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Came here to try their coffee and I actually enjoyed their matcha more than coffee! They had plenty tables and chairs in the indoor and outdoor space and we enjoyed sitting outside cause weather was great and we had our dogs :) We didn't struggle finding street parking but you have to pay for parking if you are staying and enjoying coffee or food there! Service was pretty good and fast. If you put your number when ordering, you will get a notification when it's ready!
Mango Matcha: 2/5 The mango matcha fell flat unfortunately. I watched the barista make this drink and did not have high expectations. The majority of cup was filled with Goya or Jumex mango juice (as you can imagine, the flavor was totally overtaken by the artificial juice flavor), followed by some syrup, oat milk, and premixed matcha from a squeeze bottle... for $8.50, it just didn't taste fresh or good quality. I tried my friend's pistachio latte which was better, but I don't think I would recommend/return for the drinks. Vibe and Service: 4.5/5 I would, however, return for the ambiance and how easy it is to grab food from the variety of stalls. Came to study/work with some friends and there was plenty of seating with outlets in the coffee shop itself and the adjacent food hall area if you don't mind a more bustling environment; plenty of people were doing the same. The cafe scene in SJ is strong if you like to get out of the house to get some work done alone or with friends, and this spot is a solid choice for that.
Playback Coffee definitely has a vibe. It gets pretty busy, and there's something nice about being surrounded by people--it's a good spot if you want to feel a little less stuck in your routine and just soak in that lively, everyday energy. Service-wise, no complaints at all. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated. That said... the drinks were a letdown. I ordered the pistachio matcha, and it was honestly not great. It tasted overly sweet with a very artificial pistachio flavor, and the matcha itself didn't taste authentic either--more like a flavored drink than real matcha. For the price they're charging (which is definitely on the higher end for matcha), I expected much better quality. My husband got a black coffee and wasn't impressed either--he said the flavor was pretty underwhelming. Overall, nice atmosphere and good service, but I'd probably come back for the space, not the drinks.
The ambiance is top tier. There's a lot of seating and tables, low music playing in the background. The design is super cute. I ordered a teddy graham latte (regular sweet, iced) and it was so delicious!! In addition, I also order the Ferrero rocher latte and it was just as delicious, especially if you're looking for something on the sweeter side! There was options for pastries. However, I did not partake. I did order bagels and they were good. There is a kiosk for self-service and an option to order with the cashier. I did go on Saturday morning which was fairly busy. However, there was still a lot of seating options and the drinks and bagels came out quickly. Overall, will definitely be returning!
I am normally an espresso guy, and I've been on the search for the perfect Bay Area espresso however this was a bit later in the afternoon so I opted for something different. Playback is in San Pedro market, sharing space with a bar that is completely emptied during the day. This means that there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors, including enclose outdoor patio for the cold and rainy days. The seating includes plenty of high tops, tables, and lounging spaces. Today I opted for one of the outdoor high tops in the shade. They have plenty of staff on hand to take and process your order quickly. The staff was friendly and professional, and my drink came out pretty quickly. I went for a lavender latte with regular milk. The temperature was perfect and the lavender was perfect kind of sweetness and flavor, without being too sweet or sugary. They still have some pastries in the cabinet, I didn't ask where they're from but I will do some next time. Of course, there are a lot of food options at the market even during the middle of the day. Overall, this is a great place to come whether you're meeting somebody and want to peruse the market, want to sit and chill or get some work done on your own, or even if you just want to people watch.
I had really high hopes of this place after seeing it on insta with the fun vinyl atmosphere and sharing the same owner as Academic Coffee. Nevertheless, the spaciousness and amount of seating here with outlets make it hard for people not to come by here. It's also right across from the parking garage. But, let's play it back... At a glance, their menu has a great amount of options considering they have hojicha and matcha in addition to coffee. There's even fun pastries, including a Dubai chocolate croissant and pistachio! It is really expensive though. The base price of a latte was already $8-$9. We ordered the specials: Hojicha Latte and Pistachio Latte. The Hojicha latte came with chocolate cold foam, which sounded yummy considering the nuttiness from the roasted green tea flavor could complement that richness. However...it was extremely watery. We could only taste the foam. My sister had to ask the barista to kindly add more syrup, but the barista was kind enough to remake it altogether and that Hojicha flavor decided to pop in! Not sure if they didn't put enough Hojicha powder at first, but we really appreciate the great service. This does tell us that their drinks might not be as consistent --- just as a note. The Pistachio Latte came with sprinkles of pistachio and vanilla cold foam. Now THIS was delicious. Great coffee flavor ratio to that pistachio syrup, which didn't taste artificial at all. Loved a good crunch. Seems like they won't mess up a cup of coffee here, but have yet to try their matcha. Just not sure about that base price point. Enjoyed sitting here in their sofa chairs though and their location being inside the San Pedro Market Square.
