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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Jose

Tortillas and salsa

Made for those who treat the tortilla and the salsa as the most important components of the meal.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Luna del Mar Restaurant image 1
Luna del Mar Restaurant image 2
Luna del Mar Restaurant image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Small, clean seafood restaurant with family-friendly atmosphere and lively karaoke. Decor mixes modern simplicity with cheerful touches like smiling flowers. Music varies from perfect to loud, creating a welcoming yet energetic vibe.

Corn tortillas come with several dishes and stand out for pairing well with the spicy shrimp. They complement the platter that includes sea bass, spicy brown sauce, and seasoned rice.

Salsas come homemade and flavorful, with a perfectly spiced base and an option for a spicy salsa on request. They pair well with chips and tacos, enhancing the overall taste.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The tortillas here are perfectly spiced and balanced."

"The salsa here is spiced perfectly, with a great homemade flavor."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 6:30 pm, available in Spanish or English.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially during karaoke.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during karaoke nights.

02
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.

Handmade tortillas come fresh and warm with a grilled taste. They use high-quality ingredients and make tortillas in house for tacos.

A salsa bar offers many options with a focus on spicy salsas. The salsa tastes very fresh and pairs well with light, flavorful chips.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The salsa here is so fresh and perfectly balanced."

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
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.

Handmade corn tortillas stand out with their thick and fluffy texture. Tacos come with in-house tortillas that taste authentic and fresh.

Salsas here bring authentic south of the border flavors with a good mix of spicy green sauce and orange salsa. The salsa bar offers solid options including avocado salsa and chiles toreados.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the handmade corn tortillas here."

"The carne options here are perfect, especially the suadero."

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.

04
Trine's Cafe 6 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes served on hot plates with homemade corn tortillas. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, with loud background music at times. Portions are generous, and the menu includes many options not found in chain restaurants.

Corn tortillas come fresh and homemade, a little thicker with a super tender and almost flaky texture. They pair well with dishes like caldo de res and add an authentic taste to the meal.

Fresh tomatillo salsa arrives quickly with chips and offers a flavorful but mild heat. A dark, spicy salsa roja is also available on request, both salsas tasting authentic and well made.

People are saying

"The salsa here is flavorful and not too hot."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food; it tasted like home."

"The homemade corn tortillas are tender and almost flaky."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight on a late Sunday morning due to a nearby church.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, offering hamburgers and chicken nuggets.

3

The menu offers many authentic Mexican food options not available at chain restaurants.

05
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 1

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.

Soft, handmade tortillas cook fresh to order and add a fluffy texture to every taco. Corn tortillas stand out, elevating dishes like al pastor and carne asada with authentic flavor.

Salsas come fresh and homemade with lots of choices including grilled serranos. They range from refreshing to spicy, complementing meats like al pastor, asada, and pollo well.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the homemade corn tortillas; they're so fresh and soft."

"The homemade tortillas are so good, I could eat them on their own."

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.

06
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.

Handmade tortillas come fresh and soft, made in house for tacos that are larger than usual. The corn tortillas stand out for their freshness and delicious flavor.

Salsas come in none spicy salsa verde and an orange sauce with a nice kick that is not overwhelming. Both the orange and green salsas taste amazing and offer a balance of flavor and spice.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas here are handmade and freshly made."

"The salsa here is delicious and has a nice kick."

Good to know

1

The food truck accepts only cash.

2

They charge $4 per taco.

3

Parking is available nearby.

07
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.

Handmade tortillas come fresh to order and have a noticeable difference in taste. They accompany grilled carne asada and dishes like Molcajetes Mixtos, letting you build your own tacos with fresh tortillas and chips.

A salsa bar offers many choices including a spicy habanero salsa that sneaks up on you. The avocado salsa stands out as a signature, creamy and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"You can really taste the difference because the tortillas are handmade fresh."

"It's a great spot to watch live sports on the huge screen."

