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    Academic Coffee

    4.2 (346 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Academic Coffee Photos

    Business Info

    ACADEMIC COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Academic Coffee

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    Banana Cream Matcha, Guava Matcha, Banana Cream Latte
    Leah Y.

    I really liked this cafe! They have a small, but well crafted and unique drink menu. I love the fun drinks they have available! I tried the guava matcha and it was really good! The matcha on its own was slightly grassy for my taste, but mixed with the guava cream was really delicious. The flavor came through really well and was perfectly sweet. So far this is one of my favorite matchas in San Jose. They don't really have a food menu here, but there are some pastries that look pretty good. I can't vouch for how they taste however. The drinks came out super quickly and the servers were really sweet! I also really liked how we could take the drinks outside to the large seating area and enjoy the drinks, but there is also some indoor seating. Parking might be a little annoying but there are some spots out front of this location. Overall I really liked this spot and I definitely want to come back to try some of their other unique drinks!

    Brenda L.

    I've been wanting to try Academic for the longest time but always found myself delaying my visit because of the comments I've heard about their parking lot lol. (They were right... the parking lot does suck!) If you're lucky enough to come at a quieter time and are able to snag a spot, I definitely think it'd be worth the visit! I ordered the guava matcha. As someone who isn't necessarily the biggest fan of matcha, I actually thought the drink was solid. The matcha had a lot of depth and the guava flavor was STRONG. My drink came out only a few minutes after I ordered; they're super quick to make drinks here, which is appreciated! They have a few seats inside the cafe and some outdoor seating if you plan on staying and hanging out. It is quite expensive here though - my matcha ended up being closer to $10. Not sure if I'd go out of my way to come again given how busy it typically gets but was definitely worth a try!

    Banana matcha and guava matcha
    Clare K.

    I've heard my friends raving about the Banana Matcha for a minute, so we decided to try! We went to their second location? Huge plus that it's right next to the park. It was super convenient if you're out walking your dogs like we were. I'm usually a fan of their Pandan, but I think I have a new favorite. The banana cream and Guava cream paired with matcha is a total game changer. You can tell they aren't using cheap ingredients; the matcha is high quality and the cream is actually thick and rich (hopefully its from real fruits haha) which makes such a difference for a latte. It's definitely on the pricier side( about $9 per drink if you want to substitute with other milk), but for the quality and the vibes, it's 100% worth it. Service was fast and great! Plenty seating indoor and outdoor but parking spaces were limited.

    Annie Y.

    There's a small parking lot in the back; otherwise, you can find street parking about a block away and walk a few minutes. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered the Piloncillo Latte, and it was rich, creamy, and good. Service: 5/5 Tip(s): - Small parking lot in the back - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Accept Apple Pay

    Melissa G.

    Their pistachio specials from the last couple months were very good. However, it appears they've moved into guava season. I like this coffee shop, I've been coming here and especially the San Jose location for a long time. I appreciate consistency in my coffee shops and to be honest, academic seems to be losing the plot. Today I ordered one basic drink and one specialty- a vanilla latte and the guava matcha drink; both were just mid. The guava matcha is beautiful aesthetically, but the guava was way too overpowering, you couldn't taste the matcha. Also no oven to heat up the pastries. I still like their alum rock beans and purchase them regularly. They used to give you a drip coffee or espresso shot with purchase but I guess not anymore. Overall this spot appears to be leaning towards style over substance, but I hope they don't go that route. This review is a 3.5 but I rounded up because of the pistacho specials from the last couple months were very good.

    Banana matcha
    Maddie W.

    When I think of academic, the one drink that's unbeatable is their banana matcha. I keep ordering it at other coffeeshops hoping for a similar one, but it's not the same!! The banana flavor truly shines and everyone I've brought here loves it and is converted. It really does taste like a banana cream pie and matcha in the best way possible. Their pandan latte is also solid! I've yet to explore more of their drinks, but heard good things about their seasonal red bean latte. Their double chocolate chip cookie is to die for. Truly such a wonderful spot!! It's a smaller space, but there's decent amount of outdoor seating. Parking is meh, it's mostly street parking and very limited spots behind the building. The driveway feels illegal with how steep it is. Be careful if your car is low!

