Big E Cafe

416

12 years ago

Based on a recommendation by a friend, I bought 8 empanadas (5 different fillings) for the family. With the exception of the one filled with beef, they were all tasty and fresh. The lady (owner?) who helped me was extremely helpful and pleasant. She individually packed the empanadas and wrote down the type on the bag. She also gave me reheating instructions once I told her I would not be eating them right away. The only reason I could not give it 5 stars is because I think they are a bit pricey. I realize it's a locally owned business and everything is freshly made but $3.40 per empanada (not all that big in size) is expensive. I would suggest at a minimum, they offer a discounted price if you're buying more than half dozen. My 8 empanadas came out to be $30. read more

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Andrew R.

7 years ago

2 people recommended this place to me and I finally came in today - fantastic! We ate 3 empanadas each (2 is really enough) and had a latte. The spinach and cheese empanada was perfect and the lomo empanada was bomb as well. The lattes were very nice and we bought a few empanadas for the family as well. I will definitely come back and I highly recommend this place! This is one of the very few places that has good empanadas. read more

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Christine H.

Elite 12

581

148

162

14 years ago

I LOVE empanadas. And I was really excited to try this place. The empanadas here are HUGE. My Order: *Spicy Thai Chicken- There was definitely a Thai-curry smell to them and a little hint of spiciness. The chicken was tender, but I don't know, I don't think I would order this again. It was lacking something, and I can't put my finger on it. *Chicken & Mushrooms-- once i took a bite, there was this smell that came out of it-- and it wasn't pleasant. Most likely, it came from the mushrooms. If you like mushrooms, order this; if you dont-- stay away. 2 stars for my experience with the 2 items I ordered. Next time around, I am coming back for the breakfast empanadas! Bacon, Eggs & Ham? Yes, please. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese? Double YES! Note: emapanadas $3.50 read more

Big E Cafe - Fresh baked empanadas - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Christine, thank you for reviewing our shop, our staff works hard to…

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Melissa S.

12 years ago

The Husband and I had never been here but empanadas sounded good so we stopped in for lunch and we weren't disappointed. We were immediately welcomed and when The Owner found out that it was our first time he was more than happy to give us the 411 on all the flavors and the best-sellers. I went with the spinach & gruyere and the chicken & cilantro and both had amble filling and flaky crust. Two were more than enough (I got the meal that came with two empanadas, a side of fruit and an inca soda) and really flavorful. The Husband also got a meal and tried the "pizza" flavored one and the Philly and he was happy with both of his. We're definitely coming back to try more! read more

Big E Cafe - Empanada selection - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - 2 Empanada meal - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - the innards - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Swan L.

319

881

2827

10 years ago

Cute, quaint, and incredible empanadas! Big E is an independent coffee shop and cafe with pastries and tasty breakfast and lunch empanadas. Loved their beef empanadas with onions, olives and raisins. It had a very unique but delicious flavor profile from the saltiness of the olives with stark contrast to the sweetness of the raisins. The beef was cubed into perfectly small sizes for ease of eating. Also got the chicken and mushroom empanada, which was reminiscent of a chicken alfredo. It was creamy and earthy, but chicken was slightly on the drier end and pieces were a little too big. My favorite thing about this place is peeking behind the display shelf into the kitchen and seeing the empanada dough being rolled out by hand! read more

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Luca R.

16 years ago

BigE (big empanada) is an awesome cafe. The owner Armando is super nice an his handmade empanadas are the best of SJ. At lunch you get 2 empanadas a small salad and a drink $6.25 . Great deal. Plus their espresso also rocks 100% Italian!!! Take my word on that :) ... and they also have free unlimited wifi and couches + sofas - so you can come with your laptop and browse the net while slouching ... read more

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Cebarn C.

10 years ago

Delicious coffee Amazing Empanadas! I'm new to town and very happy to have found this place, we come every day with out 2 year old son The Spinach, Spicy Thia, and Apple Cranberry are my favorite. read more

Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Thank you Cebarn C. Welcome to our neighborhood, always a pleasure to…

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Sherry Z.

Elite 21

381

185

8 years ago

There's a short wait in the morning around 8:40 am. The cashier is friendly and would make jokes with you. I'm not a morning person and appreciates the enthusiasm. Egg&sausage, peruvian beef, and pizza flavors all taste good. My family enjoyed the empanadas. I think the pastry shell could be thicker. But that's just how I like it. Plenty of parking spaces. read more

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Sharon N.

