Bill's Cafe - Alameda: Your Local San Jose Destination for Breakfast, Brunch, and American Classics

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Introduce

For California residents searching for a quality spot to kickstart their day with a hearty meal, look no further than Bill's Cafe - Alameda. Situated in the heart of San Jose, this popular establishment has cultivated a strong reputation for serving up generous portions of classic American breakfast and brunch, alongside satisfying lunch options. As a pillar of the local dining scene, Bill's Cafe - Alameda brings a friendly, casual, and cozy atmosphere that appeals to everyone from college students and families to local groups and tourists. It's the kind of local gem where you can settle in for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining solo or gathering with friends.

Bill's Cafe - Alameda is best categorized as a versatile dining spot, offering a robust menu that spans a full range of daytime meals. The types of cuisine offered are diverse, encompassing a traditional American restaurant, a dedicated breakfast restaurant, a brunch restaurant, and a lunch restaurant. This variety ensures that no matter what time you arrive during their operating hours, there's a delicious, satisfying meal waiting for you. Customers often note the fast service and the impressive size of the meals, emphasizing the value received. The menu itself is a testament to the classic American diner experience, but elevated with unique specialty items, a wide array of Benedicts, Skillets, and creative pancakes, which we will explore further.

The restaurant operates with convenient hours designed for the early riser and the late-brunch crowd. From Monday through Friday, Bill's Cafe - Alameda is open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For those weekend lie-ins, they extend their closing time, welcoming guests on Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Given its popularity, especially on weekend mornings for brunch, it is worth noting that there is usually a wait, reflecting its status as a highly sought-after local favorite in the Bay Area.

Location and Accessibility

Bill's Cafe - Alameda is conveniently located at 2089 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, USA. This placement makes it easily accessible for local San Jose residents and those traveling through the Silicon Valley area. The restaurant has clearly prioritized accessibility for all patrons, a detail that local users appreciate.

Accessibility features at this location include:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

For those driving, parking is made easier with both a free parking lot and free street parking available, though the lot can be busy during the popular weekend breakfast hours. Furthermore, the location is dog-friendly, allowing dogs outside, making it a great stop for a meal after a walk. Payments are simple, with options including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Services Offered

Bill's Cafe - Alameda provides a comprehensive set of service options designed to accommodate modern diners' preferences, ensuring a great experience whether you choose to dine-in or enjoy their food at home.

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere with full table service.
Outdoor seating: A pleasant option to enjoy your meal with a nice view, often with umbrellas for shade.
Takeout: Conveniently order your food to go.
Delivery: Available through various services, including no-contact delivery and curbside pickup options.
Counter service: An alternative for quick ordering.
Catering: While not explicitly noted in one source, the extensive menu suggests the potential for group orders, and another source does list a catering menu. It is advisable to call the location directly to inquire about current catering capabilities.

Features / Highlights

The unique highlights of the Bill's Cafe - Alameda experience contribute significantly to its popularity in the San Jose community. They pride themselves on a blend of traditional quality and modern offerings.

Fast service: Efficiency is a key highlight, ensuring minimal wait times once seated, which is excellent for busy schedules.
Great coffee: The perfect accompaniment to any breakfast or brunch dish.
Great cocktails / Full Bar: They offer a selection of alcoholic beverages including Beer, Cocktails (like Mimosa and Bloody Mary), Hard liquor, and Wine, making it an ideal brunch destination.
Serves local specialty / Organic dishes: A commitment to local flair and quality ingredients, including healthy and organic options.
Generous Portions: Customers frequently mention the large portion sizes, offering great value for money.
Homemade Specialties: They are known for making items from scratch, such as house-made soups, sauces, cinnamon rolls, bread pudding, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Diverse Menu Offerings: Comfort food, healthy options, vegetarian options, small plates, and a kids' menu are all available.

Contact Information

For the most current information, including wait times, menu specifics, and any last-minute changes to operating schedules, local residents should use the following details:

Address: 2089 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Phone: (408) 244-9085

What is Worth Choosing

The menu at Bill's Cafe - Alameda is extensive, offering numerous reasons why it’s a great choice for California residents seeking a fulfilling meal. The culinary range covers everything from traditional eggs and bacon to specialized skillets and decadent French toast variations. For those looking for local specialties or popular items, here is a breakdown of what the menu offers:

Benedicts: A highlight of the menu, they feature both classics and creative twists. The California Benedict is a popular choice, featuring avocado, tomatoes, bacon, and poached eggs on an English muffin with hollandaise. The Crab Cakes Benedict and the Tri-Tip Benedict are also excellent choices for a rich, flavorful meal. For those who want to sample, they offer a range of 'Mini Benedicts' like the Mini Smoked Salmon Benedict.

