Rise & Grind Cafe

This place has closed recently.
I saw the update on Facebook and there was an outpouring of sadness from the community. It was touching to see actually.
Hopefully the owner will be able open up another shop with a more prime location. I will await news!

Ordered the Almond Roca latte. Yummmmm :)
The barista was very friendly, and he drew double hearts on my latte. So sweet :)
It’s a cute little café with easy parking and clean bathroom.

When I first saw this place from the street, I thought they sell meat because their
name says «grind»
I was thinking that I should stop by some time later to buy some meat. Haha…
But they are a café that sells coffee and smoothies.
The owner is very friendly and their drink quality is decent.
I will try their breakfast stuff next time I visit.

A great local coffee shop that prides itself on organic coffee options and specialty drinks like the «Almond roca latte» and I see they also have a «Twix» version of a drink. Service is friendly and you never feel rushed.
Besides coffee and tea they also have a ice cream cooler which I think is great on a hot summer day. The pastries (bagels, loaf, muffins, scones) are apparently delivered on a daily basis from a bakery up in SF. I’ve tried their blueberry scones and they are quite good. Not super dry like some chain coffee shop.
There are a few tables and also a couch area for seating. They also offer some magazines and local newspaper to browse through which is a nice touch.
Parking is plentiful on most days unless you are caught in the pandemonium of parents dropping off or picking up their kids who attend Kumon on certain days.

A friend suggested this place, so we decided to come here this morning before heading to study at the library. Our first time and glad we came because the coffee was sooo goood. The location isn’t bad, close to home, but in my opinion, café’s easy to miss. Hot Chocolate and Almond Roca Latte was satisfying. I loved it and it’s not as sweet as other places. My friend ordered a Cappuccino and she loved it! Their croissant breakfast sandwich was delicious. Personally, I’m a fan of eating eggs more than ham. It consisted of eggs, ham, and cheese. Ham portion was a decent amount, but the egg portion was a lot. It was good for the price we paid.
The people working there were super friendly and nice. The place is quite cozy, which is a good place to study or chill with friends, but warning, café isn’t that big. I would recommend to drink your drinks while they’re still hot/​warm since, it tends to get a tad on the sweet side once it fully cools and the food is best eaten warm/​hot. Of course, sweetness varies for different people. For us, it got slightly sweet when our drinks cooled.
I give props to them for making pretty designs on the drinks. Go check them out on Facebook and look through their latte art pictures! Don’t forget to give this place a visit and you won’t be disappointed! Good price, good service, and we’ll definitely be coming back. (:

In the neighborhood + good reviews on Unilocal=NEW place to try out!!!
Didn’t know what to order but the guy working there was really helpful and nice in helping me figure out what to get-​sometimes its good to be adventurous and try something out of the ordinary. Got the Almond Roca Late and MmmMmmmmM mmmMmmmMmm good choice! Not too sweet and enjoyed the coffee taste. SIL was happy with her Twix Mocha choice too.
Happy that my stomach was happy with the coffee! Call me weird but anytime I have coffee from Peet’s or Starbucks in the morning my stomach isn’t happy with me. Coffee in the morning from Rise and Grind = Happy tummy! :D
WILL definitely be back!!!

My bike has a mind of its own and we ended up here. Well, actually I’ve biked by this café a few times before and finally decided to make my way in.
Jimmy holds down the fort here, and he is good at it. He’s knowledgeable with his teas and coffees. I came in not really knowing what I wanted so he suggested a few things. I ended up getting an Earl Grey Paris tea, iced — since I needed to cool off from my ride. It was an excellent tea.
Jimmy suggested the next time I come in I try their Sparkling Americano. I haven’t ever had a twist to my usual Americano so I’m a little excited for what this will taste like. It’s «sparkling» because they use sparkling water instead of regular drinking water.
Jimmy was real cool too about parking my cruiser inside the shop as there wasn’t a bike rack around to park my ride.
This café is next to a Kumon, so there are a bunch of kids around hanging out outside after school. But they’re no bother. You’ll still be able to enjoy your tea or coffee inside the shop where it’s cool and comfortable to study, read, or just chill.
I can’t wait to go back. I’ll update as soon as I get to try their coffees. Thus far, so far, so good :]

This is a great local coffee shop in North San Jose! It’s about time we get a local coffee shop. The coffee is good, and it’s local! Mr. Espresso I believe. Either way it’s good coffee! Everyone needs to try this place! Support a local independent coffee shop, not that S word that everyone likes. Jimmy is a great guy! He really knows how to make a mean white mocha! Seriously needs some more recognition.
I love this place, I go every week, and it’s quite scrumptious every time! :D
Plus you get a free drink if you write a review on Unilocal,what’s cooler than that?