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.

08
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out with freshness and corn variety. They come hand-pressed and pair well with bold flavors.

Salsas here offer a variety of flavors with authentic spice and complex taste profiles. Options like pineapple apple salsa stand out alongside fresh, handmade tortillas.

People are saying

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

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

"The tortillas are handmade and fresh."

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.

09
Birrieria Tepa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic birria with homemade tortillas and delicious salsas in a family atmosphere. The setting stays quiet and clean, with occasional Mariachi band performances adding to the experience. Prices lean toward the higher side but remain affordable compared to similar places.

Handmade tortillas arrive warm and soft, with a fluffy texture and a homemade taste. They come out instantly and pair well with perfectly cooked beans and dishes like quesabirrias and goat birria.

Salsa here stands out for being very delicious and hot, complementing dishes like tacos and birria well. It ranks among the best ever had according to multiple notes.

People are saying

"The food here tastes authentic and delicious."

"I thought the birria here was the best Mexican food around."

"The salsa here is delicious, truly one of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

2

Prices are generally affordable compared to similar places.

3

Expect smaller food portions than average.

10
Hugo's Tacos Food Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck with homemade tortillas and generous portions draws a steady crowd. The atmosphere is lively and busy, reflecting its reputation for authentic carne asada tacos and large, flavorful burritos. Customers expect fresh, richly filled dishes with bold flavors, especially in tacos and quesabirrias.

Soft, warm, and homemade tortillas carry strong flavor. Tacos come on a large, finely textured corn tortilla. Burritos use tortillas filled with rice.

Salsa here features great salsa verde and authentic Mexican salsa. It pairs well with carne asada tacos, cilantro, and grilled jalapeños.

People are saying

"I've never had better carne asada tacos; they tasted so fresh."

"I've never had better authentic Mexican salsa."

"These tortillas taste like they came straight from Mexico."

Good to know

1

The burritos provide enough food for at least four meals.

2

Everything at the taco truck is homemade.

3

The portions at the taco truck are huge.

11
Los Garcias image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a family-run local spot vibe and an old school San Jose feel. Atmosphere is lively and noisy, featuring sports on wide-screen TVs and live mariachi music. Interior feels cozy despite a plain exterior, with a mix of Mexican and Latina music creating a festive environment.

Homemade corn tortillas stand out with a fresh, authentic taste that beats chain store options. They add a solid base to meals and pair well with the drinks served.

Three different complimentary salsas come with chips, including a fresh and creamy verde and a light green cilantro sauce. The salsas have just enough kick and pair well with drinks like a Cadillac margarita.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and not greasy."

"The salsa here is so fresh and creamy."

"The homemade tortillas here tasted so much better than chain store ones."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to tight spaces and one-way access.

2

Breakfast is served all day, offering a variety of options.

3

They offer three complimentary salsas with the basket of chips.

12
Lopez Taqueria 4 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic meats like lengua, tripa, and buche alongside freshly made tortillas and super-sized burritos. Atmosphere stays quiet and clean despite occasional loud music. Food quality stands out with excellent steak and a variety of salsas, while prices remain moderate.

Freshly made handmade tortillas come with generous portions of meat and sides. Corn tortillas pair well with beans and rice, adding to the hearty meal.

Salsa comes fresh and not too spicy with a perfect salt balance. Staff often bring extra salsa generously, and chips arrive warm alongside it.

People are saying

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

"Their salsa was fresh, salted perfectly, and not too spicy."

"You've got to try the handmade tortillas here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

Prices are generally medium, offering good value for the quality.

3

Expect a reasonable quantity of food for the price.

13
Birrieria Neza Food Truck image 1

Food truck with spacious shaded seating and a casual, outdoor garage vibe offers a welcoming atmosphere. Paper towels at tables signal messy, flavorful eating. Only cash or Zelle payments accepted, with a focus on authentic birria dishes.

