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

San Jose Scores a Ramen Win with Tsujita Artisan Noodle

San Jose’s culinary map expanded on June 21 with the opening of Tsujita Artisan Noodle at 4330 Moorpark Ave. This Tokyo-founded ramen chain, already a hit in Southern California, Houston, and New Jersey, is planting its first Northern California flag right here. For ramen fans and curious food lovers, this is a chance to dive into something fresh and authentic without leaving the city.

Tsujita is known for its signature tsukemen, a Japanese dipping noodle dish featuring chilled noodles paired with a rich, thick broth. The menu, still taking shape, will also include tonkotsu ramen and a vegan option to welcome a wider crowd. The team wants to introduce Silicon Valley to the art of dipping-style noodles, a style less familiar in these parts but packed with flavor and tradition.

The location near Mitsuwa Marketplace and other Japanese shops feels like a natural fit. It’s a convenient stop for shoppers, office workers, or anyone craving a quick, quality meal. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the space offers six tables and a dozen or so bar chairs for a cozy vibe.

Source: SVBJ

Brunch Blooms in Downtown San Jose

Reza Manion, the mastermind behind the beloved Bloom Eatery brunch spot in Santa Clara, is bringing his vision to 225 W. Santa Clara St., with an anticipated opening later this year. This expansion marks a new chapter for Bloom, a restaurant that’s been winning hearts since its debut in 2020, and it’s a sign of exciting things brewing in the city’s core.

Manion’s journey into the restaurant world started early, shaped by his upbringing in his family’s café, Sara’s Kitchen, a Santa Clara staple for over three decades. That experience fueled his dream of creating his own space, and Bloom Eatery was born. The Santa Clara location quickly gained a following for its standout dishes like croissant French toast and chicken and waffles. Now, Downtown San Jose gets to experience that same magic, with a 4,000-square-foot space that Manion describes as perfect thanks to its natural light and lack of brunch competition nearby.

The move to Downtown wasn’t Manion’s first instinct—he initially leaned toward smaller towns like Campbell or Los Gatos. But when a real estate opportunity arose, he saw the potential for Bloom to shine in an area he believes is on the upswing. Challenges like parking and Downtown’s reputation don’t faze him; instead, he’s eager to contribute to the area’s growth. With the interior build-out underway and permits in progress, he’s aiming to open by late summer or early fall, setting the stage for a cozy brunch haven just before the holiday rush.

What makes Bloom special is its commitment to keeping things simple yet exceptional. The menu stays focused, letting the quality of the food and the care in its presentation take center stage. Whether it’s the flaky layers of croissant French toast or the crispy perfection of chicken and waffles, freshness is key. Manion wants Bloom to feel like a neighborhood gem—approachable, elegant, and rooted in community. 

Source: SVBJ