Top 10 Places To Find Great Mexican Food In San Jose

Mexican food is certainly not hard to find in California. But the best Mexican food? One of the top places for that is undoubtedly San Jose. There’s numerous restaurants, grills, taquerias, and eateries to choose from in San Jose. And we’ve discovered 10 of the very best.

1. Taqueria Eduardo

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish

This no-frills place will tantalize you with its hefty burritos, tacos, and more classic must-have Mexican eats. Served counter-style, Taqueria Eduardo is the place to get the best bang for your buck. The service is fast and friendly, the food is delicious. Simple as that. What else could you ask for?

2. El Tule

Restaurant, Mexican

El Tule offers some of the most authentic food from the Mexican state Oaxaca. Even Oaxacan natives flock here for the delicious mole that’s made from scratch. If you’re looking for a great mix of traditional and adventurous food experiences, El Tule is the place to head to. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff are helpful for those new to Oaxacan specialties.

3. Don Pedro's

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish

This bar and restaurant is a popular hotspot for both lunch and happy hour. Don Pedro’s offers traditional Mexican platters in a casual and laidback setting. The prices are beyond reasonable for the portions of food you get and visitors will leave this late night eatery full and maybe even with a nice buzz!

4. Dia De Pesca

Restaurant, Mexican

Popular lunch spot Dia De Pesca is a favorite in the neighborhood. It’s a food-truck that offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood dishes are the shining star at Dia De Pesca, with oysters, octopus, and of course fish tacos. But if seafood isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of platters to choose from that your tastebuds will thank you for. Get here early though as parking can be difficult and there’s almost always a line.

5. Metro Balderas 1

Restaurant, Mexican

Metro Balderas is the place to go for tasty Mexican fares while on a budget. The vibrant setting is snug, welcoming and features outdoor seating. This hole in the wall joint dishes out some of the most authentic Mexican food in the area. And at a bargain of a price it’s no wonder there’s always a line!

6. Dona Maria

Restaurant, Mexican

This local chain has a few different locations, two of them being in San Jose. This location offers a casual setting that serves traditional Mexican platters as well as some yummy margaritas to wash it down with. The service is friendly and fast, while the food is delicious and priced reasonably. What else could you need?

7. Mavericks Mexican Grill

Restaurant, Mexican, Seafood

Placed inside a strip-mall, don’t let it fool you though. Mavericks Mexican Grill slings a seafood-oriented menu, true to its Mexican roots. The owner actually lived in Hawaii for many years, perfecting his skills of preparing mouthwatering seafood. However, if you’re a vegetarian or just not into seafood, there’s still plenty of tasty platters to choose from. Not to mention the beer and wine menu!

8. Tu Mero Mole

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish

The fast counter service at Tu Mero Mole cannot be beat. The amazing food and friendly service will keep you coming back to this joint. However, if that doesn’t sound like enough to make you return, their salsa bar surely will! The atmosphere is bright, relaxed, and inviting, though seating can be limited.

9. El Papucho Mexican Food

Restaurant, Mexican

El Papucho has one goal: serve authentic and delicious Mexican food. And they have exceeded those standards. This is a no-frills type of place (unless you count the awesome jukebox), slinging traditional food, true to its roots. It’s argued that El Papucho has the best tacos in the city. With their homemade corn tortillas it’s not hard to imagine!

10. Angelou's Mexican Grill

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish

Not only is Angelou’s Mexican Grill a place for some delicious Mexican food, it’s perfect for those into the weekend nightlife scene in San Jose. Why? Friday and Saturday nights, Angelou’s stays open until midnight! So after a little bar hopping, the best place to go to fill your belly is the delicious Angelou’s. The setting is laidback, counter-serve style, dishing out traditional burritos, tacos, and other Mexican staples.

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