Skillet Creations: These are a customer favorite, served with your choice of toast. The Hash Brown Skillet is highly recommended, featuring fresh hash browns topped with jack cheese, tomatoes, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. The Bills Original Skillet and the Cowboy Skillet with Mexican chorizo provide savory, hearty options.

Pancakes & French Toast: The griddle items are a must-try, often praised for their unique preparations and generous size. The Hawaiian Pancakes (with bananas, macadamia nuts, and coconut baked inside) and the Cookies & Cream Pancakes offer a sweet indulgence. For French Toast lovers, the Bread Pudding French Toast and the Baked Cinnamon Roll dipped in egg batter and grilled are exceptionally popular choices.

South Of The Border: Reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of California, the menu includes flavorful Mexican-inspired dishes. The Breakfast Burrito (stuffed with linguica, chilies, and cheese) and the Jalisco Scramble are perfect for those who like a little spice and regional flair in their breakfast.

Healthy Options: The menu also caters to health-conscious diners with items like the Fitness Group Omelette (made with egg whites, chicken apple sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, and spinach), Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal, and a California Fresh Fruit Cup.

The Vibe: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including college students, families, groups, and tourists. It's a place where you can relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy a satisfying meal without the formality of a fine dining establishment. Its commitment to fast service and large portions makes it an excellent value proposition for the California diner looking for quality comfort food. Ultimately, Bill's Cafe - Alameda stands out as a reliable and well-loved spot for a diverse and fulfilling all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch experience in San Jose.

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Menu

Mini Benedict
Mini Eggs Benedict $15.00
Canadian Bacon & Poached egg on a toasted English Muffin, topped with Hollandaise Sauce
Mini Smoked Salmon Benedict $17.00
Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese, Grilled Red Onions, Fresh Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Capers Poached Egg topped with Hollandaise Sauce.
Mini Mexicali Benedict $15.50
Toasted English Muffin, Tomatoes, Avocado, Pulled Pork Carnitas, Poached Egg topped with Freshly Made Salsa.
Mini Crab Cakes Benedict $15.50
One Crab Cake, Poached Egg, topped with Hollandaise Sauce on an English Muffin.
Mini Black Stone Benedict $15.00
Toasted English Muffin, grilled red onions, tomatoes, avocado and poached egg, topped with Hollandaise sauce.
Mini Tri-Tip Benedict $15.50
Angus Sirloin cooked to Perfection Poached Egg, Onions, Bell Peppers, fresh Jalapeños and Avocado on a English Muffin topped with Hollandaise Sauce. Served with Hashbrowns or Country Potatoes.
Mini Fried Chicken Benedict $15.50
Toasted biscuit, Fried chicken, pooched egg, topped with country gravy and chipotle lime sauce. Choice of hash brown or home style country potatoes..
Mini California Benedict $15.50
Toasted English Muffin, sliced grilled tomatoes, 2 strips of bacon, 1 poached egg topped with hollandaise.
Mini El Paso Benedict $15.50
Toasted English Muffin with 4oz Corn Beef Hash, Onions, Bell Peppers, Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce

South Of The Border
Morning Quesadilla $20.75
Flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, peppers, onions, black beans, cilantro, cheddar cheese and Jack cheese, served with fresh salsa and sour cream.
Jalisco Scramble $21.75
Eggs scrambled with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, black beans and pork carnitas, topped with freshly made salsa.
Chilaquiles $20.75
Eggs scrambled with corn tortillas, chorizo, onions, jalapenos and jack cheese. Topped with freshly made salsa.
Huevos Ranchero $19.55
Crispy corn tortillas, refried beans, two eggs any style, fresh ranchero sauce, queso fresco, sour cream and cilantro
Breakfast Burrito $20.75
Four eggs stuffed with linguica, ortega green chilies, tomatoes and cheddar cheese, stuffed and rolled in a large flour tortilla, served with sour cream and fresh salsa.

