We grabbed a hot latte and an ice melon matcha. We've heard a lot about Academic and I was excited to try. However maybe we came on an off day as my coffee really didn't have any flavor and the matcha was just so-so. I am kinda bummed but will give them another try in the future. Pastry case available. Great indoor space for working and hanging out and a nice outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine. Casual. Good service. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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Heard some girls exciting chatting about Academic Coffee while at Santana Row, so decided to stop by! I hadn't heard of Academic Coffee before this, but seems like they're a really popular coffee shop in downtown SJ, specializing in Asian fusion flavors. I really wanted to try their banana cream, but unfortunately they were out when I went! I asked the workers there, and they said they tend to run out of banana cream at around 12-1pm on a weekday, and maybe 10-11am on weekends -- crazy! Academic Coffee is split into 2 rooms, there's the main coffee bar area with no real seating, and then an attached room that's full of 2 seater tables. Seems like a great and welcoming space for folks coming here to work or study, not so much a conversation space. There are some outdoor tables right outside the shop for those who want to chat outside -- it doesn't seem like a part of Academic Coffee, but it's a nice addition! I ordered a regular oatmilk latte, but would want to try both a banana cream coffee latte and banana cream matcha latte next time! The latte was good, but pretty normal. Would definitely not wait in line for it. As others have mentioned, the parking is tricky! They have only a few parking spots in their actual lot, otherwise it's just a lottery trying to find street parking. I gave it a high rating mostly because there is plenty of space to hang around, either inside or outside, and that's quite nice! Would come back! read more

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My daughter bought me an iced banana espresso latte yesterday and it was delicious! Decided to go back this morning - the same, delicious! Whenever we wanted to try this place, there would always be a line and parking very scarce. That's the only drawback in the middle of the day. We were surprised to see beef chips ($15 each) so we got all 3 flavors. Opened up the Pho, and it does tastes like it! Lol read more

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What a wonderful surprise, u didn't realize they had opened a second location. It's very nice and ample inside, compared to the original location. There's also a nice grassy area outside. Service was great. Strawberry matcha was delicious! read more

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One of my top 3 spots for matcha! The taste is smooth and creamy, I would go here so much more often if I was closer! I highly recommend the strawberry matcha, the strawberry is very prominent but doesn't overpower the matcha. This place has a lot of seating outside and would make a perfect morning date spot! read more

Academic Coffee - Strawberry Matcha Latte and Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Pretty tough to find parking. They have a few spots for parking, but it is typically full. Went around 2:45pm on a Sunday and there was a long line out the door. They were also out of the melon syrup and matcha cream when we came. Ordered the banana cream matcha latte ($8.50) and the regular matcha latte w/ simple syrup. The regular matcha latte doesn't come sweetened so make sure to ask if you want it sweet. These were good drinks, but I do think the banana does overpower the matcha so if you want a stronger matcha flavored drink just get the regular matcha latte! read more

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I ordered Hojicha Latte - banana cream pie latte/oatmilk.The taste was not good, and I didn't like the drink. Before ordering, I asked what hojicha was because I wanted something sweet, and I specifically mentioned that I'm not a fan of matcha. After trying the drink, I went back to the register and politely let him know I didn't like it and wanted something else. He told me to throw it away, but I still had to pay full price for a second drink, even though the replacement drink was cheaper than the original $9 purchase. The second drink cost $6.50. I didn't want to make a big deal about it, and maybe I should have asked to speak with a manager, but there should at least be a sign explaining that drinks are final sale or that customers still have to pay full price for a replacement even if they don't like the original drink. In total, I paid $15.50 just to end up with one drink I actually liked. It wasn't worth it, and I would have even added an extra tip for the trouble if the situation had been handled differently. read more

Loved this coffee place! We got three matches: 2 banana cream matches and 1 guava matcha and it was great! If you're into sweet over bitter matcha, I recommend this place!! I really don't like bitter matcha so the sweetness of the drink and the cream foam on top was a great combo! There isn't much place to sit inside though(?) like if you plan to study I wouldn't recommend this place or sit outside-- but the drinks are great. Would come again! read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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The coffee is not that strong but I usually like banana cream lattes. The coffee doesn't make up for the terrible service though. The barista (hair in a bun, black tank top) was incredibly rude when I mentioned that she barely put any banana cream on the latte. She said it was because I asked for light ice (!) Wow, talk about nickeling and diming customers. Not coming back to this place because everyone has banana cream lattes now and other places actually value their customers. read more

