Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Jose

Taco dinners

Made for those who want to strip away the formality of a romantic dinner in favor of a shared, hands-on taco experience.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Agua Salada (Contemporary Mexican Seafood) image 1
Agua Salada (Contemporary Mexican Seafood) image 2
Agua Salada (Contemporary Mexican Seafood) image 3
View all

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.

An intimate environment sets the tone for dinner, though it can get pretty loud during the meal. Meal delivery and customer service stand out as awesome.

Shrimp tacos stand out with amazing flavor and a chipotle salsa that complements the breaded shrimp well. Grilled octopus and Baja fish tacos add variety with fresh, tasty options.

People are saying

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

"I tasted the best shrimp tacos here."

"The ceviche at these dinner spots is amazing, with a nice crisp fresh taste."

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.

02
Tacos La Choca Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern decor and outdoor seating under a tent create an inviting space with pleasant background music. A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of fresh toppings, enhancing the dining experience. The atmosphere suits both casual gatherings and special occasions, with a women-owned operation adding a distinctive touch.

Modern and inviting decor suits both romantic dinners and friend gatherings. Frequent visits highlight its appeal as a favorite taco truck spot for dinner after work.

Quesabirria and carnitas tacos stand out with amazing flavor and a satisfying hit. A self-serve condiments table lets you customize each taco, enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

"I finally found fantastic Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I finally found the best tacos in San Jose."

Good to know

1

It's cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

The prices are affordable, with a total of $23.55 for four tacos and a hot dog.

3

The food truck delivers orders within 15 minutes of ordering.

03
Sushi Confidential Willow Glen image 1

Sushi restaurant with small tables and ambient lighting creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Music stays fun but not loud, supporting a relaxed vibe. The place draws a busy crowd yet manages a smooth, lively experience with creative sushi rolls and plentiful vegan options.

Dinner offers a great variety of sushi with a consistently amazing experience. Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm, making it easy to grab an early dinner or snack.

Poke tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings like tuna and salmon. The spicy tuna tacos offer a bold start, paired well with other items like spring rolls and sushi rolls.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and full of flavor."

"The service at dinner spots was outstanding and attentive."

"I thought the poke tacos were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm with various options.

2

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available.

3

The bento box is a popular choice during happy hour.

04
Mariscos Playa Azul and Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with live karaoke and live bands on weekends. The space suits both date nights and gatherings with friends, featuring a cool setup for watching football games. The vibe balances fun energy with a welcoming environment for all ages.

Offers good food that encourages repeat visits. Suitable for meetings, dinner, or a date.

Shrimp tacos and birria tacos stand out with bold flavors. Surf and turf tacos offer a unique twist alongside ceviche and alambre sushi.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, truly perfect."

"I found the food for dinner to be the most incredible."

"The tacos here are absolutely delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every night, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

The restaurant does not have a license to serve alcohol.

3

They offer a limited menu with basic tacos and no seafood.

05
Trifecta image 1
Restaurant

Small venue with upscale artistic decor and a relaxed date-night vibe. Friendly, casual atmosphere enhanced by a DJ playing hits quietly enough for conversation. Offers innovative fusion sushi and thoughtful sake pairings that complement the meal.

Dinner here offers a soothing journey of flavors with the Oma case dinner standing out. The experience feels like a memorable event rather than just a meal.

Award-winning tacos stand out here. Smoke hamachi tacos cost $15 and taste delicious.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so creative and fresh, it melts in your mouth."

"The Dinner Spots here are so fresh and beautifully crafted."

"The tacos here are award-winning and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on busy nights.

2

Live DJ performances happen every Thursday night, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

3

The corkage fee for bringing your own sake is $25.

06
Mariscos Costa Alegre - Alum Rock image 1

Open space with live Mariachi music and multiple large screens creates an upbeat, lively atmosphere filled with loud Ranchero-style music and karaoke. The setting blends a sports bar vibe with an authentic Mexican feel, making it energetic and vibrant rather than quiet or intimate.

Staff like Bertha and Erika check on diners consistently and help make occasions like birthdays and anniversaries feel special. Noise levels can be high, which may affect those seeking a quiet dinner.

Tacos feature shrimp and carnitas options with solid flavor. The quesabirria tacos stand out as exceptional.

People are saying

"The seafood here is excellent and the service is attentive."

"I found the tacos here to be really good."

"My server Bertha was the best I have experienced."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Saturday night, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Special food deals are available every weekday, including half-off micheladas on Mondays and Fridays.

3

Parking spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

07
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.

Great atmosphere sets the tone for dinner here. The spot draws people from far away, showing its appeal for evening meals.

$1 Taco Tuesday offers a variety of tacos including shrimp, fish, salmon, carne asada, and birria. The tacos deliver solid flavor and good value, with shrimp and birria standing out for their taste.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and flavorful."

"I love their Taco Tuesday deal, it's a great value."

"The service at these dinner spots is outstanding and super attentive."

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.

