IMHO I don't know how long this restaurant has been in the neighborhood, but it was my first time dining here, recommended by our friends. It is located on Jackson near Alum Rock. There is a dedicated parking lot in the back. Both sets of doors, front and back were open to allow a nice breeze on this warm evening. We chose a cozy booth for four, which was just a tad too cozy. There are other seating options, but the tables are still on the "cozy" side. Our friendly hostess gave us brightly colored menus, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees. Many of the combination plates offered more food than what I wanted, so I asked if I could just order one carnitas taco and one cheese enchilada with the rice/beans/salad. Happily, she said of course! Everyone else ordered full sized combo plates featuring chili rellenos, beef enchiladas, tacos of choice, etc. My friend loves their homemade tortilla chips, thick and crunchy, served with a delicious salsa. Everyone enjoyed their food. I would've liked my refried beans to have just a tad more flavor (or butter) for a more savory taste but overall, it was a good meal. I loved our interaction with our hostess (maybe owner?), who made us feel welcome and helped us learn Spanish phrases! Will we return? Definitely! read more

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8pm and I was craving Caldo de Res, went here with hubby and I was BLOWN away with how delicious it was! It was soo flavorful, lots of meat, veggies nice and tender and the corn tortillas are homemade. BEST caldo de res I've had. Hubby had the carne asada fries and he said they were very good as well. Our new go to for Caldo.We left very happy read more

Came to have a quick dinner with my family after having a long day and I ended up getting 2 asada tacos which were not the best! The meat was really tender and salty. We also ordered a bowl of 7 Mares and the broth had bubbles that tastes watered down. Now I wish I could have taken more pictures but unfortunately we were all hungry that we didn't get the chance to take a before picture. Now lastly my mother in law ordered a plate that had 2 different kind of shrimp and breaded fish which after trying she said it tasted raw. I took a glimpse and sure enough the fish didn't look fully cooked. We paid our tabs and still left a tip since our waiter was friendly but we sure won't be here ever again. read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Trio seafood plate - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

It was lonely the day that I visited but they treated us super kindly and welcomed us inside :). I loved the decorations they had on the walls and the place overall! The food was pretty tasty too. I got a plate with: * Beans 9.5/10 * Rice 9/10 * Chilaquiles 8/10 * Eggs 10/10 can't go wrong with eggsss * Horchata 9/10 * Strawberry smoothie 8/10 it tasted a lot like a cinnamon cookie I'll be back for their lunch/dinner items but I definitely recommend for brunch! read more

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Been coming to eat here for over 25 years and the food is always tasty, place is clean and staff (waitresses) are super nice and attentive! Breakfast, lunch or dinner, everything is great. Try their liquados (strawberry is my favorite) - they're to die for and always hit the spot. My kids now love coming here too. And if youre lucky the fruta lady will be right outside for some after dinner fruta or raspados! Gotta love the Eastside! Provecho! read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Barbacoa and Pozole! - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

The food the service and the price I just went there they charge 3.75 for small ass tacos I ordered two orders one carnitas that one came with limes and salsa and the second was carne asada and she didn't put any of that in this order it was hot in there not comfortable to eat she was rude and very judgmental read more

Went in with no big expectations and left feeling really pleased. The staff had a calm, friendly way about them that made the whole thing feel easygoing. They didn't rush me at all and were helpful when I had a few questions. There's a kind of quiet confidence to the way they run things. The food was really tasty in that way where you take the first bite and know its going to be a good meal. It wasn't heavy or greasy, just nicely balanced. The freshness of the ingredients was obvious, especially in the way things were cooked. Nothing felt like it had been sitting around. Everything had a nice texture too, nothing overcooked or too soft. It all came together really well on the plate. The place felt welcoming without being overly polished. Just a good honest place with good honest food. I'd be happy to go back whenever. read more

Food was amazing! I ordered DoorDash for delivery one time. Then ordered again a few days later for pick up. Only took away a star because customer service is everything and staff needs to maybe remember that. read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Burrito especial. Very tasty but I was given more than one tiny sauce - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

Muy mal servicio, los chips súper quemados y todavía me dicen que están dorados ‍ Pónganse lentes ‍ Todo muy caro y la comida súper asquerosa Nunca jamás iré ahí read more

Menudo sabe a que no lavaron bien la carne huele demasiado feo. O se echó a perder uno de los dos. La señora Guadalupe muy mala onda, Me moria del hambre, y el menudo fue algo que no pude tener ni cercas por el olor y quería cambiarlo, pero ella se llevó el plato y me dijo que no podía cambiármelo ni regresarme reembolso. Me quedé con hambre con enojo.. me fui de ahí con hambre, antojo de un buen menudo y estafada. No vayan la señora Guadalupe. Sólo les va a hacer pasar un mal tiempo. read more

