About Char Spot
Char Spot is a weekend brunch vegan & plant-based spot in San Jose, CA, with a welcoming feel and a quick order-at-the-counter setup with a small patio. The kitchen leans into vegan & plant-based done well, produce is delivered fresh from local growers six days a week.
The signature item to try first is the Vegan Mac, which has earned a loyal following. The rest of the menu rounds it out with options like Beyond Burger, Cauliflower Wings, Buddha Bowl, plus rotating specials that change with the season. Portions are generous for the price point ($$$), and the kitchen is consistent — orders come out fast even when the place is full.
On a typical day you'll find construction crews, tech workers, and grandparents alike, especially around the lunch and dinner rushes. The bar pours specialty espresso drinks, drip coffee, and seasonal lattes. The kitchen happily accommodates common allergies if you let them know. The dining room is clean, the music is at a reasonable volume, and the wifi works.
For ordering, catering trays for offices and parties can be ordered with 24 hours notice. Expect a short wait at peak hours, but the line moves quickly. Whether you're new to San Jose or a longtime resident hunting for a reliable vegan & plant-based fix, Char Spot earns a spot in the regular rotation.
Menu highlights
A snapshot of the most-ordered items at Char Spot. Prices and availability change — call ahead to confirm.
Customer reviews
Recent ratings averaged 4.2 out of 5 across 1,100 reviews.
Char Spot has become my regular weekday lunch. Consistent quality, generous portions, and the staff has started to recognize me. I usually grab the Vegan Mac but I've worked through most of the menu and haven't had a miss yet.
I work nearby and stop in at least twice a week. The Kale Caesar hits every time. Service is quick, the space is clean, and they take dietary requests seriously which I appreciate. Easy five stars from me.
Solid spot. The Beyond Burger is a standout — bold flavors, well-seasoned, comes out hot. Took off a star only because the wait at the counter was longer than I expected on a weekday. Still, I'd come back without hesitation.
Great vegan & plant-based option for the area. The Vegan Mac was the highlight, big portion and well-priced. Seating is limited so if you come at peak hours plan on takeout. I'll be back.
Brought the family on a Saturday and we all walked out happy. Kids loved their food, my partner ordered the Kale Caesar and finished every bite. Prices feel fair for the portions. The dining room was a little loud but that's expected on weekends.
Hidden gem. We were in the neighborhood for an appointment and stopped here based on a friend's recommendation. So glad we did. The Beyond Burger was unreal — clearly made with care. We're already planning our next visit.
Location & neighborhood
Char Spot is located at 879 Cedar Rd in San Jose, CA. Street parking is generally available in the surrounding blocks, and most public-transit routes that serve the downtown core stop within a short walk. The neighborhood around the restaurant has steady foot traffic during lunch and dinner, with a mix of office buildings, apartments and other small businesses on the block.