It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say that I live at Chromatic Coffee in San Jose. After alumnus Anshul Aggarwal showed me the café early last summer, it feels as if I’ve spent more time there than with my family at home.
I initially didn’t realize the extent of my obsession because I was gone for six weeks over the summer. Ever since the two words all seniors dread —college apps — became a part of my life, Chromatic has become something of a safe haven, allowing me to reach my peak of productivity as I write essay after essay. The fact that I write this column as the bittersweet aroma of coffee engulfs me should be evidence enough of that.
Though a little farther than I’d like it to be (12 minutes away on a good day!), Chromatic remains my most frequented coffee shop. While Facebook says I’ve checked in 15 times, given that I’m past my fourth free drink, it’s really more along the lines of 30 times since the year started. The distance also comes with the additional perks of blasting my SoundCloud playlist without judgment and not having to deal with the awkward hellos that accompany seeing people I know at closer coffee shops such as Starbucks.
My love for Chromatic has become somewhat notorious among my friends who, upon the rare instance of seeing me elsewhere after school, often ask me if something’s wrong. Rather than dissuading me from going, however, my friends’ snarky comments only further encourage me, resulting in a string of “TFTI” messages when people find out that I do go.
Chromatic has also permeated other areas of my life, taking up three out of 11 of my Instagram photos since the school year started. When I saw that @chromaticcafe had liked the most recent of my Chromatic photos, I fell out of my chair in surprise.
Though it can be argued that Chromatic’s “coffee shop vibes” are by no means unique, I have yet to find an adequate replacement (and believe me I’ve tried, especially when Chromatic was closed for renovations for a week in August).
From my various adventures, I’ve found that Big Basin in downtown is OK when I don’t have a car, and Philz Coffee is nice when I don’t need to stay and work. Big Mug and B2 in San Jose are too far to be convenient, and Los Gatos Roasting Company doesn’t have enough parking. Bitter and Sweet in Cupertino is almost up to par, with ice cream and pastries not offered by Chromatic, but lacks natural lighting and enough seating.
Regardless of the time of day, there’s just something about Chromatic that is the epitome of cool. Perhaps, it is the iced latte in a mason jar or the vibrant art-covered wall, the hipster choice of background music or the tall stool two seats from the window table.
Whatever it is, if you ever need me, you’re likely to find me there for the foreseeable future. Actually, don’t come: I’d rather keep Chromatic for myself.
