Coffee Society: Campbell’s Late-Night Fix

For me, the vibe of a coffee shop is nearly as important as the coffee being served. I certainly don’t want to enjoy my sweet daily fix of caffeine crammed into some industrial, impersonal space where the baristas want to jam a stir stick up my nose as well as their own. 

has both the coffee and the vibe. With more than 28 different flavors and nearly the same amount of beans, this coffee shop can serve up one satisfying cup of brew.

The shop also offers a fairly wide selection of food for those who seek more than just liquid nourishment. Owner Paul Ebrahemi has worked in the food industry for 30 years and is a strong advocate of using only the freshest ingredients. Feast on sandwiches, burritos, quiche and soup (in the winter), all made in house.

For those of us with an insatiable sweet tooth, don’t worry. Coffee Society offers a wide variety of cupcakes, muffins and other assorted pastries. Not a coffee person? Opt for a cup of tea instead, or a blended shake or smoothie. And, of course, don’t forget about the gelato.

Ebrahemi bought the Campbell location in 2006, and since then, he was put a lot of work into the location, not just expanding the menu, but also remodeling. The shop has a homely feel, with baristas creating your creamy confections at the front. Although the shop favors dark, bold colors, it’s clean and inviting.

With its fishbowl widows and wide-open seating area, Coffee Society is ideal for almost activities, from chatting with friends, studying or, one of my favorites, people watching. On my visit, there were customers sporting suits, families with kids and a couple trying out the latest flavor of java.

The shop is a staple in the , serving everyone from those who need some caffeine to make it though a late night showing at to those who need to sober up a bit after visiting .

For me, it’s also a great place to take full advantage of Coffee Society’s free high-speed Internet. I can orchestrate marathon sessions, sucking down high quality drinks and the occasional baked good.

Some might say my intensive relationship with coffee is unhealthy. To them I say, “Have you never loved something so much, you couldn’t think to live without it?” My consolation: At Coffee Society, I know I’m drinking only the best caffeine.

Breakdown

Who: Coffee Society, 408-377- 7734, coffeesociety.com  

What: Coffees, lattes, mochas, teas, smoothies, gelato, baked goods, sandwiches, fresh fruit, soups, burritos and quiche.

When: Open Monday through Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday: 6:30 a.m. to midnight. Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon. Sunday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Inside the Pruneyard, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 112

Activities: Ebrahemi is hoping to have live music two or three times a month, mostly likely on Tuesdays. Call for more details. Coffee Society can also be rented out for parties of 60-70 people.

Must Try: I’ve heard from many that the Chicken Pesto sandwiches are quite good, and I’m personally partial to sneaking hazelnut mochas into movies.