My first time here and i'm sad I didn't find this place sooner. The ambiance, this place basically felt like you were eating at home. I felt super comfortable here and at first did not know what to order because all the food sounded good. The carne asada fries were sooooo good, fries stayed crispy, the meat was savory and the condiments topped off paired well. The garlic camarones was flavorful. The horchata was sweet! I also ordered tacos, again the meat was sooo savory and in the taco was juicy, easy to chew, and yummy! The food was great, workers were welcoming, and service was quick and tended to all mentioned allergies. Will definitely be coming back here! read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

I have to give them props for opening on a holiday night. I drove to multiple places, including fast food joints so I give them 10000000000000 brownie points. When I walked in and saw the menu in Spanish, I was immediately thankful for 3 years of Spanish but that thought immediately vanished due to my inability to say "no grilled onions" in espanol or even have any inking that there's grilled onions in a burrito. (I hate grilled onions.) I ordered my typical regular burrito con pastor. Two sliced limes and two red salsas came in a plastic baggy. I was tempted to walk back in to ask for verde salsa but resisted. Burrito came with light pico (thankfully), authentic Spanish rice, refried beans and pastor. Lots of meat! I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't pineapple but then disgusted of the grilled onions. Thankful for the lime as it gave a nice lift in flavor. Red salsa wasn't spicy. Lots of folks (especially of their origin which further reassured me of the authenticity) were dining in. More dining in than take out during this time. Lots of tables, chairs and booths to pick from. Quite a large and bright but spacious area. Very sketchy area especially at night. However, they have a private parking lot! :) Would I come back? Probably not (and definitely not out of my way) because to me, the burrito was just dense and lacked flavor. BUT if I needed a place to eat and everything was closed, I now know where to go...... read more

See all

El Grullo Restaurant is a nice sized restaurant that stays open fairly late until 11pm. The parking lot is decent. NOTE: CASH ONLY. They have an ATM in the corner. The ambiance of the restaurant is simple in decor. Open seating dining. Order with the cashier and they will bring your order to your table. Otherwise, there is no table service. Separate single user men and women's restrooms. *Taco ($3.75 ea) (3/5) - topped with onions, cilantro, & salsa. I ordered with Tripa, but I got Shredded Chicken instead when I opened my takeout. :( I went back into the restaurant and asked if this was "tripa" or chicken? She said, "oh that's chicken I don't have tripa, but I can make you another one with something else like carnitas, asada, etc." I said that's ok, and took it. *Agua Fresca Jamaica ( 4/5) - I ordered a Horchata, but she gave me Jamaica which was the wrong drink. But, I took it anyways because I'm easy-going. I like this flavor too and it helps with digestion. Food and prices are decent. The service was not that good tonight as she got my order all wrong. Maybe the think that irks me is I didn't like the fact that I was sitting there waiting for my order and she could have said they are out of tripa can they substitute something else? Which would have been fine. But to give me something wrong hoping I wouldn't notice. Hmmm...anyway... This doesn't deter me from returning as I'll come back and try some of their other food items. read more

See all

I came here with my mom today and I ordered 4 tacos and my mom got enchiladas. I also ordered a horchata which was very good. The service was also good. The hot sauce is on point and does not miss. I highly recommend this place. read more

See all

The best caldo de res that I've ever tasted, the meat portion is good and it's cooked to perfection. I've order it via DoorDash and still really good ...... this is the o my place I'll get my caldo from read more

THIS IS THE SPOT. I always order the Caldo de pollo, and the Pozole from here and both are always a 10/10. It's so hard to find a good place that serves hot soups like this in San Jose and trust me when I say this, THIS IS THE SPOT!!! I usually order door-dash and everything comes piping hot. read more

