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    El Pirrin

    4.0 (298 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 7:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Pirrin Takeout or Delivery

    El Pirrin Photos

    Business Info

    EL PIRRIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Pirrin

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    Their pozole is pretty good :)
    Austin Z.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]El Pirrin is a very homey place, located right off the intersection of San Antonio and Oakland in the Eastside and Alum Rock neighborhoods.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you're looking for cheap tacos, caldos, and more, this might just be the place for you :) In the holiday season, you know the one home-cooked soup that is made for most holiday celebrations -- and it's gotta be pozole. A little regret of mine is that I had gotten the pozole as takeout -- which, to be fair, made the plastic a little too hot, and my utensils a little too oily. The service was fairly quick and straightforward. They did give a little bit of attitude, though -- but only because I ordered straight in Spanish and they kinda took it to offense. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They do have indoor dining and outdoor dining -- and wait times depend on when you go.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I went early in the afternoon after lunch rush hour, which would have been the perfect time.

    Vanessa P.

    This place is a little neighborhood gem! My mom told me this is where my grandma tried menudo for the first time when she came from the Philipines and the only way she could get it back in the day was by bringing her own pot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a great place for brunch with plenty of patio seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside of the house is converted into a dining area with about 5 tables, perfect for cozy dining on a cold day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This is my go to place when I'm craving pozole. It's flavorful with tender pieces of meat, and I always have lots of leftovers to take home. Order a michelada and you're all set for a perfect meal. The senoras here are sweet and helpful, they're always busy, but quick to assist. Plan on spending some time here, it's not a place for a quick meal, it offers homemade dishes and good things take time :)

    Kevin D.

    Top tier tacos with complimentary chip and salsa. Tacos are a bit pricey but are loaded with meat. The meat was flavorful and cooked with love! The chicharrones and carnitas are crispy, just how I like it. I always feel welcome entering the restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The indoor and outdoor seating are kept clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Taco de Chicharon Taco de Cabeza
    Mia W.

    Service was prompt and friendly. Food tasted good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside seating was nice, with moderately loud music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not pictured, but I specifically came here because I was seeking good mole, the mole flavor was great! it was rich and creamy with cacao. The pork ribs dish is apparently hard to find, it was great! Veracruz food is tasty!

    Menudo
    Lilia J.

    You can always count on this family owned restaurant for consistency, flavorful meals. They are always busy so prepare yourself for a 15 minute wait of they are busy. Not matter what you order you will never be disappointed. Staff is always welcoming and pleasant too.

    Pozole and Morisqueta

    This review is LONG overdue- literally one of the best (if not, THE BEST) pozole in San Jose! The next best would be in Mercado Libertad in Guadalajara, MX and then of course, my mother-in-law's. Only served on Saturdays and Sundays, I've been going *almost* weekly. The perfect ratio of hominy, pork, and soup base. Like me, you can ask for the chile and extra lemon but even without is still pretty flavorful. Definitely a MUST to order!

    Tortillas
    Bianca R.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great spot for a patio brunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] First time trying this spot and I will definitely be back. My husband and I dined on their shaded patio for a Saturday brunch. We were able to get a table right away and the service was on it, friendly staff and the food came out quick. I ordered the machaca con huevos and my husband ordered the chile verde, which came with a side salad, both came with tortillas. The meat in the scramble was flavorful and resembled a shredded brisket. He loved the chile verde, claiming it wasn't salty unlike others hes had in the past elsewhere and the meat was very soft. This place from the outside looks like a small house but there is a parking lot at the back and additional spots on the street. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is clean and looks well taken care of.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]On the patio there is a handwashing station for guests.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall I enjoyed this place and was impressed with how much food you got for the price. I had leftovers to take home.

    Inside
    alex M.

    My friends and I always come for the menudo and pozole. Always hot bowls and delicious. They give you salsa and chips and they're so good that we need to ask for more before our food even gets here. Haha Son Los mejores!

    Pozole and Menudo
    Jasmine F.

    I had a major craving for pozole this morning and my friend recommended this place and let me tell you I was not disappointed. Took our order right away very nice and friendly staff. Parking is scarce there's not a lot of it. the restaurant has a large outside dining area and like 6 tables inside. the pozole had lots of flavor with all the topping you will ever need I put the chili oil stuff on top soooo good but be careful if you don't like spicy it definitely has a kick to it. Overall I now know my go to place for pozole!

    Machaca con Huevos
    David H.

    This place always hits the spot from their burritos to their plates. Everything is really good. Service is always good doesn't take long to get your food once you've ordered with the waiter. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside is nice and they have a pretty nice outdoor patio as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Mojo de Ajo and tostadas de Cameron
    Emiko T.

    The ambiance is really great, your typical Mexican restaurant, with bright colors and lots of people. The food is amazing, authentic taste. I had the Chile verde and I must say it's one of the best I have had. The portions are big, enough for two with one plate. Service is quick and great, sometimes there is wait but totally worth it.

