Best Breakfast Spots in San Jose

San Jose is the smaller sister to San Francisco and it’s a place that I know like the back of my hand. There are a ton of tasty breakfast spots to visit in San Jose but I’ve chosen the very best options that would appeal to families who travel. Here are my thoughts on the best breakfast spots in San Jose!

Breakfast Spots in San Jose California

1. Scrambl’Z

Scrambl’z is an excellent place and popular breakfast and lunch spot that opened its first location in San Jose in 2015. This family-owned cafe serves up classic American breakfast fare like fluffy pancakes, egg scrambles loaded with veggies and meats, and hearty sandwiches. Scrambl’z is especially known for its signature scrambled hot hash browns that come in varieties like bacon and cheese or salsa and chorizo. 

The restaurant has a retro diner vibe with counter seating, booths, and old-school cars both inside and outside the restaurant. 

One constant struggle for Scrambl’z is the limited parking. With only a small lot, street parking tends to fill up fast. While parking can be a pain, San Jose residents undeniably love the comforting plates of delicious offerings and friendly service that Scramblz provides. It’s become a go-to local spot for families, students, and professionals alike seeking a tasty and affordable morning or midday meal.

Address: 5055 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

2. Café Rosalena

Café Rosalena is a cozy neighborhood cafe that has been a local favorite near the Alameda in San Jose since its opening in 2005. Known for its fresh juices, natural lighting, and welcoming atmosphere, Rosalena serves up fresh salads, sandwiches, paninis, and other traditional dishes for lunch alongside espresso drinks, teas, and baked goods. 

The from-scratch soups and breakfast burritos are especially popular with regulars seeking good food at a great option near Downtown San Jose.  The burritos weigh like 2 lbs and they are loaded with well-seasoned ingredients.  Café Rosalena also has several different salsas and spicy sauces that compliment their burritos perfectly!

Since parking is limited on the surrounding residential streets, consider walking, biking, or carpooling if possible. Street parking tends to fill up fast, which can make stopping in for a quick coffee inconvenient at times. However, many loyal customers don’t mind hunting for those coveted parking spots for the chance to enjoy Rosalena’s relaxing vibe and tasty traditional dishes. Its commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service keep customers coming back year after year.

Address: 1077 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126

3. Cafe San Jose

Cafe San Jose is tucked away in an older shopping center in Willow Glen.  Willow Glen is home to many breakfast spots but Cafe San Jose is an old-school staple with many loyal customers.  It’s a tiny diner but it’s cozy and the wait staff is excellent. They aren’t stingy with the coffee refills and their food comes out fresh and piping hot.

Try the pancakes and the wide variety of mimosas!

Address:1583A Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

4. Bill’s Cafe

 Bill’s Cafe is a classic family-owned diner that has been serving up hearty meals in San Jose since 1989. Bill’s Cafe has several locations but my two favorites are the Cottle and Kooser locations. This unfussy cafe is known for its big portions of American comfort food classics like scrambles, omelets, huevos rancheros, and biscuits and gravy, all at affordable prices. Most entrees range from $10-$15. 

Bill’s Cafe also serves up hearty lunch dishes like patty melts and club sandwiches, and daily soup and salad specials. The service is friendly and many menu items are made from scratch in-house. With its checkered floors and counter seating, Bill’s Cafe offers an old-school dining experience. The cafe has garnered a loyal following of regulars over the past 30+ years it has been open. Its generous helping and cozy, welcoming atmosphere keep customers coming back for Bill’s affordable homemade cooking.

Address: 1401 Kooser Rd, San Jose, CA 95118

5. Toast Cafe & Grill

TOAST is a hidden Willow Glen gem! They serve quality coffee and often times there are affordable specials. The restaurant shares a parking lot with several other businesses so mornings can be a challenge to find a spot.

Go for the friendly service and the hash and eggs!

Address: 1411 Bird Ave., San Jose, CA 95125

6. THE BREAKFAST CLUB

The Breakfast Club is known for its long wait times, loaded plates, and mimosas. Bring your patience because most mornings are packed. If you don’t mind being close to other people, sitting at the bar is an option. Try the Midtown Trio (with the blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes, banana apricot french toast, and peach cobbler pancakes)

Address: 1432 W San Carlos St #80, San Jose, CA 95126

Have you visited any of what I think are the best breakfast spots in San Jose? What would you add to the list?

7. Mimosas Willow Glen

Mimosas will turn any brunch into a great one, and better yet, this one has comedically large Super Mimosas with a whole bottle of champagne in the glass! Mimosas of Willow Glen is best known for its extensive mimosa menu, featuring classic orange juice mimosas as well as creative flavors like peach, grapefruit, pineapple, pear, and more. They have oversized mimosas and regular sized ones.

Food-wise, specialty options stacks of pancakes, eggs benedict, waffles, omelets, and the house’s favorite chilaquiles.

In addition to delicious food and drinks, Mimosas of Willow Glen provides a lively, social brunch atmosphere. Prices are reasonable and the medium-sized parking lot makes the restaurant easily accessible.

Address: 860 Willow St #100, San Jose, CA 95125

8. Holder’s Country Inn

Holder’s Country Inn is renowned for its delicious breakfast offerings and is located in South San Jose, which doesn’t have many breakfast options. Our favorite dish is the fruit crepes. It’s berries and cream in a delicious and fluffy crepe!