The BEST caldo de res I have tried. Better than my mom's lol, very flavorful, tender meat, well cooked vegetables and the broth is amazing! I always come here when I am in town since I now live in Los Angeles, ca. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Small caldo de res - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Forgot!!!!!! We also had chicken enchiladas! There were 3 nice sized enchiladas with a delicious red sauce and cheese. They were so moist and fresh that we could easily eat them with a fork! Delicious! I am so glad I tried this restaurant and by passed the negative comments. I was nervous but then so happy with the results and my food. We ordered chicken tacos, rice, beans, and chips and salsa. All of the food was so fresh and flavorful! The chicken was moist, tender, and very delicious. The beans and rice were full of flavor too. Many times the rice and beans at restaurants just lack flavor and are not even a positive addition to the meal. Not here, the rice and beans were so good we even used our chips to dip them in... we couldn't get enough! The salsas were also so yummy and just the right heat! I even asked for extra sauces, limes, onions and they read my note and delivered! They packed all the sauces and extra condiments neatly in little plastic bags!!!! Overall, we were so pleased with everything and so happy we have a yummy Mexican restaurant to order from when we want to stay home or go out! ! They gave plenty of food and we had enough for the next day! We will definitely be ordering again! Yum yum yum! Thank you El Grullo for the awesome food that was definitely made with care and pride! Makes a difference for sure! read more

Took forever to get out food , and the carne asada from a burrito was not good . It's like if it was refried . And it's exspensive. I'll pay whatever to eat good but this spot was my first time . Don't recommend it read more

I don't like leaving bad reviews but here we are. I'm super picky when it comes to breakfast burritos. I don't agree that they all taste delicious. So when I got a breakfast burrito from here, I was disappointed. First, they didn't offer bacon. I opted for asada, but the asada tasted reheated / not fresh. There wasn't much egg. They put rice in it, hardly any cheese and added raw onion / cilantro. I believe there was some beans as well. Overall it was a 3/10. The salsa they gave with it wasn't bad. There was another mini red salsa was different but had a weird after taste and last but not least, the chips were stale and not home made. I'll probably end up going back and trying other things, maybe it was just an off day read more

I ordered pozole and a burrito thru doordash and everything was packed up so well. The pozole didn't leak at all and it's a pretty good portion. It tastes so good and there's a good amount of meat in it. The carne asada burrito was good too, and large. I asked for no cilantro inside and they didn't put any in there so I was grateful. And the tortilla was really good. Overall I would definitely order again because of how good it all was. read more

See all

This spot is an all time ESSJ favorite. Nothing fancy or elaborate in terms of an upscale or trendy place, but rather a neighborhood past time taqueria. Family owned and operated, this place is cookin' up all the traditional Mexican cuisine classics. Ranging from Mexican Breakfast Plates all the way to the classic Mexican Seafood specialities -- everything has the homemade feel and look. During our most recent visit, I ordered the Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup) which came with a side of rice, tortillas, diced onions and cilantro. The mister ordered the Flautas which came with rice and beans. We also ordered one carne asada taco each just to refresh our memories of their infamous tacos. Everything came out the kitchen nice and hot -- and tasted delicious. The service was great and efficient. As always, love supporting local small businesses that actually put out excellent goods and services. read more

See all

I ordered a Posole for pick up and as soon as I ready to eat it I noticed they didn't give me a spoon! Cash only and the atm wouldn't accept my chip. Luckily she brought out the square device and allowed me to pay by card. read more

Cash only! They do have an ATM there but I didn't want to pay the fees. The only other thing was portions were smaller and the prices were higher than normal. Now on with the food. I'll be back here again. The cabeza burrito was delicious and the lengua and asada tacos were too. read more

The wife and I got really sick with the caldo de pollo and menudo we ordered. Nasty food never again.

HOLY WOW! This place is so good. Ive ordered here two times inna row lol everything I've ordered so far tasted fresh and authentic. I'm always so scared to order from small establishments but MOST of the time when I do, they are incredible. I literally got so much food and ate it all lol but today I had the pozole and it just hit the spot. I know when my friend makes it it's like sooo spicy lol which is good but this place is mild spice. Add your own spiciness. If the owner or the cooks are reading this then wow y'all are so amazingly talented with cooking because everything I've ordered so far has been amazingly delicious. Excited to try more dishes but Omgosh I'm on a diet lol but it's so good. I was afraid of going to the restroom after eating but the restroom experience for me lol was pleasant. Like at home lol it wasn't explosive it was nice I high recommend! read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Pozole - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Food is good, but it's a bit pricey. I think I calculated the street tacos to be like $4 each and $5 for a sope. I did takeout not sure what the indoor eating is like. read more