    Nopales con huevo, in lots of VEGETABLE OIL.

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    1 year ago

    Caldo de rez is good and el agua de Jamaica was perfect I orderd to go and left in 15 min pretty fast .

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    1 year ago

    Delicious authentic mexican food! Great service as well. Had the enchiladas and asada tacos both were very good.

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    1 year ago

    Chiles Rellenos were bomb! I love that you get a salad with your meal, so healthy! This place is a must if you are in San Jose.

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    Añejo Cantina & Kitchen

    Añejo Cantina & Kitchen

    4.4
    (516 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$

    Its nice to try and find new places to eat, my friend did the research and decided that this would…read morebe the place to try for our next get together. We met on Saturday for lunch. Plenty of parking available since the restaurant is in a strip mall. It wasn't too busy when we got there, but then it started picking up. There was only one server working and she was really hustling to meet everyone's needs. Plus, she was friendly. I had the carne asada burrito, it was good but nothing over the top that made it stand out. My friend had enchiladas with mole. We were most excited about dessert and decided to share the churros and Tres leches. It was a nice touch that the churros and Tres leches did not come plain, a little pizzazz since they were both served with berries, whipped cream, and a cajeta style sauce. Both of the desserts were so good and a perfect touch of sweetness.

    Second time dining here, the experience this time was more positive. We walked in around 6PM on a…read moreFriday night and there was no line and only a couple of tables occupied. We ordered right away and were served in a timely manner. Chips and guacamole - 5/5 Chicken Mole plate - 3/5 Enchiladas- 3/5 Ordered lemonade for drink, which was never served until we asked for it again, towards the end of our meal. The service is not the best and you have to try hard to catch the servers attention. The food was better this time, but not as good as many other Mexican restaurants. It is not what I consider authentic Mexican food.

    Photos
    Red enchilada
    Red enchilada
    Guacamole
    Guacamole
    Our staff favorites!

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    Our staff favorites!
    Tulum Mexican Kitchen

    Tulum Mexican Kitchen

    3.8
    (448 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Came yesterday for the first time & they had a DJ outside spinning good mixes…read more We went to the front & was seated right away. Our server was Sebastian & he was super friendly, attentive & recommended us the goods. My favorite here was their enchiladas - red & stuffed with chicken tinga. It also came with a side of rice & beans. The pickled red onions that came on top was delicious as well. My daughter even loved it & she's super picky about her onions. Drinks were good, the michelada with the shrimps - fire. Paloma - not that strong for the price you pay, but it was still alright. Guacamole - my kids loved Sebastian recommended us the coffee to-go, super flavorful Overall good vibes, great service, good food Will recommend.

    I've eaten at countless restaurants over the years, and I can honestly say this was one of the…read moreworst dining experiences I've ever had. We waited 1.5 hours to be seated while half the restaurant sat empty. After we were seated, it took about 30 minutes for anyone to ask if we wanted drinks, another 30 minutes before our order was taken, and then an hour for the food to arrive. Throughout the wait, several servers were gathered in the corner talking and laughing while tables--including ours--were left unattended. Unfortunately, the food didn't make up for the service. The meat was dry, lacked flavor, and the shrimp was so chewy that I couldn't finish it. It was honestly one of the worst shrimp dishes I've ever been served. I've seen countless influencers giving this place glowing reviews, and after eating here, I simply don't believe them. My experience was the complete opposite. If you appreciate good food and good service, I would strongly recommend spending your money somewhere else.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Spicy Chicken Sandwich
    Spicy Chicken Sandwich
    Mini Birria Pambazo

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    Mini Birria Pambazo
    Copita Tequileria Y Comida

    Copita Tequileria Y Comida

    3.6
    (624 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    There were plenty of tables available for a late lunch on a Saturday, and a good amount of parking…read morein the lot reserved for the restaurant. The staff were attentive, gave great menu recommendations, and constantly came by to refill our water. Very spacious dining room. We started with the Queso Fundido, served on a small hot plate with chilis, garlic, and oil on top. It's basically a block of cheese served with chips. Even with the hot plate, it didn't stay gooey for long, but it was a pretty good starter. The Coconut Campachano was creamy and refreshing. It also came with chips, though ours seemed like crumbs from the bottom of the barrel. We got the Trompo tacos and Sautéed Shrimp tacos. Both were tasty, and the tortillas seemed fresh. Decent food, great service, small portions, a bit expensive for what you get and that's before the 4% fee.