Another specialty is Holder’s omelets, with classic fillings like Denver, spinach mushroom and chorizo. Waffles, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches on English muffins are also popular choices.

Parking is ample at Holder’s Country Inn. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the restaurant that can accommodate dozens of vehicles. For overflow, there is additional street parking available on Monterey Road. The parking situation makes it easy for customers to visit Holder’s Country Inn.

In addition to tasty food, customers enjoy the charming, retro atmosphere at Holder’s Country Inn. Counter seating and old-fashioned booths provide cozy yet casual vibe. The friendly staff provides prompt service even when the restaurant gets busy. Holder’s Country Inn off Monterey Road offers a quintessential local breakfast spot for the San Jose community.

Address: 5512 Monterey Rd San Jose, CA 95138

9. Jack Holder’s Restaurant & Bar

Jack Holder’s is best known for their expansive breakfast menu and is a really solid brunch place in the South Bay Area. Specialties include waffles, fruit and savory crepes, pancakes, and eggs Benedict topped with house-made hollandaise.

Their omelets are another hit, with fillings like bacon, spinach, peppers and jack cheese. Baked goods like muffins are also available in addition to mimosas and micheladas!

Parking is readily available at Jack Holder’s with a large lot next to the restaurant. There is also ample street parking on Meridian Ave and the surrounding side streets. The parking situation makes it easy for customers to visit Jack Holder’s.

In addition to serving all of your breakfast favorites, Jack Holder’s provides a cozy, welcoming environment. The interior features warm wood accents and comfy booths. Customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service from the staff. Jack Holder’s off Meridian Ave is a wonderful local spot for breakfast and brunch in the heart of San Jose.

Address: 3153 Meridian Ave Ste 20 San Jose, CA 95124

10. The Cup & Saucer

The Cup & Saucer is a quaint, old-fashioned diner located in the South San Jose area that has been serving up classic breakfast fare for over 50 years. This beloved local spot is known for its fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets made with fresh vegetables and meats, and signature breakfast plates like the SJ Special – eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast or biscuits smothered in country gravy.

In addition to all the classics, The Cup & Saucer also serves up lighter options like egg white omelets, yogurt parfaits, and fresh fruit for those looking for a healthier breakfast. Parking is fairly abundant because Cup & Saucer sits adjacent to a large lot that shares with several other businesses.

Visitors should know that The Cup & Saucer draws crowds on weekends, so arriving early or being prepared to wait for a table is advised. Checking in with the hostess for an estimated wait time is recommended.

Address: 1375 Blossom Hill Rd #20, San Jose, CA 95118

11. Peanuts Deluxe Cafe

Peanuts Cafe is a charming little cafe located just a few blocks from the San Jose State University campus. It has been open since 1998, making it a longtime favorite of students and locals. The cafe is known for its good breakfast dishes, coffee drinks, homemade baked goods, and signature sandwiches and salads. 

Some customer favorites on the menu include the turkey pesto sandwich, loaded veggie wrap, and their freshly baked cookies and brownies. In addition to great food, Peanuts Cafe has a cute, retro vibe with its checkered floors and Peanuts comic strip decor. 

One challenge of the cafe is parking – street parking can be difficult to find during busy times. The cafe encourages walking, biking, or taking public transportation if possible. Despite the occasional parking hassle, Peanuts Cafe remains a warm, welcoming spot for a tasty meal or coffee break near San Jose State. Its friendly service, cozy ambiance, and yummy food have made it a campus-area institution for over 20 years.

Overall, with its vintage diner ambiance, friendly service, generous portions, and reasonable prices, The Cup & Saucer is a delightful local gem worth visiting for a classic San Jose breakfast experience.

Address: 1375 Blossom Hill Rd #20, San Jose, CA 95118

12. iJava café

iJava Cafe is a modern coffee shop located near the Children’s Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose.  iJava Cafe serves up premium pour-over coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and lunch items like paninis and salads. 

Coffee and tea prices range from $3-5, while breakfast and lunch meals cost between $6-12. The cafe has an industrial chic vibe with concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and stylish, minimalist furnishings. One ongoing struggle for iJava Cafe is parking – since it’s situated in a busy downtown area near the freeway, street parking can be extremely difficult to find. The cafe recommends walking, biking, or taking public transportation if possible. 

Despite the parking challenges, iJava Cafe has quickly become a favorite study spot and coffee break destination for San Jose State students and faculty. Its upscale, Instagram-worthy drinks and food keep loyal customers coming back daily. 

Address: 2306 Almaden Rd #150, San Jose, CA 95125

13. Greenlee’s Bakery

Greenlee’s Bakery is a beloved local bakery and cafe that opened its doors in downtown San Jose in 2012. This specialty bakery crafts artisan baked goods like croissants, muffins, scones, and freshly baked breads. 

Prices range from $2 for a muffin to $6 for a sandwich or salad, making it an affordable stop. Greenlee’s is especially known for its elegant and delicious custom cakes which serve 6-8 people for around $50. 

Parking can be tricky as there is only street parking available. Customers often have to circle the blocks to find an open spot. However, many think it’s worth the hunt to enjoy Greenlee’s cozy ambiance and delicious treats. After being open for over a decade, Greenlee’s has become a go-to for specialty cakes as well as daily coffee breaks and casual lunches. Its quality baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and friendly vibe keep San Jose residents coming back.

Address: 1081 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126