Try the sparkling iced americano for something a little different… it brings out the coffee flavor.
To extend on my review, I came here for a week in the mornings to study for an exam, and I enjoying being there most of the time. The barista was really into his job and excited about making coffee — he even shared he was going to a competition/​convention in Seattle to get some tricks up his sleeve.
I got the basic coffee, americano, and sparkling americano. All good, but I think the americano was brewed the best. I wasn’t immediately entranced to the mineral flavors of the sparkling americano, but I could see myself liking it with some stumptown coffee instead of the (what I believe to be) italian roasted coffee he uses. I should have asked what he brews.
The space is open, with enough seating to be cozy. He even has a couch in there.
I would go often just to support the small, local business since it is so close to my house.

I came in Rise and Grind Café with a friend who recommended it on Unilocal.I got curious since I have always been passing by it whenever am going to the nearby library but have never actually tried the place.
Inside is pleasantly relaxing and the furnishings aren’t cramped. There is an ample selection of cold frappes, teas, fruits sodas, smoothies and espresso for the coffee, tea and «other» drinkers. The lady there was nice and enjoyed answering my inquiries regarding coffee and their blends.
I got me a twixx blended espresso (frappé) with whipped cream… it was hmmmm initially strong on the tip of the palate then gets sweeter as it travels throughout my tastebuds and the aroma in your mouth just makes you want to sip it all and yet your brain holds you back since you want to savor the coffee longer… contradictions, right!!!
I had the jalapeño bagel with cream cheese which was soooo good! and my friend’s blueberry muffin is soo soft… i like it both but next time i’ll have it with a hot drink… just because I have to try their other stuff! …something with cinnamon perhaps…
I am going back and am getting my free drink! YAY!!!

If you are a chocolate lover.
If you are a coffee/​espresso lover.
If you want a welcoming ambiance.
If you want ample parking.
If you want Ghirardelli white and brown chocolate.
If you want a bagel, not just any bagel, a jalapeño bagel.
If you want personable attention.
This is THE spot.
I waltzed in here before picking my Daughter up from Toyon last Thursday (because as usual, I was way early) and since it was hot, I wanted something sweet and cold but not too fattening like a milkshake. After viewing the menu, I saw one thing that jumped out at me: Twixx Lover (you can get it hot, iced, or blended (frappé). I opted for iced and seriously. if you already LOVE the candy bar itself, you will LOVE this drink.
I caved, even at nearly 1pm, I got a jalapeño bagel.
I have serious willpower issues.
The owner (which I didn’t know was the owner at the time) and I were talking about coffee. strong drinks. etc. and I was very impressed about his coffee knowledge; he made me a single shot or double espresso just for me to try! Unlike mainstream coffee shops like Starbucks or Peet’s, this espresso shot was not bitter, it did not taste burnt at all. I downed it like an alcoholic shot.
I fell instantly in love.
I actually came back the very nice day to try the almond roca latte and for someone that has never ordered a latte before. I was in heaven after my 1^st sip and what was awesome was that I greeted him by his name and when he thanked me, he remembered my name!
Great hidden gem!

yummmyyyy!!! I recently discovered this place while I was my way over the park. and man is this place goodd!!! So far Ive tried an ice twix lover w/​whip… I got a medium size… but after the first sip I wish I had gotten a large!!! =] this place is in a very small plaza kind of hidden away. but im sooo glad its just down the street from my house! I cant wait to come back!!!

I have complained for years that we do not have a coffee place near enough to walk to in my neighborhood.
I receive newsletters from our City Councilman Kenson Chu and imagine my surprise when he spoke of the Rise & Grind Café and learned that it is right in my neighborhood! I checked the reviews and then this morning walked in and had an iced coffee and it was delicious. I love having a destination to walk to, this helps me to walk more often. They have great tables outside and comfortable chairs and a couch inside. It is directly across the street from our old fire station. I pass by all the time and never realized it was there.
Great place to go to, friendly, efficient people working there. I am not into the flavored coffees but heard a customer ahead of me calling coworkers to ask if they wanted drinks. She was raving about a coconut mocha she was drinking.

This coffee shop is my «go-​to», since it’s right around the corner from my place. It’s conveniently located in the same plaza as 7 – 11 and Kumon, with lots of parking. It’s usually not too busy in the morning time, but they do get large orders sometimes.
I typically order a Vietnamese coffee, since the coffee at work isn’t strong enough for me. The brew is just strong enough to last me through long days. The jalapeño bagel with cream cheese temps me every morning, but I’ve resisted…
Free wifi, great service and relax atmosphere, definitely recommend to check it out.

This just opened in my parents’ neighborhood. We stopped in on the way to the farmer’s market this morning, and wow was it good! I got a coconut mocha, which was absolutely delicious. The pastries were also extremely tempting (and apparently fresh daily!)
The ambiance is really nice too – the shop is very clean and well decorated, and the owner has excellent taste in music. Service was also quite prompt.
My mom comes here a lot, and she loves it. If I lived closer, I would definitely be a regular as well.

