We started Content Magazine because the art scene in the South Bay is more vibrant than most locals—and definitely tourists—realize. This is especially true for the downtown core. Not only can you follow the links to find places to enjoy the creative vibe of San Jose, but make sure to check out the “Art and Design” link in our menu to get to know the numerous local artists.
We have to admit that there are not a lot of live music venues in the downtown core, but there are always small shows in coffee shops and galleries, as well as anchor spots like The Ritz, Poor House Bistro, and the San Jose Jazz Break Room. But if you are looking—and connecting with the locals—you will find there is a lot under the surface. And theater performances, with San Jose’s signature diversity, are in ample supply.
We read on social media some where someone* said our region should be called the “Boba Belt.” Which is genius, but we could be called the cocktail, craft brew, and coffee belt as well. Here are a few of our favs.
It has been said that you could eat out for every meal in San Francisco for a year and never visit the same place twice. Well, I think that is true for most large cities, and San Jose would be the same. So this list is not every spot—just the ones the Content contributors frequent. And only within the greater downtown region!
Though the downtown core doesn’t have an Anthropologie or a Lululemon, there are unique shopping options, which we have demonstrated in our collection. And just as a confession from the Content contributors—which maybe says more about us being connected to the art scene, and being artists ourselves—we are not into malls much. But how about a great book from Recycle Books?