Best Affordable Tacos in San Jose | Top 24 Affordable Spots

27 restaurants in Best Affordable Tacos in San Jose | Top 24 Affordable Spots

• La Victoria Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with energy as the aroma of toasted flour tortillas and savory, griddled fillings wafts from a bustling open kitchen. From sunrise-ready breakfast tortas bursting with flavor to the legendary "Super" burritos packed with hearty beans and melted cheese, every hand-crafted wrap offers a comforting, soul-satisfying bite designed to fuel the day.
• Roberto's Cantina — Mexican · rated 4/5: Roberto’s Cantina invites guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched escape where the bright tang of citrus-marinated ceviche meets the indulgent warmth of bubbling, artisanal queso fundido. The air carries the savory aroma of bacon-wrapped scallops and slow-simmered seafood soups, creating a spirited atmosphere perfect for lingering over shared plates of crispy nachos and hand-crafted appetizers. This lively destination captures the essence of coastal celebration, blending bold, festive flavors with a warm sense of community.
• Rocko's Ice Cream Tacos — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant dessert destination reimagines the classic ice cream parlor by folding velvety scoops into crisp, hand-pressed waffle shells shaped like golden tacos. Each custom creation is dipped in a shimmering coat of chocolate and finished with a flurry of artisanal toppings, offering a playful, multi-sensory indulgence that balances nostalgic flavors with a modern, whimsical twist.
• Mayan Kitchen — Mexican · rated 3/5: Mayan Kitchen transports diners to a world where ancient Yucatecan heritage meets modern culinary artistry, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the enticing aromas of toasted spices and sizzling garlic. The table becomes a colorful mosaic of textures and tastes, featuring everything from the earthy, nutty depth of traditional Sikil P’ak to the sophisticated crunch of Wagyu beef empanadas and delicate vegan beet tartare. Each bite offers a soulful exploration of flavor, blending time-honored techniques with contemporary innovation for a dining experience that feels both deeply rooted in history and refreshingly new.
• El Jardin — Mexican · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the lively spirit of a sun-drenched garden meets the bold, festive flavors of Mexican street food. Crispy flautas and golden shrimp empanadas arrive at communal tables alongside bowls of zesty guacamole and loaded nachos, creating a tapestry of textures and spices meant for sharing. Whether diving into savory sopes or sharing a plate of asada-topped fries, guests find themselves immersed in a convivial atmosphere where every bite feels like a celebration of heritage and heat.
• Wild Rose — American · rated 3/5: Wild Rose unfolds as a vibrant sanctuary of coastal elegance, where the shimmer of ice-laden seafood towers and the delicate artistry of hand-pressed crudos set the stage for a sophisticated social experience. The air hums with energy as guests move from the briny brightness of chilled oysters and citrus-kissed ceviche to the rich, smoky depth of charred yakitori and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu sliders. It is a destination designed for indulgence, where every shared plate and artfully plated taco celebrates a seamless fusion of modern flair and deep, savory satisfaction.
• Aqui — Mexican: Aqui vibrates with a colorful, high-energy atmosphere where global flavors collide in a celebration of bold spices and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The kitchen crafts a kaleidoscopic journey that ranges from smoky barbacoa bowls and zesty Caribbean enchiladas to the comforting, slow-simmered warmth of grass-fed beef ropa vieja. Each dish arrives as a vibrant mosaic of textures and tastes, seamlessly blending the crunch of golden taquitos with the complex, aromatic heat of blackened mahi and shrimp jambalaya.
• Sushi Confidential — Japanese: Vibrant energy meets culinary playfulness at this modern haunt, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of salt-and-pepper calamari and the chatter of a lively crowd. Artfully plated "bombs" of fresh salmon and delicate hamachi spoons offer bursts of umami, while crispy poke tacos and pillowy mushroom bao buns showcase a bold fusion of textures and global influences. The experience is a spirited celebration of inventive flavors, served in a chic setting that feels like a well-kept neighborhood secret.
• Tacos al Pastor — Mexican: The air is thick with the savory scent of slow-roasted pork and steamed masa, drawing diners into a vibrant space where the rhythmic chop of the cleaver provides a steady heartbeat to the bustling room. Heaping plates arrive laden with golden-fried flautas, hand-wrapped tamales, and tender chile rellenos, each bite offering a comforting balance of smoky chilies and melted cheese that captures the soul of traditional Mexican cooking. It is a place where the sizzle of the grill and the warmth of authentic hospitality turn a simple meal into a festive, sensory experience.