Rise & Grind Café is open! I just stopped by today to learn from the owner that they changed their name, but don’t fret! They still have the same great service and delicious drinks. However, he said the names of the drinks will be changing, so be on the lookout for that or just ask for some help :)
I tried the one of the lattes with Almond Roca flavoring, and it was SO good. I don’t think I’ve ever had a drink with a such a smooth texture. It came out with a cute heart on it too, which was a really nice touch. I didn’t even know there were any places in the area that did latte art.
Apparently, they do breakfast sandwiches here now too. I’m definitely coming back to try that, but hands down, the Jalapeño Bagel with cream cheese will always be my favorite.
FYI, there’s still a $ 3.00 minimum charge if you’re going to use your credit card.
OH OH, the best part about this place? They have free wifi! I think I’ll be coming back to do some studying here once school starts again…

This place is great! The owner is super nice and extremely personable.
But besides how great the owner is, THE DRINKS ARE DELICIOUS.
I absolutely love the Lemon Honey Shaken Iced Tea. When I buy drinks from different coffee shops, I usually order a small size. But at the Grind, I HAVE to order a large size… :) it’s just that good. Super refreshing and PERFECT for warm weather.
The owner was also nice enough to offer us an almond roca latte sample that had a layer of foam in the shape of a heart! I normally HATE coffee and espresso drinks. I usually order teas because I have always had bad experiences with latte’s and coffee. But to my surprise, I really enjoyed the almond roca latte. It was not too sweet, I could still taste the coffee, and was just perfectly balanced!
I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! I’ve taken quite a few friends here since my first visit. Now we all stop by to get our fix pretty often!

WOW, this place makes the area look so much better. As stated in previous reviews, this place is the same as the one on Lundy Ave/​Concourse. The service is very friendly and the store inside/​outside is clean and very cute. What I like best is the outdoor seatings that are indoors. It makes me like it even better because I won’t get attack by pollen and insects. Also, they are fast and ready to make any drink you desire (kind of). This place gets an extra start for the wi-​fi and having the wide variety of drinks (Vietnamese coffee, Starbucks style drinks, and even bottled drinks!) The pastries are decently priced.
Try to go there before the kiddies around the corner gets there. Have fun! :)

In a word this place is WOW! I came here a couple of days ago through serendipitous event because i think it’s a new business around my neighborhood. So i come in with my lady friend, and as usual i order a plain house coffee (to test the water) and she orders an almond roca latte. «That’s not on the menu», i tell my friend. Just then, the guy behind the counter says, «That’s okay Sir, though this drink is not on the menu i’ll be happy to customize that drink for her.» So then he rings us up and started making our drinks like it was no big deal. My friend and i look at each other with raised eyebrows and surprise. As we waited for our drinks (which was no longer than 2 minutes) I noticed that this place was really clean, organized, and overall super nice.
When we got our drinks he said, «This is our set recipe but we can make it more or less sweet to your liking.» We said our thank you’s and began to sip which brings me back to my first point — WOW! At the same time i hear my lady friend say the same thing.
Overall being at this place was an awesome experience (yes it did inspire aw). The staff is friendly, the music is chill, and the ambiance is perfect for a sit and chat and getting to know someone :] or if you’re by yourself it’s also perfect for studying because it does also offer free wi-​fi. 5 stars without a doubt I’m really glad someone finally opened a decent coffee house in this area.

I was taken here today by a friend for the first day. By chance, the 7 – 11 coffee maker was coincidentally broken today so everyone came over to The Grind House which I thought was pretty funny. I got here around 9AM so all the kiddies were in class and I didn’t get a huge rush. This is located in a small plaza that sorta has a little bit of everything.
Once we stepped in, the ambiance of a really mellow and the aroma of coffee filled the air. We were greeted immediately from everyone behind the counter. They had a nice arrangement of muffins, bagels, and other baked goods, and SOO MANY CHOICES in coffee! I LOVE IT! Wanting to try something new I had a blended tuxedo mocha– which I learned was dark chocolate and white chocolate mocha! YUM! I paired my frothy drink with a coffee cake which was nice, light and FLUFFY! My friend had the creamy caramel which the name itself sounds absolutely deeeelish! He had a toasted jalapeño bagel with cream cheese. I had a bite and it was perfectly toasted and oozing in cream cheese. Everything was made by the owner himself and came out promptly! Getting seated in cute coffee tables we got to enjoy our breakfast. Music wasn’t blasting like most Starbucks, which was nice because I think I can see myself studying! Their playlist was practically identical to my study music to being with! I noticed they offer free wifi too so I definitely will be back to leech on their internet when studying at home becomes difficult. The ladies behind the counter were really sweet and very easy to converse with.
This is probably one of the cleanest and organize place on the strip which is really refreshing since this plaza seems to be declining in maintenance. Overall, I had a really good first impression, and though they haven’t done any advertising, I can see it already getting popular!