    Banana Matcha & Strawberry Matcha
    Andre M.

    Academic has been in my coffee/matcha rotation for a while now and does not disappoint. Between their coffee or matcha, both are a great choice at either location. Service is always very kind, and I would say that this location is more for socializing than studying.

    Double Matcha Latte & Hojicha Latte
    Kiana L.

    Went to Academic Coffee to celebrate our birthday morning since it's one of my cousin's favorite matcha spots, and honestly, it made for the perfect start to the day. The café itself is small but clean, with a simple and relaxed vibe. The staff seemed really nice, which made the experience feel easy and welcoming. We ordered the double matcha latte and a hojicha latte, and I can definitely see why this is one of my cousin's favorite spots. The matcha was strong, smooth, and well balanced, especially with the double scoop, giving it a richer flavor without being too bitter. The hojicha latte had a nice roasted, nutty taste that felt really comforting and not overly sweet. It's one of those places where you can tell they care about the quality of the tea, and it really shows in the drinks. Overall, it was a great way to start our birthday, and I'd definitely come back again for a solid matcha fix.

    Eva C.

    Love! Their parking lot is very small and usually full so parking is a bit difficult. I've tried their guava cream matcha, banana cream matcha, and hojicha. I personally am a fan of guava so I really enjoyed the guava cream flavor. Their banana cream is also very well made it had a strong flavor that paired well with the matcha without it tasting artificial. They have some seatings both inside and outside, which was really nice.

    Jason Q.

    Drinks were amazing, I only tried the banana matcha, but it was easily one of the best matcha I've had this year. Super smooth, rich, and not overly sweet. Service was friendly and quick, and the staff made the experience even better. The ambiance had a clean, modern vibe with a nice downtown feel, making it a great spot to relax. Prices felt fair for the quality you're getting. Stopped by Academic Coffee in downtown San Jose and it definitely lived up to the hype. Will definitely be back. 5/5 stars from me.

    Pandan Latte
    Anh T.

    I visited Academic Coffee for the first time with a couple of friends. Finding parking was difficult in the area. I didn't wait too long to try their pandan latte with oat milk, and it was excellent! I wish that the pandan flavor came through a bit more strongly, but it was still sweet enough and balanced well with the espresso taste. The oat milk also added a nice creaminess without overpowering the drink. The drink was unique and stronger in coffee flavor. The area itself is cute, with seating available to work at or hang out with friends.

    banana matcha (left), vanilla latte (right)
    emily d.

    Used to be an absolute favorite and go to for the easy parking, great drinks, and proximity, but slowly have been trying other spots. I have always loved the banana matcha along with their seasonal drinks like the melon matcha or double matcha, but have felt like the coffee quality and dial can be inconsistent occasionally making the coffee sour. Understandably with the increase of demand the price has also gone up for the matcha to maintain quality, but because of that I have also started looking elsewhere. But I also have always appreciated how sweet and kind the staff is, always a wonderful interaction at the counter! I usually park the street over or around and walk through the community garden or apartments to reach Academic, but usually the parking lot itself is pretty full.

    Strawberry matcha and banana matcha latte
    Grace P.

    Absolutely obsessed with their banana matcha. Their banana cream is heavenly. Perfectly sweet and creamy enough to mix with the drink to sip on. Parking is kind of tricky here. There's like 7-8 parking spots in the lot, but the sign says you can only park for 30 minutes. I recommend parking on the street or across the street at bank of america.

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    Academic Coffee Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Academic Coffee

    What's the phone numbers of the SJ & Santa Clara Coffee shops? Also, where exactly (land mark) is the Santa Clara shop next to? We had a hard time finding it, & despite Gps,…

    Hi Shirl! I'm not sure what the phone number is to this Santa Clara location but I can tell you that it's located on the same side of the old strip mall that has the Shoe Cobbler in the corner located on Dorcich Street. It's just a little further… Read more

    Are they still serving guava matcha latte?

