San Jose’s Hot Pot Scene Heats Up with Mumu’s Arrival

San Jose just gained a new reason to gather around the table with the opening of Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge. The new restaurant already started welcoming guests this week at 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515. This is Mumu’s sixth Bay Area location—joining spots in San Francisco, Foster City, Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and Emeryville.

Mumu stands out with its hands-on approach to dining. You start by picking a soup base—maybe the fiery Sichuan, the earthy mushroom miso, or the warm tomato option—then layer in premium ingredients like Angus beef short rib, sliced lamb shoulder, or shrimp paste. Add Napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, or winter melon, and you’ve got a meal tailored to your taste. Vegetarians and halal diners aren’t left out either, with plenty of options to keep everyone satisfied. The modern space, decked out with natural materials and seating that works for solo lunches or big groups, makes it a spot worth lingering in.

Beyond the food, Mumu nails the details. An easy-to-use ordering system keeps things moving, while a drink menu with tea-based beverages, draft beer, and cocktails pairs perfectly with the bold flavors simmering in your pot. With over 200 seats, it’s ready for anything from a quiet dinner to a full-on celebration. Alex Hu, the Director of Operations, shared that San Jose’s diverse community and lively energy made it an ideal fit for Mumu’s next chapter. It’s a place designed to bring people together, and it’s landing right where it belongs.

Ready to check it out? Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge opens daily from 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:00pm–9:30pm. Swing by 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515, and keep an eye out for launch promotions dropping soon. For more details, head to www.mumuhotpot.com.

Bitterbuck: A Fresh Twist in Downtown San Jose’s Bar Scene

Cache Bouren has been shaping Downtown San Jose’s bar scene for over 15 years. His journey started with Singlebarrel in 2010, a craft cocktail lounge that set the stage for what would become Haberdasher in 2015. Both spots earned loyal followings for their creativity and charm. Now, Bouren is ready to unveil his latest venture, Bitterbuck, in the emerging Fountain Alley district.

What sets Bitterbuck apart is its dual personality. By day, it’s a haven for coffee lovers, featuring pour-overs crafted with a Poursteady machine from Brooklyn. This automated setup, capable of brewing up to five cups at once with a robotic spout for precision, reflects Bouren’s obsession with quality coffee. As night falls, the space transforms into a cocktail lounge, spotlighting sparkling wines, bitter liqueurs, and amaro-driven drinks. It’s a concept that bridges morning and evening crowds, common in Europe but offering a fresh take on what a Downtown San Jose hangout can be.

The location in Fountain Alley feels like a perfect fit. This pocket of Downtown is on the rise, part of a larger wave of revitalization bringing new energy to the area. Bitterbuck joins this momentum. Bouren has a knack for spotting what’s missing in the market, and with amaro gaining traction, his timing couldn’t be better.

Source: The Mercury News