Grande Pizzeria Makes Its Welcome Return to Downtown San Jose

After seven years of silence on East San Carlos Street, Grande Pizzeria has stepped back into the Downtown San Jose scene across from San Jose State University. Owner Nick Barrita poured more than $250,000 of his own money into the nearly 1,700-square-foot space, which now seats roughly 130 guests including a sizable outdoor patio for 80. The doors opened on August 3 without outside investors, a decision that followed heavy pandemic delays, labor shortages, and climbing costs that kept the longtime campus hangout dark for so long.

Barrita absorbed around $500,000 in losses during the closure yet covered them through his other local spots, La Victoria Taqueria and Burger Bar. The location still sits in a strong position for foot traffic. Major events earlier this year, from the Super Bowl to FIFA matches and FanimeCon, reinforced his belief that San Carlos Street stays lively when the city draws crowds. Regulars had been pushing for the return, some half-joking that they needed the place open before they were gone. The kitchen answered by keeping signature pastas and favorites while expanding the seafood options and shifting to a more casual setup where tables order through QR codes.

Once fully staffed the restaurant expects to employ 10 to 12 people. Nate LeBlanc of the San Jose Downtown Association noted that bringing back a familiar local name fills an empty storefront and strengthens the hospitality mix that helps create lasting memories for students and visitors alike. A similar revival is underway nearby at Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe, another former SJSU favorite now under new ownership with cooperative plans. Together these reopenings add energy to a stretch of Downtown that benefits when college-area classics come back online.

The timing feels right for anyone who remembers the old Grande or simply wants a solid pizza and pasta option steps from campus. The patio offers a chance to sit outside, the expanded menu gives new choices alongside the classics, and the casual approach keeps things easy for both quick bites and longer stays. Downtown San Jose gains another steady presence that ties the SJSU community to the broader Downtown area.

Source: SVBJ

The Silk Route Brings Modern Indian Dining to San Pedro Square

A familiar midblock space at 17 North San Pedro Street will shift from Mexican fare to upscale Indian cuisine this fall. Jasbir Singh and Mandeep Jandir, the operators of neighboring The Brit Sports Pub and Patio, took over the former Olla Cocina site after earlier plans for a modern Mexican steakhouse fell through. Exterior and interior work is already in progress for The Silk Route.

Singh pointed to a clear opening in the local dining scene. Downtown San Jose has lacked a high-quality, modern Indian option even as other South Bay destinations such as Mountain View, Santana Row, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara each support successful spots that draw mixed crowds. He also noted the rising presence of young Indo-Americans around SJSU, the Improv, and San Pedro Square itself, alongside broader interest in Indian flavors among non-Indian diners.

The location carries a long restaurant history. Blake’s Steakhouse occupied it for years, followed by La Piñata and then Olla Cocina from summer 2016 until fall 2025. A short-lived Bar Tako pop-up filled the gap earlier this year before the current transition. The new concept aims to deliver a refined experience suited to the square’s growing energy.

Expect The Silk Route to open later this fall once renovations wrap. The change adds another distinct flavor to a stretch already drawing steady foot traffic and fresh investment.

Source: The Mercury News

Randy's Donuts Brings Its Iconic Hollywood Flair to Santa Clara

The Los Angeles doughnut legend known for its enormous rooftop sign and appearances in films like Iron Man 2 arrived in the Bay Area on July 31 at 2595 Homestead Road in Santa Clara. Franchisee Ausaf Masud and his partners selected the more than 1,700-square-foot space as their flagship, complete with a kitchen sized to produce doughnuts for additional shops planned across the region.

The location sits a short walk from Stan’s Donut Shop, a Santa Clara institution that has served customers for more than 65 years. Masud’s team chose the Homestead Road site for its layout and freeway access rather than any desire to compete, and both shops are expected to draw steady morning and afternoon crowds given their different closing times. Randy’s stays open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends, while Stan’s wraps up by mid-afternoon.

Beyond the classic glazed and chocolate varieties, the new shop turns out roughly 50 handmade options that include specialty flavors and toppings. Coffee, specialty beverages, and breakfast items round out the menu. The opening created 24 local jobs, and the larger kitchen will supply future Bay Area stores once they open.