08
Shark Boy Fish and Chips image 1
Seafood restaurant

Cozy seafood spot with a quaint patio and fishing-themed decor creates a relaxed, nostalgic vibe. Light gospel music and TVs showing sports add to the chill atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant, inviting space for leisurely meals.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out as a popular dinner choice. The spot stays open a bit later on weekends, making it suitable for late-night dinners. Family gatherings happen here, like birthday dinners, showing it fits casual celebrations.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh shrimp and a good sauce that pairs well with cole slaw for a pleasant bite.

People are saying

"I had some of the best fish and chips I've ever had."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing, especially the sauces."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with plenty of street parking available.

2

The meal costs about $12 including tax, but drinks are extra.

3

Two people can eat and drink for around $20.

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.

Street tacos with chicken stand out for their generous portions and satisfying taste. Taco Tuesday offers a notably filling experience with two tacos enough to feel full.

People are saying

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

"The Tijuana Tacos were tasty."

"The hummus and salsa at these dinner spots are delicious."

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
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere that opens up for dancing in the evenings. The space features artwork and open windows that evoke a Mexican feel, attracting groups celebrating various occasions.

Late dinners come with a relaxed vibe and a couple of drinks. Prices sit around $50 to $70 per person including appetizers and drinks, with a typical family meal costing about $120 total with tip.

Happy hour features carnita tacos that stand out. Birria tacos come with options like without broth and tend to be less crispy. Rolled tacos appear as a choice for younger diners.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"The atmosphere here is awesome for dinner spots."

"The birria tacos were good, but could have been crispier."

Good to know

1

After 9pm, the place turns into a dance club.

2

Live music happens on Friday nights.

3

The kitchen closes after 12 am and the bar at 1:30 am.

11
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with casual vibe and fast food-sized dining area offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with outdoor being quieter. Indoor space is loud and features self-order kiosks for convenience. Menu includes a wide variety of fresh fish options and healthy sides.

Dinner costs about $13 and portions come very good sized. Meals suit a quick dinner on weekends.

Shrimp tacos come with ingredients on the side to avoid sogginess, especially for takeout. Tacos are average and simple, with a Cajun flavor option and a Taco Tuesday deal available.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are amazing, with a crispy batter."

"I found the tacos to be really good for the price."

"The dinner spots here have really good, fresh seafood and grilled fish."

Good to know

1

They have a Taco Tuesday deal on Tuesdays.

2

The restaurant now requires customers to order at a machine in front.

3

Parking is plentiful and usually available after 2pm.

12
Mr. Mojito Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with huge TV screens and live music performances creates a lively, upbeat atmosphere where sports fans and music lovers gather. Spacious, covered patio offers comfortable outdoor seating for large groups. Lighting inside sets a subtle, romantic mood ideal for date nights.

Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with bar dining and many TVs showing sports. Dinner options are average, and the patio suits large parties.

Fish tacos offer a taste of Ensenada with a very tasty flavor. Shrimp tacos are decent but lack standout qualities.

People are saying

"The Happy Hour lemon drop is strong and a favorite."

"The fish tacos here transported me back to Ensenada."

"The dinner spots here serve tasty, fresh food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and small bites.

2

The bar offers a variety of happy hour specials including lemon drop martinis and tequila shots.

3

The restaurant has a semi-enclosed patio for outdoor dining.

13
El Amigo Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious indoor dining features hand-painted murals and wood furniture, while a large, shady patio offers comfortable outdoor seating. The atmosphere stays lively and family-friendly, with a chill vibe on the patio. Bold, refreshing drinks like margaritas and micheladas complement the setting.

Offers a delicious dinner with options suitable for last minute plans. Serves consistently good meals in a relaxed setting.

Birria tacos stand out with tender, juicy meat packed with flavor. Crunchy tacos and fish tacos offer a delicious variety alongside sizzling fajitas and flautias.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food was pretty great and authentic."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the pozole and fajitas."

"The birria tacos here are packed with tender, juicy meat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant charges for extra chips and ingredients without prior notice.

3

Portion sizes are large, making meals a good value for the price.

14
Tulum Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Two-level Mexican restaurant with eye-catching decor and authentic clay dishware creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music adds to the vibrant vibe, especially on the second floor, which feels distinct from the first. Space feels cozy despite appearing large from outside.

Dinner feels relaxed with a crowd that's not too heavy on weekdays. Staff like Jonathan provide attentive service making it fit for both formal and casual dinners.

Grilled tacos come with beans, cheese, and molcajete sauce. Tortillas on the side make it fun to eat. The Quesabirria tacos feature an impressive cheese pull.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with huge portions."

"The Mexican food here has outstanding, friendly, and attentive service."

"The molcajete stayed hot with seafood, chicken, and steak simmering."

Good to know

1

There is a 3% credit card charge that was not disclosed by the server.

2

Expect high prices despite the quality of food.

3

Generous portions are served, especially the Molcajete.

Discover more

San Jose, California

Area guide
Loading Map...