Really wanted to like this place, ordered from DoorDash and the order was correct but as you can see the avocado is old therefore brown. Sadly, I can't give this place more than a 3 right now. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Carne asada fries - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Clean location, staff were welcoming. Made a phone order, food was ready when I arrived at the restaurant. I ordered the carne asada super burrito without beans. Super flavorful and fresh! read more

Hi everyone, I recommend you not to eat the Cabeza Tacos, my friend had gotten sick just a few hours after (10:00pm) and they went to the doctors the next day. Unfortunately they contracted Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) from the food and now is in the hospital just for a few days. For everyone to know, this restaurant barely passes the Food Health Inspection with a score of 71!! That is low!!! read more

This is the only place I've ever ordered pozole from, it's great. HOWEVER, after ordering it atleast 10 times via DD, I can definitely say that they are stingy as heck with the condiments. They give you ONE 1oz chili oil that fills only a fifth of the cup and 90% is just oil not chili. And thee smallest amount of cabbage and onions. I had to write this review after they ignored my fourth request for an extra container of chili oil.. mind you I don't even order meat in my pozole. Like do better. Especially for returning customers. No sean codos! read more

Worst nachos I've ever had! Had like 3 small pieces of meat and charged me $17?! The tacos were super greasy. Burrito surprisingly had a decent amount of meat but wasn't very flavorful. Wouldn't order from here again! read more

I accidentally found this place after going to USPS next door for my first time. I wanted some food and this was the perfect place. I asked what was good and they said everything was good. I only tried three tacos. I ordered two fish and one carne asada and they were delicious. I got the Jamaican drink, too. I'd definitely come back to try other dishes. The service and people are very friendly. Restrooms were also clean :) read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Tacos - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Taco Tuesday's still exist in my book! Price: - $1.75/taco, - $6.00 tostadas de camaron - $15 coctel de cameron - $2.25 Jarrito Tina's Two Cents - Hidden between the gas station and post office! - Chips y salsa es gratis! And addicting - Lived in San Jose all my life and never tried this place until now - Friendly service, but you gotta know what you want - Flavorful and delicious tacos! - Cocktail is a meal in itself, it's freaking huge - Cash is king! read more

See all

The food is good. I recommend the pozole with corn tortillas. The super chorizo and egg burrito is also delicious.

My family and I stopped here on a whim for my dad's birthday in the middle of the week around 5:30p. The place was mostly empty but clean and inviting. Our drink orders were taken promptly upon seating. Once we ordered our food, everything came out super fast. I ordered the combo plate with a carne asada taco, chicken enchilada, and chile relleno. Each item was super good and had its own distinct flavor. My daughters ordered tacos and split carne asada fries. My parents both ordered a torta de lengua, and my husband got the wet burrito with carne asada. The wet burrito was large and full of meat. Everyone finished their plates, and we left satisfied. The salsa and sauces aren't very spicy, which was fine for the kids but not for those who wanted some heat. Overall, this is straightforward good Mexican food. We'll be back to try some other dishes. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Combo plate with a chile relleno, chicken enchilada, and carne asada taco - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

This place is amazing!!! I always get super burrito de camarón with a side of onions y chiles cocinos. The burrito is PACKED with shrimp and it's always super hot when I order it from DoorDash! 10/10 read more

See all

pozole: really comforting. pork was extremely tender and broth was flavorful. the cabbage, radish, and lime garnishes were fresh tacos: so yummy! definitely order more than 2. asada was soo well seasoned and the pollo was tender. and for such a great price. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - tacos: asada and pollo - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

For as long as I've lived on the East side, I can't count how many times I've drove past this place telling myself that I'll try it sometime. Well, I actually found the time to do so, and I'm so glad I did! On a drizzly day like yesterday, their pozole brightened it up. It was packed full of so much flavor, and they definitely were not shy with the hominy. My friend loved the menudo she got. It was rich and hearty. This is probably my new favorite Mexican restaurant now, so I'll definitely be back! read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Pozole - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Ordered cheese salsa Verde Enchiladas. No beans, double portion of rice. Very good flavor Place is so clean, & friendly staff. My husband got the carnitas burrito, it was ok. He will try the asada next time. read more