Order the 4 tacos de carne asada and you won't be disappointed. 4 tacos sounds like a lot of food, but the tacos are small but packed with carne. I always order the tacos con todo (with everything). Not hot until you put the salsa on it, which comes in a small container. A squeeze of lemon and your in heaven. 4 tacos will satisfy your appetite but not feel to heavy afterwards. read more

I've been coming here since I was in elementary school and it never disappoints! I've never had a bad experience the food is always finger licking good I get a carne asada almost every time! The staff are super fast and well mannered even when the place is crazy busy. Definitely worth trying out. read more

I love the super shrimp burritos here! Their food is authentic Mexican food! And they have options for vegetarian people too!

I got the asada torta. It was just okay. The bun wasn't toasted. It was lukewarm. And the meat wasn't heated on the grill. The quantity of meat was small for the price. They do have many different choices though and they were very nice. Maybe it's just Covid times. , I'll give them another chance. read more

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The Chile verde burrito Is Super good when I walked in I thought it would be like other ones this is real Chile verde I love the soft tortilla stop by and try it! read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Chile verde - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

My parents, God rest their sweet souls, used to run a restaurant here called Sam's Burger Bar. I was the kid who used to hide in the storage areas under the cashier stations while my mom worked long days 7-days a week to support our family. They opened it in 1975 and retired in 1995, when they sold the equipment to the people who would open a Mexican restaurant. It has remained a Mexican restaurant now for longer than my parents had it, hard to believe how time flies. Not sure if the ownership has stayed the same. I live on the East Coast now but recently visited the restaurant on a recent trip to San Jose. I was amazed by how much has stayed the same. The patron booths that were there when I was a kid are still there, as are the brown partition glass. The order counters are still there, as is the fridge, but gone is the ice machine, soft serve machine and the potatoe cutter my dad used to hand cut fries. For the record, nobody was hand cutting fries in those days and now all premium burger joint do. But you probably came here for a review about El Grullo. I just can't help myself feeling nostalgic and misty eyed remembering Sam's Burger Bar, with its Fred Flintstone machine that would serve you a plastic egg with a cheap toy for .25 cents. It was my childhood. The patrons were a big part of the experience, they would come to 'buy 'enjoy by the bag full", getting 5 hamburgers for just around $3.00. Customers adored my parents and loved their food. On the last week before they closed the business my parents would let patrons in the back so they could take pics with them. Ok, so I didn't just want to linger at El Grullo though I wasn't that hungry. I considered the pezole, but the serving was large, so I got a couple of tacos. The meat wasn't terrible but definitely not fresh either. I wondered how long it was sitting around or even whether it was a day old. It was definitely edible but if I lived nearby, it might not be my go to taco joint, though I'd definitely go there for sentimental reasons. I know this is not the most orthodox of reviews but maybe next time you visit, you'll appreciate knowing a bit more about its history. read more

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Stopped in since I had to go to the restroom, just being honest. I was happy to find it very clean. Menu was very varied. A little on the pricier side for a taqueria, however, very delish. Ordered a corn quesadilla of which the tortilla was hand made, cheese perfectly melted and the carnitas were well flavored. Salsa was on point. Will return. read more

The restaurant looks clean but the meseras are soo rude. Theres a tall one central american and the other one that thinks shes the only one that speaks English. They have no customer service vibe, they basically through you the things(the menu and plates) . I been here three times to give it a try maybe they were having such a day but no they are plain rude. There food is ok never busy . read more

This is the best breakfast burrito ive had in all of san jose Im in heaven. and its huge! enjoyed it as Mexico won gold in Men's soccer! what a mix. it was a very quiet Sat, no one else there, I guess they were all transfixed to their TVs. read more

El Grullo Restaurante - A masterpiece breakfast burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

