Overview
Nirvana Soul Coffee is a vibrant community-centered coffee shop in downtown San Jose founded by sisters Jeronica Macey and Be'Anka Ashaolu with a mission to bring people together through high-quality coffee tea and joyful experiences. Opened in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic Nirvana Soul became one of San Jose's first Black women-owned cafés and has since grown into a beloved South Bay coffee company with multiple locations including downtown San Jose Cupertino San Francisco and a location at the Dr. MLK Jr. Library at SJSU.
Music and Events
The downtown location at 315 S 1st Street hosts Nirvana Soul After Dark - weekly open mic nights every Friday from 6-9 PM. These events welcome musicians poets and comedians of all experience levels creating a supportive environment for performers to share their talents. The venue also features rotating galleries of local artwork small business pop-ups and various community events reinforcing its role as a cultural hub in downtown San Jose.
Atmosphere and Amenities
The cafe offers a colorful joyful environment with ample indoor seating and a cozy second-floor loft area perfect for working meetings or hanging out with friends. The space features excellent wifi making it ideal for remote work or studying and there's even a piano available for use with permission. The venue is within walking distance of San Jose Convention Center SJSU SoFA Market César Chávez Park and the Center for Performing Arts.
Coffee and Food
Nirvana Soul serves specialty-grade single-origin coffee and blends freshly roasted at their North San Jose roasting facility. The menu includes thoughtfully crafted specialty lattes like the Golden Child and Ube latte fresh-made waffles including chorizo con queso bacon cheddar churro and chocolate chip varieties and gourmet pastries from The French Spot. They offer plant-based milk options and vegan treats making the menu accessible to all dietary preferences.
Community Impact
Since opening Nirvana Soul has established itself as an accessible and inclusive gathering place that celebrates local artists supports small businesses and brings people together over excellent coffee and tea. Whether you're looking to perform at open mic meet friends get work done or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee in a welcoming atmosphere Nirvana Soul Coffee delivers joyful experiences rooted in community connection and quality.