• Ruby's Taqueria — Mexican: Stepping into Ruby's Taqueria feels like a vibrant escape, where the rhythmic sound of chopping cilantro and the sizzle of the grill set the stage for an authentic feast. Guests cool the heat of spicy salsas with frosty glass bottles of Fanta or velvety, cinnamon-dusted horchata, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates the bold, soul-warming flavors of traditional street food.
• Sam & Curry — Indian: Sam & Curry pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern spice market, reimagining the bold, aromatic soul of Indian cuisine through playful and inventive street-food forms. Guests can dive into hearty burritos and zesty tacos overflowing with fragrant fillings, or craft steaming rice bowls that serve as a colorful mosaic of traditional spices and fresh, contemporary textures. This lively destination brings a spirited twist to classic flavors, offering a fast-paced culinary adventure that is as comforting as it is unexpected.
• Angelou's Mexican Grill — Mexican: Angelou's Mexican Grill pulses with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered pork in chile verde and sizzling skillets of melted chori-queso. Diners dive into crispy, golden flautas and tender quesa-birria tacos that drip with rich consommé, while the bright, citrusy notes of shrimp ceviche offer a refreshing counterpoint to the bold heat of the kitchen’s signature spices. Every plate celebrates the soulful, sun-drenched flavors of traditional Mexican comfort food, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing a bowl of creamy guacamole and a round of garlic-infused shrimp al ajillo.
• Angelou's Taqueria — Mexican: Angelou’s Taqueria hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling chori-queso fundido and garlic-laced shrimp al ajillo. Guests gather over baskets of crisp chips and zesty, citrus-bright ceviche before diving into the soulful warmth of tender pork in chile verde or the rich, dunkable indulgence of golden quesa-birria tacos. It is a celebration of bold textures and deep, traditional flavors that turns a casual meal into a spirited and sun-drenched escape.
• VN Grill — Vietnamese: VN Grill pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern street market, where the sizzle of lemongrass chicken and the sweet, savory aroma of soy-ginger glazes fill the air. Guests craft their own culinary journey through colorful bowls of tamarind butter shrimp and tender kalbi-style beef, or indulge in playful fusion snacks like crisp banh mi tacos and golden nori fries loaded with savory toppings.
• Carnitas El Rincón — Mexican: The air at Carnitas El Rincón is heavy with the intoxicating scent of pork slow-simmering in its own juices until it reaches a perfect, golden-brown crisp. Diners can customize their experience with everything from tender, lean cuts to the rich, velvety textures of buche and cueritos, whether piled high on platters or tucked into overstuffed super burritos. This bustling neighborhood haunt transforms simple ingredients into a soulful feast, offering a true taste of tradition where every bite is a masterclass in savory, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
• Taqueria El Abuelo — Mexican: Taqueria El Abuelo captures the vibrant spirit of a traditional Mexican kitchen, where the rhythmic sizzle of carne asada and the enticing aroma of garlic-infused shrimp fill the air. Guests are treated to a tapestry of bold flavors, from the fiery depths of camarones a la diabla to the comforting, cheese-draped warmth of authentic chile rellenos and saucy enchiladas.
• LUNA Mexican Kitchen — Mexican: LUNA Mexican Kitchen radiates a vibrant, soulful energy where the aroma of charred elote and smoky bacon-wrapped shrimp fills a space designed for spirited gatherings. The kitchen transforms traditional ingredients into edible art, balancing the bright, citrus-kissed elegance of yellowtail crudo with the comforting, molten indulgence of queso flameado and crisp potato tacos. It is a culinary sanctuary that honors ancestral roots through a modern, artisanal lens, making every meal feel like a sun-soaked celebration of Mexican heritage.
• South Winchester BBQ — American: The air at South Winchester BBQ is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked hickory, drawing diners into a rustic haven where the art of the pit is celebrated from sunrise to sunset. Mornings begin with hearty breakfast tacos and sandwiches overflowing with tender, salt-and-pepper brisket, while the afternoon brings a parade of towering sandwiches like the spicy Firebird and the iconic Squealin' Pork, each bite offering a masterclass in succulent, smoke-kissed flavor.
