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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown San Jose

Mexican food spots

Made for those who have a specific craving for traditional Mexican dishes and expect a consistent, reliable meal every time they sit down.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Costenita ( Food Truck) image 1
La Costenita ( Food Truck) image 2
La Costenita ( Food Truck) image 3
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Food truck offers authentic Son Oaxaqueño cuisine with homemade tortillas and flavorful dishes like mole and cactus tacos. Atmosphere feels industrial and unpolished, but food quality and attention to detail stand out. Prices stay affordable while serving generous portions.

Tacos and classic comfort foods like chilaquiles come with fresh-made aguas such as watermelon and cucumber melon. The food is tasty, filling, and addictive with quick and kind service.

Homemade tortillas and carne asada tacos stand out with generous portions and authentic flavors. The menu features mole, sopes, burritos packed with meat, and refreshing aguas frescas like watermelon and cucumber melon.

People are saying

"You have to try their burritos; they're packed with meat."

"The food from these food trucks is so tasty and filling."

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

Good to know

1

La Costenita offers quality ingredients at affordable prices.

2

They have catered multiple school events with positive feedback.

3

La Costenita is a family-owned food truck with authentic cuisine.

02
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.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with wonderful spicy sauces. The menu stays consistently good across visits, offering a taste not commonly found in the area.

Handmade tortillas stand out, soft and cooked fresh to order. The tacos feature authentic carne asada and a unique salmon option with tangy coleslaw. Burritos come layered and grilled, while quesadillas and gorditas use fresh masa and flavorful fillings like chicharron prensado and pastor.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the homemade corn tortillas with the Mexican food."

"I could eat the homemade tortillas 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.

03
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 1

Bright space filled with natural light and Latin pop music creates a cozy, family-style vibe. Sweet aromas and custom baked goods add to the welcoming atmosphere. Popular spot for casual snacks and hangouts near a university.

Food offers delicious flavors and satisfies with every bite. Quality stays consistent across all dishes.

Tamales stand out as super delicious with a memorable pork version. Tortas feature homemade, fresh ingredients like sesame bun bread, thick queso fresco, and jalapeños, evoking authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I loved their spongy, not too sweet marble cake."

"You have to try their homemade tortas and empanadas; they're so fresh."

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free for 90 minutes next to the bakery.

2

Prices for baked goods are generally affordable, with slices of cake around $6.50.

3

The bakery offers a variety of classic panaderia bread and Euro pastries.

04
Island Taste Caribbean Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, intimate space with Caribbean-themed decor and island-inspired music creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Outdoor tables accommodate pets, and the open floor plan offers wheelchair accessibility. Clean, cozy environment invites guests to enjoy authentic flavors in a welcoming setting.

Jamaican and Haitian cuisine shines with fresh, tasty, and hot dishes. Food delivers authentic Caribbean flavors with consistently great quality and service.

Tacos here blend cultures well, especially the jerk chicken and oxtail tacos. They come overflowing with meat and include toppings like chopped plantains and cabbage slaw.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, packed with flavor, and tastes homemade."

"I found the food here to be delicious and wonderfully flavored."

"You have to try the oxtail tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Ordering is at a counter at the front.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a plate.

3

They host a great comedy show every 4th Friday of the month.

05
iJAVA Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Spacious café with modern lighting and sleek lines creates an upscale atmosphere that feels cozy and inviting. Quiet indoor seating supports working on laptops, while outdoor tables offer some sunshine despite nearby highway noise. Outlets for device charging add convenience to the relaxing vibe.

Food features Halal options and healthy choices with a variety of made-to-order dishes. Coffee pairs well with the great quality food and beverages served in a welcoming atmosphere.

Burritos stand out with options like short ribs, spinach tortilla breakfast, and Mexicali with hot sauce. Breakfast burritos and fully loaded versions with fruit add variety and flavor.

People are saying

"The coffee here is expertly crafted and rich in flavor."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"Their burritos are amazing, flavorful, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

iJAVA Cafe only opens until 2PM.

2

Parking was an issue; you might have to park on the street.

3

The cafe offers a variety of choices for light or hearty meals.

06
El Jalapeno Rojo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers drive-thru service and outdoor shaded seating with no indoor dining. Atmosphere stays warm and respectful, creating a chill vibe for quick, affordable meals. Known for authentic, fresh ingredients and vegetarian options in every category.