Really vibey and spacious coffee shop in downtown SJ! It was pretty crowded on a Saturday afternoon so it took awhile for our orders to come out. There's tons of seating both inside and outside. The matcha drinks were pretty good, but I feel like you have to get extra matcha if you really want the flavor to come through, which is an extra cost. Overall, bit on the pricy side but I love the variety of drinks and food options they have. The salmon lox bagel was also delicious! Will definitely come back to try some of the other drinks!
The pistachio vanilla latte is so tasty and very photogenic! I love how big the cafe is and the decor & ambiance of it. There is a cashier as well as a kiosk to order yourself, so we did not have to stand in line. Not sure if there is a live band here every Sunday but there was one this Sunday when I went, would come back!
I ordered ahead for the guava matcha latte, it was out right on time. The drink was great-- perfect guava flavor, not too overpowering! The location is very spacious with a lot of tables & chairs! A great communal working space. It's not too loud, perfect space for studying/working. Definitely would come back to try the other drinks & experience one of their events!
I've been wanting to try this place for a while now, and I'm sooo happy I did!! It is such a vibe!! I went on a Sunday around 11 and there was a little line as well as lots of people sitting, drinking, chilling , working, etc. such a big space though. Located in the same area of the Three Sisters Bar, I almost felt like getting a drink too lol such a good atmosphere! There was even a band setting up, I feel like they played around noonish. There's a cute little outside area too with lots of seating in a covered area where I sat and ate my goodies. I went twice in one trip to San Pedro Market. The first time I got a pistachio latte with vanilla cream cold foam and it was SO GOOD!!! Not too sweet at all, it was pure perfection!!! I also got a Spinach Artichoke croissant and Olive Oil Lemon cake, both were so incredible. This area is so fun bc there's so much to visit so I went and got a pizza then came back for a cold brew & another slice of the olive oil lemon pound cake. One thing I appreciate is I was asked if I wanted the end or the middle slice of the cake & just found that to be such good costumer service, it's always in the details! The cashier was so nice too, my orders were always made super quickly. There's a place off to the side for lids , water & napkins which was nice. There was also a tablet for ordering but most people ordered at the counter. Also when I went back on the second visit , the spinach artichoke croissant was gone so I feel like that's a popular one I would get if you see it!
great spot for the local students to grab a drink and study, as well for anyone looking for coffee. But their concept of matcha lattes is just not good. There is not matcha flavor at all. The flavor is overpowered by the choice of dairy you get, which I got oatmilk, and i saw which brand and its the Oatly Barista Edition, which is super thick, which nothing wrong with the choice, but it is such a powerful oatmilk, that at least the flavors of matcha should over compensate for. So i got their seasonal berry latte, and I was excited for the berry flavor, but also that was very mild. Their guava matcha at least you can taste the guava juice, but even then that drink lacked the matcha profile. I do think that they could improve in not masking the flavor of the matcha. Just maybe I will stick to coffees if I come back.
This place has been my girlfriend's go to for coffee ever since we discovered it. I'm pretty new to the matcha game, but lately I've become a MATCHAFOO and let me tell you, this spot is easily top two on my recent matcha journey. The strawberry cold foam they put on the matcha is super flavorful and not watery like most cold foams. The matcha itself is solid overall. Amazing place to come check out service is quick and on point, and the vibes are super chill and laid back. I'll definitely be coming back for the matcha, and my girlfriend for her weekend coffee fix.
This place is super cozy and a great place to wfh with multiple areas to sit or charge your laptop. The matcha is yummy but definitely not super sweet, they have options to add a flavor to it. The spinach pastry was to die for and the lox bagel was delicious!! Service is relatively quick granted it's always busy.