Skillet Creations
Cowboy Skillet $21.25
Country potatoes, mexican chorizo, onions, tomatoes, fresh jalapenos, cheddar cheese, topped with cilantro, sour cream, topped with two eggs any style, served with choice of toast
Bills Original Skillet $20.75
Country potatoes, onions, ham, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes and green peppers, topped with two eggs any style, served with choice of toast
Hash Brown Skillet $21.75
Fresh hash browns, jack cheese, tomatoes, bacon, sour cream, green onions, topped with two eggs any style, served with choice of toast
Veggie Skillet $21.25
Fresh hash browns, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes, avocado, onions, cheddar cheese, topped with scrambled egg whites, sour cream, chives, served with choice of toast

Pancakes
Strawberry Oats Cakes $15.50
Buttermilk pancakes filled with fresh strawberries and oats, drizzled with strawberry syrup
Hawaiian Pancakes $16.50
Our buttermilk cakes filled with fresh bananas, macadamia nuts and coconut.
Cookies & Cream Pancakes $14.50
Our buttermilk cakes filled with crushed Oreo cookies, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar
Strawberry Pancakes $16.00
Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes filled in fresh strawberries, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Ashlyn's Chocolate Pancakes $14.50
Filled with delicious chocolate chips.
Cinnamon Pancakes $15.50
Buttermilk pancakes filled with homemade cinnamon glaze and drizzled with sweet cream cheese
Buttermilk Pancakes $12.75
2 stack pancakes
Blueberry Pancakes $16.00
Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes filled in fresh blueberries, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Banana Pancakes $15.00
Old fashioned buttermilk pancakes filled in fresh bananas, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Breakfast Classics
Country Sausage & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Fresh Lox & Bagel $28.75
Fresh Norwegian smoked salmon, sliced red onions, capers, sliced tomatoes, sesame bagel and cream cheese, served with two eggs any style
Applewood Bacon & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Bill's Steak & Eggs $30.50
Charbroiled tri-tip steak cooked to perfection, served with three eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Two Eggs $13.80
Two eggs any style, served with choice of potatoes and toast
Biscuits & Gravy $9.50
Country Fried Steak & Eggs $24.45
Served with three eggs any style, country gravy, choice of potatoes and a baked biscuit or toast
Ham Steak & Eggs $20.00
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Linguica & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Link Sausage & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Chicken Apple Sausage & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs $21.25
Served with two eggs any style, choice of potatoes and toast

Side Orders
Side Two Eggs $5.50
S/Country Potatoes $6.00
House Cut Fries $6.00
S/Fried Jalapeno $2.00
Biscuits & Gravy $9.50
S/Ham Steak $7.00
Thick cut ham steak
S/Country Sausage $8.50
6oz sausage patty
S/Hollandaise $2.50
Bowl Of Soup $5.00
S/Linguica $8.50
S/Bacon $8.50
S/Fresh Salsa $2.50
S/Avocado $3.00
S/Hashbrowns $6.00
S/Link Sausage $8.50
4 side link sausage
S/Country Gravy $6.00

Omelettes
Chorizo Omelette $21.25
Fluffy omelette served with crumbled Mexican chorizo, avocado, onions and cheddar cheese and topped with fresh salsa.
Asparagus Omelette $21.25
Asparagus, tomatoes, and jack cheese topped with chives and hollandaise sauce.
Bacado Omelette $21.25
Filled with bacon and jack cheese topped with Avocado and sour cream
California Omelette $20.75
Avocado, Mushrooms, Green Onions, Tomatoes, Garlic, Jack & Cheddar Cheese topped with Sour Cream
Steak Ranchero Omelette $23.00
Angus sirloin tri-tip, homemade ranchero sauce, queso fresco, avocado and cilantro
Meat Lovers Omelette $21.75
Filled with ham, bacon and sausage, Jack, American and cheddar cheese.
Denver Omelette $20.75
Filled with bell peppers, onions ,ham and american cheese
Mexicano Omelette $20.75
Filled with jalapeno chilies, avocado, sour cream, Jack cheese, topped with fresh salsa. Served with choice of two corn tortillas or toast.

