Vero’s Coffee Bar is a family owned and operated business that opened in 2014 as part of the rejuvenation of San Jose’s First Street. It’s a place where you can grab a quick cup of coffee made with beans from nationally-respected roasters like Intelligentsia, HoneyCo and Barefoot and Temple, order a pour-over or French press to enjoy right away, or pick up a pound of beans to take home.

If you’re in the mood for a special treat, reviewers suggest you try the shop’s “Mexican Mocha,” a super-rich coffee mixed with grated Mexican chocolate and a hint of cayenne. Vero’s interior has a minimalist aesthetic, with long wooden tables, window-facing stools, and an array of prepackaged baked goods lined up in neat rows on the counter, so you can enjoy your coffee in the sleek indoor space, or head outside to the popular adjoining patio.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bex.Walton