Masud’s group already has four more locations in the pipeline, with San Jose, Palo Alto, Fremont, and Redwood City under consideration. The brand’s long Hollywood association and growing catering potential for Silicon Valley companies add further interest for the region. A quick drive or bike ride from much of San Jose puts the new shop within easy reach for anyone curious about the latest addition to the South Bay’s doughnut scene.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row Restaurants Offer $25 Prix-Fixe Lunches in September

Santana Row restaurants will serve $25 prix-fixe lunches throughout September as part of Let’s Do Lunch – Taste The Row. The weekday promotion runs Monday through Friday from September 1 to 30 and includes one appetizer and one entrée at participating spots.

The list of restaurants covers a wide range of cuisines: Augustine, Dumpling Time, El Jardin Tequila Bar, EMC Seafood & Raw Bar, Fitoor Indian Grill & Lounge, Fogo de Chao, Momosan Ramen & Sake, Oveja Negra, Ozumo Sushi, Parranga Taqueria, Pizza Antica, Suspiro, Vintage Wine Bar, and Vintage Wine Merchants. Tax, gratuity, and beverages are extra, and exact hours and menus vary by location.

The fixed-price format makes it easy to sample different kitchens without a large midday commitment. Office workers, shoppers, and anyone looking for a convenient lunch option can try a new place or revisit a favorite while the offer lasts.

Source: Santana Row

New Indian Restaurant The Silk Route Prepares to Open in San Pedro Square

A longstanding Downtown San Jose restaurant space at 17 North San Pedro Street will soon welcome The Silk Route Bar and Kitchen after plans for a Mexican steakhouse fell through. Owner Jasbir Singh, who already operates the neighboring sports bar The Brit, filed for a Type 47 liquor license and aims for an October debut.

The two-story, 6,800-square-foot venue represents nearly a million-dollar investment and is expected to create about 25 jobs. Singh identified a clear gap for Indian fine dining in the district and intends to fill it with classics such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and various lamb preparations alongside a full cocktail program.

The location sits squarely in the busy corridor between Farmers Union and O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, a stretch that has drawn strong crowds in recent months. San Pedro Square recorded more than 400,000 visitors during FIFA World Cup watch parties, and additional openings including Southern Comfort Kitchen in the food hall continue to refresh the dining mix.

Earlier tenants of the site included a decade-long run by Olla Cocina, popular with Sharks fans headed to SAP Center, followed by the temporary Bar Tako pop-up. The shift to The Silk Route arrives as the surrounding blocks show renewed energy and private investment, including the recent purchase of the Old Wagon Saloon building by a group linked to an NFL player.

Local diners seeking expanded options in the heart of Downtown can look forward to this addition once the build-out finishes. The Silk Route’s arrival further diversifies the flavors available along San Pedro Street and reinforces the area’s momentum as a destination for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Source: SVBJ

Where Locals Head for Brunch in Willow Glen

Saturday mornings in Willow Glen often begin with a choice along the tree-lined stretch of Lincoln Avenue. The neighborhood’s compact downtown offers several reliable spots for brunch, each with its own pace and outdoor seating, and all within a short walk of one another.

The Table, at the corner of Willow and Lincoln, continues to draw the longest lines for its seasonal American plates. Chilaquiles, fresh juices, and rotating egg dishes fill the menu, and the back patio becomes especially inviting once the morning fog lifts. Weekend service starts at 9 a.m., with walk-ins only on Saturday and Sunday. Arriving right at opening or after 12:30 usually shortens the wait.

Just down the street, Bill’s Cafe has served stuffed omelets and oversized pancakes since 1977. The heated patio stays dog-friendly, making it a practical stop for families who prefer to skip reservations altogether. STACKS, also on Lincoln Avenue, opens earlier and typically moves faster for those who want stacked pancakes without the crowd.

Copita adds another option later in the morning. Its weekend brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. across the dining room, patio, and rooftop, and reservations are accepted. The setting works well for groups that prefer to plan ahead rather than wait.