    Yes we are still serving it!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Sulbing

    Sulbing

    4.0
    (784 reviews)
    2.5 mi
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    I was super excited to visit Sulbing as this was my first time trying bingsoo! We initially went…read morelast night only to find out they stop taking orders at 9:15 pm so keep that in mind. We ended up going again the next day to try it. We ordered the Premium Strawberry Sulbing and the Mozzarella Injeolmi Toast. The bingsoo was delicious and not too sweet, loaded with fresh strawberries and a big cheesecake wedge. It's especially great for a hot summer day. The portion size was good to share between two people. The toast was yummy but does have a sweeter taste profile due to the honey drizzle on top. Overall a great experience! We'll definitely be coming back!

    Sulbing is a Korean dessert café best known for bingsu, a shaved ice dessert made with an…read moreincredibly fine texture that feels closer to snow than traditional shaved ice. We walked into a clean, modern space with a casual café feel that works well for stopping by after a meal or meeting up with friends for something sweet. The shop focuses on creative variations of bingsu with toppings ranging from fruit to chocolate, matcha, and other dessert-inspired flavors, and the layout encourages lingering over a shared dessert rather than rushing through a quick stop. The biggest highlight is the texture of the shaved ice itself. The ice is extremely soft and light, melting quickly while still holding the flavors from the toppings and condensed milk. We ordered the Injeolmi Sulbing, which showcases the more traditional side with nutty flavors, and the combination of the fine ice, chewy rice cake, and nutty powder created a dessert that felt both refreshing and satisfying. The Tiramisu and Chocolate Brownie Sulbing turn it into a much more indulgent experience, with richer flavors that feel closer to a full dessert than a light treat. The presentation is impressive, with each bowl arriving looking carefully composed, and the layers of toppings are distributed well enough that you get a good mix in every spoonful. The portions are also a major part of the appeal. A single bingsu is easily shareable, making it a good choice for groups or anyone looking for a dessert to split after a meal. We found that sharing worked well, as the portion was generous enough to satisfy two people without feeling like we were missing out. Beyond bingsu, they also offer items like toast and other sweet treats, which give the menu more variety and make it a place you can visit even if you are not in the mood for shaved ice. The main thing to keep in mind is that the experience depends heavily on the flavor you choose. Some versions rely more on the toppings for their flavor, while others feel more balanced throughout. The presentation is impressive, but certain options may feel less satisfying if you expect every bite to have the same intensity as the first. The fruit-based versions, for example, rely on the freshness of the fruit to carry the dessert, while the chocolate and tiramisu versions have a more consistent richness from the base itself. Sulbing is a great spot for trying Korean-style shaved ice. The unique texture, large portions, and variety of flavors make it stand out from typical dessert shops, especially if you enjoy lighter desserts with creative toppings. The balance of refreshing and indulgent options across the menu gives you room to explore different styles on repeat visits, and the quality of the ingredients makes each bowl feel considered and well composed.

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    Sulbing
    Mango cheese sulbing
    Mango cheese sulbing
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    Croissante

    Croissante

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    You are getting to go to the left. Super easy to see which way you should go because your eyes are…read moreimmediately drawn to all the pastries. Beautiful, flaky, sweet and savory; there are so many delicious options. Gourmet pastries with gourmet coffee equals perfection. Best way to start the morning. I love that. You can actually see them fresh baking pastries while you're sitting. We didn't go overly sweet because it was the morning, but I would love to come back in the afternoon to have a nice sweet treat and a cappuccino. For my family of three we definitely got over excited in order too much, but each bite was delicious. We got a leek quiche, a banana latte, spinach, artichoke danish, mango croissant, almond croissant, and a ham and cheese croissant. I was trying to increase the protein to not spike my blood sugar. Lol. I'd have to say the mango and the almond croissant were probably my favorite. The strong second would definitely be the artichoke and spinach croissant danish thing. Sorry, I forgot what they called it. They offered to heat it up a bit and I definitely recommend this. They did the perfect temperature for the perfect timing. Just enough to make the outside flaky and the inside warm and soft. The pieces that had cheeses were so much better warmed up. They definitely know what they're doing there. Seating was great. I'd love the decor. You can also order off of a menu, but we were too enamored with the actual pastries to even glance at it. I took photos but made sure to not take photos of the staff. I let the staff know that I wouldn't include their faces without their permission. they were very friendly and very appreciative. My family loved your little shop and we will definitely be back when we're in the area.

