Willow Glen is one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Jose with a historic downtown that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On weekends and evenings, the neighborhood is filled with local families and visitors who enjoy the charming and walkable downtown, a town within the city. Downtown Willow Glen is a great place to shop or dine. The community hosts frequent festivals and events and a weekly farmer’s market.
Most of Willow Glen’s downtown businesses are clustered on and around Lincoln Avenue between Willow and Minnesota.
Willow Glen history
The Willow Glen community was named for the willows that once filled the natural wetlands that surround Los Gatos Creek and Guadalupe River. In the 1900s, when the Santa Clara Valley began to become a farming community, the area was drained and planted with fruit orchards. In the 1930s, the city of Willow Glen was incorporated into the city of San José. Lincoln Avenue grew as the center of the downtown business district.
Where to buy
Here are some unique and independent Willow Glen shops and boutiques worth checking out:
- Hicklebees Bookstore (1378 Lincoln Avenue) – An award-winning independent bookstore with a focus on children’s books and literature.
- Willow Glen Home and Garden (1123 Lincoln Avenue): Over 5,000 square feet of furniture, home decor, gifts, and garden treasures.
- Park Place Vintage (1318 Lincoln Avenue) – One of the Bay Area’s best vintage stores with vintage and mid-century furniture, clothing, and collectibles.
Where to eat
There are many places to eat on Lincoln Avenue, but here are some good options for Willow Glen restaurants:
- Aqui Cal-Mex (1145 Lincoln Avenue): Natural and organic Mexican dishes (inspired by California). Good cocktails and lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
- The Table (1110 Willow Street) – A trendy neighborhood cafe that uses ingredients. A very popular daily brunch (reservations are only accepted during the week, arrive early and expect to wait for the weekend brunch).
- Opa! (1100 Lincoln Ave) – Fresh and authentic Greek cuisine.
- Willow Glen Creamery (1100 Lincoln Ave): Frozen sweet treats that include ice cream, custard, frozen yogurt, and – a taste of Disneyland – “Dole Whip.”
Where to park in Willow Glen
Free public parking is available in the following lots:
- Bank of America Parking Lot (1245 Lincoln)
- Parking behind Le Boulanger (between from Brace or Minnesota)
- Parking behind Thrift Box (enter from Minnesota)
- Parking behind the Garden Theater (1165 Lincoln, enter from Lincoln or Willow, in front of Bill’s Cafe)
- First floor of the Town Square parking lot (Lincoln and Willow)
There is metered street parking along Lincoln and on side streets.
For more information, visit the Downtown Willow Glen Business Association website.
