A couple of friends have raved about this coffee shop and mentioned they offer pandan flavored coffee. I love the pandan flavor, and grew up eating pandan desserts and drinking pandan jasmine tea. The hubbie also enjoys pandan desserts and tea. So when we heard this place offers pandan cold brew and latte, we were super excited. He ordered the pandan cold brew and I had the pandan latte. The cold brew was not good and had no actual pandan flavor. It tasted overly sweet (he really liked sweet treats) like artificial sweetener. The latte had zero pandan flavor. It also tasted artificially sweetened. I'm not sure how to describe what the sweetness tasted like, it was an unfamiliar flavor and definitely not pandan. We have not tried other items since our objective was the pandan options. read more

I tried the banana cream latte and the cream top was amazing and definitely lived up to the hype! However, the latte itself was too milky and lacked strength. The matcha was similar: great cream top, but the matcha itself was weak and slightly bitter. Online ordering is supposedly available but never seems to work. Parking isn't always the best and I wish it was at a better location with a parking lot. read more

Came on a Friday morning/early afternoon! The coffee shop itself is small and there is limited seating indoor and outdoor. We were lucky enough to snag a table. The decor in here is so cute! I ordered a matcha latte sweetened with oatmilk and a glazed donut. I enjoyed both items. The glazed donut was soft and tasty. The matcha latte was a perfect balance of sweetness. The barista was nice enough to write our names on the cups, thought it added a very personalized touch. I found parking very easily. There is street parking but if it is busy, there is a lot not too far from the shop. Overall a cute shop to check out if you're in the downtown area! read more

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Long wait time but the drink was good! Banana cream matcha is a must try when visiting. Just be prepared to wait !

Tried their matcha honey latte with oat milk and it was really good. Long line and lots of people so it seems very popular, based on that just count on a little longer wait time but all drinks we ordered tasted good! read more

coffee was super yummy! The banana matcha (unfortunately it's seasonal ) was so good! Line gets long but the drinks came out fairly quick.

Great spot for a quick coffee break. The drinks were well-made and beautifully presented. I especially loved the pastries -- fresh and delicious. The service was fast and polite. Highly recommend if you're in the area. read more

I came here on a weekend morning to get some work done. Great place to do so; WiFi is fast, good amount of tables both inside and out, and pretty tame environment. The cortado was just ok. The steamed milk was way too frothy and bubbly, so didn't create the smooth mouth feel that I look for. Espresso was solid. Will probably be back if I ever want to get work done in the area, but don't think I'm rushing back for the coffee! read more

Academic Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Espresso banana latte extra banana drink the bottom third with a straw Swirl, sip, repeat. read more

Great little cafe with good quality coffee. the service was quick and the place is simple but very comfortable overall.

This was my first time back since I was a student near SJSU and I felt nostalgic seeing so many people working inside. Wifi is fast and definitely does the job. Not too many seats inside, but there are a few outside. I recommend the Iced Pandan Oat Milk Latte! This is always a good reliable option for me. Not too sweet, fragrant pandan, and definitely has a good caffeine kick. I also tried their Strawberry Matcha Latte, and unfortunately it was TOO SWEET for me. A big highlight for me? THE PASTRIES!! Very good quality and so many options. My favorites are the donuts from Stan's, the Milk Tea Blondie, and the Everything Croissant. However, you can't go wrong with any of their baked goods. They seem to be locally sourced. read more

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Ok coffee, and very small and busy location. Ordered the iced pandan latte because I love pandan and it sounded interesting! Disappointed though because you can smell the pandan, but you can barely taste it! The coffee was also not that strong or flavorful, and mine tasted a bit watered down. Came on a weekend morning for some coffee and it was so packed! The place is quite small anyway and has minimal seating both inside and outside. Not sure I'd recommend waiting around for a seat. You may be better off just taking a walk around downtown. Located in downtown San Jose, so you may luck out with finding street parking or have to find a nearby, paid garage. read more

