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Guide to San Jose

Carne asada and seafood

You want a meal where the carne asada and the seafood are both treated as the main event.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Carlitos’ Tijuana Grill image 1
Carlitos’ Tijuana Grill image 2
Carlitos’ Tijuana Grill image 3
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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.

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

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh tilapia and chipotle mayo that adds a nice kick. The birria and quesabirria dishes bring bold, flavorful profiles that don't need extra sauces.

People are saying

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

"The seafood tacos here are fresh and flavorful."

"The Carne Asada is so tender and juicy."

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.

02
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.

Fish tacos come with crispy battered fish and fresh, flavorful slices of avocado. Shrimp tacos have no fishy smell and taste great. The Michelada rimmed with shrimp combines a shrimp cocktail and Michelada in one.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The fish tacos are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The carne asada here is amazing, with no gristle."

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.

03
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.

Shrimp stands out in several dishes like the shrimp burrito and shrimp in garlic sauce. The menu also features a pineapple seafood mix, fish tacos, and a filling shrimp and octopus cocktail.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada tacos here are delicious."

"I found the shrimp burrito to die for."

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.

04
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.

Crispy shrimp tacos come with an amazing orange sauce that stands out. The molcajete packs in seasoned meat, shrimp, and veggies for a hearty meal.

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."

"I loved the crispy shrimp tacos; they were so yummy."

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.

05
Maza Mexican Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Entrance through an alley leads to a beautiful outdoor garden with covered seating and heaters. Atmosphere feels relaxing and aesthetic with music enhancing the vibe. Space welcomes dogs and suits parties well.

Carne asada comes tender and well seasoned, making it a standout choice. Tacos and quesadillas filled with this meat deliver rich flavor.

Sinaloa-style seafood shines with dishes like aguachiles, ceviche, and sushi. Shrimp tacos, bacon wrapped shrimp, and fish cracklings stand out alongside a hearty seafood parrillada that feeds four.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is pretty good."

"I loved the carne asada tacos; they were filled with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2 PM and offers discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1 tacos all day with any drink purchase.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

06
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.

Shrimp tacos and shrimp burritos stand out with strong flavors. Grilled fish tacos and shrimp grande tacos also feature prominently on the menu.

People are saying

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

"The super burritos here are delicious, especially with the spicy carrots."

"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.

07
Agua Salada (Contemporary Mexican Seafood) image 1

Outdoor setting shaded by tents creates a casual atmosphere reminiscent of Mexican beachside spots. Live Banda and corridos music energizes the space alongside a top-tier bar serving drinks like Micheladas and margaritas. Beautiful decor and a small, intimate layout enhance the authentic vibe.

Grilled to perfection, the carne asada stands out with its rich flavor. Some find it chewy and tough to cut, needing to be pulled apart. The combination with Nopalitos is a popular choice.

Seafood here is fresh and authentic, with a great selection including a generous seafood tower and double-sized fish tacos mainly filled with fish. Dishes like aguachile and spicy shrimp ribs stand out for their bold flavors.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious, especially the shrimp tacos."

"The ceviche here is so fresh and seasoned to perfection."

"The Carne Asada was grilled and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only, which was not communicated prior to ordering.

2

There is ample parking available, including shaded options.

3

Portions are generous and larger than expected for seafood.

08
Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen image 1

Spacious interior with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a pleasant atmosphere that feels inviting and lively. A self-serve condiments bar adds convenience and complements the food experience. Music tends to be loud, making conversation challenging during busy times.

Generous portions of succulent carne asada appear in burritos and crispy tacos. The carne asada is solid, paired well with other standout items like lingua and super burritos.

Shrimp dishes like the shrimp cocktail and shrimp micheladas stand out for their flavor. Fish and shrimp come tender, featured in items like the little mermaid burrito and seafood platters suited for groups.

People are saying

"I thought the quesadillas were the best in town."

"The salsas here are flavorful and great."

"The shrimp and fish in the seafood burrito were so tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only, so plan accordingly.

2

Parking is ample and easy to find in the strip mall.

3

The restaurant closes later than most places, making it a good late-night option.

09
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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with generous portions and perfect seasoning. Fish and shrimp tacos deliver bold, messy flavors that feel authentic and satisfying.

People are saying

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

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

"The shrimp fajitas were exceptional."

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.

10
Taqueria Eduardo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge dining area with several TVs showing soccer games creates a lively, casual vibe. The place stays busy, attracting people who appreciate authentic Mexican flavors and unlimited salsas. Seating is ample, making it suitable for quick bites or relaxed meals.

Carne asada comes in a small burrito with about 2oz of meat and plenty of Pico de gallo. The super burrito version is popular and often ordered without sour cream. Super nachos with carne asada include guacamole and diluted sour cream but lack refried beans.

Fish tacos stand out with great taste and value. The menu also features fish and shrimp ceviche tostadas that add variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

"I thought the super burrito was the best item on the menu."

"I found the Carne Asada super burrito to be extremely good."

"I found the fish tacos to be out of this world."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available from Monday to Friday between 11am and 3pm.

2

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

3

The total cost for two burritos and chips is around $32.

11
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.

Fish tacos feature great batter and texture with well-cooked meat in tacos and sides. Some fish dishes suffer from improper thawing and heavy salting that masks off flavors.

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 fish tacos here 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.

12
Araujo's Mexican Grill - El Paisa Taqueria image 1

Open salsa bar offers variety of spicy sauces alongside handmade corn tortillas. Lively atmosphere with large TV screens showing sports, especially soccer, creates a noisy environment. Seating resembles fast food style furniture with more walking space than typical fast food joints.

Tacos come loaded with lots of meat, especially the carne asada, tripe, and adobo varieties. Nachos with carne asada are served but stray from traditional nacho style.

Shrimp dishes include shrimp tacos and a super shrimp burrito. The tacos come with shrimp hidden under cabbage and are well-liked. The burrito contains only four small shrimp that are fried and hard rather than grilled.

People are saying

"You have to try their super burrito; it's the best."

"The shrimp tacos and burritos here are really good."

"I found the carne asada tacos to be delicious and packed with meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is under new management and offers better food than before.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for late-night diners.

3

Expect to pay $4.50 for a single taco, which is considered pricey.

13
Con Sabor a México image 1
Taco restaurant

Outdoor setup with colorful traditional decor and covered seating creates a casual, lively vibe. Pool tables and cornhole add playful energy alongside relaxing music. The atmosphere feels authentic and inviting, like visiting a neighborhood gathering spot.

Tacos and quesadillas feature carne asada with a good cheese to meat ratio. Some dishes like nachos and burritos highlight the meat well, but the carne asada can sometimes be cold and fatty.

Shrimp Baja tacos stand out with bold flavors and a spicy sauce that enhances the taste. Some shrimp can be rubbery, but the birria shrimp taco pairs well with consomé for a satisfying combo.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food here; the quesabirria tacos are excellent."

"The birria shrimp taco was gigantic and sensational."

"The carne asada quesadilla's cheese to meat ratio was on point."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

They only accept cards or mobile payments; no cash is accepted.

3

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

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