4 years ago

Tasty empanadas that are large in size. Pretty good deal for good & filling food. Bacon Egg Empanadas was a good way to start my day

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Wesley B.

6 years ago

Love this place! Great family run business, great coffee and the empanadas are excellent. It's my morning stop nearly every morning enroute to my office. read more

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Veronica C.

316

957

456

15 years ago

I wanted to like this place because of the great reviews. And I have to say, the service here was top notch. I'll start with the great: I came in looking through the display at all the different empanadas, and couldn't decide. The owner (I'm assuming) came out with a few more empanadas and told me he had more in the back for the empty plates that he still needed to refill in the display, and also had more that were freshly made. They had quite a variety: beef, spinach and cheese, chicken mushroom, philly cheese... I decided to go with the traditional beef, since I haven't found one quite like the ones I've had in Argentina. It's nice they used real cuts of steak, but I was craving a flakier crust and I wished the olives were chopped up in smaller pieces (they were whole). There was a good amount in the filling though, never an empty bite. I also got a small mocha for a grand total bill of $6.70. The mocha was just okay, was hoping for it to be a little stronger, but I liked that it wasn't too sweet. They did have some combo meals, but wish they had one for my coffee/empanada combo. read more

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Charleen R.

165

11 years ago

Visited for the first time today and I am quite impressed. Ordered the spinach and feta empanada. The pastry was delicious and it was stuffed FULL of spinach and cheese. I was expecting the empanada to be somewhat heavy or greasy, but I was pleasantly surprised, it was fresh and flaky and not greasy at all. My son orders the Philly cheesesteak empanada, which he liked. We also tried the fruit smoothies, and I have to say I am not a fan. Oh well, I am not coming here for the smoothies anyway. Service was very friendly and the atmosphere was nice. Lots of clean tables inside and out. Can't wait to come back and try more empanadas! They have an espresso bar here, so I will try a coffee instead of a smoothie. read more

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Dee F.

197

441

1427

11 years ago

I got the panzerotto empanada (the one that tastes like pizza). I thought the dough was too dry. The sausage tasted weird, like it wasn't fresh. I like how they heat up the empanada for you. It was nice and hot when I got it. The overall taste of the empanada wasn't bad. It was just the taste of the sausage that was throwing me off. I also got the mango smoothie. It tasted like they used fresh mangoes. It was really good, except it seemed like they might have added too much sugar. read more

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Katheryn B.

8 years ago

I was introduced to Big E Cafe by a Class Mom from St. Timothy's Christian Academy. She reminded me that we need to support our Local Mom and Pop Businesses. I get Amazing service, Heavenly Coffee and a nice Empanada. There are always Smiles and great service to be given. I never thought I would like empanadas, they are a wonderful treat. I am determined to try all that they have. Today when I came in, I saw that they are now making it easier for you to order through their website and an app. Take the time to stop in and try something new. read more

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Brandon N.

7 years ago

This was my first time here going to this cafe/bakery. The service here was very friendly and gave off a home feel. I got the Traditional Peruvian Beef and the Philly Cheesesteak Empanadas. I thought the Traditional Peruvian was somewhat dry but the Philly Cheesesteak saved this review for me. Overall I would come back to here to try some more flavors! read more

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Claire K.

7 years ago

I've visited this place more than a few times now -- and each time my experience has been exceptional. The workers are friendly and welcoming, the empanadas are bomb, and the overall atmosphere is quite nice. I've tried the chicken cilantro, the philly lomo, and the spicy Thai chicken one. I always get the dessert apple and cranberry empanada too. Their drinks and coffee are also delicious -- I definitely recommend trying one, especially one of the specialty beverages unique to them. read more

Big E Cafe - Apple and cranberry dessert empanada -- bomb! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Thank you Claire! To us your 5 stars review is the bomb!

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Jeremy G.

Elite 12

229

165

17 years ago

This is a good, comfortable, neighborhood coffee shop. When I stopped by here last week, for the first time, the guy working there was very friendly and made me a really tasty cappuccino. The espresso was good and the foam was near perfect. I really like that they serve food too. I didn't have time to eat, but most coffee shops only have pastries without much in the way of breakfast or lunch food. read more

Big E Cafe - Double cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Jennefer C.

