Bubble Tea from Lion Market

471 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95101

While most people tend to follow the after-school crowd all the way to Tapioca Express and back, many are unaware of a relatively obscure alternative: hidden off to the side of the Lion Market is a small deli and bakery, serving a limited but satisfying variety of milk tea options. For those who aren’t too particular about the specifics of their dairy drinks, the Lion Market’s bubble tea can be a cheap and quick fix — usually falling between $1 or $2 dollars, although the price occasionally changes. Lion Market tea uses smaller pearls and is slightly less sweet compared to the more expensive and crowded TapEx. This area of the store is only accessible through the supermarket’s main entrance, located just across Saratoga Avenue.

7-11 Slurpees

497 Kiely Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117

With time restrictions (i.e. sports practice, classes, work for extracurriculars), taking the 10 minute walk to the 7-Eleven on Kiely might not be such a great idea. With good friends, a hot day, and free time, though, the ends justify the means. Slurpees generally run between $1 to $3, although the prices and flavors vary by location. Take caution, however: the quest for an icy, flavored drink may run through the path of a few seedy people, as the store neighbors a liquor store and is off a major street.

Bijan Bakery

441 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129

Nestled in the far reaches of Saratoga Square (the large shopping center across the street from the Upper School campus), the West San Jose branch of the well-known Bijan Bakery boasts a variety of treats for under 5$. The store crafts pastry slices, tarts, and cookies and sells them for a marginal price, making the Saratoga Avenue location a popular destination for students craving something sweet. Bijan is found a few stores on the right of Tapioca Express; the large yet modest “Bakery & Cafe” sign signals the entrance.

Burger King

385 Kiely Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

Everyone’s seen the Burger King right outside campus, as well as the horde of hungry students migrating there after school. However, a special, time-sensitive offer is what characterizes the fast food chain as a new competitor in the 5 for $5 challenge. Burger King is no stranger to a low budget appetite: for example, the famous Classic Chicken Crisp costs only $1. Despite the regular Value Menu deals, though, the restaurant is currently offering 50 cent cones of vanilla soft serve — only a short walk away from the Upper School campus. But hurry! The promotion ends September 1st.

Tasty Donuts

485 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129

Located directly in front of our campus, Tasty Donuts is a cozy, small snack joint serving fresh donuts and other tasty treats. Almost everything in the store is under $5, depending on the quantity of the purchase. One of their cheapest baked goods is a simple, singular donut, sold for only 90 cents. With an easily accessible store and a friendly, competent staff, Tasty Donuts is the best place to go when short on time.