“We try to keep it simple; we try to keep it identifiable; we try to keep it artisan. That’s why we call it San Jose soul food.”

Park Station Hashery, a new neighborhood eatery, blends history with community connection. It’s nestled on the corner of Park Avenue and Naglee in the heart of Rose Garden, arguably one of the most beautiful historical neighborhoods in California. Rivaling the likes of Hancock Park, Pasadena, and Pacific Heights, the neighborhood’s architecture mirrors the California of yesteryear. The restaurant gets its name from Park Avenue and the building’s history as a gas station.

Chef Luis Silva of Naglee Park Garage fame and business partner Long Nguyen wanted a building that fit in with the history of San Jose. Silva had “been looking for something to do in the way of food, drinks, and community.”

He believes he’s found it.

With a dearth of dining options in the mostly residential neighborhood, The Hashery has filled a void residents were craving: appropriately priced meals packaged with community, creativity, and ambiance.

Silva brings inventive cuisine through his distinct, approachable menu. With food from around the world—like okonomiyaki, fideo, piri-piri chicken, flammkuchen, a proper chorizo breakfast casserole, and a good, solid burger—he understands the wide range of San Josean tastes. But it’s not just about the taste. “We’re trying to do as close to home-cooked meals as we can,” Nguyen elaborates. “A lot of people measure a restaurant on taste and ambiance. I think what a lot of them are missing is that magic third part, which is how they feel after they leave. With all of our fresh and locally sourced food, most people will walk away after having a great meal and then later on, they’ll just feel how nice it is to have fresh ingredients in their body.”

The Hashery softly opened with a Fourth of July barbeque, inviting neighborhood folks to check out the space in progress. From there, excitement has spread, and the restaurant has quickly become a staple in the community. “This is the kind of community-mindedness we wanted to create,” Nguyen says. “We grew up in big families and in big neighborhoods. When you come new to a neighborhood, you have a barbeque and invite everyone, break bread with them, and get to know them.” The Fourth of July barbecue was just the first step. The two partners also plan on hosting family movie nights once a month.

Silva and Nguyen also build on the aesthetically striking neighborhood. The outdoor façade and patio mural painted by local artists Ben Henderson and Lacey Bryant pay homage to the rich cycling history of the area. In fact, San Jose was home to seven velodromes at one point in history. “What Ben did with the murals and the painting makes you want to come inside,” Nguyen says. “He made something that looks beautiful and that fits the neighborhood. The Rosicrucian Museum is kitty-corner and is really special, and he created something that fits to that aesthetic, as well as all of the great homes in the neighborhood.” The Hashery’s marketing even caters to bicycles: customers who show up on bikes for the Two-Wheel Tuesday special can buy one beer and get one free.

Silva sums up the concept of the Hashery: “We try to keep it simple; we try to keep it identifiable; we try to keep it artisan. That’s why we call it San Jose soul food.” He smiles. “We want to keep the neighborhood happy.”

PARK STATION HASHERY
1701 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
408.320.1711
instagram: parkstationhashery
facebook: parkstationhashery
twitter: parkstationsj

This article originally appeared in Issue 9.1 “Find”