Exploring Downtown San José’s Food Scene

San Pedro Square Market serves food, sports and culture

Picture this: a fun trip to the city with friends this weekend, but it's only ten minutes away!

When we hear students talking about “The City,” we all assume they are referring to San Francisco (it’s iconic) but it's also an hour-long drive or a lengthy Caltrain ride away. Thus, I propose to you this: at your next opportunity for a weekend exploration, take a day trip to a city that’s only a quick drive away and half the cost.

San Pedro Square Market is a place for foodies, avid sports fans, families going to lunch and couples on coffee dates. The best part is, it's hidden in plain sight amongst the skyscrapers of downtown San José.

The average price spent on a trip to San Pedro Square Market can range from $6-$30. Considering transportation costs from Santa Clara to San Francisco as well as travel within the city, this location in San José is more affordable.

There’s such a wide variety of food to choose from at this location that it fills up two entire warehouses. Choices spanning Mexican, Peruvian, Nepalese and Vietnamese cuisines line the outer perimeter. But that’s just for the hungry – there are two bars and multiple screens for an afternoon of sports-watching.

“I was surprised by how busy the market was, considering how secluded it felt from downtown San José,” said junior Jenna Shuey. “I definitely want to go back another time, maybe to grab a bite to eat before a hockey game or try the Vietnamese food.”

Just this past weekend, a lively crowd of fans piled into San Pedro Square Market for the San José Sharks Game. But the square has more to offer than just a sports bar feeling – it's also great for a quiet study spot or coffee chat.

Yes, everyone, it is true! You can now go to a Voyager Craft Coffee that actually gets you off campus and is more than a five minute walk away from the center of campus. The other Voyager location is at San Pedro Square Market, but the venue is separated from the boisterous watch areas and the food stalls, which minimizes the noise and creates a peaceful and productive atmosphere.

When the food gets too filling and it's time to relax, the venue provides visitors with a cultural history lesson. The market itself surrounds the Peralta Adobe from 1797, which remains from the El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Spanish Apache settlement, a colonial settlement from over 200 years ago. Since then, the building has been a historical site for visitors.

San Pedro Market has it all – you can get a bite to eat, watch a game or learn a little bit about local history. Take a visit this weekend and maybe you might save a few bucks and see a new part of the Bay Area!