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Taco spots in Central San Jose

A taco that relies on the quality of the tortilla and filling rather than an overload of toppings.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chingadazos Taqueria & Bar image 1
Chingadazos Taqueria & Bar image 2
Chingadazos Taqueria & Bar image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a colorful, vibrant environment and a family-friendly atmosphere. Music varies from pleasant and quiet to loud and energetic, with a bar featuring TVs for watching games. Drinks often come with floral garnishes, and large, well-crafted cocktails like micheladas and mimosas stand out.

Food features chicken mole, tacos, and other Mexican dishes with great flavors and delicious quality. Drinks complement the meals well, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tacos come with substantial portions and a mix of meats like beef and shrimp in the surf and turf options. Fish tacos taste super fresh, and the overall flavors are very flavorful with good value for the price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The seafood in the molcajete was perfectly cooked and not fishy."

"The molcajete was loaded with flavorful proteins and came with everything needed."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2.50 regular tacos, making it a great deal.

2

The restaurant has a large party service charge of 18% for groups.

3

Parking is available around the back with an additional entrance.

02
Mr. Shrimp Marisqueria y Birrieria Food Truck image 1

Food truck offers comfortable outdoor canopy seating with laid-back atmosphere and background music. Seafood dishes, especially handmade shrimp tacos, stand out for their fresh, exquisite flavors. Hot sauce bar allows for customizable spice levels, enhancing the casual dining experience.

Shrimp tacos, shrimp ceviche, and birria stand out with fresh, high quality ingredients. Food comes from a family-run food truck known for amazing flavors and a unique take on traditional dishes.

Shrimp tacos feature fresh, handmade tortillas and delicious fried shrimp with a special sauce. A hot sauce bar lets you customize flavors, and birria tacos offer a spicy, flavorful kick.

People are saying

"I thought the seafood tacos were the best I had in my life."

"The food here is amazing, especially the shrimp tacos."

"I thought the shrimp tacos were the best I had in my life."

Good to know

1

The food truck allows customers to BYOB.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The menu features both seafood and non-seafood options.

03
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.

Mexican food here is authentic and consistently delicious. The dishes are very tasty and often ordered to go.

Super tacos come with double wrapped tortillas and are served piping hot. Tacos feature melted cheese, avocado, beans, and tender pork with authentic flavors, complemented by green and red salsas.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos."

"The food here is amazing, especially the carne asada."

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.

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.

Food features solid salsa and fresh hot tacos with excellent flavor and good prices. Service is quick and the food stays good late into the night.

Tacos come fresh and made to order with a great variety of meats like carne asada, al pastor, suadero, and buche. The street tacos pair well with solid salsa and a distinctive orange sauce, delivering authentic flavors reminiscent of Mexico.

People are saying

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

"I found the burritos delicious, especially with the orange salsa."

"The tacos here are fresh, flavorful, and the best I've ever 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
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.

Mexican food stands out with fantastic flavors and amazing quality. The dishes consistently deliver delicious tastes paired with great service.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The camarones and brazier tacos offer distinct, memorable tastes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The fish taco here is excellent and flavorful."

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.

06
Restaurante El Conrro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with live music and laser lights creates a lively atmosphere. Al fresco dining in the back offers a relaxed option. Menu includes huarache de al pastor and Michelada cocktails praised for flavor and low alcohol content.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and offers fair prices compared to nearby options. The menu includes satisfying home style and street food dishes that deliver a genuine taste experience.

Tacos feature tripe and head fillings that stand out for their quality. Prices run around $6 each, reflecting a slightly higher cost.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and satisfying."

"This Mexican food, especially the burrito, is huge and satisfying."

"I found the tacos to be extremely good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the plaza behind the restaurant.

2

The menu offers a dedicated torta section along with various other items.

3

Prices are fairly reasonable for downtown, with tacos costing around $6.

07
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.

Mexican food here is consistently good with fast, friendly service. Quesadillas and tostadas stand out as flavorful options that make people want to come back.

Tacos come with shrimp, barbacoa, tripas, and al pastor options, each packed with flavor. The Super Tacos with Shrimps offer a protein-rich meal, and toppings are generous on tacos de barbacoa.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I had found anywhere."

"I thought the tacos here were the best Mexican food I'd found."

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.

08
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.

Mexican food here is authentic and well spiced, with juicy meats and chicken. Prices are fair and the dishes are consistently delicious.

Carne asada tacos stand out for their size, quality, and reasonable price. The Al Pastor super taco and other varieties like carnitas and pollo come with generous portions and consistent quality.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"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.

09
TOSTADAS image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with colorful retro Mexican decor creates a warm and lively atmosphere. Music adds energy without overpowering conversation, while staff often bring a party-like vibe at the bar. The place stands out for its beautifully crafted cocktails and tasty Mexican food without fuss.

Mexican dishes come with generous portions and beautiful presentation. Tostadas stand out as immensely tasty and the food arrives quickly with friendly service.

Birria tacos stand out with juicy, amazing flavor even without dipping. Chicken tacos come with delicious seasoning, and tostadas like Tinga add variety.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has such bold, fresh flavors."

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The birria tacos were so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Arriving early helps to avoid crowds.

3

The Tuesday special includes 4 tacos and margaritas for $15.99.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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