Elite 23

643

164

450

13 years ago

I have noticed this place before, but every time I wanted to stop by for some coffee, it would already be closed. Anyway, I took a stroll w/ a couple of friends and decided to check this place out. I had ordered the Sausage Empanada w/ a Mocha Banana Frappuccino and was able to sample the Spicy Thai Chicken Empanada. All I have to say is, "OMG!!!! The Big E Cafe is my new favorite place." I will definitely drive 40 minutes just to have their awesome empanadas. Thank you Ernie for your generous hospitality! The upside down e w/ a smile is such a blessing. See you again soon! If you all haven't tried this place, then I highly recommend that you do. Make sure to ask for the Secret Sauce. =) read more

Big E Cafe - Sooooooo goooooood!!!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Anya G.

100

12 years ago

The potato cheese and egg empanada is amazing. The staff are really friendly and made great suggestions! An excellent place for breakfast and lunch. I am not a coffee drinker, but HAD to try the "girl from ipanema" blend....yummy! I will definitely be back. read more

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Giang N.

181

7 years ago

First time coming here and I highly recommend this place. The store looks small and the way they decorate the store makes it look more space. We ordered chorizo breakfast and Mediterranean empanadas with caramel latte and fruit salad, i also got dark roast coffee. Empanadas are very good. The pastry is good, and they were served hot. The chorizo is a little bit salty in my opinion, but the Mediterranean is delicious. Caramel latte is also good, and dark roast coffee smell delicious. I like their combo meal, reasonable price and fill up enough for breakfast. Not only the employees but other customers seem to be very chill and energetic, like they are not rushing but things move fast and smooth so everyone gets their food fast. read more

Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Thank you Giang, I am glad you stopped by and even more glad that you…

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Jenny L.

7 years ago

So. So. Good. Wish I knew bout it earlier. The beef empanada has raisins, giving you that super savory-sweet experience. The pastry is thin and crispy while the filling is nice and full. Great customer service, as they even told me about the raisins just in case I didn't like them. Great attention! 10/10 would come back again. read more

Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Better late than never! I am happy you found us and thanks for the…

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Rachel L.

203

5 years ago

The empanadas are delicious. I've always bought a few for friends, family, and coworkers and they rave about how good they are. Big hits are potato, chorizo, and bacon for breakfast and peach and blueberry for that sweet tooth. I haven't personally tried their lunch empanadas but I have a feeling they're just as flavorful. Their options for hot drinks from the espresso bar are great too. My favorite is a vanilla latte with oat milk and lavender. You are always greeted when walking in and the staff is amazing. The order online feature helps me out a lot in the mornings when I'm in a pinch. Glad to see Big E's is still here in a pandemic where we've lost a lot of businesses. Stop by and try it for yourself if you haven't yet! read more

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Pete D.

106

16 years ago

I love this place and go out of my way every morning to make a stop by here before heading to work. The coffee and specialty drinks are good and reasonably priced. I just tried the eggnog latte, and although fatty as all get-out, it was delish. In fact, I came back the next day desperate for a second fix and although they were out of the eggnog, the girl behind the counter ran over to Safeway and bought some more while I was waiting! Talk about customer service. :) What truly sets this coffee shop apart from your run-of-the-mill joint is the proprietor, Ernesto May, and his specialty -- EMPANADAS. This dude must have been touched by the empanada gods because he can fix them like nobody's business. They've got breakfast empanadas with egg & cheese and your choice of either bacon, ham, or sausage. There's fruit empanadas, chicken, and more. I know he caters too, so I may have to hit him up for a work event or something sometime. read more

Big E Cafe - Chicken Pesto on foccasia for lunch - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Greg E.

5 years ago

Quick and easy! Friendly staff. I ordered online the night before. Came in, waited less than 5 mins for my food. The breakfast empanadas are awesome!!!! I've had 10+ at this point and they all have been great. read more

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Maria L.

5 years ago

Love the food and customer experience here! The empanadas are always fresh and the employees seem happy to be there. I don't make it down to San Jose often but when I do Big E's is a must stop! The beef, mushroom, and Philly cheese steak are my favorite but you really can't go wrong! The hot sauce that comes with the empanadas is soooo good too! Mochas are also bomb. read more

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Kelly P.

5 years ago

The review is for the new location in Campbell, and it is amazing! The rich, flaky-crusted empanadas were ample for lunch especially when paired with the potatoes. I had mine with feta and basil, served with a side of chimichuri that sent this into 'fancy' lunch mode quickly. The iced coffee was the BEST I've had outside my own kitchen (I admit to being a coffee snob). Super good value too! read more

Big E Cafe - Combo #1. One Breakfast Empanada, One Small Side Dish, One Small Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Tahir N.