7 months ago
Was looking for a spot to do some work on a Sunday and stumbled on Playback! If you thought it looks huge from the outside, well get ready to be surprised by the inside! It seems like they share the space with a bar (called Three Sisters?). I asked the barista to choose a surprise drink for me and ended up with the mango matcha latte. My friend got the white peppermint latte. Prices are a bit steep, both drinks coming out to be a bit over $18 with add ons/substitutions. With that said, I think this was my favorite matcha drink I've had! The white peppermint flavor in my friends drink wasn't that strong so it was a bit disappointing. Would totally come back again for vibes and also to try the matcha guava! read more
Had come here in the afternoon for coffee. Ordered a Fererro Rocher Latte and Hot Chocolate - both were great. The latte especially stood out as it was good coffee and the chocolate hazelnut cream topping was not too sweet or overpowering against the latte itself. Came on a Saturday so there was great live music and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Took us about 10 minutes from when we ordered to getting our coffee. Overall, would definitely recommend! read more
26 days ago
8 months ago
Playback Coffee is such a fun and original spot inside San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose! Their drinks are creative and delicious--the guava matcha was absolutely perfect, so refreshing and unique. The pastries are amazing, fresh, and pair perfectly with their drinks. The atmosphere is creative and welcoming, making it a great place to relax or catch up with friends. Definitely a standout café worth visiting! read more
3 months ago
Got the guava matcha latte, it was really good. It is a bit on the pricey end but the vibes were great. First time I've seen the outside structure with carpenter floors and tons of seating. The service was quick and staff were nice. read more
3 months ago
Pls acknowledge that this review is only based on the Matcha! We liked the ambiance an seating, but we honestly only dropped in the for matcha! We got both the Guava an Mango Matcha. Once I seen her pull out pre-made matcha in a squeeze bottle I knew.. but I gave it the benefit of the doubt. She filled 80% of the cup with $2 walmart Goya Juice, some simple syrup, a little bit of oat milk an a squeeze of pre-made matcha.. It literally just taste like cheap juice. We couldnt drink it an took the L an threw the whole cup in the garbage.. Waste of $19.. The girl was nice so we didn't want to make her feel bad so, we didn't ask for a refund or to change our drink, but we should've! read more
I keep finding myself back at this vibey coffee shop every chance I get! I am always eager to talk Macha with people because I bring up their mango Matcha as often as I can. After trying most of their drinks I can easily say that they're mango. Matcha is my favorite of all of their specialties. read more
30 days ago
16 days ago
Playback has taken over the old voyager space in San Pedro. Same great space. The service was friendly and quick. I tried a decaf mocha which was great, but I definitely want to go back for a teddy graham latte. I just wish it wasn't so expensive! read more
1 month ago
8 months ago
Beautiful curated coffee shop! I tried their guava Matcha lattes and they were delicious! Very phenomenal and the green color is fantastic. I'm not sure why this place has very low ratings on yelp. I can't wait to come back here and try out some more drinks! It is very close to the parking garage, so it's very easy to just step out and go to the coffee shop! read more
Stopped in this morning wanting to try the guava matcha latte. Not a big fan of matcha, but guava is my favorite fruit so I had to try. I've been trying to get one at Academic, but every single time I have attempted they run out of guava. So I went in expecting to be sent away here. It was my 1st time to Playback. There was a line but it went by pretty fast and my drink order came out quickly! When I visit a new spot I usually try 2 drinks. Today I went with the guava matcha latte and a Cortado. I enjoyed both! The matcha latte was made with oatmilk which was great since I didn't have to pay to change the milk to a non-milk alternative. I'll definitely be back! read more
9 months ago
Love the guava matcha because it somehow amplifies the matcha flavor. Who knew guava and matcha go well together read more
Great vibe! I usually come here with coworkers for a quick caffeine pick-me-up. I normally get the matcha latte, but today I tried the matcha lemonade. If you like sour and tart flavors, you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer something more traditional, stick with the matcha latte. For me, the lemonade overpowered the matcha a bit. Service was great--the cashier recommended it for a more refreshing option. read more
Cute coffee shop with good options! Some of the items are on the pricier side so keep that in mind but as a once in awhile treat it was great! I had an iced teddy graham latte and it was so good! It was creamy, strong and not overly sweet - that cream top was perfect. I also had a butter croissant and it was flaky and buttery, my total for the pastry and drink was a little over $14. Service was fine, they were nice and my drink came out quick. read more
3 months ago
Loved the kiosk out front, super chill vibes inside! Service was quick as well, which was appreciated but of course not expected in such a busy area. Playback's pricing is similar to Starbucks, but they well make up for it. Teddy Bear: 8.5/10 Sweet for me, but very nice Matcha: 7/10 Spinach and Feta: 9.5/10 YUM loved this, some bites were a bit too strong for my palate but seriously so good and well toasted read more
The drinks were pretty good. Like any other cafe it had signature drinks. We got the matcha latte & teddy graham latte. We got the matcha latte with lavender and oatmilk. We also got the teddy graham latte with oatmilk. Both were great. Service was nice, just ordinary coffee shop service, they had cups, lids, complimentary water, and napkins available for self serving. The ambiance inside is inside San Pedro square and it shares space with the bar. Recommend! A little loud if you want a good study space but manageable. read more
5 months ago
10 months ago
Came here during their grand opening! Staff here were super chill! Their espresso was perfectly extracted and it's pretty strong! The drink itself was a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and citrusy. I also love hanging out in the area in general because it's super spacious with lots of tables. read more