French Toast/Waffle
Baked Cinnamon Roll $15.00
Giant cinnamon roll baked fresh daily, dipped in egg batter and grilled to perfection, sprinkled with powdered sugar & cinnamon
Thick French Toast $14.00
Our special "Texas style" bread, dipped in a rich batter and grilled to golden brown. Dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Nutella French Toast $19.50
Texas style french toast dipped in a rich batter, grilled to golden brown, filled with nutella, topped with strawberries and whipped cream, lightly dusted with powder sugar & cinnamon
Bread Pudding French Toast $16.75
Our homemade bread pudding, baked with walnuts and raisins, is dipped in a rich batter and grilled to perfection, topped with fried bananas and our special bread pudding sauce.
Classic Belgian Waffle $13.00
Our old fashioned buttermilk waffle
Fried Chicken And Waffle $21.25
Crisp belgian waffle topped with fried chicken

Salads
Santa Fe Chicken Salad $20.25
Chopped chicken breast and mixed greens with corn, black beants, tomato, Jack cheese, and crispy homemade tortilla strips. Tossed in our line-cilantro vinaigrette and topped with fresh avocado.
Chicken Caesar Salad $20.25
Crisp chilled romaine lettuce, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese and tossed with our creamy Caesar dressing.
Tuna Salad Bowl $20.25
Chopped crisp mixed lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, avocado, and red onions tossed in choice of dressing
Greek Salad $19.00
Chopped romaine, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, red onions and tomatoes with Greek vinaigrette

Sandwiches
B.L.T $16.00
Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Mayo on your choice of toasted bread.
Turkey Acapulco $20.25
Sliced turkey, ortega chilies, jack cheese, and avocado on grilled sourdough.
French Dip $22.50
Thinly Sliced Sirloin, topped with melted Jack Cheese on grilled French Roll. Served with Au Jus
The Club $20.25
Triple Decker with Turkey, Applewood bacon, Tomatoes, Mayo, Lettuce and Jack Cheese. Served on your choice of toasted Bread
California Club $20.25
Triple Decker with ham and turkey, tomatoes, avocado and Jack cheese. Served on your choice of toasted bread.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich $20.25
Crispy fried chicken breast, tomato, pickles, shredded lettuce, spicy aioli on a toasted bun. Served with choice of potatoes.
Grilled Cheese $13.00
Choice of Bread, American Cheese
Tuna Melt $18.50
Our Homemade Tuna Salad with melted Cheddar Cheese on grilled Rye Bread
Philly Steak Sand $22.00
Thinly cut tri-tip steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted jack cheese over a hoagie roll. Served with our house-cut fries.

Healthy Breakfast Choices
Fitness Group Omelette $22.50
An egg white omelet filled with ground turkey, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocados, and cheddar cheese is served with fresh fruit and toast.
California Fresh Fruit Cup $11.00
The best fruit grows right here!
Protein Scramble $22.50
Egg whites scrambled with chicken apple sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, onions. Served with fresh fruit and toast.
Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal $10.00
Served with Bananas, Brown Sugar and Raisins
Yogurt 'N Honey $13.75
Imported tart Greek yogurt topped with strawberries, granola and honey. A must try!

Beverages
Lemonade $4.00
Sierra Mist $4.00
Coffee $4.00
Milk $5.00
Fresh Squeezed OJ $8.00
Hot Chocolate $4.00
Diet Pepsi $4.00
Cranberry Juice $6.00
Pepsi $4.00

Kids Menu
Grilled Cheese With Fries $11.00
Grilled white bread with melted American cheese, served with french fries.
Cheeseburger With Fries $14.00
1/2 lb. Angus Beef with American cheese on a Soft Bun.
One Egg Any Style $11.00
One egg any style, fresh hashbrowns and choice of toast.
Kids Waffle $11.00
1/2 Old fashioned buttermilk waffle.
Kids French Toast $11.00
One sliced "Texas Style" Bread, dipped in a rich Batter. Lightly dusted with Powdered Sugar and Cinammon.
Kids Pancakes $11.00
Four mini buttermilk pancakes, Bills original recipe.