    My wife and I were hungry and it was getting a little late, so we started driving around looking…read morefor somewhere new to try and ended up at Copita. My wife is Latina, so we're pretty familiar with authentic Latin/Mexican flavors, and from the moment we walked in, we were a little unsure of what to expect. We completely understand we're in Willow Glen and that Copita is going for a more upscale take, but for us, authenticity and flavor still have to be at the heart of the experience. Our waitress was very friendly and polite, and this review is absolutely not a reflection of her service. However, when we asked about the style of the food, there seemed to be a little hesitation in explaining it, which made us even more uncertain about what we had gotten ourselves into. I don't like bashing restaurants or their food, so I'll simply say that, unfortunately, the highlight of our meal was the chips and salsa. The cocktails, on the other hand, were good and definitely not shy on the alcohol! Also, don't expect large portions. The restaurant is clearly aiming for a more upscale presentation and experience, so the plates reflect that. Overall, Copita just wasn't for us. This was our first visit and unfortunately will probably be our last. I genuinely wish them success, but I think a few changes, especially when it comes to the flavors and authenticity of the food could make a big difference.

    Photos
    More upstairs dining
    More upstairs dining
    Rooftop Menu: Chicken Wings ($14)
    Rooftop Menu: Chicken Wings ($14)
    Complimentary Water ($0)

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    Complimentary Water ($0)
    LUNA Mexican Kitchen

    LUNA Mexican Kitchen

    4.3
    (3.3k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    You can tell right away this place takes pride in its food. The fresh chips and homemade tortillas…read morestand out, and theyre reason enough to come back. I had breakfast and ordered the tacos with huevos Rancheros and beans, and everything was fresh, well-seasoned and full of flavor with trying to be fancy. Good Food, Solide portions and pep0le who how to cook authentic mexican food. If your looking for the real think instad of a chain restaurant this is the place service was very friendly.

    I absolutely love this place! To be honest, the food isn't the most authentic Mexican ( as we don't…read morehave salmon tacos in Mexico). I love salmon and tacos, but just not together LOL! But the "sazon" in their food is fantastic! I think part of their success comes from their menu having more options to people from other cultures. The food isn't overly spicy, but it's spicy enough to make you sweat a little bit. There are plenty of vegetarian options, which is something most traditional Mexican restaurants don't offer. pleanty of Chips and Salsa !!! (belived it or not, in Mexico we don't serve Chips and Salsa that's an America thing) Fresh corn tortillas are a must-have. Their chicken soup is the perfect home remedy during the cold season! Jojo has done a great job introducing wholesome food with a friendly vibe! When I'm there, I feel like I'm at home! Best margaritas in town!

    Photos
    - Guacamole  - avocado, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime, chicharrones
    - Guacamole - avocado, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime, chicharrones
    Bacon Wrapped Camarones - wild jumbo shrimp, bacon, queso Oaxaca, jalapeño, pea shoots, cabbage salad
    Bacon Wrapped Camarones - wild jumbo shrimp, bacon, queso Oaxaca, jalapeño, pea shoots, cabbage salad
    - Chocoflan - rich flourless chocolate cake, topped with flan, seasonal berries, whipped cream

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    - Chocoflan - rich flourless chocolate cake, topped with flan, seasonal berries, whipped cream
    Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen

    Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen

    3.8
    (612 reviews)
    7.2 mi
    $$

    I've visited the downtown location so brought the gang here for lunch…read more We were seated and we all placed our orders. The salsa is self serve as well as all the other toppings like onion, radish, cilantro. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. The sopes and gorditas are crispy and flavorful. The orange salsa is my favorite. During lunch time there's scattered tables full of people. The noise level is average for a place like this. The staff takes your order and brings out the food as it's ready. Service is fine. Water cups on a table for self serve. Very little interaction with the servers once your food is served. Pay up at front if they don't come with the check. Great lunch spot!

    I've been to Cali Spartan a few times now, and it never disappoints! This visit we ordered 12 tacos…read moretotal (al pastor and carne asada), along with two sides of rice and beans, avocado, and aguas frescas. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and came out hot. The tacos were generously filled, the tortillas were delicious, and the aguas frescas were refreshing. There was a small mix-up with our order at first. Our waitress accidentally thought we had only ordered six tacos instead of twelve, so we initially received six tacos, one side of rice and beans, and were still waiting on our drinks. When she came by and noticed one of us wasn't eating, she asked if we were waiting on anything. We explained that we were still supposed to receive six more tacos, another side of rice and beans, and our drinks. She apologized, brought our drinks over right away, and the rest of our food came out quickly. Even with the mix-up, everything was handled professionally, and we appreciated how quickly she fixed it. We originally sat outside, but decided to move inside because of the bugs. The inside of the restaurant was clean, comfortable, and had a welcoming atmosphere. Since it was the Fourth of July, it wasn't busy, which made for a relaxed dining experience. The salsa bar was being prepped, but our waitress gladly brought us fresh limes when we asked. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was friendly, and even though there was a small mistake with our order, it was corrected quickly without any issues. We'll definitely be back! Highly recommend Cali Spartan if you're looking for delicious tacos and great customer service.

    Photos
    You can watch your favorite sport!
    You can watch your favorite sport!
    Birria Tacos
    Birria Tacos
    3 crispy tacos

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    3 crispy tacos

    El Pirrin - mexican - Updated August 2026

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