About Academic Coffee
Academic Coffee is a welcoming Coffee & Tea destination in San Jose, CA, designed for people who appreciate quality, comfort, and a thoughtfully curated menu. Set in a modern space at 499 S Second St, this coffee shop brings together specialty coffee, a great tea selection, and an inviting assortment of local pastries, baked goods, and fresh bread. Whether you are stopping in for a carefully crafted cup, a quick bite, or a relaxed breakfast, Academic Coffee creates an experience that feels both elevated and approachable. With a strong reputation reflected in its 4.50-star rating from 892 reviews, it has become a trusted favorite for locals and visitors alike. What makes Academic Coffee especially appealing is the way it supports different ways of enjoying your visit. Guests can choose outdoor seating, dine in, take away, order delivery, or take advantage of on-site service, making it easy to fit into any schedule. It is a great choice for solo dining, working on a laptop, or gathering over breakfast, and the cozy yet trendy atmosphere makes it just as suitable for a casual catch-up as it is for a productive work session. With Wi-Fi and free Wi-Fi available, plus seating and table service, it offers the kind of convenience and comfort that encourages guests to stay a little longer and return often. Accessibility and hospitality are also central to the experience. Academic Coffee provides wheelchair-accessible car parking, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities, helping ensure that more guests can enjoy the space with ease and confidence. The shop also includes gender-neutral toilets and restroom access, reinforcing its commitment to a welcoming environment for everyone. Accepting reservations and a range of payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, Academic Coffee combines modern convenience with the warmth of a neighborhood favorite. From great coffee and tea to local specialty offerings, breakfast, dessert, catering, and quick bites, it delivers the kind of dependable, high-quality café experience that keeps customers coming back.
Business Hours
Customer Reviews
Academic Coffee serves a solid flat white that’s sure to satisfy. It delivers a well-balanced and flavorful experience. The espresso is smooth, and the milk is steamed to the right consistency, making for a pleasant drink. The atmosphere at Academic Coffee is inviting, perfect for studying or meeting up with friends. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a …
Pandan cold brew was so fragrant and refreshing—perfect way to freshen up as someone who isn’t a morning person. Was my motivation to get up in the morning, had a nice walk of a few blocks and it didn’t disappoint, so good :)
Academic is a nice little coffee shop. The staff is really chill and friendly. They have some fun food options, with unique pastries and donuts. And of course, the lattes are good too. If you find yourself in downtown San Jose, definitely swing by and grab a donut and some coffee.
Best banana cream matcha I’ve ever had!!! Academic Coffee totally nailed it! Conveniently located at the corner Second and William St, Academic has a cute and spacious outdoor patio with parasols providing shades and many plants surrounding it! Street parkings are easy to find especially on the William St side :) One step inside and you’ll feel welcomed! Floor-to-ceiling windows …
Place was packed and had to wait in line for a bit but the line moved fast anyway so I didn’t mind. Ordered the banana matcha latte (?) and it was great! Would definitely come back. Parked across the street and almost got towed so be careful.
I didn’t know they have 3 different flavors of canned latte and wanted to grab some to bring to work, I got the piloncillo latte and pandan latte at the quaint coffee shop! They have their vanilla canned latte as the third option.
Great eclectic coffee shop with chairs and love seats along window and a high top work table facing out to the street. The accessible height table looks out to the street and can be moved The comprises are displayed and the coffee and treat menu is posted in plastic stand for no contact. White background with readable black letters. They …
I visited Academic on a Saturday morning around 9 AM. There was a line but it moved quickly. There is a decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating and they are dog friendly. I had the matcha banana latte and loved it. I could definitely taste the matcha - it seemed like a high quality matcha powder and was not …
A banana flavor that does not rely on imitation banana is surprisingly hard to find. Good thing Academic Coffee knows what's up. The iced latte with banana cold foam was such a great cup, and the pastries were incredible. I highly recommend the buttermilk donut which was somehow crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. Overall, it's a …
Welcome to my favorite matcha spot in San Jose! Their banana matcha is hands down my favorite drink here, and it’s the one I always recommend. The banana flavor is perfectly balanced with the matcha, making it creamy, refreshing, and not overly sweet. I also tried the guava matcha, but it didn’t stand out as much, so I’d definitely stick …