    This place is dangerous! The food isn't cheap, but the pastries are truly some of the best things…read moreI've ever eaten. I've visited several times for brunch with friends, and my recommendation is to come early as the line can reach out the door and down the sidewalk. At the same time, I give a lot of credit to the staff who are always friendly and helpful with indecisive patrons who are always asking questions and unsure of what to get. Somehow, they keep the lines moving at a good clip. The inside has lots of seating but it fills up fast. And it gets pretty loud. There isn't really anyone cleaning up the tables as it is self busing so it can get a bit crazy and messy by midday. Somehow, I keep coming back to drop $60-80 at a time everytime I visit.

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    Indoor dining option
    Indoor dining option
    French onion soup- too salty
    French onion soup- too salty
    French Toast

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    Choc Cookies

    Choc Cookies

    4.6
    (695 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$
    Catering service
    Kitchen open late

    These are some of the best cookies I have ever had in my life! We needed to place a large order for…read morework, so a colleague and I came by to test them out first. The aroma of fresh baked cookies hits you as soon as you open the door, it's it's over. Give me all the cookies. Now normally, I would only order chocolate anything but decided to try ube. This cookie was everything, slightly crusty outside and soft interior. We then placed an order by contacting them via email and the process was super easy. We asked for them to be individually wrapped, which they did. Cookies were delivered on time & we're still warm. Everyone loved them. Can't wait to order again!

    I have a huge sweet tooth. We were in Santa Clara recently and I wanted to try some popular…read morecookies in the area. We arrived at Choc Cookies on a Tuesday early evening. The bake shop is located in a small older plaza off El Camino Real in Santa Clara. There is limited parking in the small parking lot out front. The bake shop is small, clean, with simple black wall decor. When you walk in there is an oven area to your left and the cashier is in-front of a small counter straight ahead. All orders are to go as there are no tables or chairs inside. We ordered their popular $10.00 Tuesday special which includes 4 chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were huge and plump in the center. They were soft, chewy, and delicious. The center was gooey with plenty of big chucks of chocolate. Overall we enjoyed our experience at Choc Cookies. The staff were nice and helpful. The cozy environment was family friendly. Thier $10.00 Tuesday special is a great value. I definitely want to come back to try the other cookie flavors.

    Photos
    Perfectly baked - nice crust, not too fudgy not too cakey, perfect melt on the choc chips.
    Perfectly baked - nice crust, not too fudgy not too cakey, perfect melt on the choc chips.
    Soft, thick, gooey and loaded with chocolate :)
    Soft, thick, gooey and loaded with chocolate :)
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    whaT’s More cake studio

    whaT’s More cake studio

    4.4
    (233 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    I had ordered my dad's birthday cake from here back in 2024 (salted yolk/pork sung/matcha mix…read morecake), and it was absolutely delicious! This time I decided to stop by here after dinner, my first time sitting down here and ordering. The inside is very clean, modern, and Pinterest-like. They added more decorations and seating from 2 years ago, making the inside more aesthetic. whaT's More always has unique Asian flavors, like durian, earl grey, pandan, red bean, and oolong. The cakes are not too sweet, so definitely Asian parent approved haha! Unfortunately, when we came around 6:30pm, they were sold out of most flavors - so would definitely recommend coming earlier or just ordering online earlier in the morning for pickup. We got the sesame dark chocolate crepe cake. When you eat in the store, the owner provides you with free cups of tea, which are really great for washing down the cake. The chocolate was super rich, and they did not skimp out on the flavor - super chocolatey. The sesame added such a fun earthy and nutty flavor - I thoroughly enjoyed it! The cake is on the slightly denser side, so was super filling. While on the pricier side, the flavors are super unique and the craft that goes into crepe cakes is commendable. I will be ordering my next cake from here again!

