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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown San Jose

Mexican food

The specific heat and spice of Mexican food is a craving that demands attention. A plate of familiar favorites is the only way to settle it.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 1
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 2
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 3
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Tented outdoor seating with communal tables offers a casual vibe under a parking lot mural. Handmade tortillas shine in tacos with authentic carne asada and unique salmon with coleslaw. Space fits 18-20, staying clean and orderly despite simplicity.

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; they're so fresh and soft."

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

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.

02
La Costenita ( Food Truck) image 1

Food truck serves authentic Son Oaxaqueño cuisine with homemade tortillas and mole that pack bold flavors. Industrial vibe feels raw but food quality shines with generous portions and affordable prices. Refreshing aguas frescas add a fresh touch to the hearty Mexican dishes.

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."

"The carne asada tacos were perfect."

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.

03
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 1

Bright space with natural light and Latin pop music sets a cozy vibe. Tamales shine with memorable pork flavor, while tortas boast fresh, homemade ingredients like sesame buns and queso fresco. Sweet aromas and baked goods make it a perfect spot for casual snacks near campus.

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."

"I loved the churro empanadas with cheese."

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
El Jalapeno Rojo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic flavors like wet burritos and fish tacos. Drive-thru and outdoor seating keep it quick and chill. Fresh, vegetarian options make it easy for all diets.

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.

05
iJAVA Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Spacious café offers quiet indoor seating perfect for work and outlets for charging devices. Burritos shine with short ribs and spinach tortilla breakfast options. Outdoor tables bring some sun despite highway noise, blending comfort with flavor.

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."

"It's a cozy halal breakfast place with great tasting food and coffee."

"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
Island Taste Caribbean Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, intimate spot with Caribbean-themed decor and lively island music sets a vibrant mood. Tacos blend cultures with jerk chicken and oxtail, topped with plantains and slaw. Outdoor seating welcomes pets, and open layout ensures wheelchair accessibility.

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."

"You have to try the oxtail; it's cooked to perfection."

"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.

07
The City Fish image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot offers fish tacos with crispy veggies and fresh shellfish like oysters Rockefeller. Nautical decor and soft lighting create a cozy atmosphere. Limited seating invites a relaxed vibe where you can watch downtown life.

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 experienced the best clam chowder of my life here."

"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 shines with varied dining options and a lively yet chill atmosphere. Mexican tacos offer great flavor and variety, paired with tangy Salsas Roja and Verde. Space is well-lit and clean, making it accessible and affordable for all.

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
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers moist grilled chicken in dishes like wet carnitas burrito and double chicken tostada. Calm vibe inside contrasts with a busy drive-thru outside. Fresh churros and orchata provide a sweet finish to meals.

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.

10
Con Azucar Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Bright Mexican decor and Chicano cultural touches create a cozy vibe. Torta de Jamon offers tasty ham and spicy peppers for a true Mexican bite. Custom photo art on coffee foam adds a playful, personal touch to the authentic café experience.

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 bread here is super delicious and fresh."

"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.

11
The FAB image 1
Fusion restaurant

Tiny fusion spot buzzes with loud Latin pop and a club vibe. Enjoy street tacos with lime and 2 for 1 margaritas during happy hour. Outdoor seating adds charm to this lively, affordable Mexican food joint.

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 enjoyed the beer; they had a nice selection."

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.

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Downtown San Jose, San Jose

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