First time. From SoCal and treated with home cooked Mexican food and this was amazing. - sopes - we had them at other places but the sope was super flavorful and topped with thick meat, and toppings. You will not get more "bread" than meat and goodies. *recommend - posole - holy crap I'm not gonna explain on this I'm just getting more. Meat peels off, huge portion, broth is addicting. Yes to this 100% - comes with cabbage, radish and onions to put in soup. - we got a breakfast burrito for tomorrow morning because we all know that it'll be amazing in morning if you heat it right. - wet carnitas burrito. Soft and delish but we are saving for midnight snack and tomorrow. You gonna say "tell me this ain't good..." read more

this place was bomb! authentic food and very friendly staff. food was flavorful and filling. also, very well priced. i ordered 2 sopes, and i got a side of rice that i wasn't able to finish. glad i got to experience some good food while on the coast! read more

El Grullo Restaurant - sope - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Came for lunch on a Tuesday. Amicable staff, decent flow of customers, great ambience with music low enough inside you don't have to yell across the table. Enchiladas were fried with cheese and chicken legs on the side, was interesting way to serve enchiladas but the chicken was moist and flavor was good. Clean establishment with fairly limited parking in the front. This is a cash only business with an atm inside. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Picked up some Mexican food for dinner. It also happened to by Taco Tuesday but unfortunately I didn't see any specific taco Tuesday specials. It was actually pretty busy for a weekday evening. Lots of people came in and out to pickup some Mexican food. I got three tacos - lengua, asada and pastor. The lengua costs a little but more than all the other meats. But they had about 7-8 different proteins from what I could see. It was about $3 per taco. I definitely like the lengua the best too. It had good flavor and wasn't too spicy. The pork and beef were a b0oth spicy. I asked r everything on all the tacos and as far as I could tell - it was basically just onions and cilantro - so street style. They also loaded us u with a few containers of red salsa and a bunch of limes. My bf, the big eater he was, ordered a chorizo taco, a pastor taco and the tamale plate. The tamale plate came with two tamales - he opted for one chicken and one pork, as well as rice and beans. It was a pretty big meal. I tried the tamales and they were pretty average but still good. This place seems pretty popular and we enjoyed the food so I would try it again. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Tacos and tamales - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

My go to place for Mexican food. Price is right for the burrito and tacos. Can't go wrong with those!

Decided to try this place based on yelp reviews however very disappointed and felt being cheated Ordered menudo for pick up at 6 pm weekday I should have open and check. When got home there were couple of pieces of menudo and big giant bone. This is nt how you do business. If you are out of food just tell the customer. Paid $18.56 for nothing read more

Ordered 3 super burritos for takeout. Only received 1 burrito in the bag and had to go back to get the other 2. Then after they made the other 2, they were just beans and rice. If you order from here, make sure to open your burritos otherwise you won't get what you paid for. read more

Came in to get a burrito on my lunch break meat was super good no fat inside of it salsa and chips perfect match 10/10 read more

El Grullo Restaurant - Meat super delicious salsa was perfect!!! - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

Horrible! Horrible! Is there a health inspector on Yelp? We came here bc we were craving tacos. At first, I was hesitant about eating here bc it looked dirty. Then again, you can't judge the book by its cover right? I've had amazing food at holes in the wall places, so maybe this is the same? I got two carne asada and one tongue and a horchata. As I was finishing up my tacos, I noticed small red bugs? Baby spiders perhaps? Under the tortilla. I was mortified! How is it possible that this place received so many good reviews? Are people drunk when they come in here to sober up? I left. Didn't bother finishing my food. In fact, I threw up a little in the parking lot. Careful when you're crunching on your food, it's not what you think it is. If you must eat here for whatever reason, look at your food carefully before diving in. read more

El Grullo Restaurant - $1.75 per, $2 for tongue. - Fast Food Near Me - San Jose, California

This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Jose. I personally like this location better than the King rd & Jackson rd location. The food just tastes better here and the workers are so welcoming and nice. I use to come here when I was little with my Dad, and now I bring all my friends here and they love it. I personally like their caldo de res and chicken tacos. read more

See all