Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Jose's best

Authentic al pastor spots

A serving of al pastor that captures the real flavor is the only thing on the mind.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 1
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 2
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 3
View all

Tented outdoor seating with long communal tables creates a casual, relaxed vibe under a parking lot mural. The taco truck serves authentic Mexican flavors with handmade tortillas grilled fresh. The space fits about 18-20 people and stays clean and orderly despite its simplicity.

Tacos feature homemade tortillas and authentic flavors like al pastor, carne asada, and chicharron. Family ties to a taqueria in Mexico add to the genuine taste.

Al pastor stands out with authentic flavor and tender, well-seasoned meat. Handmade tortillas add a perfect touch, especially in tacos and gorditas.

People are saying

"These tacos are savory, well-seasoned, and full of flavor."

"The al pastor tacos are flavorful with tender, well-seasoned meat."

"The authentic tacos had savory meat and soft, homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

The taco truck closes today (Wednesday) at 10 pm.

2

Each taco costs about $3.5-4.

3

Parking validation is available.

02
LOS TACOS DE MI TIERRA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a mini taco truck flea market vibe with a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. The place draws a crowd looking for authentic Mexican tacos served quickly and packed with fresh ingredients. Covered seating offers comfort while enjoying a variety of flavorful options.

Tacos offer tasty and authentic flavors that reflect traditional Mexican cooking. The food captures the flavorful essence of home-style Mexican dishes.

Juicy meat with charred edges defines the al pastor here. Tacos and burritos come loaded with mixed al pastor and carne asada, making them a solid choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes just like homemade."

"The Al Pastor tacos were delicious and juicy."

"It's an authentic Mexican food spot that tastes just like home."

Good to know

1

They open late, which is convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The food arrived within 5 minutes, making it a quick option.

3

There was no wait when I visited, ensuring immediate service.

03
Carlitos’ Tijuana Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-themed decor and a salsa bar with many options create a lively and inviting atmosphere. Music, including DJ sets, adds energy while maintaining a family-friendly vibe. Freshly made tortillas and authentic Baja-style tacos stand out as key features.

Tacos come juicy and packed with authentic flavor and freshness. The food serves genuine Mexican tastes with a strong sense of soul and quality.

Juicy al pastor meat stays soft inside with crispy edges. Tacos and mulitas showcase freshness and heart in every bite.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes like Tijuana, it's so authentic."

"The tacos here are so delicious and packed with authentic flavor."

"The Al Pastor tacos here are excellent."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they offer a buy 3, get 1 free deal.

2

Parking is available in the corner store plaza.

3

The tortillas are made in house.

04
ASI Mexican Fusion Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old fast-food building hosts a Mexican and Middle Eastern fusion with a warm, inviting atmosphere and multiple large TVs showing sports. The space features deep blue walls and a lively yet comfortable vibe with good table spacing. Music and muted TVs add to the relaxed environment.

Offers authentic Mexican food with exquisite flavor. The fusion bistro style feels very genuine.

Sweet pork stands out in the al pastor dishes here. Options include al pastor beef potatoes and chicken al pastor kabobs, all delivering solid flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the fusion of Mexican and Palestinian food here."

"The Al Pastor tacos have pineapple and tons of flavor."

"The authentic chicken wrap was fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly marinated."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 street tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy hour offers discounted beer and sangria pitchers during weekdays.

3

The restaurant serves Halal food, catering to specific dietary needs.

05
Metro Balderas Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos and lively street food atmosphere with sonidero music that can be loud and filled with talking. Space feels small and cramped but attracts crowds eager for genuine flavors. Micheladas and tacos al pastor stand out as Bay Area favorites.

Tacos here have a real authentic street style with fillings like head, tongue, suadero, and al pastor. The taste closely matches what you'd find in Mexico City, and the flautas are also authentic and tasty.

Tacos come from a trompo with pineapple on top, delivering authentic street style flavors. Al pastor tacos stand out as extremely delicious and reminiscent of Mexico.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the tacos, especially the al pastor."

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were the best I had."

"I found the tacos here to be authentic, especially the al pastor."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.60 all day on Wednesday.

2

On Fridays after 5 PM, tacos are made outside.

3

Parking is limited during peak hours on weekends.

06
El Halal Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lively Mexican restaurant with fast service and extremely loud Spanish pop music creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Indoor and shaded outdoor seating accommodate diners comfortably, including dogs. Decor and open kitchen add to a vibrant, authentic vibe that feels like stepping into Mexico.

Tacos and sides deliver authentic Mexican flavors that meet halal standards. Beans and rice taste just like traditional Mexican dishes from Cabo.

Pollo al pastor tacos have a unique flavor and rate around an 8 out of 10. They appear as a special deal on Taco Tuesday and come highly recommended alongside barbacoa and carne asada.

People are saying

"I found the halal Mexican food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be the best I'd had in a long time."

"The pollo al pastor tacos are super flavorful and great."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they offer $2 chicken tacos during Taco Tuesday.

2

The birria is only available on Sundays.

3

Pork and lard are not used in any dishes, adhering to halal standards.

07
Tacos El Compa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, narrow space with about six tables creates a cozy, intimate setting. Atmosphere feels like an authentic hole-in-the-wall taqueria with a quiet, unassuming vibe. Seating is limited and close together, often leading to a crowded, bustling feel during busy times.

Tacos come with flavorful tortillas, meat, and toppings that taste authentic. Drinks like horchata are not watered down, matching the genuine Mexican flavors. Portions are generous and prices reasonable, making it feel like a true authentic taqueria.

Al pastor stands out with its freshness and full flavor. It avoids the usual pineapple-forward taste, offering a more balanced and home-cooked style.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the most delicious, tender tacos."