Food here is authentic Mexican cuisine with a spicy kick that stands out. Meals come fast and taste consistently delicious and satisfying.

Wet burritos stand out with generous carne asada portions and prices under $12. Fish tacos and veggie sopes offer authentic Mexican flavors in a convenient drive-thru setting.

People are saying

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

"The Drive Thru food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The burritos cost less than $12.

2

Parking is limited to 2 or 3 cars only.

3

They charge a fee for paying with a credit card.

07
The City Fish image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with nautical decor and soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Seating is limited, offering an unpretentious local vibe where watching downtown activity adds to the experience. The place feels inviting and relaxed without loud noises or fancy features.

Food arrives piping hot with large portions and quick service even for big groups. The prawns and fish combo stands out as crunchy and perfectly cooked, impressing even those not usually into fish.

Fish tacos stand out with well-seasoned fish and crispy vegetables. Clams, mussels, and oysters also feature, including oysters Rockefeller and oysters on the half shell.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips here to be fresh and full of flavor."

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

"I loved the fish tacos; they were seasoned so well."

Good to know

1

There is a hidden surcharge or service fee not disclosed on menus.

2

Parking can be challenging, but free parking is available for the first 90 minutes.

3

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.

08
San Jose's Downtown Food Hall image 1

Food hall offers varied dining options with a well-lit, clean space and simple seating. Atmosphere feels lively yet chill, attracting a diverse crowd throughout the day. Accessibility and affordability stand out among its features.

Varied food options cover many tastes and dietary needs, including Indian and Mediterranean dishes. The hall stays clean and offers tasty meals with some spots giving extras like free rice pudding.

Tacos stand out with great flavor and variety like salmon and carnitas. Salsas Roja and Verde bring a tangy punch that pairs well with creamy cheese and avocado. The sope offers a light texture with crunchy edges.

People are saying

"It's a nice place with plenty of food options to eat."

"I found the food hall's concept to be really cool."

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

Good to know

1

The food hall offers diverse cuisines from various local vendors.

2

More than 50% of eateries were closed on a Saturday.

3

There were many vegan and vegetarian options available from various cloud kitchens.

09
Con Azucar Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with bright Mexican decor and Chicano cultural touches creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican music plays, enhancing the vibe and making it feel like an authentic café. Unique feature includes custom photo art on coffee foam, adding a playful and personal touch.

Food features delicious flavors and amazing bread. Drinks like Agua de Horchata and coffee complement the tasty dishes well.

Torta de Jamon stands out with its tasty ham and spicy peppers inside. Drinks like cafe de olla and Agua de Horchata complement the fresh bread and tamales well.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be flavorful and delicious."

"The coffee and food here are amazing."

"You have to try the giant conchas; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a one-hour wait outside the cafe on Saturday mornings.

2

There is no parking available at the location.

3

The cafe is small, and seating is often unavailable.

10
The FAB image 1
Fusion restaurant

Tiny fusion restaurant with loud Latin pop music and a club-like atmosphere. Tables sit close together, and some outdoor seating is available. Drinks include bottomless mimosas and 2 for 1 margaritas during happy hour.

Huge portions of delicious Mexican food come at an affordable price, especially during happy hours. Nachos stand out as a notable dish, and the overall food quality matches the lively atmosphere.

Street tacos with lime come at an affordable price and pair well with 2 for 1 margaritas during happy hour. The menu features Quesobirrias, shredded chicken enchiladas with red and green sauce, and a notable California burrito.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast burrito; it was amazing."

"Happy Hour has amazing quesabirria and street tacos for cheap."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with daily drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers buy one street taco, get one free.

3

Cocktails are 2 for 1 during happy hour.

11
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a calm atmosphere and quiet, relaxing vibe. The space has a functional, fast-food style exterior and a busy drive-thru. Food features moist, flavorful grilled chicken with some inconsistency in quality.

Food comes out fresh and hot, made only after ordering. Options focus on healthy fast food with great value and quick service.

Chicken dishes stand out with options like the wet carnitas burrito and double chicken tostada. The menu also features birria quesadilla, shrimp tostada, and combos with sides and tortillas. Fresh churros and orchata add a sweet touch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and tasty."

"The chicken here is moist, flavorful, and properly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Using a coupon can make your meal a good deal.

2

Senior discounts are available for eligible customers.

3

Meal prices are generally reasonable, with options under $20.

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Downtown San Jose, San Jose

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