Complete with an atrium, multi-level brewery, and outdoor seating area, the new Whole Foods on the Alameda is your perfect excuse to get off campus. Its prime location, just a block from the SAP Center in San Jose, means it’s perfect for grabbing a meal before a concert or hockey game at the Shark Tank.
Beyond the bright colors and fun typography that make up the modern and young design, the grocery store has a unique, open-air architectural structure. The reclaimed red cedar wood and locally produced brick make for an eye-catching and inviting vibe.
Of course, the store houses the usual organic and fresh produce, groceries, and other goodies that have made Whole Foods a healthy-eaters’ mecca, but there are a few features that make this location especially appealing.
Photo courtesy of Whole Food Market San Jose Facebook
Donut Bar
4 words: Make. Your. Own. Donut. Very rarely does the stringing together of four words bring tears to my eyes, but this is one of those cases.
When ordering your Berliner, you get to choose whether you want it fried or baked, with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, the type of filling, and with chocolate or caramel drizzle. Of course you can also pick up one of their pre-made classics. Go crazy, and bring a box of tissues just in case.
Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market San Jose Facebook
Bakery
Okay, technically the donut bar falls under the “Bakery” section, but I think we can all agree that a donut bar is worthy of its own category. Between the fresh bagels, colorful cakes, breads, and finger desserts, this section has got you covered with one of the most extensive bakeries around.
If you’re looking for something sweet, I recommend the macarons, which come in a variety of traditional and more unique flavors. The treats are a little pricy, coming in at $2 per macaron, but are Blair Waldorf-worthy in both presentation and taste.
Photo by Leigh Pond
Prepared Food/To Go
Labeled by a bright sign reading, “We make it, you take it,” this side of the store has everything you need for a meal. Amongst the stations you can find signature pizzas, sandwiches, burritos, a deli counter, sushi bar, salad bar, and hot bar-packed with all types of entrees and other prepared selections.
If you are looking for a quick meal made with high-quality ingredients, this is the place to be.
Photo Leigh Pond
Drink Bars
Adding to the fun design of the grocery store, the coffee and juice bar is the perfect place to stop for a drink on the go. The coffee bar serves your standard café menu, brewing Allegro coffee, and the juice is squeezed fresh from the refrigerator of colorful produce in the back of the structure.
Upstairs, the Mission Creek Brewery has an open-air beer garden. This rooftop deck is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a drink.
Photo courtesy of Whole Food Market San Jose Facebook
Local Events
Whole Foods has a reputation of upholding a good relationship with the community, and the Alameda location is no exception. Within the atrium, the location has the space to host a variety of vendors, which it does often.
Check the monthly schedule for information on yoga sessions, local vendor fairs, beer festivals, and other community events.
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