• México Bakery #2 — Mexican: The air inside this bustling neighborhood gem is thick with the irresistible scent of warm, crusty bolillos emerging fresh from the oven. Skilled hands transform these golden rolls into legendary tortas, layering savory asada, crispy milaneza, or zesty chorizo with vibrant toppings to create a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that captures the spirited essence of a traditional Mexican panaderia.
• Naglee Park Garage — American: Housed in a charmingly repurposed service station, this neighborhood gem hums with a laid-back energy where industrial history meets modern comfort. The kitchen breathes new life into elevated pub fare, serving up everything from zesty ahi tuna tacos and vibrant seasonal burrata to the smoky, soul-satisfying char of their signature garage burgers. Whether you’re tucking into a crisp, oversized Cobb salad or sharing a plate of spicy wings under the soft glow of the patio lights, every meal feels like a relaxed celebration of local flavor and community spirit.
• Tostadas Prime — Mexican: Tostadas Prime radiates a sleek, high-energy sophistication where the sizzle of premium cuts and the vibrant colors of artisanal small plates create a feast for the senses. The kitchen masterfully balances indulgence and freshness, pairing the melt-in-your-mouth richness of A5 Wagyu and roasted bone marrow with the bright, citrus-kissed zing of ribeye aguachile and delicate ahi tuna. Every dish, from the bubbling warmth of artisanal queso fundido to the crisp, piled-high signature tostadas, is crafted to offer a refined yet spirited culinary journey.
• Dona Maria — Mexican: Sunlight streams into this lively morning haunt where the rhythmic sound of the kitchen heralds a feast of authentic Mexican comfort. Guests linger over steaming plates of tender machaca and crisp chicken chilaquiles, while the aroma of spiced chorizo and warm tortillas creates a welcoming sanctuary for those seeking a hearty, soul-warming start to the day.
• El Caminito — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the festive clink of salt-rimmed margarita glasses define this lively escape, where the air carries the irresistible aroma of slow-simmered meats and roasted peppers. Guests gather over overflowing platters of crispy chimichangas and hand-rolled enchiladas, dipping into fiery house-made salsas that spark the palate in a celebration of bold, communal flavors.
• Lupita's Taqueria — Mexican: The vibrant energy of a bustling neighborhood haunt defines Lupita’s Taqueria, where the rhythmic sizzle of the plancha and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered birria draw diners into a world of bold, authentic flavors. From the satisfying crunch of golden potato tacos to the succulent, spice-stained richness of quesabirria dipped in savory consommé, every plate celebrates the soulful art of the perfect taco in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere.
• Rosy's At The Beach — Seafood: This sun-drenched coastal escape captures the vibrant spirit of the shore, where the air feels salt-kissed and every table invites a relaxed, vacation-inspired lingering. The kitchen celebrates the ocean’s bounty through bright, citrus-infused ceviches and crispy ahi wontons, balancing delicate seafood with the smoky indulgence of rib eye tacos and savory BBQ sliders. It is a place where the rhythmic clinking of chilled seafood cocktails and the warmth of shared plates create a lively, effortless atmosphere perfect for savoring the golden hours of the afternoon.
• Pupusa Taco Mix The Delights — Mexican: This vibrant eatery serves as a soulful crossroads where the comforting aromas of toasted masa and simmering Mexican spices mingle in the air. Guests can start their day with steaming tamales hand-wrapped in banana leaves or golden-fried yuca, while hearty breakfast plates of chorizo-scrambled eggs and savory casamiento offer a true taste of home-style Latin cooking. Every bite captures a sense of tradition and warmth, inviting diners to savor the rich, rustic flavors of a heritage-driven kitchen.
• Flowers Saratoga — Mediterranean: Flowers Saratoga invites guests into a lush, stylish sanctuary where the artistry of modern small plates takes center stage amidst an atmosphere of refined energy. The kitchen transforms premium ingredients into edible art, from the delicate crunch of prawn cigars and tuna wonton tacos to the melt-in-your-mouth indulgence of Wagyu carpaccio and silk-smooth burrata. Each vibrant dish is designed for sharing, creating a sophisticated social experience where every bite feels like a celebration of contemporary culinary flair.