248

422

8 years ago

Haven't been here in a while, but when I was it was great. Looking forward to another visit soon.

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Jenna L.

Elite 15

712

905

293

6 years ago

The breakfast sausage and egg empanada was good! One was enough for me! I had it with my egg nog latte! Soooo tasty! They perfected that for sure! Came here for a quick bite when my mom was in the hospital and it filled my tummy up. read more

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Pablo R.

6 years ago

Good spot for some quick empanadas and coffee. Very friendly people. I always tip them.

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charles c.

8 years ago

I just left and I already want to go back... ok I'm going back after my workout. And whatever espresso drink the beautiful young lady had me try, thank you. It was delicious and a great pick-me-up for this workout I have ahead of me. I would've took a pic, but the way that flavor was setup it had no chance of lasting that long. read more

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Francy M.

8 years ago

Love this place! Food delicious. Something really funny was some random guy gave us a lizard he said it was a tradition there to pass it to another persons when we're done. Love the idea! read more

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Jenna G.

6 years ago

I have nothing but great things to say about Big E Cafe! We have always loved grabbing a quick coffee and empanada and they have made it easy to continue to do so with their mobile app and safe and easy pick up. For breakfast empanadas, I love the egg and potato (vegetarian) and my husband always goes for bacon and egg. If you're in the mood for something sweet, the apples and cranberry dessert empanada is delicious. We're forever fans of this great local business! read more

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Troy B.

5 years ago

My kids and I enjoy going in the morning to get the ham Empanadas. Eddie is the owner and he's always in good spirits.

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Jessica O.

5 years ago

My family loves this place! The empanadas are delicious - we love all the breakfast emapanadas and the spicy thai is my personal fav of the lunch varieties. The coffee is also wonderful! I have the app and will preorder and then just pop in and pick up - so convenient and safe. read more

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Joseph S.

961

805

9 years ago

Good good good! Empanadas, chorizo 5 stars, chicken mushroom 5, Bacon 5, traditional 5, ham 4, sausage, chicken cilantro, apple cranberry 3 stars. Brewed coffee is all good, lattes are all good. Customer service is totally awesome! Free wifi. I think it would be to their benefit if they opened earlier on weekends especially during the summer. read more

Big E Cafe - The chorizo, egg and cheese is actually 75% potatoes and 25% egg, chorizo and cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - Chorizo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - Chorizo. Sooo good! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - Chorizo, nice and crispy - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - The big e app. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Business owner information

Ernesto M.

Joseph thanks for the awesome pictures! We truly appreciate your…

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Lindsay L.

6 years ago

This place is EPIC! Their coffees are bomb, empanadas are bomb as well! They give Milohas down the street a run for their money. Milohas is beyond epic as well, go to both and compare! read more

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Veronica C.

400

7 years ago

This place feels like home and the service is very reasonable. Everyone here is so nice and I always find a place to sit and enjoy my empanada read more

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Traci Mae D.

490

9 years ago

We've been here twice and we've tried the Chicken Mushroom, Spinach Cheese, Bacon, and Potatoes and Eggs empanada. As a drink, we got the Iced White Chocolate Mocha. The empanadas are delicious but depending on which one you get, can be a little dry. (Plenty of different hot sauces available which helps) The chicken mushroom is my favorite because it has some sauce in it. The iced white mocha is pretty good and the service is good. We will continue coming back. read more

Big E Cafe - Iced White Chocolate Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

Big E Cafe - Eggs and Potatoes empanada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Jose, California

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Negin H.

156

8 years ago

Omg I would drive even hour to get to this place just to have there little amazing snack I really don't know what to call them but I get the chicken mushroom and it's just great They are super friendly plus what ever I got here is just taste right 5 star read more

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Courtney C.

7 years ago

The best chai latte I have ever had. It tasted like Christmas in a cup - not too sweet and not too spicy. Highly recommend! Very nice women working the counter as well. read more

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Page 6 of 17

1683 Branham Ln
San Jose, CA 95118
Cambrian Park
Directions
(408) 978-9040
Call Now
Visit Website
https://mybige.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Big E Cafe open?

Big E Cafe opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Big E Cafe opens at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Big E Cafe close?

