Caffe Trieste
315 S. First Street
San Jose, California 95113
Another Wednesday has arrived taking us to another coffee shop. This week, when Greg asked the usual question, “So have you selected a target?” I was able to say, “Why yes, I have!” A friend had invited me to “sip wine and people watch” this past Saturday in downtown San Jose. She took me to one of her favorite cafes, Caffe Trieste. (Now for all of my Lancaster County friends that are searching for a connection between the “sipping wine” and “caffe” – yes, this is indeed a coffee shop that serves wine and beer as well as coffee!) This establishment is not one that I need hang back and judiciously consider my opinion. Just like its Italian heritage, it welcomes you with an already-familiar hug and a big smile that makes you feel like you have been a part of its community for ages. (When, in all reality, you only walked in the door for the first time a few minutes ago.) “Ah…” I thought, “I must return!”
So return we did. I am now ensconced on a comfortable leather sofa in the upper level. This is like a balcony or loft, allowing a view down upon the rest of the shop and even out onto the street. (Fantastic for people watching!) We are enjoying a delightful pot of Yerba mate whilst studying. The café offers a comfortable selection of Panini’s, sandwiches, and soups. (I polished off a very comforting cup of beef vegetable soup accompanied by tasty bread earlier.) They also have an assortment of enticing desserts, including some authentic looking cannolis!
The interior itself has a slight pub feel. There is a combination of local art and futbol jerseys and pictures adorning the walls. I am giving them extra points for the playable piano tucked into one corner. (Yes, someone did exercise the keys the other night.J)
As all respectable coffee shops should, they do have free Wi-Fi. (You do have to ask for a password, however, the staff was very obliging). Now, having mostly depleted the battery on my computer by leaving it unplugged for the last day and a half- I was happy to find that one doesn’t have to move furniture and crawl over fellow patrons to access an outlet. (Between my cord and Greg’s, though, we have created a limbo behind the sofa… hahaJ)
Caffe Trieste is definitely a must-return-to spot! In the near future I would like to write a Caffe Trieste sequel and include more about the infamous people watch and the history of the establishment. For now the overly curious can read about it themselves on the website www.caffetriestesj.com .