After brunch on Saturdays, the farmers market at Willow Glen Elementary sits only a few blocks away, Free two-hour street parking lines Lincoln Avenue, with a larger lot behind the Bank of America at 1245 Lincoln for those who need a little more time.

Source: Downtown Willow Glen

Alexander's Steakhouse Cupertino Returns After Renovation

San Jose diners who make the short trip over to Cupertino finally have a favorite steakhouse back. After a temporary closure that began in late June, Alexander's Steakhouse at 19379 Stevens Creek Boulevard reopened its doors following a full interior renovation, restoring one of the South Bay's most reliable fine-dining destinations.

The space that first welcomed guests in 2005 now features updated finishes and modern design touches while keeping the same sense of warmth that built its reputation. Intimate tables, larger gatherings for celebrations or business, and private events all fit comfortably inside the refreshed room. Plentiful free parking remains right outside, a practical detail that continues to matter on busy nights.

What has not changed is the kitchen's approach. Premium steaks still share the menu with seasonal tasting options, carefully prepared seafood, and a wine list that has earned steady regional praise. The blend of classic American steakhouse technique with subtle Japanese influences remains the signature, supported by ingredients sourced from nearby farms and artisan producers. Service stays attentive without becoming stiff.

General Manager Radim Vlcek and the team designed the update to feel elevated yet familiar, a balance that has defined the restaurant for more than two decades. Regulars and first-time visitors alike can expect the same focus on quality that earned Alexander's its long list of local awards (including a Michelin Star at one point).

Dinner service runs nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., with limited lunch hours on certain days. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 408-446-2222.

Dine Downtown 2026 Invites Food Lovers to Explore San Jose’s Culinary Scene

Dine Downtown returns for its 18th year from July 9 through 19. This 11-day event brings together restaurants across Downtown San Jose for special menus and deals that highlight the area’s growing reputation as a destination for memorable meals.

Participating spots stretch through neighborhoods like the South First Street Corridor, SoFA District, and San Pedro Square. Diners can choose from casual bites or more refined experiences, with many restaurants offering chef specials, prix fixe options, or value pairings that make it easy to sample different cuisines without breaking the bank.

Examples include Cambodian flavors at Angkor Chef with a chef special priced at $28, Greek-inspired dishes at Eos & Nyx with a prix fixe starting at $65, and classic steakhouse fare at Morton’s with options from $69. Other places feature more accessible deals like a free appetizer with purchase or food and drink pairings around $16.50, giving options for every budget and taste.

There are also some newcomers on the list that were not around last year like Poppy & Claro, Jackie's Place, Phin & Bowl, Southern Comfort Kitchen, and Pretty Good Advice. This is a great way to get to know Downtown San Jose's newest restaurants.

The event also includes practical perks such as 90 minutes of free parking in select downtown garages, making it simpler to spend an evening wandering between spots. By encouraging people to try new places and return to favorites, Dine Downtown supports local businesses while showcasing the diversity of flavors that define the city’s food landscape.

Flora Restaurant Arrives at Santana Row with Style

Santana Row will gain a versatile new restaurant this summer when Flora opens in the former Rosie McCann's space. The 4,800 square foot venue will seat roughly 170 guests around a 26-foot indoor-outdoor bar and will create 70 to 90 local jobs. Three South Bay hospitality veterans have teamed up to transform the long-vacant site into an all-day destination with service stretching from brunch into late night, including weekend hours until 2 a.m.

Danny Shafazand, Jameson Parvizad, and Russ Fukushima draw on experience from other local spots to create something distinct. They have worked with Basile Studio, the firm behind several other San Jose projects, and R3 Builders to shape a nature-inspired space. The design supports flexible programming that shifts with the time of day, allowing the atmosphere to evolve from daytime meals to evening gatherings with music and entertainment.

The partners aim to make Flora the heart of Santana Row and a place that attracts visitors from across Silicon Valley. Rather than replicate the past, they have focused on building a fresh identity with elevated yet approachable food and beverage offerings that blend familiar elements in new ways. Entertainment will adapt throughout the day, with DJs and live music integrated to match the moment, whether during weekend brunch or later hours.

This investment signals continued momentum for Santana Row as it refreshes its mix of dining and nightlife options. The substantial commitment from the team reflects their desire to deliver a flagship experience that combines their collective years in hospitality.