Big E Cafe closes at 3:00 PM on Monday and Sunday.Big E Cafe closes at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon 6:00 AM - 3:00 PMTue-Fri 6:00 AM - 7:00 PMSat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PMSun 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Big E Cafe take Bitcoin?

No, Big E Cafe does not take Bitcoin.

Does Big E Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Big E Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Big E Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Big E Cafe does have catering options.

Does Big E Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Big E Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Big E Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Big E Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Big E Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Big E Cafe allows dogs.

Does Big E Cafe have TVs?

No, Big E Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Big E Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Big E Cafe has bike parking.

Does Big E Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Big E Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Big E Cafe have parking?

Yes, Big E Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Big E Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Big E Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Big E Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Big E Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are an independent coffee house and empanada cafe! From our many varieties of empanadas to our full assortment of products, there is always something to please every taste. We can also cater your next office party or business event with an empanada buffet!

History

Established in 2005.

Our philosophy has always been to treat our customers as partners in our quest to make this extraordinary pastry the favored snack or meal in the food industry. Our goal is to provide the highest quality product and we make every effort to serve all our guests with fast and friendly service. We would love for you to stop by and come see what we are all about. Hope to see you soon!

Meet the Business Owner: Ernesto M.

I remember my passion for cooking started at a young age when my Mother taught my sisters and I how to make traditional Peruvian dishes. By the time I was a teenager, I knew my way around a kitchen. When I first came to the United States, I worked in many restaurants, learning how to prepare different cuisines. I had the opportunity to learn Mexican Italian, Japanese, French and many more other styles of cuisine.

More Info

Health Score

Big E Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - Big E Cafe

Do they offer non-dairy milks?

Yes they offer substitutions for $0.50 (almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk).

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The FAB

This place was SO good! Definitely a place to go to if you're downtown. We went during brunch time…read moreon Saturday. It was super packed but once you taste the food, you understand why. It's a small place but has indoor & outdoor eating. Lively (Latin?) music & an extensive menu. If you have a large party or are with picky eaters, this place has it all. I ordered their egg scramble with chorizo. 5/5 The rice & beans were seasoned so good. Even as sides, as individual items they were DELICIOUS. The chorizo & eggs weren't overly greasy & the tortillas were good. My partner ordered the steak sandwich. 4.5/5 Flavor was amazing. The steak was a little chewy. The sauce on the side complimented it very well but not necessary as the flavor of the steak was great by itself. I ordered a strawberry mimosa, as well. It was really lacking for me. Didn't taste any strawberry. Just looked like pink champagne. 2/5 Overall, the food & customer service was great. Clean bathrooms. Good vibes. Will definitely come back & try the rest of the menu.

Went here on a Tuesday night around 7pm for context…read more Buddy and I walked in and then were told that we could sit anywhere so we told the lady we'd sit outside and she said she'd be right there. She came out a few min later and we order some chips and salsa for an app and both got drinks. The drinks took a while to come out and the chips took even longer which was weird. The server finally came back out and we put in a food order and we both ordered another drink because of how long it took the first time. I got the qeusabria Taco which was pretty solid given it was my first time trying it. I would definitely order again. My buddy had gotten two tacos, and the first came out and he had been long done before the second one came out. Overall, good food, decent prices, multiple seating options depending on how you're feeling, but the service was not good. Because of that I don't know if I'll go back.

Ceasar Salad

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Tacos and affirmations

House of Bagels

4.6(993 reviews)

6.1 mi•Downtown

We did a road trip up to San Jose and we had to stop to try this bagel spot because it was…read morerecommended to us by a lot of friends! Our breakfast bagels with sausage and bacon were very yummy! And very well priced for the size. You order at the counter and they take a few minutes to make your food before calling your name out. Super easy and quick! There is some outside seating but it is a little limited. However, these bagels are great for eating on the go/in the car which is what we did :)

I came here for breakfast while visiting from out of town, and this place completely blew us away…read more Our entire group (a mix of LA and Seattle natives who are pretty spoiled when it comes to good food) absolutely loved the bagels here from the very first bite. The standout for me was the basil pesto cheese bagel with the tomato basil cream cheese. It was such a unique combination and unlike any bagel I've had before. The flavors worked perfectly together and it was delicious! I can't recommend this enough! Even after leaving town, this ended up being one of the things I kept thinking about long afterwards. I hope I find myself in San Jose again for one reason or another just so I can get it again.

