Stepping into Con Azucar Café is like entering a vibrant snapshot of Mexican culture, where a playful swing hangs invitingly from the ceiling, right beneath a neon sign that playfully declares “Siente el Pedorro.” Co-owner Alejandra Gonzalez clarifies the lighthearted intent behind the phrase, encouraging visitors to “sit your butt down” and soak in the atmosphere. This welcoming gesture is just the first taste of the cafe’s dedication to authentic Mexican hospitality and visual charm.
The café, nestled on E. Santa Clara St. in downtown San Jose, is a feast for the eyes. Imagine paper flowers dancing above a display brimming with fresh pan dulce, and a striking mural of Frida Kahlo watching over the scene. These are just glimpses into the carefully curated details that celebrate Mexican heritage. Customers eagerly line up, drawn by the promise of ham and cheese tortas, refreshing chilled drinks, and the house specialty: the aromatic cafe de olla.
Front counter at Con Azucar Café with pan dulce display
Gonzalez, who co-founded Con Azucar with Alexander and Victor Garcia and her husband Uriel Soto, explains, “Con Azucar began with a shared passion for coffee and our roots, aiming to introduce something fresh and enjoyable to San Jose.” She emphasizes the authenticity of their cafe de olla, a cinnamon and brown sugar infused coffee, a staple in Mexico but a rare find elsewhere. This dedication to traditional flavors is a cornerstone of the Con Azucar experience.
Beyond the classic cafe de olla, the menu boasts a range of Mexico-inspired specialty lattes. Flavors like mazapan, horchata, and cajeta offer a sweet and unique twist on familiar coffee drinks. For those seeking traditional options, cappuccinos, espresso, and chai are also readily available. Adding a touch of modern flair, Con Azucar offers “selfie-ccinos,” allowing customers to imprint images from their phones onto the foam of their coffee – a truly personalized and photographable beverage.
For a burst of color and refreshment, the iced pepino con limon and tamarindo lemonade are standout choices. Served with a Chamoy-rimmed glass and topped with tamarind and hard candy, these drinks are visually stunning and offer a delightful balance of sweet and sour notes. They perfectly capture the vibrant and playful spirit of Con Azucar.
Con Azucar Café Manager Anais Salazar showcasing a pepino con limon drink
In a nod to traditional Mexican street vendors, Con Azucar presents its smaller pan dulce in baskets perched on miniature bicycles. Gonzalez notes this charming detail was intentional, offering bite-sized treats to complement their drinks, alongside the more substantial traditional-sized Mexican sweet breads. For a truly indulgent treat, the concha dessert sandwich is a must-try. A large concha, sliced and filled with ice cream, drizzled with cajeta and chocolate syrup, and finished with sprinkles, is a visual and culinary masterpiece.
Display of pan dulce at Con Azucar Café showcasing variety and freshness
Con Azucar’s popularity soared thanks to a strategic social media marketing campaign spearheaded by Gonzalez, known as missfoodiebayarea on Instagram. Leveraging her own following and cross-promotion with Tostadas, they generated significant buzz leading up to their grand opening. Located near San Jose City Hall, the cafe enjoys consistent foot traffic and has quickly cultivated a loyal customer base. Regular patron Alan Enriquez praises the “amazing” cafe de olla and the convenience of having fresh pan dulce nearby, highlighting Con Azucar’s unique contribution to the local cafe scene with its dedicated Mexican aesthetic and offerings.
Con Azucar Café
Location: 101 E. Santa Clara St. in San Jose
Phone: (408) 982-3012
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Social Media:
What sets them apart: Cafe de olla, diverse specialty drinks, and delightful Mexican sweets.