Academic Coffee - iced pandan latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Very nice experience and environment at Academic Coffee. It's walking distance from SJSU which I assume is why it's named what it is. Lots of trendy young people were passing while I sat there. It made me feel old, lol. I ordered a pandan latte with oatmilk. It tasted like pandan, strongly enough that I could tell there was pandan-- that was an interesting flavor combo with the coffee. I thought the shot tasted well-pulled. I kind of expected it to be green like pandan but I'm not mad that it wasn't. The cost was a little over $5, which is a shockingly fair price for a speciality latte in the Bay Area! The cashier that helped me was SO friendly and sort of looked like a Disney prince. They were patient and kind. I kind of want to go back just to see them again. Not in a creepy way or anything, they were just so nice to interact with, genuine and friendly. There are a few tables indoors, and a lot outdoors. There are 4 small indoors tables with 2 chairs to each table. There 8 outdoors tables with 16 chairs total. There are umbrellas for shade at all of the tables. There are wood dividers with plants in them separating the seating from the sidewalk. The indoors seating was clean and there was music playing softly. Outdoors the tables are well spaced out, so you can sit in a more private space if you want to. The tables and chairs were clean outdoors as well. The whole place was just very clean which was nice. Parking wasn't amazing here but it wasn't a nightmare. There is some street parking and I paid $2 for one hour. read more

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I had the holiday strawberry cranberry matcha and was kinda disappointed. You can definitely taste the matcha (which I love), but the tart flavor didn't mix well and wasn't strong enough to add much. Also... it's like $8.50 I get that it's a holiday special, but not worth the price read more

Parking can be tough but there are plenty of spots first thing in the morning. I got both of my matches right after i ordered it (super quick) and there was no line (sat 8am). Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to chat and hangout. read more

Academic Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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I saw this place recommended on a tik tok! So I came down to check the hype. You know I HAVE to go out of my way to try a matcha. It's a duty that I take on with the utmost respect. First of all, the ambiance of the shop is so cutesy and quaint. The vibes are amazing. The smell of the coffee as you walk in is delicious. Not at all overpowering (I'm looking at you Starbucks.. uck). Too bad we couldn't get a seat; which was fine since we had places to be! The menu is very simple. Not too many options, all of them sounded very intriguing and yummy. I liked the look of the pastry case. They all looked very good. I ordered a strawberry matcha. Like I ALWAYS do. I am the queen of ordering strawberry matchas. I have to!! It's my thing. Being unfortunately cursed with lactose intolerance against my will, I ordered with oat milk. My baby brother ordered an iced Jasmine passion fruit tea, sweetened. The sweetened iced tea was delicious!! It seems very unassuming, even looking at the photo. Don't be swayed by that, it was so heavenly. It had the lightest amount of sugar, so as to not overcome the flavor of the tea. Not watery at all! We drink tea all the time at home, tins of teas, all the different types of black/green/oolong... you name it. We don't usually add sugar or milk.. Well now I'm craving this iced tea! It was very fragrant. I'm in love with Jasmine tea, so the fact that I could taste it amongst the passion fruit and sugar was delightful. Next time I think I'll order this. Even over my matcha order!! Gasp! I KNOW. I love tea so much. They do it RIGHT here. Baristas, I am in awe. I wish I had that tea here at home to make!! The strawberry matcha was delicious! It was a good quality matcha from what I could taste. The matcha and the strawberry paired well together. I was able to taste both. The ratios of the strawberry, matcha, and milk worked out so well. I didn't even ask for light ice, but we both got the very lightest amount in both. Which I love! The drinks were cooled down too, so it wasn't like it was warm and watery. We were told it was going to be a 15ish minute wait. It wasn't even that long. I appreciate that the baristas were able to take their time and not get rushed through their each order. Speaking from experience as a fellow barista. The drinks taste much better when it's not rushed, and each drink is cared for. I would go here again to try all the other drinks. The matcha is good. Not bad at all. I've had better matcha of course, but this matcha is really good too. I'd never be upset if I got a matcha from here again. read more

