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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central San Jose

Mexican food

Made for those who seek out authentic regional flavors and consider a well-prepared meal the only acceptable way to fuel their day.

Based on 690 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

Enjoy rich mole enchiladas and fresh fish tacos in a colorful, vibrant setting. Family-friendly vibes mix with a lively bar featuring large cocktails and TVs for games. Music shifts from calm to energetic, matching the upbeat atmosphere.

Mole enchiladas and chicken mole stand out with rich flavors. Tacos come in substantial portions and offer good value, with options like fresh fish tacos and beef super tacos. Horchata mazapรกn and Moletes Oaxaqueรฑos add unique tastes to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

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

"The molcajete is loaded with flavorful proteins and comes with everything you need."

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
La Bodega Restaurant image 1

Enjoy best birria tacos with rich consomรฉ and all-you-can-eat handmade tortillas. Sunday mornings shine with goat birria and menudo. Parking is tough but the flavorful experience makes it worth the trip.

Goat birria and menudo on Sunday mornings come with handmade fresh tortillas and rich consomรฉ. Birria tacos stand out as super tasty with all-you-can-eat tortillas adding to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the birria and menudo here to be delicious."

"I found the food here delicious."

"I enjoyed the menudo and birria, and the tortillas were great."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 4-6pm with drink specials.

03
Mr. Shrimp Marisqueria y Birrieria Food Truck image 1

Enjoy handmade shrimp tacos with fresh tortillas and a special sauce that pops. Outdoor seating under a canopy creates a laid-back atmosphere with soft background music. Customize your heat at the hot sauce bar for a perfect spice level.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh, handmade tortillas and a special sauce that highlights the fried shrimp filling. Birria tacos bring strong, spicy flavors, while the horchata offers a smooth, sweet finish.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas here are handmade and so fresh."

"I thought the shrimp tacos were the best Mexican food I'd ever had."

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.

04
Dulcinea Panaderia Oaxaquena image 1

Cozy bakery in a repurposed Victorian house offers traditional Oaxacan baked goods and a quiet, family-style atmosphere. Enjoy rich breakfast burritos and chicken tamales with orange sauce on a minimalist patio surrounded by plants. Convenient parking adds ease to visits.

Breakfast burritos and chicken tamales stand out with rich flavors and a memorable orange sauce. The menu also features tasty quesadillas and tortas, making it a solid spot for Mexican food.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan bread here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The bakery staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"The Mexican pastries, especially the conchas, are delicious and made with care."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side lot and street in front.

2

The bakery is wheelchair accessible with a ramp.

3

Chocolate donuts sell out quickly, so arrive early.

05
Tacos Chencho image 1
Taco restaurant

Colorful decor and self-serve salsa bar create a lively Mexican street vibe. Tacos feature varied meats like al pastor and carne asada, made fresh to order. Outdoor seating and cash-only policy keep the setting casual and vibrant.

Tacos come fresh and made to order with a great variety of meat options like carne asada, al pastor with pineapple, suadero, and buche. The quesadillas and street tacos stand out for their flavorful, authentic taste, often paired with solid salsa and a notable orange sauce.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the tacos were the best Mexican food 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.

06
Cheff Che Cafe & Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy carne asada burrito with the best refried beans and chilaquiles in various dishes. Full bar serves fun mimosas perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Carne asada burrito features best refried beans. Chilaquiles appear in multiple dishes, including with mole omelette and alongside Mexican cafecito.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the enchiladas de mole, was so tasty."

"I found the breakfast here to be the best in town."

"The food and drinks here are excellent for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant has ample parking available in the front and back.

3

They do not currently serve alcohol but are working on renewing their license.

07
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Mexican food like super tacos with double wrapped tortillas and chili verde. The quiet street adds to the calm setting, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.

Super tacos come with double wrapped tortillas and piping hot fillings like chili verde. Burritos offer fresh flavors with beans, rice, and cheese, while tacos feature authentic ingredients like avocado instead of guacamole and melted cheese with tender pork or fish.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

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

"The patio seating is plentiful and a nice place to enjoy the sunshine."

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.

08
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent offers a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music creates an energetic atmosphere that fills the space. Authentic Mexican seafood shines in dishes like octopus ceviche and brazier tacos.

Fish soup, brazier tacos, and octopus ceviche stand out with flavors that differ from typical Mexican food. Dishes like birria quesadillas and Michelada Modelo with shrimp add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot so friendly and attentive."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and incredibly 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.

09
Taqueria Lorena's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school seating meets a clean, modern order area in a laid back spot with a friendly neighborhood vibe. High-quality meats shine in Super Tacos with Shrimps and Carne Asada Chimichangas. Families enjoy later hours and straightforward, practical service.