Handmade corn tortillas come out very golden and warm with dishes like quesabirria and quesadillas. Flour tortillas appear on the pizza, adding a different flavor but sometimes losing crunch.

Salsas come fresh and vibrant, with the red salsa and chipotle salsa standing out for their bold flavors. The green salsa offers a crisp freshness, and the salsas pair well with the consume served alongside.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and definitely worth the price."

"The birria tacos here are exquisite and tasty."

"I loved the handmade, warm tortillas for the quesabirria."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or Zelle; no credit cards.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially when busy.

3

The food truck has only outdoor seating available.

14
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out with their freshness and in-house preparation. Varieties include classic corn and a unique hot Cheetos tortilla, all adding great texture to the tacos.

Red salsa stands out with its best flavor and noticeable spiciness. Roasted and green salsas rank among the better ones available, making them great for pairing with taquitos.

People are saying

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

"Their homemade tortillas made every dish feel special."

"The tacos here are flavorful and authentic."

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.

15
Las Cazuelas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious outdoor patio under a massive tree offers shade and a cool breeze, creating a chill vibe and pleasant atmosphere. Bright, comfortable interior features a unique sphere design and recent remodeling. Hand-made tortillas add an authentic touch to the experience.

Fresh, handmade tortillas come out right in front of you. They serve them in a cylinder of three flour tortillas alongside dishes like fajitas with steak and shrimp.

Salsa here is handmade and comes in bottled varieties made on site. Chips and salsa are a consistent highlight, with the salsa described as unbelievably delicious and tasty.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and the salsas are perfect."

"The patio is beautiful and relaxing."

"The salsa here is unbelievably delicious with the hot chips."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on Sundays and it gets crowded quickly.

2

The restaurant offers a buffet on Sundays with no time limit.

3

Expect a 2-hour wait for the Sunday brunch buffet due to high demand.

16
Mar Y Sol Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, clean interior with bright decor and window seating creates a cheerful vibe. Loud music and large screens show sports, attracting a lively crowd. Tables feature multiple hot sauces, enhancing the authentic Mexican dining experience.

Homemade tortillas stand out here, made fresh in house. The corn tortillas come without lard, paired well with grilled chicken and avocado.

Chips come with flavorful salsa and Mexican style chili oil. Homemade salsa appears on dishes like tostadas and shrimp tacos. Free chips and salsa options accompany some meals.

People are saying

"The service here is so warm and welcoming, they always ensure you have chips and salsa."

"This burrito is stuffed with generous amounts of meat and beans."

"You have to try the homemade corn tortillas; they're cooked without lard."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the rear lot.

2

Reservations are allowed for private parties and events.

3

The restaurant specializes in seafood with over one hundred dishes.

17
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.

Handmade tortillas come out soft and pillow-like, adding a fresh texture to dishes. Both crunchy and soft tortillas pair well with various toppings, enhancing the flavor of tacos and quesadillas.

Salsas here are flavorful with a standout mango salsa. Veggie options and guacamole pair well with the chips for a solid combo.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are flavorful and great."

"I loved the tortillas; they made the tacos the best I'd had."

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.

18
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent creates a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music fills the space, often loud enough to dominate conversations. The atmosphere buzzes with energetic, lively spirit centered on authentic Mexican seafood.

Flour tortillas stand out with their handmade quality and good flavor. Fried tortillas come free with some dishes, adding a tasty crunch.

Salsa macha stands out with its bold flavor. Chips and salsa served before meals are very good, though some salsas, like on the asada taco, come off as just okay.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"I thought the handmade tortillas were especially great."

"The salsa macha here was out of this world!"

Good to know

1

Arrive before noon on sunny days to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect over 30 minutes wait to be seated on weekends.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

19
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.

Tortillas come double wrapped and are toasted and crisp, making the tacos hold plenty of fillings without falling apart. They have a thick, homemade quality that stands out.