Academic Coffee - strawberry matcha and sweetened iced Jasmine passion fruit tea - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Oh yumm I loved my matcha ! Cashier was so friendly and barista were quick! The atmosphere is so welcoming sounded by people. read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha banana latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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This is the cutest shop ! They're really close to San Jose State, so a lot of students come here. They also open an hour before I need to go to work, so I've tried to come here to read and have coffee before I head into the office. They have some nice drinks and unique pastries. I have not gone in a while, but when I went during Christmas, they had an ube cookie which was tasty, as well as a very cute Christmas-themed drink ! The service is okay, some employees there are very friendly and some are just trying to do their job. I live a bit further from downtown now so I have to rethink my morning coffee shop schedule, but I would love to try and come back again, even if it's during a lunch break or something ! read more

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i'm not usually one to write reviews, but academic has the absolute best matcha compared to other cafes in san jose. one thing i appreciate is their consistency; i have never had one bad drink from them. i will say, however, that shelly and mia make the absolute BEST matchas!! when i come in and i see them working, i know for sure that my drink is going to be so fire. read more

Academic Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Always stop by when around the area. Matcha is good, recently tried their guava matcha and it was 10/10. Had a genuine guava taste. Staff is always friendly, however there is sometimes a big wait time. read more

I first came here 2 years ago and got their Pumpkin Spice Hojicha. Unfortunately, at that time, it was kinda mid. It was super milky and the hojicha flavor was super subtle. That turned me off from going here but my friends convinced me to give this place another chance. I also saw that they do banana cream pie lattes! I took it on myself to give them another chance and am so glad I did. I got the Banana Cream Pie Matcha and this is easily the best matcha drink I've had in San Jose. The Strawberry Matcha and Pandan Latte were also yummy as well. I'm going to have to start coming back more often. Service was chill and I love the ambiance! read more

Academic Coffee - pandan latte, banana cream latte & matcha, and strawberry matcha - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Guava matcha..... Their guava matcha was the best one I've had. I came here once before and thought their matcha was weak but it mightve been an off day for them because the matcha was really good this time. I hope they bring the match drink back but be prepared to stress about parking and a long wait time. read more

Academic Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

One of my new favorite coffee shops in Downtown San Jose! Once I liked something, I never try anything different. Ha. With that said, I'm a fan of their pandan latte. If you don't know what Pandan is, it's a fragrant plant frequently used in Southeast Asian cuisine. To me, it taste like if a coconut and vanilla bean had a baby. Anyway, it's delicious! I love pandan so when I saw it on the menu I had to get it. Other than that, there's not a lot of seating inside but plenty outside set up Al Fresca style! Ooo also, they sell donuts from Stan's. The girls who get it, get it. read more

Academic Coffee - Pandan Latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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My favorite coffee spot to go to in San Jose. Consistently the drinks are good and the pastures are also tasty. They run out quickly so unless you go early in the am, you won't be able to snatch some. I normally get the cold brew or the matcha. The only service is great, it's just more of an artisan coffee shop so coffee takes longer than usual to get made. Overall an enjoyable spot to stop by when I have the time. read more

Academic Coffee - Strawberry matcha - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Shoutout to the crew here. I've been going to the other location hidden on Winchester and this place offers decent seating, but the same menu with the addition of Santa Clara's Stans Donuts. read more

Mmmmm pandan latte. First one having one ever and I might just have to order it whenever I see it on a coffee shop menu now lol. Such a funky flavor combo between pandan and coffee but it happens to work really well! Fantastic cold brew here too. Amazingly smooth and fruity. As for pastries, if you're a sucker for twice-baked croissants like I am, I highly recommend getting the pistachio berry croissant. Nice balance of chewiness and crispiness. The blackberry filling is flavorful while not being overly sweet. The curry potato bourek was quite tasty as well though I wished the potato component was simply in cubed form since the mashed potato texture was slightly on the gritty side. Friendly barista, not-so-friendly cashier lady. I placed my order ahead of time online and when the cashier lady handed only my pastries I thought she genuinely forgot about the drinks since she said no word about them. After I inquired about my drinks she snapped at me informing that the drinks were still being made. I think she assumed I knew the online ordering protocol here, but it's my first time visiting this spot lol. The barista was much nicer and easier to talk to. read more