I've come twice in the last week because it's just THAT GOOD. I got the matcha banana latte both times. The first couple of sips I was like "Ok, it's a regular matcha" but once I mixed the banana cream it was delicious. I like that they have different milk options: whole, almond and oat. I prefer almond myself which is what I got the first time but the second time they ran out so I got whole milk instead. They also have pastries but both times I came most of them were already gone. They have a small parking lot that fills up quickly (especially on weekends) and street parking. They also have a beautiful outside seating area with lots of shade where people do some work on their laptops. Cute walking area with a community garden nearby. Inside the cafe itself is pretty small. There is a bar to sit at. On a Saturday I waited about 20 minutes and on Monday I waited about 10 minutes. This is a popular matcha spot and I can see why. Would recommend coming here and checking out this cafe. Located right across Valley Fair read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha banana latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I've been to their DTSJ location a few times since it's close to my gym, but this was my first time trying their matcha drinks, and I'm obsesssssssssed. This is a newer location that opened right across from Valley Fair Mall on Winchester. Just a heads up: parking is a struggle... only a few spots out front and they're limited to 30 minutes. I'd recommend street parking or parking in a nearby shopping complex and walking over. Quick service, they have plenty of outdoor seating (usually has cute indoor seating, but noticed today that indoor seating is temporarily closed while undergoing renovations). K let's talk about the drinks. I got their iced honey matcha latte with oat and it was so good. The color alone tells you it's premium quality, and the flavor backs it up. They use wildflower honey, which adds this lovely, floral sweetness that I really enjoyed. Their banana cream matcha latte is BACK, so RUN DON'T WALK. I've heard it sells out fast, so definitely try to come earlier in the day if you wanna snag one. read more

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Super cute spot near Valley Fair mall. They have a small lot that is one way in/out. But there is plenty of parking on the street nearby. Great outdoor space for hanging out with a drink in nice weather. Tuesday just afternoon they had steady customers but no crazy line. Drinks made to order and they came out reasonably fast. Great menu options. I had my intention set to try the Matcha Melon drink from some IG posts. I had pretty high expectations going in. Gotta say - I was not disappointed!! The combo of the matcha and the melon is DIVINE! Very refreshing summer vibes with a nice caffeine boost. I will have to come back for another as it is delicious! read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha melon latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I came to Academic Coffee on a Tuesday around 2PM after hearing they were bringing their banana matcha back permanently. There were only 2 people in front of me and I got my drink within 5 mins! The banana matcha here is probably one of my favorites now. Although next time I would get less ice since the regular ice makes the drink super watery after half an hour or so. I'll definitely be back for the banana matcha! Also, I got pretty lucky with parking but there are only 10 spots on the side. I would recommend waiting for someone to come out or to park on the street! read more

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Aesthetically pleasing. I got the Hojicha banana latte which is good as well as the service. The only problem is parking. You have street parking and a limited parking for guest. You can park across the street by Wells Fargo and walk across. read more

Academic Coffee - Hojicha Banana Latte with Oakmilk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Their matcha is that girl. They're known for the banana cream one but also do seasonal ones like melon and guava in the summertime. My husband is obsessed with the melon double matcha and is hoping it comes back later this year. Tried the banana cream recently and it was good, worthy of the hype. Not too banana-y and I loved the cookie crumbs on top. They've also expanded a bit from last time I went and had more seating at this location. Overall, I am a fan and am happy this was my first matcha of the year! read more

Academic Coffee - banana cream pie matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Sadly, they really are THAT good lol. After hearing so much hype about this place, I finally had the opportunity to try and they didn't disappoint. I got the Citron Matcha special and it was perfection. I'm not normally a lemon fan in decadent things but this combination was so refreshing, it tasted just like a lemon bar to me. Service was great too! I was debating between the citron and the strawberry/cranberry matcha and the staff was so kind to offer me a sample of both before purchasing. The place is packed and parking can be a struggle but I would definitely come back. read more

This is a great spot to enjoy a coffee outside. They were doing construction on the interior of the cafe so there wasn't any interior seating. However, it was a super nice day out so I got to enjoy some sun and a tasty iced matcha with friends. I ordered the strawberry matcha latte which was delicious- not too sweet, and the matcha was very smooth and delicious. read more

Academic Coffee - Strawberry matcha latte, cold brew, melon matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Matcha guava latte = summer in a cup Super refreshing and so good! I would definitely go back just to get it! read more

Academic Coffee - Matcha guava latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

