As someone who’s not exactly known for being a “morning person,” if I’m bright-eyed and out in public before 9am, it’s usually for something unpleasant: traffic court, a dentist appointment, maybe a poorly timed life choice.
But there I was at 10, walking into Bloom Eatery on a Friday morning, and suddenly questioning every life choice that didn’t involve getting brunch here sooner. I barely made it out of the car before the aromas hit me: warm, rich, unmistakably breakfast.
The outside tables were already full—a good sign that the food’s worth waiting for. Inside was no different: busy, full, every table happily occupied. It was lively but not overwhelming, and the space felt like it was built for this kind of crowd. A table probably would’ve taken a minute, but a few bar seats opened up just as I walked in. I didn’t hesitate.
I almost always go for the bar when I can. It’s the best seat in the house—close to the action, clear view of the food coming out, and just enough distance to people-watch without being weird about it. At Bloom, the kitchen and bar run side by side, and the line was in full swing. It had that steady, turn-and-burn flow; dishes flying out, cooks moving in rhythm, everything dialed in, but with the kind of pace that says they’re deep in it…or maybe that kind of rush is just their comfort zone. Either way, it was fun to watch the process.
While flipping through the menu, I decided to start with a drink—because brunch and cocktails just make sense together. I went with their Bloom Bloody Mary, and it delivered. The house mix was bold and peppery without going overboard, and the balsamic drizzle added a little sweet-and-sour contrast that played surprisingly well with the heat and the salt. It also came with fresh bacon bits, a chile de árbol and a sprig of rosemary—garnishes that felt intentional, not just ornamental. I appreciate that the bartenders use tweezers to place straws. A small touch, but it tells you something about the level of service. They also offer a lineup of signature Prosecco mimosas, including one I tried with guava, which was a nice change of pace.
Chicken and waffles was the standout; using a boneless thigh instead of a breast instantly earns points in my book. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—the kind of bite that makes you pause and appreciate whoever decided this combo should exist in the first place. The waffle held its own, too, with crunchy edges and a soft center—exactly what it should be. But the element that sealed the deal was a mix of honey and Cholula sauce that brought just enough kick to balance the richness. It comes with real maple syrup, which I barely touched. The hot honey had it handled.
Croissant French toast is one of Bloom’s signature dishes, and it’s easy to see why. The croissant gets the custard treatment, intentionally turning it into something halfway between breakfast and dessert. It’s crisp around the edges, soft through the center, and topped with fresh fruit, vanilla cream sauce and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses that brings a tart punch to balance it all out. Just the kind of dish that makes you almost consider not sharing.
Lastly, I didn’t expect to be thinking about potatoes days later, but here we are. Bloom’s duck fat house potatoes don’t have to try too hard. They’re just done really, really well. Crisped up perfectly, seasoned generously, and just garlicky enough—bold, but not loud. The kind of thing you pick at between bites, then suddenly realize you’ve cleared the whole plate.
Bloom isn’t trying to reinvent brunch, but they are doing it their own way, and doing it really well. From the speed and energy of the kitchen to the way every plate hits the table looking like it wants to be there, it’s clear this team knows what they’re doing. The vibe was easy, the price was reasonable, and everything I tried made me want to come back for more. After four years, they’re already looking to expand beyond the West San Jose/Santa Clara area, but no matter where they go next, this spot definitely makes a strong case for getting out of bed early.
Bloom Eatery, 202 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, 408.345.2667. Open Wed–Sun 8am–2:30pm. bloomeatery.com