    After randomly browsing Yelp and found this place, we happened to be nearby and I decided on an…read moreimpromptu visit on a Saturday afternoon. The place was situated in a quiet plaza just outside of Lawrence Expressway. There's ample parking but it doesn't feel like the location is suitable for a cafe where you can picture sitting inside looking through some big windows facing a busy pedestrian walkway. However, once I stepped inside, I was surprised at how zen and peaceful the decorations were and how fitting it was for a cozy and quiet cafe hangout. The cake shelf was surprisingly busy. And this is where I took one star out because the lines were confusing and the staff skipped me to talk to the group behind me while I was clearly the next to be helped. Luckily another staff member came out from the back kitchen and jumped in to help. The staff spoke fluent mandarin. I was interested in their box cakes. A few of the yelpers raved about their soy milk cake and luckily they had one out for sampling. It was covered with lots of cream and the cake layer was soft and moist, but it was still slightly too sweet for me and I felt that it lacked the tofu kind of soy flavor. Then, I spotted on their menu that they have a black sesame matcha box cake, and black sesame is always my favorite, so I asked for it. They had the last one left! The staff said she had never tried it so she couldn't tell me if it is less sweet than the soy milk cake. Since it was the last one available and I already sampled the soy cake, I decided to give it a try. I am happy that I did. The cake was filled with matcha mousse and tasted light and aromatic with the jasmine kind of matcha flavor. It is definitely less sweet. Unfortunately, it doesn't have as much black sesame as I'd like. But overall, the cake flavor is the kind that I like, subtle, moist, and not too sweet. $38 for a box cake of 4x4 is a bit pricey, but I'm glad that I gave it a try. The cakes were freshly made and tasted best the same day of purchase. They also recommend refrigerating the cake and consuming it within a day or two.

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    Strawberry Boxed Cake
    Strawberry Boxed Cake
    Strawberry Molten Cake
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    Strawberry Crepe cake
    Snowtime

    Snowtime

    4.6
    (323 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    This is one of the best Bing su Korean shaved ice places in the area. (My other favorite is Sul and…read moreBeans in Cupertino). The fruit is fresh and sweet and they include a lot of it. I just wish they added mochi to the sweet sunset shaved ice, the. It would be perfect for me! They gave me a free birthday sundae to redeem for this whole month which was a cup of vanilla ice cream and sprinkles. Service was quick and there were plenty of tables to sit at, not too crowded. They have a nice air conditioned area to sit in.

    I really enjoy this spot because the portions are much smaller than traditional bingsoo, making it…read moreperfect when you're craving something sweet without committing to a huge serving. It's also great for sharing a few different flavors with friends. On this visit, I ordered the Strawberry Mango Snow with extra condensed milk. Both were refreshing, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The fruit tasted fresh, and the extra condensed milk added the perfect amount of richness to every bite. Ordering was quick and convenient through the self-service kiosk, and our desserts were ready within just a few minutes. The process was smooth and efficient, making it an easy place to stop by for a quick treat. Another thing I appreciated was the spacious seating area. There was plenty of room to sit and chat, making it a great spot to catch up with friends over dessert. The toppings on the snow dessert were generous and complemented the shaved ice perfectly. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter, more manageable portion of bingsoo that still delivers on flavor, I would definitely recommend checking this place out. The desserts are delicious, the service is quick, and the atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and enjoy something sweet.