Source: SVBJ

Bb.q Chicken Plans Second San Jose Location on Hillsdale Avenue

San Jose food lovers gain another destination for Korean fried chicken when Bb.q Chicken opens its second local outpost at 1795 Hillsdale Ave. The South Korean chain filed a liquor license application for the spot in a busy strip mall that already includes Home Depot, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Target. This addition brings the brand’s signature offerings to a convenient retail corridor on the city’s south side.

The new restaurant will join existing South Bay locations in Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Milpitas. Founded in 1995, Bb.q Chicken has grown into a global operation with thousands of stores across dozens of countries. Its menu features crispy fried chicken alongside Korean classics such as tteokbokki, rice bowls and dumplings.

The chain built its reputation on quality Korean street food and a focus on bold flavors. With rapid expansion across the United States since 2014, the brand continues to introduce more communities to its take on familiar favorites and lesser-known dishes from the Korean table.

Chicken-focused concepts keep multiplying throughout Silicon Valley. Several other national chains have announced or opened new sites in the region over the past year, reflecting strong local demand for this category of fast-casual dining.

Source: SVBJ

Game Day Score Big at AJI Bar & Robata in Downtown San Jose

Soccer fans seeking a new gathering place in Downtown San Jose will have the launch of a special themed menu at AJI Bar & Robata this month. Located inside the Signia by Hilton San Jose, the restaurant designed dishes around the global tournament under headings like Hat Trick Nachos, Penalty Kick Sliders, and Kickoff Buckets of Wings.

The Gochujang BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos come piled high with waffle fries, queso, smoked crema, pineapple salsa, jalapeno, cotija cheese, and green onion. The Red Card Steak Sandwich features six ounces of New York steak on artisan bread, chimichurri sauce, caramelized onion, sauteed mushrooms, and onion rings.

Order Lemon Tamarind chicken wings by the ten or twenty count bucket and select from available sauces. The mix and match Wagyu Hot Dogs include options such as Chili Cheese, Bacon & Brie, and Surf & Turf.

A full bar complements the food with wines, beers, artisanal cocktails, Japanese whiskies, and sakes. Creative combinations appear in drinks like the Smoked Samba, which blends Maestro Dobel reposado, mezcal, house-made honey syrup, fevertree ginger beer, and lime juice. The Passion Fruit Pisco Sour combines El Gobernador pisco, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, lemon syrup, and egg white.

AJI opens at noon on Bay Area match days and equips the space with TVs and projection screens for optimal viewing. The themed menu runs through July 1. I've been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Grab a seat, order a few items to share, and experience the matches in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

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

Bafang Dumpling Brings Authentic Taiwanese Flavors to San Jose with New Location

San Jose has welcomed another addition to its growing selection of Taiwanese cuisine. Bafang Dumpling opened its second Northern California outpost on May 8 at 1078 E. Brokaw Road, roughly six months after launching in nearby Santa Clara.

The chain, founded nearly 30 years ago in Taiwan, specializes in potstickers, dumplings, and beef noodle soup. U.S. locations include expanded noodle and side options beyond the core offerings popular in its home markets across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

Expansion into the South Bay reflects the brand’s focus on Northern California as a priority market. With 15 U.S. locations already operating, mostly in Southern California, the company continues to add sites in key regions including further California growth planned for this year.

The arrival aligns with a broader wave of Asian-inspired dining concepts taking root across Silicon Valley. New supermarkets, food halls, and marketplaces have increased access to diverse flavors and ingredients for local residents and workers.

Those who enjoy well-crafted dumplings and comforting noodle dishes now have a convenient new option in San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe Returns Near San Jose State University Under New Ownership

A familiar name has returned to the streets near San Jose State University. Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe reopened its doors on May 6 after a period of transition, bringing back a longtime student favorite with more than six decades of history.

New owner Richard Hobbs, an SJSU alumnus, stepped in to revive the spot at 275 E. San Fernando Street. He has already created seven jobs and brought back a former cook to help restore operations. The cafe continues its tradition of generous portions and affordable meals aimed at the university community across the street.