This was my first time at this particular Santa Clara location, I had only been to their original San Jose location, which is kind of hard to find parking at times, so I thought this one would be easier. I didn't know there was this little side street within the complex of new housing development so I actually missed the driveway and circled around the block! Lol I'm glad I looked it up before, because I got a little loss going off of my maps. Once I got inside, they had a cute little entrance away and a quieter area for people to use as a workspace. My friend and I sat outside as we enjoyed our lattes, and as the sun rose, and it got warmer, we noticed the two bay windows pull open like garage doors , and automatically open the glass all the way up! I really should've taken a video. It looks so cool! Lol. I love all the different savory and sweet pastries. They offer here as well as their unique snacks and specialty drinks! I ordered a cold brew pan, coffee and my yogi friend got a cinnamon sugar. Something latte that tasted like this Mexican candy. We know she got it with oat milk and loved it! We actually both liked each other drinks so we were very impressed! There's also a beautiful near nearby , and a little park you could walk in. I just wish there was more shade since it was rather hot, but the scenery is very relaxed in a park setting!! we will definitely be back again!! read more

Academic Coffee - Pandan Cold Brew and a cinnamon something cool name. Hahaha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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One of the loveliest strawberry matcha lattes I've ever had! I've heard only good things about Academic Coffee and they absolutely delivered! I'm usually not the biggest fan of strawberry matcha lattes since they tend to be pretty sweet. This one was just right! Their matcha was thick, creamy, and a bit more bitter than I'm used to. Paired with a sweet strawberry puree (with real strawberry bits inside!), this combo was perfection. Not too sweet, nice bitterness from the matcha, and splashes of sweetness and brightness from the strawberries. Highly recommend! This location is across the street from Valley Fair, so the area is quite busy. There are a few parking spots in the lot out front if you're lucky enough to grab a spot. Otherwise, there is residential parking nearby. The interior is on the cozier side with only a few inside tables. However, there are outdoor seating (and loitering haha) spaces as well! read more

Academic Coffee - Strawberry Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Finally got around to trying this place. Let me start with the parking, it's super limited. For how popular it is, you'd think there'd be a parking lot or at least better street parking. I almost left because I couldn't find a spot. The shop itself is pretty tiny. There's just a small bench inside to wait on while they make your drink, but there's a good amount of seating outside, which helps. The person working there wasn't the friendliest, could've at least cracked a smile. I got the strawberry matcha latte, which was actually pretty good, and I also tried the pandan espresso, which I liked even more. They've got some interesting flavor combos, so I definitely want to go back and try a few more. read more

Academic Coffee - Strawberry matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Came to try their seasonal melon matcha (5/5) and I loved it! I got the melon double matcha, which just means it's Matcha with some Matcha cream foam on top. When mixed in, the matcha cream foam makes the drink really creamy and yummy. I love that you could both taste the flavors of the melon (kind of almost cantaloupe-y), without compromising the taste of the matcha at all. The drink was also perfectly sweet without any modifications. My friend got the melon Matcha without the cream on top, and I preferred my drink. If you like your Matcha super creamy I definitely recommend getting the double Matcha. Parking is a little bit tricky here, there's a small lot with a few spaces dedicated to the café. There's also street parking and the mall is right across the street if you wanted to do that. Inside the café, there's a few small tables where I saw people doing work, but the outdoor area is really nice and open, a great outdoor space to sit or walk around after ordering your drink. They also have pastries! Drinks came out in less than five minutes and service was really friendly. I'll definitely be back to try more of their seasonal items! read more

Academic Coffee - Double melon matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I'm here for the banana drinks! The banana cream pie latte hot. I didn't realize you could get a cream top for a hot drink but it's what the barista said he liked and it's my favorite. The matcha banana cream pie is also good. Drinks come out pretty quickly and pastries are from SF's The Neighborhood bakery. You can't go wrong with any of the pastries from here. I just saw on IG they are taking the banana cream drinks off the menu after April insert shock emoji face. I'll definitely stop by before it's gone. There is a huge room dedicated for seating but only 6-7 parking spots. There's street parking on the residential street if you don't mind walking a little bit. The café is situated next to a large outdoor garden, if you wanted to just sit and enjoy the views. Pretty cool spot to check out. If there was a better parking situation I'd definitely come more often. read more

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This is a popular spot for coffee and matcha drinks. There is no parking lot. It is located across the street from Valley Fair Shopping Center, so it is a very busy area, and the street parking is limited. There is a fairly small menu; I did not see hot chocolate on it. My husband had a matcha latte and he said it was very good. I had a strawberry/guava pastry that looked a bit like a hand-held pie. It was good, maybe a bit light on filling and on sugar. I would have liked to see a greater variety of pastries available. Not long ago, my daughter brought home a pistachio pastry that was delicious; they did not have it on this occasion. read more