"The tacos here taste so authentic and flavorful."

"The Al Pastor meat smelled and tasted bad, and it was too greasy."

Good to know

1

Many customers order ahead to reduce wait times during busy hours.

2

The restaurant is primarily a take-out place rather than a sit-down restaurant.

3

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours due to high popularity.

08
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual, breezy atmosphere with a welcoming, family-like vibe. Indoor space feels small and sparse, while the quiet street adds to the calm setting. The place offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food in a clean environment.

Tacos have nice flavor and come with green and red salsas that stand out. The menu offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes that taste very authentic.

Al pastor shows up as a solid choice alongside carne asada and shrimp. Tacos highlight balanced seasoning and pair well with other items like tostadas and burritos.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I tried the al pastor taco and it was a close second."

Good to know

1

Ordering and paying happens before sitting down; no reservations needed.

2

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast options.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

09
Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen image 1

Mexican restaurant with lively Latin atmosphere and loud music creates a vibrant, college-like vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a covered patio with heaters and TVs showing soccer and Jeopardy. A large salsa and condiment bar complements the authentic, tasty food offerings.

Traditional dishes like chile verde and enchiladas showcase authentic Mexican flavors. The food tastes very genuine and stays true to classic recipes.

Juicy al pastor comes in several styles including a regular small taco and a big crispy version. The tacos combine fresh salsa, avocado, and a signature orange sauce for a mix of flavor and texture.

People are saying

"I thought the crispy tacos were perfection."

"I thought the Al Pastor here was quite good."

"The orange salsa is creamy with the right amount of kick."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash or use the ATM inside.

2

Parking is limited and can fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

Expect long wait times during lunch and happy hour.

10
Tacos Los 3 Reyes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup with large trompo for al pastor and small dining area creates a casual, lively atmosphere filled with delicious aromas. Tacos feature varied pricing and generous portions, attracting those seeking authentic Mexican flavors. The vibe is informal yet vibrant, with a focus on quality and variety in meats and salsas.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes that stay true to traditional recipes. The menu focuses on delivering genuine tastes without fusion or alteration.

Al pastor trompo stands large and visible in the window. Tacos al pastor come out exceptional and legit, with carne al pastor cooked just right. Burrito al pastor tends to be dry.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos were unreal."

"I thought their Al Pastor tacos were the best I've ever had."

"The authentic pastor meat filling in the quesadilla is so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food truck has a small indoor dining area available.

2

Prices for tacos vary, with some costing more than others.

3

A 4% surcharge may apply for card payments.

11
Araujo's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large, modern space with an open kitchen and spacious seating creates a clean, welcoming atmosphere. Big-screen TVs and a generous salsa bar cater to sports fans and spice lovers. A dog-friendly patio adds to the relaxed vibe.

Carne asada uses USDA-choice steak cuts cooked over mesquite charcoal, delivering a smoky flavor that stands out. The food maintains authentic Mexican quality throughout.

Tacos with Al Pastor come greasy and could use some improvement. Burritos and super tacos with carne asada or al pastor offer solid options alongside street tacos.

People are saying

"The salsa bar had a great selection, especially the spicy habanero."

"The authentic molcajete is loaded with seasoned meat and shrimp."

"The Al Pastor tacos here are pretty damn good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at this location, but free garage parking is available nearby.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

The restaurant opens early at 9 am, which is convenient for breakfast.

12
Taqueria Parranga image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican street food with traditional music and colorful decor that creates a lively, immersive atmosphere. The space fills quickly, attracting those seeking varied salsas and genuine flavors in a slightly upscale setting.

Tacos feature authentic flavors that remind of Mexico, made with fresh ingredients and balanced spice. Salsas complement the dishes with the same authentic taste in a fast casual setting.

Al pastor tacos taste like those in Puerto Vallarta with authentic flavor and hold up well for takeout. They rank among the best in the Bay Area.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be great, especially the al pastor."

"The salsas here are spicy and complex in flavor."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos tasted just like those in Puerto Vallarta."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Thursdays, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant gets busy quickly, especially during peak hours.

3

Dining in provides access to a full selection of sauces, enhancing the meal.

13
La Chingada Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and both indoor and outdoor seating creates a chill atmosphere with romantic salsa and ranchero music. Fresh tortillas are made by hand outside, adding to the authentic vibe. A salsa bar and fresh chips complement the food offerings.

Tacos here lean toward authentic Mexican flavors but can be a bit greasy. Birria sometimes misses the mark on authenticity.

Al Pastor stands out as a specialty here, featured in tacos and burritos. It pairs well with other options like buche and carnitas, offering solid flavor across dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the Al Pastor to be fantastic."

"I always relied on this place for authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Take-out is the primary service option; dining in may be limited.

2

Prices range from $10 to $30 depending on the meal and portion size.

3

Vegetarian options are available on the menu.

14
Tacos Autlense image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small spaces with four chairs per table create an intimate setting. The atmosphere is warm and casual, with an open door and no air conditioning. Late hours attract those seeking authentic Mexican dishes and cash-only convenience with an on-site ATM.

Good seating supports enjoying authentic Mexican dishes. The Al pastor offers a genuine flavor true to traditional recipes.

Super tacos and burritos feature authentic flavor with rice, cilantro, and onions. Some find the meat slicing and preparation less traditional and the taste can be mediocre.

People are saying

"This Mexican food's burritos are so large and satisfying."

"I found the food to be authentic and really good."

"The Al Pastor here is huge and hits the spot."

Good to know

1

Tacos Autlense is cash only, but there is an ATM available on-site.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for night owls.

3

You can order online through Doordash for convenience.

Discover more

San Jose, California

Area guide
Loading Map...