I'm obsessed with this new cute coffee shop and have been coming every weekend. I didn't enjoy mango matcha but LOVEEE guava matcha. Also their matcha latte w/ honey cream top was delicious. Although their cream top is pricey it was good! Love all their indoor & outdoor seating!! read more
9 months ago
i was super surprised to see this below a 4 stars on Yelp, so im here to support one of my favorite coffee shops in the bay AMBIANCE: this is mainly from a WFH pov. theres a bunch of seating and maybe 2-3 outlets. i used to work from home here but i dont particularly prefer it anymore because the open seating makes it difficult for screen privacy especially bc i work under an NDA + the music they play is honestly quite loud. i prefer coming in the mornings but no later than 11am nowadays DRINKS: their matcha lattes are extremely good; thick and creamy consistency with an all around great flavor!! i especially love their guava matcha because you can taste both flavors. i will say that $9-$10 is quite pricey for a drink but the matcha shortage has impacted quite a few businesses, so cant complain too much their lattes are also DELICIOUS. my coffee has never came burnt/acidic but rather shines through the milk quite nicely. im fond of their typical vanilla latte just because the coffee they use is so strong. for a moment i preferred here over chromatic (which is another sj coffee shop which makes damn good coffee) SERVICE: i saw some reviews concerned about the service and their water policy, im here to clarify they ALWAYS give me water when i ask. just remember to be cognizant of *when* you ask-- its difficult to accommodate in a middle of a rush :) all of the employees are extremely kind, friendly & welcoming. overall i love this new addition to san pedro square and im gonna be sad to leave when i move. thanks for makin my summer playback coffee! read more
2 months ago
5 months ago
From a girly who loves spending time at coffee shops, this is my top favorite matcha drink. The service was fast, and the ambiance is chill. This is always my go to place to get work done! read more
located where the voyager in San Pedro used to be (also would like to take a moment to apologize to voyager for cheating on them lol they moved just a block away but I thought I would try this new place?) currently in soft opening so hiccups are to be expected, but knowing that it's not a "new" place & is instead just a separate venture by the academic coffee people , I'm not sure if I should give them that much grace? would've been 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, but am instead rounding down bc the iced drinks are just straight up a whole cup of ice lol matcha latte w oat milk: 4/10 tasted like green oat milk? not sure what to say lol legit no taste of anything at all oat milk latte: 6/10 at least I could taste some coffee in this espresso: 4/10 somehow watery & bitter at the same time lol on par w Starbucks espresso maybe total was over $18 so idk lol not worth it imo read more
2 months ago
10 months ago
Teddy graham latte was so yummy the foam was nice and thick and yummy coffee tasted good Matcha was good I wish it was a bit more on the matcha tasting side but overall not bad It's cute inside with long tables they played kpop demon hunters so i like them read more
2 months ago
I regret not getting their other flavored matchas because they looked so fun and creative. I'm the type of person that always requests for less sweet for drinks and desserts everywhere that I go, however, I suggest that you just leave it be for this place because I guess they have their sweetness level DOWN. Their normal sweetness is perfect and needless to say, not too sweet. This is also a great place to study and work because there are tables everywhere. :) Great for students and remote workers! read more
Pretty solid cafe for drinks with spacious seating indoor and outdoor. The cafe is in San Pedro so parking is a little tough, but there are garages and meter parking if you plan to stay for long. They have free wifi and outlets at specific tables, however it does get loud. We got their guava matcha (4.3/5) and mango matcha (4/5). They're not as creamy as other lattes, but were both good! I like that they don't skimp out on the matcha. Would definitely come back again to try their other drinks! read more
5 months ago
6 months ago
I have zero complaints. I was in San Jose just visiting and actually just left another coffee shop before happening upon this one. I didn't plan on getting anything but their menu board, the look of the shop and their seasonal specials pulled me in. We had been walking around downtown so needed some water, got some Boxed Water, but I also ordered the seasonal Ferrero rocher latte! All I can say is that the coffee was good but it was certainly one of my favorite decadent treats in a cup. Thinking back I would have never spent that much for a coffee here on the Eastcoast in Delaware (at least not at many shops), but it was so worth it! The staff was welcoming and nice even though it did take some time before my drink was ready. As you can see from one of the pictures there were plenty of orders prepared for pick up and staying in. The ambience is very interesting since it is attached/included in the San Pedro Market; there's a bar that it shares space with that was not open when I visited. If in the area I would check it out again. read more
7 months ago
10 months ago
Thought it was a nice trendy new spot in San Jose and planned to hunker down for a long study session. But turns out they forgot they are a cafe and blast pop music at full volume. I genuinely forgot I was at a cafe and thought I was at a club..... I even tried to push through by putting on my airpods with noise cancellation but still could somehow hear the music. Drinks itself was also a let down. Matcha just does not go well with citrus/fruit juices. Matcha itself is okay, but just doesn't taste right with the flavor profile they were going for. Ambiance itself is really nice with open seating a cute outdoor setting as well. Just a shame the music is being played at such loud volumes. read more
6 months ago
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Do they have outlets for laptops?
There are outlets available by tables throughout the seating area.
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Playback Coffee - coffee - Updated May 2026
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