JapaCurry Temporarily Steps Into Former Naglee Park Garage Space in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose restaurant spaces keep cycling through fresh concepts as one door closes and another opens. JapaCurry has moved into the former Naglee Park Garage location at 505 E. San Carlos St. with its made-to-order Japanese curry since April.

The arrangement lasts only until July 1. On that date Garage Enishi, an American bistro with Japanese influences, will take over the space. JapaCurry will then shift operations next door into the former Top Dog spot at 284 S. 11th St. to stay in the immediate area. JapaCurry also has another Downtown San Jose location inside of the SoFA Market.

Naglee Park Garage earned a steady neighborhood following for its American dishes and large outdoor patio courtyard. The restaurant gained wider attention after appearing on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives before owners closed it in September 2025.

The same patio will host activity again in early August. Plans call for FIFA World Cup viewing parties, games, music, and community events that will bring people together outdoors once more.

Source: SVBJ

Phin and Bowl Debuts on Third Street with Vietnamese Soul and Modern Flair

A new Vietnamese concept settled into Downtown San Jose on April 18 when Phin and Bowl opened at 304 S. Third St. The spot replaced the longstanding sandwich shop that operated most recently as Banmie & Hoagie Steak Out. Right in the center of the action, the address sits a short walk from San Jose State University and faces the 19-story Grad co-living building built for college students.

Slow-dripped coffee and hearty bowls anchor the offering, mixing classic Vietnamese comfort with fresh presentations. The team posted openings for baristas and kitchen staff to support daily service. Temporary hours list 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. while the kitchen finds its rhythm.

Third Street keeps shifting with this addition. Samuthr Thai opened earlier this month, and Entre Comales added taqueria and pupuseria choices last October after Iguanas Burritozilla closed. Nearby spots that shut down included The Nest Asian Bistro and K&J Sweets and Bakery, yet fresh concepts continue to appear along the corridor popular with SJSU students.

Asian favorites such as Lee’s Sandwiches and Boba Bar already draw regulars nearby, while Jack in the Box, Pizza My Heart, and La Victoria Taqueria supply quick bites. Phin and Bowl layers another option onto this student-heavy stretch and points to steady momentum for Downtown San Jose as a dining hub.

Source: SVBJ

Shake Shack Arrives at Sunnyvale Cityline with Classic Burgers and Community Support

Shake Shack latest Bay Area outpost will open its doors tomorrow at 10 a.m. inside Cityline Sunnyvale, located at 275 S Murphy Avenue. This marks the brand’s 16th location in the region and 51st throughout California.

Visitors who arrive early on opening day will walk away with limited-edition custom tote bags. Shake Shack also directs one dollar from every sandwich sold on April 1 toward Sunnyvale Community Services. The donation advances efforts to combat homelessness and hunger right here in the local community.

The menu features all the expected favorites. Diners will enjoy ShackBurgers, crinkle-cut fries, and thick hand-spun shakes. Seasonal specials rotate in regularly, and the restaurant will operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday while extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Flora is Blooming in Santana Row

San Jose foodies are getting yet another trio of compelling reasons to head to Santana Row. Flora San Jose will soon transform the long-vacant Rosie McCann's space into a versatile all-day dining destination on a prime corner behind Hotel Valencia.

Russ Fukushima and Jameson Parvizad of Water Tower Kitchen team up with Danny Shafazand of Bell Tower Cafe and NOVA Nightclub in Downtown San Jose to create the new concept. Guests will enjoy a seamless shift from bright morning meals to lively evening dining with an evolving menu that matches the time of day.

At the same time Bacio di Latte is already scooping its high-quality Italian gelato at Santana Row, and Johnny Doughnuts will soon bring its nationally acclaimed handcrafted doughnuts to the neighborhood.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Chicken Fans Gain a New Spot at Capitol Square Mall

San Jose chicken fans now gain even more convenient access to those crispy tenders everyone craves. Raising Cane's has launched its latest Silicon Valley location at 440 N. Capitol Ave. in the Target-anchored Capitol Square Mall. This addition sits just a few miles from the chain's first South Bay restaurant and responds to strong local demand.

The new restaurant includes a double-lane drive-thru built to move orders along quickly. Inside, the space celebrates San Jose pride through vintage photography and dedicated tributes to legendary acts like the Grateful Dead, the Doobie Brothers, and Los Tigres Del Norte. It also highlights nearby schools such as Independence High School, San Jose High School, and San Jose State University, creating a warm connection to the community.

Extended hours make this spot especially practical for busy schedules. The restaurant stays open until 2 a.m. most nights and pushes to 3:30 a.m. on weekends, perfect for grabbing a meal after events or late shifts.

Source: SVBJ