Hobbs has expressed a longer-term vision of shifting the business toward worker ownership. This approach would allow employees to share in profits and participate in key decisions, offering a different model for local establishments.

The reopening required significant upgrades and effort over several months. Hobbs has focused on preserving the cafe’s role as a casual gathering place while meeting modern requirements for health, licensing, and staffing.

Those connected to SJSU will likely welcome the return of this neighborhood staple. Its location positions it well to serve the thousands of students who pass by daily, reinforcing the area’s character as a supportive environment for campus life.

Source: SVBJ

Jojo's Hot Chicken Opens Its First Brick-and-Mortar Location in San Jose

Jojo's Hot Chicken just opened the doors to its first brick-and-mortar location at 1601 Branham Lane on April 23. Yohana Gedam had stepped away from a stable car dealership role to follow a passion for food that led to this expansion. The grand opening marked the culmination of efforts that began with food truck operations.

Those trucks first set up in Almaden Valley at Kooser Road before adding a presence at 447 E Williams Street in Downtown San Jose. Recognition arrived when the operation ranked No. 4 among Yelp's top 100 food trucks nationwide in 2025. Diners discovered a distinctive mix of Nashville hot chicken heat fused with Ethiopian and Eritrean flavors in the sandwiches, bowls, and combos. Bottles of the signature JoJo sauce offered a way to extend the experience beyond the meal.

The Kooser Road spot will soon transition as Jojo's exits the location to make room for Zees Munchies, a dessert shop already operating in other major Bay Area cities. At the same time, the brand has its sights set on summer expansion into the Spark Social food truck park, a sizable 75,000-square-foot venue with a July opening on the horizon and interest from around 100 food truck applicants.

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

Strata Will Add Fresh Layers of California Cuisine to Downtown San Jose

San Jose diners will welcome Strata, a California-inspired restaurant scheduled to open May 13 on the ground floor of the Miro apartment towers in Downtown San Jose.

Spanning approximately 7,000 square feet, the venue will replace Rollati Ristorante and will introduce a dual concept that pairs a rotating prix fixe experience with casual a la carte options at the bar lounge. This will be San Jose's first restaurant to primarily feature a tasting menu since Adega (unless you include The Capital Club). the initial multi-course menu will be $75/person, much less than the typical three figure amounts you would pay at a fine dining restaurant in SF or Napa.

Executive Chef Roberto Mendoza will oversee a menu that will evolve every six to eight weeks, with early highlights including chicken fried morels accompanied by crab mousse and rockfish served alongside squash, herb pesto and chili oil.

The beverage program will feature cocktails, nonalcoholic selections and a changing wine list while the physical space will draw from geological strata through earth toned materials selected by San Jose based architecture firm Manu Studios.

M.O. Hospitality owner Dan Phan described an environment where layers of cuisine, hospitality and experience will create visits that feel both novel and familiar at a consistently high standard of quality. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan praised the group for its ongoing investment in Downtown. M.O. Hospitality also owns unique bars such as Still OG, Paper Plane, Miniboss, as well as the exceptional Alter Ego and Eos & Nyx.

The restaurant will close on Mondays and will operate from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with reservations available through OpenTable. Expanded seating, lighting upgrades and live music will arrive over the coming year.

Source: SVBJ

Square Pie Guys Brings Detroit-Style Pizza to Downtown San Jose, Slice of Homage Planning New Downtown Venue

Detroit-style pizza fans gained a strong new reason to visit San Pedro Square when Square Pie Guys opened inside San Pedro Social at the end of March. The Bay Area favorite brought its signature square pies with crispy, caramelized cheese edges right into the center of Downtown San Jose.

With several successful locations already operating across the region, Square Pie Guys expanded to its seventh spot after building momentum in Campbell. The team chose the San Pedro Square location specifically to experience how the brand connects with the steady crowds generated by events and the surrounding energy of Downtown.

They have taken up residence in the old Slice of Homage location (honestly my favorite pizza place of all time). The transition has opened the door for Slice of Homage to pursue a larger venue in Downtown San Jose. The popular pizzeria, which ran in the space for two and a half years, will return later this year with more room, parking, an expanded menu and a full bar to create an even better experience for guests.

