San Jose Food & Drink

Taco ’bout Tasty: The 11 Best Taco Joints in San Jose!

San Jose is known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant food scene. Among the many dishes that locals and visitors alike indulge in, tacos stand out as one of the most popular and beloved.

Whether you prefer them with meat, veggies, or seafood, there's a taco spot in San Jose that will satisfy your cravings.

From hole-in-the-wall joints to trendy restaurants, the city has a variety of options to choose from.

Each place has its own unique spin on the classic Mexican dish, making the taco experience in San Jose a truly special one.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best taco places in San Jose. We'll take you on a culinary journey through different neighborhoods, highlighting the flavors and atmosphere of each spot.

Whether you're a taco aficionado or a newbie looking to try something new, this guide will help you find your next favorite taco spot in San Jose. So, let's get started!

1. Tacos El Compa Taqueria

Tacos El Compa Taqueria
1321 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118 (Google Maps)

Tacos El Compa Taqueria is a small Mexican restaurant that serves up some of the best tacos in town.

The freshly made tortillas are a game-changer and the meat is packed with flavor. The staff is helpful and the kitchen is fast and clean.

The prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal. While the place may be small, the portions are big and the food is delicious.

If you're looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, Tacos El Compa Taqueria is definitely worth a visit.

2. La Corona Taqueria

La Corona Taqueria
601 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112 (Google Maps)

La Corona Taqueria offers authentic Mexican cuisine with quality ingredients.

The menu is standard, but the food is prepared well and tastes delicious. The portions are generous and the prices are affordable.

The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. The restaurant is clean and has a relaxing atmosphere.

La Corona Taqueria is a great choice for anyone looking for a solid taqueria experience.

3. Tequila's Taqueria San Jose

Tequila's Taqueria San Jose
1052 Leigh Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 (Google Maps)

Tequila's Taqueria San Jose is a must-visit for those looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including seafood specialties, burritos, tacos, and more.

The food is well-presented and bursting with flavor. The atmosphere is lively, and the staff is friendly and attentive.

Despite the crowd, the service is fast, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and the live music on some nights adds to the festive ambiance.

If you're in the mood for some delicious Mexican food, Tequila's Taqueria San Jose is the place to go.

4. Lucy's Mexican Grill

Lucy's Mexican Grill
615 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 (Google Maps)

Lucy's Mexican Grill is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican food. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including delicious chicken tacos, veggie burritos, and cheese quesadillas.

The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring that orders are served promptly without compromising quality. The meat quality is always on point, and the savory and juicy carnitas super burrito with green salsa is a must-try.

The salsas are spicy and flavorful, and the orange salsa is particularly delicious. The Burrito Mojado is a go-to meal, big enough for two servings.

The mango agua fresca is like eating a fresh mango, and the Carne asada and lingua tacos are soft and delicious. The al pastor is a standout, and the chili relleno is on point. The food is so good that customers keep coming back for more.

5. Tacos Autlense

Tacos Autlense
1020 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122 (Google Maps)

Tacos Autlense is a must-visit Mexican restaurant. Their extensive menu offers delicious and authentic Mexican dishes that are always fresh and flavorful.

The staff is friendly and provides excellent customer service. The portions are large and the prices are affordable, making it a great value for your money.

If you're in the mood for tacos, their carne asada tacos with added cheese are a must-try. The wet-style burrito with al pastor meat is also highly recommended.

Don't forget to bring cash as they do not accept cards. Tacos Autlense is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit.

6. Tacos El Guero

Tacos El Guero
2448 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122 (Google Maps)

If you're a fan of authentic, fresh Mexican tacos, then Tacos El Guero is the place for you.

Their al pastor tacos are a must-try, but everything on the menu is top-notch.

The service is excellent, with Vanessa and Quique always providing friendly and efficient service.

Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or a quick bite on the go, Tacos El Guero has got you covered. Don't miss out on this gem of a taco place.

7. Tacos Los Tres Reyes

Tacos Los Tres Reyes
Old Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111 (Google Maps)

Tacos Los Tres Reyes is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Mexican tacos.

The menu is simple, but the tacos are bursting with flavor. The pastor tacos are a standout, and the salsa options are plentiful.

The prices are reasonable, and the service is quick. The only downside is the long lines, but they move fast.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem for some of the best tacos in town.

8. Taqueria Eduardo

Taqueria Eduardo
255 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126 (Google Maps)

If you're in the mood for some authentic Mexican food, Taqueria Eduardo is a must-visit spot.

Their menu offers a wide variety of options, from burritos to tacos to nachos. The portions are generous, and the meat is always cooked to perfection.

The staff is friendly and helpful, making the ordering process quick and easy. The atmosphere is clean and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a casual meal.

The salsa bar is a nice touch, offering a variety of options to spice up your meal. Don't miss out on this hidden gem for your next Mexican food craving.

9. Alams Taqueria

Alams Taqueria
2708 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124 (Google Maps)

Alams Taqueria is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican food. The menu offers a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas, all made with fresh and delicious ingredients.

The Super Chicken Tacos are a standout dish, with perfectly grilled chicken and flavorful toppings.

The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing quick and efficient service. The outdoor seating area adds to the experience, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by Alams Taqueria for a satisfying and delicious meal.

10. Puro Michoacan Restaurant

Puro Michoacan Restaurant
1065 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110 (Google Maps)

Puro Michoacan Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu is filled with delicious options like Mole, Enchiladas, and Birria Tacos.

The staff is friendly and the service is top-notch, making for a pleasant dining experience.

The restaurant is great for watching sports games with a cold drink in hand.

The only downside is that it's cash-only, but the food is definitely worth it. Don't miss out on this gem of a taco place.

11. Tacos el chore

Tacos El Chore
1426 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA 95118 (Google Maps)

Tacos el chore is a no frills Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious quesabirria tacos and birria "spring rolls".

The consomme is a must-try and the melon agua fresca is on point.

Although the wait can be long, the tacos are worth it. The burritos are also fantastic.

For a shorter wait time, visit outside of peak meal hours. Tacos el chore is definitely a top spot for authentic Mexican cuisine.