, visit ybmgaragedoors.com. If you have questions about

upgrading your garage door, or you want to see smart features in action, let us know. At YBM

Garage Doors, we are proud to be part of the San Jose community.

Bay Area Michelin Star Restaurants - 2025 Edition

As promised, I was quicker to update the The Michelin spreadsheet this year. The latest Bay Area honorees were just announced about a week ago. The Michelin guide is the most renowned rubric in the for measuring culinary success. Unfortunately, this year was uneventful. There were no changes to San Jose's list and we actually lost one Silicon Valley Michelin Star restaurant: Chez TJ in Mountain View.

Michelin has three different star categories:

• One Star - A very good restaurant in its category with cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard. A good place to stop on your journey.
• Two Stars - Excellent cuisine, skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality. Worth a detour.
• Three Stars - Exceptional cuisine with distinctive dishes and superlative ingredients. Worth a special journey.

"Green Stars" are for restaurants that are at the forefront of sustainable, environmental, and ethical standards.

There are also restaurants in the Michelin guide that do not get a star, but are considered "Michelin Recommended." This is already a significant honor that a very small percentage of restaurants achieve. This distinction has gotten more rare since the guide now covers all of California instead of just the Bay Area. San Jose has a total of 4 Michelin Recommended restaurants, and it's the same list as the past couple years.

San Jose Michelin Recommended Restaurants:

• Downtown
• Petiscos $$ (Bib Gourmand)
• East San Jose
• Adega $$$$ 
• Midtown
• Luna Mexican Kitchen $$ (Bib Gourmand)
• North San Jose
• LeYou $$

I created a Google doc listing all of the star recipients for 2025, along with tabs for all previous years and some general statistics. There is no longer a physical book for California, but Michelin will update their site after new stars are awarded.

Below is an image capture from the doc. This year there were a total of 42 Bay Area restaurants that were awarded Michelin stars. 62% of the restaurants are locating in SF, 12% in Silicon Valley (7% in the South Bay, 5% in the Peninsula), 19% in Wine Country, 5% in the East Bay, and 2% in Marin. There are three new restaurants on the list for 2024 and three that no longer made the cut or were closed down. There were no new Silicon Valley restaurants on the list from last year, but I'm feeling optimistic about next year with Adega (San Jose's only previous winner of a Star), Eos & Nyx, and Augustine.

Unmask the Magic: Symphony San Jose’s Season Opener Promises a Night of Fantasy and Music

San Jose welcomes a thrilling start to the fall with Symphony San Jose’s 24th season-opening program, MASQUERADE, on October 4 and 5, 2025. This event at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose invites you to step into a world of fantasy and imagination. The masquerade theme weaves through an evening of three unforgettable orchestral works, blending celebration with the power of live music in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.

The program kicks off with Anna Clyne’s Masquerade, a vibrant piece that pulses with energy and captures the joy of festivity. Next, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini delivers a stunning showcase for piano, full of lush melodies and technical brilliance. The night closes with Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a wild ride through love, madness, and otherworldly visions that still feels revolutionary nearly 200 years after its debut.

A major draw is the appearance of Jon Nakamatsu, a San Jose native and globally celebrated pianist. His performance promises to bring a hometown pride to the stage, making this a special moment for local music lovers. Want to get more out of the experience? Arrive early for the Music Notes session, held an hour before each concert. It’s a free, casual talk with insights, fun facts, and guest interviews, perfect for deepening your connection to the music.

For an extra dose of glamour, the October 4 opening night transforms into Masquerade Fantastique. Picture a red-carpet welcome, a VIP pre-concert reception with wine and live entertainment, and a post-concert courtyard dessert party where you can chat with conductor Nathan Aspinall, Jon Nakamatsu, and Symphony San Jose musicians. It’s all happening at the historic California Theatre. Call 408.286.2600 or email Development@symphonysanjose.org for details and reservations.

This is your chance to enjoy a night of mystery and melody in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Tickets range from $35 to $115, with youth discounts available, so grab yours and join the celebration.

Starlight Cinema Brings Outdoor Movie Magic to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose transforms into a vibrant open-air theater this summer with the return of Starlight Cinema. Hosted by the San Jose Downtown Association, this free movie series invites families, friends, and neighbors to gather at St. James Park for unforgettable evenings under the stars.

Each screening offers more than just a film. Attendees can arrive early to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and lawn games, creating a festive atmosphere before the main event. Blankets and low-back chairs are encouraged for comfort, while the park’s lush green space provides an ideal setting for picnics. The lineup features family-friendly classics and crowd-pleasing blockbusters, ensuring something for all ages. Check the San Jose Downtown Association’s website for the full schedule and details.

The series runs on select summer nights, with films starting at dusk. Next up is Nacho Libre on July 13th and A Minecraft Movie on July 27th. Arriving early ensures a good spot and time to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Parking is available nearby, and public transit options like VTA make getting to Downtown a breeze. Starlight Cinemas is free and kid-friendly.