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Guide to San Jose

Carne asada and al pastor

A plate piled high with carne asada and al pastor is the only thing that will satisfy this hunger.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
LOS TACOS DE MI TIERRA image 1
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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.

Carne asada here packs a lot of flavor in the tacos and burritos. The tacos come with options like no onions, and the burritos are loaded with meat, often mixed with al pastor.

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."

"The Carne Asada tacos are so flavorful."

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.

02
Carlitosโ€™ Tijuana Grill image 1

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.

Meat comes tender and juicy, cooked just right. Portions are generous, making it worth the price in tacos, burritos, and mulitas with melted cheese.

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 Carne Asada is so tender and juicy."

"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.

03
Lucy's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican grill with homemade tortillas and spicy salsa creates a lively, noisy atmosphere. Limited seating with just a few small tables makes it cozy but busy. Known for large portions and well-seasoned al pastor tacos, it offers a casual, fast-food vibe with fresh ingredients.

Carne asada shines in the fries loaded with sauces that stand out for their flavor. The regular taco plate pairs carne asada with beans, rice, lettuce, and pico for a classic combo.

Crunchy texture and perfect seasoning stand out in the al pastor. It cooks on a visible spit, delivering fresh, flavorful tacos consistently.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very tasty."

"The Al Pastor was crunchy, cooked, and seasoned to perfection."

"I've never had Carne Asada fries this good; I wanted another batch."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours, but is generally available.

2

The restaurant closes early at 9 PM every day, which may be inconvenient for late diners.

3

Expect a line during busy hours, especially on weekends.

04
Tacos Chencho image 1
Taco restaurant

Colorful decor creates a lively Mexican street vibe with outdoor seating and a self-serve salsa bar featuring pickled vegetables. Limited seating and cash-only payment with Zelle option shape the experience, attracting those seeking varied meat tacos in a casual, vibrant setting.

Carne asada tacos come fresh and flavorful, with a taste that recalls authentic Mexican tacos. The meat is roasted on a rotating spit alongside al pastor, but it contains an excessive amount of fat.

Al pastor is roasted on a rotating spit with pineapple and grilled onions served on the side. It appears in tacos and burritos and is a popular, well-enjoyed option alongside carne asada.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've ever had."

"I found the carne asada tacos here to be amazing and fresh."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were the best I had."

Good to know

1

Tacos Chencho accepts only cash payments and Zelle.

2

The truck closes at 11 pm on Sundays.

3

Prices for tacos start at $2.72 each.

05
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.

Carne asada stands out with great flavor and pairs well with sopecitas. It appears as both a plate and kebabs, consistently noted as really good and excellent.

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 carne asada here is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

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

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.

06
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.

Carne asada here is flavorful and never dry, showing a clear home-cooked flavor. The carne asada torta is large and tastes like a hamburger, while tacos and burritos highlight the meat's distinct taste.

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

"I loved the Carne Asada; it was flavorful and not dry."

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.

07
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.

Grilled just right, the carne asada is tender and juicy. It appears in tacos, fries, and burritos, standing out from the usual dry or overcooked versions elsewhere.

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."

"The carne asada tacos here are delicious."

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.

08
Tacos A La Parrilla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, dim taqueria with easy parking and plenty of seating offers a Tex-Mex style menu featuring flavorful tacos and burritos. Latino clientele often pick up takeout in a space with limited ventilation and no public restroom. Drinks include Micheladas and affordable beer options.

Carne asada burritos stand out with flavorful meat wrapped in soft tortillas. Carne asada tacos and carnitas also deliver solid, well-seasoned options. Chips and guacamole often accompany the meal.

Al pastor pork appears in tacos, burritos, and nachos. The super tacos al pastor offer a larger portion. Lunch options include Nachos con Al Pastor.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The Carne Asada is so flavorful and satisfying."

"The Al Pastor here is saucy, flavorful, and cut into good pieces."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to limited staff.

2

The restaurant does not have public restrooms for dine-in customers.

3

Prices are generally fair, with meals under $20.

09
Tacos Panchito Food Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck offers handmade tortillas and spicy salsas with a busy, lively vibe where staff sing along to music. Customers often face limited parking and few tables, making it mainly a takeout spot. Prices vary, with some items considered generously sized but on the higher side.