Academic Coffee - strawberry/guava pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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As an avid banana cream matcha fan, I had to come here and try the drink myself since I've been seeing the hype. We came around 11 AM on a Sunday and there was a line, as expected. As we were waiting in line, one of the workers came out and offered samples of two of their drinks, which was nice. It took about 15-20 minutes before we could order, and our drinks came out within 5 minutes after that. So, despite how busy they were, service was pretty quick and staff were friendly. It looks pretty small inside with a bench near the entrance and some stools at the pickup counter, but there's a second room with an entire seating area designed to do some work/studying or simply to hang out. Parking is pretty tough since the lot is tiny. I had high hopes for this drink and it did not disappoint. They use real bananas in the cream so it doesn't taste artificial. The cream is nice and thick but I wished there was just a tad bit more cream. The banana doesn't overpower the matcha, but the matcha could be stronger. Not sure what the bits at the top are but they add a nice touch. Overall, the drink is pretty solid and comparable to the banana matcha lattes that I've had in OC. If I was craving a banana matcha latte while in the bay, I'd come back here. read more

Academic Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I been going to academic coffee since they first opened in dtsj so I was excited to see one open up by the Santana Row area. This is to review their double melon matcha: 4/5 - I felt like this the baby of honeydew milk tea and a matcha latte, so take that as you will. It was pretty good, but I don't think I liked it as much as the banana cream latte because it just wasn't as creamy tasting. They increased the matcha powder in this drink - but honestly I didn't taste a difference in terms of matcha strength. I do have to say that they have some of my favorite matcha in the bay so the matcha base alone is very yum! The real question is would I get this drink again? Hmm maybe, but I think I rather stick to their normal matcha drink, it just wasn't as addictive as the banana matcha which I can't forget. HOWEVER I do think everyone should try this drink because I think it's a very unique flavor. read more

Academic Coffee - Melon matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I checked out Academic coffee hoping to try the guava matcha was disappointed to find it is only offered Thurs-Sun. The matcha options all looked too rich so I tried a coffee drink. The piloncillo latte sounded interesting however the coffee flavor was lacking and unfortunately I was disappointed. I would maybe try the matcha if I was in the area again, but don't recommend the coffee. Seating and parking is sparse but the vibes inside were nice! read more

Academic Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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The most beautiful shade of green and one of the most matcha-y matcha lattes I've had in the bay. I went around 2:30 PM on a Friday and waited about 30 minutes in line before ordering. It was so worth the wait though and the drinks came out pretty fast after ordering. Also a plus that they have so many milk options for no additional charge. The latte is superrr lightly sweetened though if you get the regular matcha lattes like I did so I would ask for it a bit sweeter if you like your matcha on the sweet side. This is def a place for matcha purists. Ratings Matcha latte (iced & hot): 5/5 read more

location right outside Valley Fair: No more banana pudding special :(... But the Double matcha melon special was amazing! Matcha was very green and melon flavor was present but not too overwhelming imo. Pretty standard portion for price which includes tax which is a pleasant surprise. I got and would recommend less sweetness (or maybe even no sweetness) because it's decently sweetened from the melon. Awesome pastries here sourced from reputable bakeries in the area including Stan's donuts. Service is standard for a cafe. Good amount of seating indoors and outdoors since it's next to a residential area and park. Free wifi and saw a good amount of people studying here. However, parking is pretty limited in this area across from the building entrance and street side. You might have to park far out and walk haha I'd go again to get no sweetness or try the standard drinks. read more

Academic Coffee - Double Matcha Melon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I've been to the other location in downtown and found it pleasant. There's not much parking here, so I had to park in the plaza next door. Banana Coffee(5/5): I heard this new drink was really good and I had to try it. The banana cream was very flavorful and went well with the coffee. Even though I don't think it met the hype, I still thought it was great. I definitely recommend this if you love banana flavored things. Can't wait to try their new drinks read more

Academic Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

ok... I get the hype! always get excited visiting the South Bay because there's so many matcha options tried the strawberry matcha and the guava matcha - both were delish! the matcha was extremely well balanced. perfect amount of sweetness and not overly milky. I would come back! note that there was a pretty long line but overall took 20-25 mins to order and get our drinks. read more