Super Tacos with Shrimps pack a lot of protein and fill you up with just two. Menudo, tamales, and carne asada chimichangas come at decent prices and taste great. Quesadillas de asada and Al Pastor tacos stand out, along with Super Burritos served with house-made spicy carrots and jalapeรฑos.

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 Seafood here was tasty with great value."

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.

10
El Sol Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store offers fresh produce and a busy taqueria with handmade tortillas. Menudo and barbacoa bring authentic flavors, paired with fresh salsas and carrot juice. Space feels compact and packed, prices stay reasonable, and atmosphere holds authentic charm despite limited cleanliness.

Handmade tortillas stand out alongside comfort Mexican food like menudo and barbacoa. Busy taqueria serves flavorful dishes with fresh salsas and a notable carrot juice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and homemade."

"I enjoyed the Mexican food here; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Sol Market are very reasonable.

2

Expect busy weekends; allow an extra half hour for shopping.

3

The taqueria is popular and often busy.

11
Hukilau image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiki-themed decor and bright lighting create a lively, family-friendly spot perfect for groups. Crispy fish tacos offer bold flavor alongside pulled pork quesadillas. Hawaiian music adds to the casual vibe, making it great for celebrations or casual dinners.

Crispy fish tacos stand out with bold flavor, paired often with fried rice. The pulled pork quesadilla and Loco Moco add satisfying variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The salmon poke here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The ramen here has the perfect texture and is delicious."

"The fish tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is only street parking and can be hard to find depending on the day and time.

2

On a Saturday at 1 pm, there was a 30-minute wait due to a soccer team.

3

Hukilau automatically charged an 18% gratuity fee without prior notice.

12
Greenlee's Bakery image 1

Bright space with plant-filled charm offers cozy outdoor seating and soft music for a relaxed vibe. Breakfast burritos with orange chipotle sauce are fresh and filling, featuring vegetable and beef options. Unique touches like an antique bread machine add character.

Breakfast burritos stand out with orange chipotle sauce and stay fresh without getting soggy during transport. Options include vegetable and beef fillings, and the burritos are consistently filling and tasty.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing pastries here."

"I loved their cinnamon bread; it reminded me of childhood."

"These breakfast burritos are huge and satisfying."

Good to know

1

There are no public restrooms at the bakery.

2

Parking at Greenlee's Bakery can be a bit of a pain.

3

Most bakery items cost around 5 USD, with an additional suggested tip of 18-22%.

13
Restaurante El Conrro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with fresh flavorful dishes like huarache de al pastor and super carnita burrito. Enjoy live music and laser lights for a lively vibe or relax with al fresco dining in the back. Michelada cocktails offer a low alcohol kick with great flavor.

Fresh and flavorful dishes stand out, especially the huarache de al pastor and super carnita burrito with perfectly cooked meat. The menu features a dedicated torta selection with large, filling sandwiches packed with meat and cheese, complemented by salsas that add a spicy kick.

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.

14
Tacos Autlense image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small tables with intimate seating create a warm, casual vibe. Carne asada tacos and a wet super chicken burrito offer authentic Mexican flavors at fair prices. Late hours and a cash-only policy with an on-site ATM add convenience for night visitors.

Carne asada tacos come in generous portions and reasonable prices. The wet super chicken burrito offers a large, satisfying meal. Service is pleasant and fast, with chips and salsa served to start.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be authentic and really good."

"The salsa roja was spicy and flavorful."

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.

15
TOSTADAS image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space bursts with colorful retro decor and lively music that energizes without drowning out talk. Birria tacos shine with rich consume, while beautifully crafted cocktails keep the party vibe strong. Staff add warmth, making it a tasty Mexican food spot with no fuss.

Birria tacos come with a rich consume, and the birria tostadas offer a delicious crunch. The green chilaquiles are well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, while the tostadas ranchera feature fantastic chorizo and crispy tortillas.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican coffee here is fire."

"Their cocktails are beautifully crafted and strong."

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.

16
Bill's Cafe - Alameda image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Weapons-themed decor creates a modern, homey vibe with a small bar for games. Mexican dishes like Huevos rancheros and pork carnitas Benedict bring authentic flavors. Friendly crowds and lively music make it a cheerful breakfast spot.

Huevos rancheros offer authentic flavor, and the Mexicano Benedict features pork carnitas. The steak breakfast burrito also stands out among the Mexican options.

People are saying

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

"I had the best breakfast I've had in a long time."

"The Mexican food here is honestly so incredible."

Good to know

1

Bill's Cafe is open until 3pm daily.

2

Expect a wait on weekends, especially during brunch hours.

3

Parking is available, including an overflow area.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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