Carne asada stands out with bold flavor and appears in tacos and quesadillas. The quesadillas come in massive sizes and include a super option with extra meat.

Al pastor comes crispy yet juicy with a lot of flavor. Tacos use in-house tortillas and the torta version is very tasty.

People are saying

"The tacos here have delicious, handmade corn tortillas."

"I found the tacos to be good and affordable during late-night hours."

"The Al Pastor meat is really good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food truck operates until 1am on some days and until 3am on others.

2

Tacos Panchito Food Truck accepts both cash and card payments.

3

Prices are not listed anywhere, making it hard to know costs beforehand.

10
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.

Carne asada shines as the star of the menu, delivering rich flavor in burritos, tacos, and nachos. The meat pairs perfectly with other ingredients, making dishes like the burrito supreme and loaded nachos stand out.

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 thought this was finally an authentic halal Mexican spot."

"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.

11
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.

Carne asada here is high quality and free of gristle, making it easy to enjoy. It appears in super tacos, burritos, and sopes, all with great flavor and no excess fat.

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 carne asada here is amazing, with no gristle."

"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.

12
Tacos Montero Food Truck image 1

Food truck offers freshly made corn tortillas and authentic street tacos with world-famous hot sauces. Atmosphere is pleasant with bilingual staff and ample parking. Prices have risen, making tacos more of a treat than an everyday meal.

Juicy carne asada shines in the Mulita and Chicken Mulita, offering rich flavor. Some items like the super burrito show less seasoning, making the taste milder.

Al Pastor tacos come out excellent with rich flavor. Burritos, quesadillas, and tortas also feature Al Pastor meat, paired with sides like fried plantains and agua frescas.

People are saying

"You have to try these food trucks; the tacos are the best."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be excellent and super tasty."

"I considered Montero's Carne Asada to have the best flavor and size."

Good to know

1

The food truck accepts only cash.

2

They charge $4 per taco.

3

Parking is available nearby.

13
Taqueria Lorena's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school seating contrasts with a clean, modern order area in this laid back Mexican spot. Families and kids create a friendly neighborhood vibe, while high-quality meats define the food. Limited decor and later hours add to its straightforward, practical feel.

Carne asada comes in tacos, fries, and mini tacos, all with a solid flavor. It pairs well with hot sauce and appears in dishes like super nachos and burritos.

Al Pastor stands out with its rich flavor and solid preparation. It appears in tacos and super burritos, consistently noted as very good and a must-try.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best Mexican food in the area."

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

"I thought the carne asada was quite good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but street parking is also available.

2

You will need a key to use the restrooms, available upfront.

3

They open late until 11pm for late-night diners.

14
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 grilled over real mesquite charcoal for a smoky flavor. Carne asada fries feature curly fries that keep toppings crispy and elevated.

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."

"Their Carne Asada is hard to beat, with a smoky flavor."

"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.

15
Tacos Los 3 Reyes image 1
Taco restaurant

Large indoor space with huge garage doors opens to the outside, creating an airy setting. Lively Mexican music and chatter fill the room, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among regulars. A self-serve salsa bar adds to the authentic, flavorful experience.

Carne asada stands out with its savory flavor and pairs well with fresh limes and sauce. Options include tacos and burritos, both offering great value and a satisfying taste.

Al Pastor stands out with its savory, flavorful profile alongside carne asada and birria. Tacos featuring al pastor come with zesty sauces and fresh limes that enhance the taste.

People are saying

"These tacos are bursting with bold, fresh flavor."

"The Carne Asada tacos here are bursting with flavor."

"The Al Pastor tacos were smoky, fresh, and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

After 5 pm, they only serve tacos.

2

Parking at Tacos Los 3 Reyes is limited and hard to find.

3

Visitors should be prepared to spend an extra 20 minutes beyond the usual time to get their food.

16
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.

Carne asada tacos come out consistently solid with good flavor. The menu also features carnitas and pastor, offering a nice variety of grilled meats.

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."

"The crispy tacos with al pastor are an explosion of flavor and texture."

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

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.

17
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.

Carne asada tacos come at a reasonable price and have a great flavor. The Super Carne Asada option tastes overly ricey and is not recommended.

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."

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

"I thought the Carne Asada tacos were the best I've ever had."

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.

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