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    Miss-You-Matcha
    Miss-You-Matcha
    Golden Dust
    Golden Dust
    Berry Bingsu Regular size

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    Berry Bingsu Regular size
    MoDo Hawaii

    MoDo Hawaii

    4.5
    (829 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Ok to preface; I am easy to please and LOVE donuts. I would always go to Mitsuwa when Modo Hawaii…read morehad a "pop" up and my go-to was ALWAYS the cookies and cream donut. I am so glad they have their own shop now!!! Did you know the shop also has poke???! Yum!! I was able to meet my protein goal for the day by getting half pound of spicy tuna and ONE cookies and cream donut (hey, it was cheat day). They make their donuts FRESH AND HOT; so it will be 1000% delish.

    *This review is strictly for the poke, NOT the mochi donuts. The mochi donuts are delicious*…read more Been a long time fan of MoDo Hawaii and remember their pop-up days at Mitsuwa back then. I've been seeing videos of their poke and decided to try it out. After having it two times, I would say the poke is okay. Also, they forgot to give me seaweed salad the first time I tried it. While the poke is budget friendly, you get what you pay for in quality. It's decent and filling, but quality doesn't compare to higher priced poke shops ($18-$20). The poke kind of reminded me of Basa Seafood in SF, which I wasn't a fan of, and Basa is also known for cheaper prices. MoDo only offers tuna poke and I am a salmon girly. I'm not sure if they plan to expand their selections, but if you wish to try their poke bowls, get the half n half. BTW, I believe staff should be mindful of the rice temperature. My friend visited on a BOGO day and said her bowl was super hot. By the time she arrived home, some of the poke was half-cooked. I also came on a BOGO day but did not experience this.

    Photos
    7/15/24 FYI
    7/15/24 FYI
    Mochi donuts
    Mochi donuts
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    Co Ba Dessert Tea & Coffee

    Co Ba Dessert Tea & Coffee

    4.5
    (448 reviews)
    5.9 mi
    $$
    Kitchen open late
    Happy hour specials

    I've been to Co Ba twice now and had a great experience both times. I was looking for a reliable…read moredessert spot open late that serves desserts on the lighter side, and che fit the bill perfectly. Both times I've gone were half an hour before closing and the store was packed. The first time I got the Ha Noi Mist and the Lychee Rose, the second time I got the Ha Long Sunset and a limited stock warm specialty dessert with pandan and ube dumplings in a ginger coconut sauce. The Ha Noi Mist's ingredients sounded the most aligned with my personal preferences and I got the Lychee Rose to try something different but refreshing on a warm summer night. I was hesitant to get the Ha Long Sunset since I'm not a fan of jackfruit but Eric voted for it, and also the dumplings since a ginger coconut sauce sounds weird but he said that's what he wanted. Sipping che through a straw definitely beats spooning it. Make sure to thoroughly mix the drink and crush up the ice a bit before indulging. On my first visit I didn't notice the kiosk and ordered with the cashier so I was confused at how I would know when my order is ready because I didn't get a number or a receipt, but I later noticed the screens displaying that information on the wall. I'm a big fan of pandan jelly. The red pearls can be good but can sometimes have a bit of a crunchy chew in the center. Young coconut has a good flavor but a texture that isn't my favorite. I did not like the jackfruit in the Ha Long Sunset, but the flavor wasn't strong enough to ruin the whole dessert. I feel like che is a dessert that is not necessarily expensive or time consuming to produce, and the milk tea/fruit tea prices here are definitely on the pricey end given their component ingredients. Yes I would revisit, especially when I need dessert late, but I feel that making che at home could be the cost-effective alternative.

    Definitely one of the top Teas and Desserts shops in the Bay Area!!! I have been here 3 times…read morealready. A small but cozy shop with indoor and outdoor seatings. Nice Lounging area inside. Great Authentic Vietnamese Drinks and Che Deserts!!! My top go-to here are the Hanoi Mist, Saigon Pearl, Matcha Paradise, Jasmine Blossom, and Thai Orchid. Great Taste and definitely Refreshing!!! No cash Card Only.. I recommend come check it out!

    Photos
    Ha Long Sunset
    Ha Long Sunset
    Sai Gon Pearl
    Sai Gon Pearl
    Ha Noi Mist

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    Ha Noi Mist

    Academic Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026

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