Salsas come with a noticeable charred veggie flavor and fresh taste. The green salsa is mild, while the red salsa is slightly spicier but not overwhelming. Free chips and salsa accompany some dishes.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The green and red salsas here are a must-try."

"The homemade tortillas here are amazing and crisp."

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.

20
Mama Lupita's Seafood & Mexican Cocina & cantina . image 1

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and a covered patio offers a lively atmosphere that peaks during karaoke nights and NFL games. Generous pours of margaritas complement authentic dishes like crispy tacos and veggie quesadillas. Music volume can be high, adding to the energetic vibe.

Fresh-made corn tortillas come homemade and accompany dishes like carne asada, shrimp, and chicharrón. The kitchen prepares extra tortillas, though servers may not always deliver them promptly.

Crunchy tortilla chips come with a salsa bursting with fresh flavors. Chips and salsa arrive complimentary and serve as a perfect appetizer to start the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was great and delicious."

"Their chips and salsa are a tasty way to start your meal."

"I enjoyed the corn tortillas; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $1.50 with five meat choices.

2

Karaoke night happens on Tuesdays, providing a fun atmosphere.

3

Happy hour features a buy-one-get-one combo plate promotion.

21
Carnitas Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious and modern Mexican restaurant with an inviting, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of room between tables. Bright, clean environment features traditional artwork and a children's play area, making it suitable for family meals and events.

Flour tortillas come fresh and thin. They pair well with dishes like scrambled eggs and carnitas. Handmade tortillas are not available but would add a luxurious touch.

Salsas here stand out with a tangy heat in the verde salsa that pairs well with rich pork. Both the green and red salsas offer a flavorful combo that complements tacos and chips perfectly.

People are saying

"I tried the best carnitas I've ever had."

"The carnitas here are so flavorful and tender."

"The carnitas here are so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is famous for carnitas and chicharon.

2

The restaurant was very clean and had plenty of seating area.

3

The bathrooms were super clean.

22
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.

Freshness varies, but corn tortillas often come handmade and made from scratch. Some orders feature warm, fresh tortillas, especially with al pastor tacos, while others may not be as fresh or warm.

An open salsa bar offers five different kinds with a perfectly spicy range. Highlights include salsa ranchera, habanero salsa, and a fresh avocado salsa.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar here is awesome with so many delicious options."

"The tortillas here are fresh and handmade."

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.

23
Orale taco truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor eating area includes picnic tables and a shade canopy. Tacos feature handmade tortillas and a unique style with some of the best tripas and quesabirria around. Prices run high, and wait times grow long when busy.

Handmade tortillas stand out here, crafted with high quality corn. Tacos use these handmade tortillas, though some claim the tortillas hechas a mano are not authentic.

Two bottles of salsa sit on the tables, but they often get taken over. The spicy and green salsa tastes solid and adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos here are fantastic, with a good portion of meat."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious and fresh."

"The tacos here are smoky and wonderful."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends when the queue is long.

2

Prices for tacos can reach up to $17, which some may find high.

3

The total bill may include unexpected fees and taxes.

24
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.

Tortillas come soft and warm when requested, wrapping tender, flavorful meat and fresh, crisp toppings well. Extra tortillas cost 1 dollar each, and warming them properly improves the taco experience.

Salsa bar stays well stocked with a variety of fresh options. The salsas are consistently amazing and pair well with grilled onions and tacos.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar here is great, with a nice variety."

"I wished the tortillas had been warmer."

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.

25
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.

Hand-made tortillas come fresh and tender, especially with pork belly or chile relleno dishes. Extra orders are common since they pair well with the molcajete and sides like beans and rice.

Complimentary chips come with tamarillo salsa and hummus. Pita and tortilla chips pair well with these flavorful dips.

People are saying

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

"The chips with hummus and salsa were really good."

"The homemade corn tortillas are moist, tender, and flavorful."

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.

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