Cafe Big Mug - Santa Clara, California

Rodolfo P.

Cafe Big Mug is an absolute gem in San Jose—cozy vibes, modern aesthetic, and a menu that hits all the sweet spots (literally and figuratively). I stopped by recently and was seriously impressed with both the drinks and the desserts.

I ordered a mocha latte, matcha latte, and strawberry latte, and let me tell you—they were as beautiful as they were delicious. Each drink had its own unique flavor profile: the mocha was rich and chocolatey, the matcha was earthy and smooth without being too bitter, and the strawberry latte was perfectly sweet and creamy, with real fruit flavor.

For food, I tried the Nutella banana toast and honey bread toast—both were next-level good. The Nutella banana combo was warm and indulgent, and the honey bread toast? Fluffy, golden, and just the right amount of crispy on the edges. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this place will absolutely deliver.

The cafe is also super aesthetic—a great spot to chill, study, or catch up with friends. Service was friendly and fast even though it got a little busy during peak hours.

Also, if you're curious to see the vibes and what I had, check out my video on TikTok at @kingrodism—I post foodie finds and travel gems all around the Bay and beyond.

Highly recommend Big Mug for anyone looking to treat themselves. Can’t wait to come back and try more!

Skye M.

I was on a walk in the neighborhood and was craving coffee thought I would try out a new place! First off I love that it’s quiet enough for people to work and although it was busy we still found a spot on a nice little couch. There’s light music playing, they have little things to buy on your way to the counter and the coffee was really good. I got a mocha with oat milk and it wasn’t too sweet or too strong. It was a very calming atmosphere that almost felt like the central perk from the friend’s show which is nice. I really enjoyed my experience and highly recommend, I would recommend coming early to see what pastries they have out !!!

S. R. M.

Cafe Big Mug is a decent cafe but not particularly standout versus its competitors. To start with the drinks, they have usually been fine. The default espresso seems to lean acidic or lighter roast. The one highlight is the Mont Blanc, which I believe is cold brew with a sweet cream foam topping. The combination works well and is more refreshing than you might expect. As far as food, I've tried a few toasts, which are also fine but maybe overpriced for what you're getting.

I usually order to-go but I've dined in a few times. The interior is spacious with a decent amount of seating. There's free Wi-Fi so it's not bad for working in. They had a website but it was shut down in August, to be replaced with a set of mobile apps that still don't seem available as of writing. IMO removing the website-based online ordering is a mistake, because there is more consumer friction in downloading an app for just one cafe. (You can still order with DoorDash but you're subject to other fees or weirdness of the platform.)

ximena S.

Every day I go for my American coffee with cream on top. My partner and I spent about 200 a month in this place, because girls always serve us well, I mean Latina girls.

Today I went for my coffee shop, and the cashier said that she cannot sell me a large American with cream on top, because the HONOR said he cannot sell the American with cream on top.
What? Can someone explain what happened? And why did they run to a regular customer that way?

a T.

Parking can be tight but there are spots available around the McDonald's.

Be wary that there is a lot of compact parking in front of the spot itself.

Lots of outlets.

There is a gender neutral restroom and wifi code available on receipt.

Food and drinks was moderately priced. Quality was good.

Would return with friends to try other menu items.

Maria Y.

I came in for the first time today because the power went out in my neighborhood, and this was the perfect spot to escape the heat and enjoy myself. Seems like a lot of other people had the same idea because practically all the tables were taken by the time I left.

I ordered a Pandan Paradise and the Smoked Salmon Toast. The coffee was sweet and refreshing, but I think there was too much avocado on the toast. Regardless, it was the right amount of food for a light lunch!

Thankfully the free Wi-Fi was fast, so I could watch some YouTube while working on a drawing on my iPad. Sometimes the music inside the cafe was loud, but a pair of good noise cancelling headphones helped. I hope to come back sometime with my husband and try more of their food!

Jessica S.

Lots of tables and chairs for group meetings and/or work space. The matcha I got was good but 8 dollars felt v steep. The power went out randomly when we were there and the wifi is unprotected so my work computer wouldn’t allow me to connect.

Rosie C.

Horrible experience, very disappointing, I went by the pictures posted on the reviews and it wasn’t like that at all. They don’t have or don’t want to use mugs and plates for customers. They gave me the pastry on a crappy paper basket and a cappuccino in a to go cup even when I asked for a mug and plate.
People were there on their computers working without consuming anything. They have a bad service.
I did not ask for a to go order.

Rodolfo P.

Cafe Big Mug is an absolute gem in San Jose—cozy vibes, modern aesthetic, and a menu that hits all the sweet spots (literally and figuratively). I stopped by recently and was seriously impressed with both the drinks and the desserts.

I ordered a mocha latte, matcha latte, and strawberry latte, and let me tell you—they were as beautiful as they were delicious. Each drink had its own unique flavor profile: the mocha was rich and chocolatey, the matcha was earthy and smooth without being too bitter, and the strawberry latte was perfectly sweet and creamy, with real fruit flavor.

For food, I tried the Nutella banana toast and honey bread toast—both were next-level good. The Nutella banana combo was warm and indulgent, and the honey bread toast? Fluffy, golden, and just the right amount of crispy on the edges. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this place will absolutely deliver.

The cafe is also super aesthetic—a great spot to chill, study, or catch up with friends. Service was friendly and fast even though it got a little busy during peak hours.

Also, if you're curious to see the vibes and what I had, check out my video on TikTok at @kingrodism—I post foodie finds and travel gems all around the Bay and beyond.

Highly recommend Big Mug for anyone looking to treat themselves. Can’t wait to come back and try more!

Skye M.

I was on a walk in the neighborhood and was craving coffee thought I would try out a new place! First off I love that it’s quiet enough for people to work and although it was busy we still found a spot on a nice little couch. There’s light music playing, they have little things to buy on your way to the counter and the coffee was really good. I got a mocha with oat milk and it wasn’t too sweet or too strong. It was a very calming atmosphere that almost felt like the central perk from the friend’s show which is nice. I really enjoyed my experience and highly recommend, I would recommend coming early to see what pastries they have out !!!

S. R. M.

Cafe Big Mug is a decent cafe but not particularly standout versus its competitors. To start with the drinks, they have usually been fine. The default espresso seems to lean acidic or lighter roast. The one highlight is the Mont Blanc, which I believe is cold brew with a sweet cream foam topping. The combination works well and is more refreshing than you might expect. As far as food, I've tried a few toasts, which are also fine but maybe overpriced for what you're getting.

I usually order to-go but I've dined in a few times. The interior is spacious with a decent amount of seating. There's free Wi-Fi so it's not bad for working in. They had a website but it was shut down in August, to be replaced with a set of mobile apps that still don't seem available as of writing. IMO removing the website-based online ordering is a mistake, because there is more consumer friction in downloading an app for just one cafe. (You can still order with DoorDash but you're subject to other fees or weirdness of the platform.)

a T.

Parking can be tight but there are spots available around the McDonald's.

Be wary that there is a lot of compact parking in front of the spot itself.

Lots of outlets.

There is a gender neutral restroom and wifi code available on receipt.

Food and drinks was moderately priced. Quality was good.

Would return with friends to try other menu items.

ximena S.

Every day I go for my American coffee with cream on top. My partner and I spent about 200 a month in this place, because girls always serve us well, I mean Latina girls.

Today I went for my coffee shop, and the cashier said that she cannot sell me a large American with cream on top, because the HONOR said he cannot sell the American with cream on top.
What? Can someone explain what happened? And why did they run to a regular customer that way?