My new favorite place! I absolutely love their coffee and matcha drinks. Sad to see the banana cream matcha go, but their new melon matcha is just as good (tastes like the Korean melona ice cream). Staff are always friendly, but the drinks do take a while to come out (given the hype recently). They have ample seating area. read more

Academic Coffee - banana cream matcha - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Cute vibes at the coffee shop with some table and chairs for seating. The drink came out pretty quickly and tasted delicious. The workers were friendly with answering questions and giving recommendations. read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha Honey - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Location hard to park on the weekends. There was a long line to order your drink. Nothing too special. read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha Lattee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Although this store only has street parking, it was super easy to find a spot since the streets nearby aren't that busy! The service was also very nice and I got my drink in less than 5 minutes. I got the matcha honey latte and it was delicious. Even just by looking at the color of the matcha, I could tell that the quality of the matcha was good. They sweetened the matcha latte at just the perfect amount. I can't wait to try many other drinks here! read more

Academic Coffee - matcha honey latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Came to try the viral banana matcha latte--it was definitely on the sweeter side, but still really delicious. The café itself was super cute with a spacious seating area, though heads up that there aren't many outlets if you're planning to work or charge devices. Overall, I'd definitely come back! read more

Academic Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

Great outdoor area to chill. Cute coffee place. Drinks are decent. Paid parking on street.

The double matcha melon latte for their seasonal matcha right now is so good!! Super excellent quality of matcha and a lot of it in the drink. We also got the Piloncillo latte and it was delicious, nicely sweetened with a perfect cinnamon taste. read more

Academic Coffee - Double matcha melon latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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hipster coffee shop with some great flavors. they have a new double guava latte that they serve on weekends. it is beyond fantastic. theres guava in the latte and on top. its a guava overload. if thats not your thing, they have banana matcha latte which has a good mix of matcha to banana flavor. they probably have good coffee too but im in it for the matcha. they charge 50 cents for oatmilk which is a bummer since starbucks doesnt do that anymore. the lines can get long and out the door so just be patient. its worth the wait. theres street parking around. read more

This coffee shop is good. Their banana flavor coffee and matcha is so good. It's not too sweet and not too bitter, it's perfect.

The coffee had a gentle aroma and a balanced taste, though it felt light. The bitterness was mild, making it smooth to drink. The finish was ordinary, leaving no lasting impression. Overall, decent but not remarkable. read more

Cute cafe and pretty easy to find and street parking doesn't seem too bad. Seems like a nice place to come and get work done since there was a good amount of indoor and outdoor seats. Originally came to try the banana matcha before they ran out but since I came at around 2 pm there was no banana matcha (which is fine) I got a honey matcha with oat milk instead. I noticed that the barista used the wrong milk and tried to ask for a remake (since oat is extra) but she seemed to brush it off which was alright I moved on. The matcha itself you can really get better from another place for the same price honestly. A bit sad since I've been hearing lots of hype around this place but maybe their second location near valleyfair may be different so I might try that! read more

Academic Coffee - honey matcha latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

I came here with my friends yesterday after class and it did not disappoint! I tried their matcha honey latte and it was really good. Not the strongest matcha I've had, but one of the best I've tried in the downtown SJ area. It was whisked well so that there wasn't excess matcha powder at the bottom, and it was perfectly sweet. The matcha tasted good quality, and they use Oatly milk which is great. We sat at a table outside; they have a nice shaded outdoor patio. This is a great place to catch up with friends or get some studying done. read more

Academic Coffee - matcha honey latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Came by on a Sunday morning and the line was already out the door, but it moved pretty fast. The cashier was super friendly too, which made the wait more bearable. I tried the banana cream matcha drink, honestly a solid 9/10 for me. The matcha itself was decent, maybe an 8/10. It didn't have that deep, rich matcha flavor I've had at other spots around the Bay, but still enjoyable. I'd definitely come back to try more of their drinks and snacks. I also had the donut (I heard it's from Stan's Donut Shop in San Jose), and it was pretty yummy :) highly recommend read more

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More like an in/out kind of area, not much seating or space. The vibes are still nice but the matcha was unfortunately not remarkable. Staff is super kind but the menu was just sadly a miss. :( read more