Sausage egg cheese bagel

Lox Bagel w Jalapeño and Cheese Bagel

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Closed-face Lox Bagel Sandwich on Pesto bagel ($10) @chelchomps on ig!

Orale Restaurant Bar

3.9(25 reviews)

6.8 mi•Downtown

For a spot like this so NEW in town hands down the food was really good and service was amazing…read more Came out and celebrated Mother's Day with the fam and we were definitely taken care of. Really beautiful decor and I didn't know but they had karaoke which was so fun. Love the decor me and my family definitely enjoyed ourselves and made memories. Parking is a bit tough cool thing is they had a small jumper out front and also outside seating. Multiple TVs inside playing all kinds of sports restrooms available as well. This place was good very family friendly

Where do I begin? I was looking for Tequila Time restaurant that served cafe de olla and found…read morethat it changed to Orale. Waste of money and time - Loud, subpar service, food is below mediocre, tortillas not even one of my worst batches. Pancake was fair but not worth the visit. If you are into Banda blasting your ears, drowning out any conversation - you may want to try Orale if you don't mind blown out speakers.

It was so good. YUMMY!!

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Burrito in the back. 3 tacos- Birria, tripas, asada

Egghead Sando Cafe

3.5(351 reviews)

5.8 mi•Downtown

I swung by Egghead Sando Cafe not too long ago and it honestly left a really good impression. The…read moreplace has a chill, cozy feel , nothing over the top, just a nice spot to sit and eat without feeling rushed. I tried one of their signature sandos and it was really solid. The bread was soft and fresh, and everything inside tasted balanced rather than heavy or greasy. It's simple food, but done properly, which makes a big difference. Coffee was also better than I expected and worked well with the sandwich. The staff were friendly and easygoing, and even though it was fairly busy, the wait wasn't long. Overall, it's just a nice, low-key place for a casual bite. Nothing overly fancy, but definitely somewhere I'd go back to when I'm in the mood for a good sandwich and a relaxed atmosphere.

This is one of the breakfast places in Downtown San Jose that you do NOT want to miss!…read more I stumbled upon this place after the Yelp app recommended me to try -- so you know I had to give it a try. Upon entering, I loved how spacious the place was, especially with the variety of foods they had: egg sandwiches, matcha lattes, coffee, and lots more. I was fortunate enough to try their egg drop in a jar alongside bacon and cheese, and their matcha latte. Both were very delicious and had a very natural taste to them :) They had self-order kiosks but at the same time, their hospitality and customer service was on par. They were very accommodating with regards to dietary restrictions (especially when it came to the milk selections for lattes, matcha was no different). I will definitely be coming back to this place to try more! (Hint hint: I may also try their other location as well -- that to.be saved for another time)

Inside

Breakfast sandwiche

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Brown Sugar Hojicha Latte

The Breakfast Club

3.9(4.5k reviews)

4.9 mi•Buena Vista

Locally sourced ingredients

Full bar

Came in on a Friday and got seated right away. The wait to get food ordered was a bit long but was…read morefine. Food came out great and server was attentive!

Food was great, the atmosphere was great as well. What really set this experience apart was the…read moreservice from Veronica as well as the gentleman bussing tables. Both had amazing personality and were extremely helpful. Ordered a mimosa flight that got knocked over due to the paddle sticking out - they immediately cleaned it up, moved us to a bigger table, and got us fresh mimosas. Every request was met immediately, the food came out hot and fresh and I was really impressed with just how well we were treated. Overall great experience, one more shout out for Veronica !

Red velvet pancake, strawberry French toast, blueberry lemon ricotta pancake

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The Table

3.9(3.9k reviews)

3.8 mi•Willow Glen

I ordered the avocado crab toast with dungeness crab, miso butter, soft scrambled eggs, arugula,…read moreand trout roe. It was good, but I think the portion was on the smaller side for the price. Service was really good though. We sat outside since I had my dog with me, and the waitress brought out a water bowl for my dog without me even asking, which I thought was a really nice touch. Overall a solid spot, especially if you're sitting outside. Good service and a nice, relaxed vibe.