Source: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

BILT rewards card and San Jose discounts

Happy tax day everyone! Today will be a slightly different kind of post. I'm a big fan of leveraging credit cards to get as much free stuff as possible and maximizing discounts on every purchase I make. I've stayed at fancy hotels for free countless times and flown all around the world using points. It's a bit of a side-passion of mine, perhaps an obsession. Currently I have an Amex Platinum (Personal & Business), Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Atmos Summit, Bonvoy Brilliant, and many others. 

I've been testing out a card by a newer company called Bilt for the last several months. They are the first (and only) card company where you can earn points on your rent or mortgage payments. That was my main use case for getting their premium card along with the generous sign on bonus, but it's a pretty awesome card in general for everything (except for taxes ironically).

Points can be converted to various hotel programs and 15+ airline partners, including Alaska Airlines... my go to at SJC. Southwest is also a partner as well as United, JAL, British Airways, Etihad, TAP Air Portugal, United, Cathay Pacific. and Emirates. Because of the flexibility, the points are worth roughly 2 cents each. You also get 4% back in "Bilt Cash" on purchases which you can exchange for more points, gift cards, etc. I value these at about 50 cents on the collar, so call it about 2 cents per dollar you spend.

So in essence, between the 1x points and 4% Bilt Cash, the Bilt Blue Card with no annual fee gives you 4% back on ALL purchases you make (except for taxes) and you can earn points on you rent or mortgage. The $99/year Bilt Obsidian also gets you 8% off Dining OR Grocery, and 6% off all travel purchases. Lastly, the $499/year Bilt Palladium gives you 6% off everything.  You can only pick one of the three, I went with the Palladium since it's the absolute best card you can get for non-category spend. The AMEX Platinum is still the best for flights, AMEX Gold is the best for restaurants, Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best for Hotels. For everything else, this is the new king of the hill. 

As an added bonus, you get additional points with Lyft, Walgreens, and several other partners including many San Jose restaurants. These include:

• Downtown - San Pedro Social, District, Farmers Union, Serious Dumpling, and Teske's Germania
• Santana Row - LB Steak, Seft Bank, El Jardin, Momosan, Zazil Cocina, Meso, and Suspiro
• Willow Glen - John's, Stacks, Toast, Casa Villa, and Mimosas
• Japantown SJ - Hukilau and Spread
• Tons of others in East San Jose, Almaden (La Foret), Evergreen, etc.

There are also discounts on fitness classes and parking garages as well as other perks such as comedy club and dining experiences. It's a pretty fun and interesting ecosystem, not at all what I expected from a credit card company.

Customer service has been hit or miss for me since they have been completely slammed after rolling out these three new cards. That is an area where AMEX is way stronger today, but it's a small price to pay for better discounts and rewards on purchases.

The Bilt Palladium has become my favorite credit card, but you can't go wrong with any of the three they offer today. The Bilt Blue is probably the best no-fee card today. The Obsidian is arguably on par with the AMEX Gold for dining, but with a much lower annual fee. The Palladium is ideal for people that know how to milk the points system and/or want to consolidate a bunch of premium cards into one.

To learn more or pick a card, click here!

Downtown San Jose Breakfast Just Got Much More Exciting

Downtown San Jose received a fantastic new addition earlier this month with the opening of Pretty Good Advice. This fast-casual spot from Michelin-starred chef Matt McNamara brings ingredients harvested from his own Santa Cruz Mountains farm right into the heart of the city.

The signature OG Spicy Boy sandwich has already won fans. It stacks a fried egg, crispy hash brown, roasted jalapeños, caramelized onions, and spicy aioli between slices of ciabatta. The farm-to-table focus ensures every bite tastes fresh and full of flavor.

McNamara, who spent his childhood in Cupertino, deliberately picked Downtown San Jose for the new location. He designed the menu around accessible pricing and mostly vegetarian options that still appeal broadly.

San Jose continues building momentum in its food scene. Spots like Pretty Good Advice contribute meaningfully to the goal of making this city an outstanding place to live and explore every single day.

Pretty Good Advice is open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday at 125 Paseo de San Antonio.

Source: SFGATE