Scrambles
Chorizo Scramble $21.25
Mexican chorizo, avocado, tomatoes, onions, topped with cheddar cheese and fresh salsa, served with choice of potatoes and toast
Jalisco Scramble $22.00
Eggs scrambled with Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Black Beans and Pork Carnitas, topped with freshly made Salsa
Southern Scramble $21.25
Country sausage, scrambled eggs, country gravy, layered on top of a baked biscuit or toast and choice of potatoes
Garden Delight $21.00
Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, asparagus, jack cheese, topped with avocado, served with choice of potatoes and toast
Petaluma Scramble $21.25
Chicken apple sausage, mushrooms and spinach, topped with swiss cheese and fresh salsa, served with choice of potatoes and toast

Benedictions
California Benedict $21.25
Two strips of bacon, avocado, tomatoes, poached eggs on an english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Blackstone Benedict $19.55
Grilled red onions, tomatoes, avocado, poached eggs on a english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Tri-Tip Benedict $24.25
Angus sirloin cooked to perfection, onions, bell peppers, fresh jalapenos, avocado, poached eggs on a english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Smoked Salmon Benedict $29.00
Sesame toasted bagel with cream cheese, grilled red onions, chilled norwegian smoked salmon, capers, poached eggs, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Fried Chicken Benedict $22.50
Two poached eggs on a grilled buttermilk biscuit, home-made fried chicken, topped with country gravy and a chipotle lime sauce drizzle, served with choice of potatoes
Eggs Benedict $20.75
Canadian bacon and poached eggs on an english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Crab Cakes Benedict $20.75
Two crab cakes, poached eggs on a english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
El Paso Benedict $21.25
Bell peppers, onions, corned beef hash, poached eggs on an english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with choice of potatoes
Mexicali Benedict $21.85
Pulled pork carnitas, tomatoes, avocado, poached eggs on a english muffin, served with fresh salsa on the side and choice of potatoes

Burgers
Frisco $19.00
Grilled sourdough, Jack cheese and thousand island dressing.
All-American $19.50
Lettuce, tomato and cheese served on a soft bun.
Join The Club $20.50
Avocado, bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato served on a soft bun.
Patty Melt $19.00
Grilled rye bread, swiss cheese and grilled onions.

Mimosa/Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary $13.00
2 oz vodka, fresh lime juice, house mix, Celery and Olive
Mimosa $13.00

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Photos

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Location

Bill's Cafe - Alameda

California Santa Clara County San Jose Central San Jose The Alameda

2089 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Bill's Cafe - Alameda Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 2933 user reviews.

bruncheggs benedictmimosasorange juicecrab cakesteak and eggsbloody mary'sbread puddingairportmichelada

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I’ve heard so much hype about Bill’s Cafe, so I decided to finally check it out. Honestly, I’m not sure if it was just an off day, or if my expectations were too high, but my experience was very average.The place itself felt pretty standard nothing really stood out in terms of ambiance or service. I’ve definitely been to diners that had more personality and better food. What really threw me off, though, was the orange juice I ordered it came with living flies inside. That was a big turn-off and I had to send it back.All in all, it was a very normal diner experience for me, if not a bit disappointing considering the buzz around it. Maybe others had better luck, but personally, I’ve had much better meals and cleaner service elsewhere.
June 07 · Moustafa Mazroua
I came here because I loved pancakes in Hawaii and they had a Hawaiian option. But I didn’t expect that the banana, nuts etc would be inside the pancake. It was also way too sweet, and dry. The ones in Hawaii had a coconut cream on the side which you can add as per your level of sweet preference.California omelet was 3/5, nothing special, not enough veggies, cheese overload. Have had much better. They didn’t tell us coffee would be charged before serving it. We don’t even drink expresso! TThe expression server was super efficient always coming to check if we needed anything!
April 26 · renu G
It’s a nice spot for brunch, though I wish their menu included calorie counts. I do appreciate their system of letting you join the waitlist and sending a text when your table is ready, it shows they value their customers.
August 24 · Behnoush d
I used to go to the Willow Glen original Bill's restaurant starting late 80's. Breakfast was excellent. Today I accidentally found that they have expanded to many locations. Breakfast food was still good. Management remains the same, a 3-brother family owned business.
July 04 · Yu-Lin Chao
I've been here a couple times now and while the food is good I can't help feeling that for the money you could make all the dishes at home and they would be just as good. It's a good option for brunch out when you don't want to clean up a mess but I don't expect anything all that special here.
June 03 · Clayton Grames