The Table was a really big miss for me. The outside of the restaurant was very cute, and the inside…read morehad nice vibes. From the start, the waitstaff was standoffish and not very friendly. When we were seated, we were given a list of items that were not available. I originally wanted to try the pancakes but ended up ordering the chicken sandwich instead. This was genuinely one of the worst chicken sandwiches I have ever had. It was extremely gristly, fatty, and made with dark meat, which felt like an odd choice for a chicken sandwich. I'm not sure why this cut of chicken was used. The fries were alright, but they did not come with the sandwich and cost an additional $5. Our total came to almost $90 for three entrees with no beverages. I was especially frustrated because my sandwich was inedible. For the price and quality, I will not be returning and would not recommend this place.

Roasted Carrot Salad ($14)

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Market Fish: Salmon w/ Balsamic Soubise ($36)

Peanuts Deluxe Cafe

3.9(629 reviews)

6.0 mi•Downtown

I ordered a chorizo burrito, and a steak to go and both were delicious. Peanuts is an iconic place…read morefor San Jose State students. My brother's fraternity used to have meetings at Peanuts. I really like the new administration--they are promoting inclusion, offering student discounts and they have free peanuts during the happy hour. They are also planning to convert Peanuts into a cooperative business, which is a great move to promote cooperatives in the Bay Area.

Stopped by for lunch today (Saturday). Clean and friendly. We got a burger with onion rings, and a…read morecheesesteak with hash browns. Burger and cheesesteak were good; cheesesteak was loaded so was a little difficult because the bun could be a little more toasted but flavor was good and lots of veggies were good. Onion rings were good, but hash browns were not my favorite (I like hash browns to be crispy and today's were more like mashed potato). We'll be back; I'll do a side salad next time.

New interior

Chilaquiles Rojas

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Denver Omelet

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Sa H.

14 years ago

i love this place :) so many good memories, and even better empanadas! my friends and i used to go here 2 or 3 times a week, after school. since the first day we stepped in, the staff were always nice to us! my friends and i actually brought in a pie to the cafe when there wasnt a rush, the employees gladly baked it, and they sat with us to eat it haha. we would joke around and became good friends with the owner and employees. even though we were just in high school, they were very professional and friendly with us - service thats hard to find nowadays, especially when youre young and businesses dont take you seriously (i find). you definitely get that local, family-owned atmosphere, where you feel welcome :) the place is also very quaint and cozy, however when its busy it can get crowded fast, but its not too bad. anyway, the empanadas are a MUST! i walked 5 miles to this cafe many times, just to grab an empanada! theyve got sweet fruit ones and ones with meat and vegetables. ive tried them all and theyre ALL DELICIOUS!!! their coffees and muffins are a little expensive (comparable to the prices at starbucks, maybe a few cents more), but the price of the empanadas are very reasonable even for a student budget. overall its the diamond-in-the-rough when it comes to cafes, good quality in an unexpected place. whenever im back in town im coming back here :) and i suggest you do too read more

eduardo g.

18 years ago

I finally had to stop by Big E Cafe, the Starbucks where I usually stop for coffee was not open again for the 2nd time this week, I have know about this place for a long time but, I had never been inside before, this small coffee shop is located at the corner of Branham Lane and Ross Ave. in San Jose, 2 blocks from the ramp to Hwy 85 at Camden Ave. It was about 7:00 AM and it seem to be fairly busy, but what shocked me the most, was the amazing smell of fresh baked food, the few people in front of me, where ordering empanadas, bacon empanadas, ham and eggs empanadas, etc. I decided to order a ham cheddar cheese and eggs empanada and a 16 oz house coffee, the coffee I selected, was excellent and the empanada was amazing, I have had fruit empanadas before but this was nothing like the empanadas I had before. No wonder this little coffee house is surviving next to Starbucks, I will be back to try the lunch empanadas, if they are anything like the breakfast empanada I had, I may have to stop 2 times a day. read more

George F.

4 years ago

It was my daughter's birthday and she requested empandas for her birthday party. I researched several places in San Jose and decided on Big E Cafe. I called to get some input on amount and pricing and the person who assisted me was very helpful. They indicated that the empandas are big and they certainly were. I ordered two empanadas per person and we had lots of leftovers. I choose four flavors: the Lomo, Chicken Mushroom, Chicken Cilantro, and Spinach Cheese; and they were all tasty. My favorite was the Chicken Cilantro and Spinach Cheese. When I went to pick them up, they were on trays with lids. They had added on their own a few other flavors for us to try. The place looked clean with plenty of seating - cafe style. Overall, very tasty and the service was great. Be sure to place your order in advance and ask them to really warm them up so they're pipping hot!!! read more

Tim V.