Academic Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Came here on a Friday early afternoon and it was pretty packed. The parking situation here is not pretty tbh. There were maybe like 5 spaces for the cafe and they were limited to 20 minutes. I ended up parking on the street and saw some other people park across the street (at the bank?). If you're coming to look for workspace, it could be challenging to find a table. However, if you can snag a table, I think this is a good working space if you don't plan on staying for long (there's no outlets). Aside from that, I loved that there's essentially an indoor outdoor working situation because the windows open up! I got the banana matcha and it was pretty good! Good enough to come back and use the space for a limited time :) read more

Academic Coffee - Banana cream matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Been meaning to visit this newer location and had a little trouble finding it. It's in its own small standalone store across Valley Fair that's easy to miss if you're driving down Winchester, so make sure to slow down or you'll miss the turn into the parking lot. The inside is bright and spacious with tall ceilings and modern decor. You order in one room and can go through the entryway to find a place to sit next door. Menu offers a good variety of drinks. I decided to try their piloncillo latte, which is known as Mexican brown sugar (as told by the friendly barista). I also ordered it lightly sweetened with oat milk. Very delicious and creamy, definitely still on the sweet side despite the adjustment but served as a great afternoon pick me up. Will definitely be back! read more

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Fantastic cafe in Santa Clara! One of my favorite matcha/hojicha spots in the South Bay Area for sure. I really enjoy their Banana Cream drinks: their Banana Cream Matcha, Banana Cream Hojicha, and Banana Cream Latte (my go-to drinks when I come here.) Their Banana Cream tastes a lot like banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery and doesn't have an artificial taste to it unlike a lot of other banana drinks I've had. I've also tried their Pandan Latte which is pretty good, the pandan taste is light, but the coffee pairs well with it. I haven't been able to try any of their last seasonal drinks but I've heard good things about their Double Melon, Guava, and Cranberry + Strawberry Matcha drinks. I think a few things to note about this place is that parking is quite difficult (the parking lot next to it is small) so I usally park a few blocks down and walk to the cafe. From my experience, a lot of drinks are sold out at later times in the day (esp their seasonal ones) so make sure to come early if you want to try certain drinks. They also have another location in DTSJ that I've been too and where I also enjoyed my experience. Overall, great cafe! I'll sure be back soon for their Banana Cream drinks! read more

Academic Coffee - Banana Cream Hojicha + Banana Cream Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I am seriously addicted to their banana espresso latte. I was only in town for a short time and still found myself making multiple trips to Academic. The only downside is the lines, even when I show up right after their opening, there's already a line out the door. Parking isn't the easiest either, but there's usually a quick turnover since most people grab their drinks to go. Otherwise, it's a 10/10. The cashiers and baristas are always so sweet, and the lattes are consistently delicious. read more

Academic Coffee - Banana espresso latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I was here Sunday morning out of no where. Actually, I was getting my tires rotated across the street and I noticed some people lining up here and there. So I had to check it out. Okay, a cute coffee shop. The decor was cute, love the tile. I like how there's plenty of chairs, benches and tables outside. It's nice when it was a sunny morning. I went around 9am and the line wasn't long at all. But by the time it was like 10am there was a long line around the corner! Okay hmmm what to order?! I love me some matcha and guava. What they have a matcha guava cold foam latte?!? Yes please! They only come in one size not too large not too small. It was perfect. I loved everything about it. I'm thinking of it right now while I type this. I would def come back if I'm in the area! read more

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One of the best banana cream matchas I've had and I've had a lot lol. They get very busy during the weekends so make sure to come early! Plenty of seating outside and it's a nice vibe! read more

Academic Coffee - Banana cream matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I've been to Academic Coffee two times now and both times I have gone with the limited time only Guava matcha even though I tell myself I will try something new! No regrets here though as that drink is solid, strong in both matcha and guava flavor. I also absolutely love their mushroom tart - it stays crispy even though they don't have an option to reheat. There is limited indoor seating, but an extensive outdoor space with good views of the community garden and mural. This is a great place to read a book or catch up with some friends rather than doing work since there aren't too many outlets. Will definitely try to get something different the third time! read more

Academic Coffee - Plenty of outdoor seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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Nice place to have a Matcha drink and unwind in a nice adjoining park with bench seating and a spacious grass area , limited seating available inside the coffeehouse. The service is excellent the baristas are very informative and courteous. read more

Academic Coffee - The banana cream pie latte | reg. ice | whole milk | reg. Sweet. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I came to this place because I have been looking for places with plenty of seating to do some work. Tell me why there are no decent tables to work at like what was pictures online (looks like those tables are outside), half of the seating area is blocked by overflow storage covered by a rolling wall, and the WiFi doesn't work... read more