What to do with headaches from weekend fun but wanting to experience a low-key NYE? Have a nice burrito dinner, of course! We picked this place due to its 4.5 star rating and location in east San Jose. The interior of this small restaurant was slightly grungy looking, but I attributed it to a possible hole-in-the-wall treasure archetype like Dia de Pesca. Don't be fooled by the taqueria-style line-up-and-order; the lady behind the counter asked us to seat ourselves before handing us the menus. What the menus lacked in words were made up for in pictures. For burrito afficionados, regular burritos are $5, super burritos are $6, and regular burritos with side of rice and beans are $7. Regular burritos only have meat, beans and rice. I ordered the super burrito with carne asada, wet style. I wasn't sure if she understood me, because she was soft-spoken and intentionally slurred her English due to lack of confidence in the language. My boyfriend ordered a super burrito as well, but with shrimp. We also ordered medium horchatas. The burritos came wet, thank heavens. My inner pig was pleased that the burritos were almost a foot long, measuring from one length of the oblong plate to the other end; it was not pleased, however, to find what looked like ground beef spilling out of the burrito when sliced. Either they were ground beef or finely chopped carne asada (I really do not understand the point of the latter). I withheld my opinion until I took a bite. Since I really do not prefer my burritos to be filled with chopped tire bits, I didn't finish the entire burrito. I do not understand a previous Yelper's raves about the unique carne asada burrito. During our dinner, they turned on the fan. Mind you, it is below 40 degrees outside and now you turn on a fan? I politely asked the waitress to please turn off the fan. They might have been trying to keep the kitchen cool, but it is poor plumbing to connect it to where the clientele sit. Though my boyfriend finished his entire burrito and would rate this place four stars, I am the one writing this review. Based on the rubbery and almost curry-like taste of the carne asada (I cannot stand curry) as well as a regular 8 oz. glass of horchata for $2.75, I would have to say this place deserves 3 stars at most. The only good parts were big portions and nice waitress. I might come here to try the breakfast burrito per previous raves, but I'm not a morning person. read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Super burrito with carne asada, red sauce, wet. $6. - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

So I got the asada torta. It was room tempreture and the bun and meat wasn't warm or hot. The service is great. Also there weren't a lot of things that were there probably because of covid. The menu has soooo many other things, so maybe this is the only ok one. If this is how it would be after covid then this would be a 3 star. But I would defenetly come again after covid. read more

This place serves great burritos and caldo de res! They also have good salasa which is very important to me when i eat at a mexican restaurant. Love this place!! read more

This place is ridiculous expensive.... They charge a large amount for beans and rice to get a combo. which is cheap to make ...... It's ok.... Not that good either...... Don't go overpriced! read more

I always come here after work. Great burritos! Their meat is great quality! Service is good. I like their green salsa. This is my go to taqueria . read more

This restaurant has been here for years. Just recently a new management/staff has taken over and unfortunately the food isn't as good as it used to be. I realized this when I went there a few months ago to get a carne asada burrito, what I usually get from there and saw a new staff and cook. That already made me weary but I still ordered. Not only did they not get my order right, but the burrito was also very greasy and the meat didn't taste fresh. Fast forward to last night, I decided to give it one more chance. I ordered enchiladas and sat to eat in the restaurant. The service wasn't inviting. My waitress seemed as though as she was avoiding to give me eye contact every time she walked past as if she was guilty of doing something. She didn't once ask me how I was doing like the other staff prior to her would. On top of that, this morning I woke up with a bad stomach ache, and I ended up throwing up. Their food definitely didn't sit right with me. And I am sure that it was from the chicken in the enchiladas that upset my stomach. I would advise for you to not waste your money there if you're looking for good Mexican food! read more

Came here on a Sunday around Noon. Ordered Huevos Rancheros - it comes with homemade tortillas. The only bad thing - one the Huevos Rancheros plate they use store bought tortillas. Horchata and Jamaica was delicious read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Huevos Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

This is my favorite place to go for the barbecoa other then home!! The workers are all polite and care about how your meal is the waitress never failed to check in with us and made us feel very welcomed... I havent tried anything else but the barbecoa is the BOOMBB I'd suggest it to ALL!!! read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Barbecoa with beans and rice.. DELICIOUS!!! - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

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Worst shrimp burrito I ever had it was smothered in extra cocktail sauce . Your not even supposed to have cocktail sauce in a burrito ! Would not refund only substitute with shrimp taco Bt with none of the extra avacdo and sour cream origanlly paid far. Bad service read more

Stopped in after 25 years and noticed the Hamburger place was gone and this Mexican food as here. The place was clean and service was good, the only problem the meat used was tasted pre-made and dried, not fresh cut and cook on the spot. It taste like yesterdays left overs. read more

I had the Al Pastor Burrito with no beans. The first couple of bites was extremely flavorful but you can really tell that they packed a lot of sodium into the burrito. The Al Pastor is very good itself but the rice got seasoned with so much salt that it makes you beg for water. As I got towards the end of my burrito, I was out of water and I had to open my juice box to quench my thirst. I couldn't finish my burrito due to the saltiness of the burrito. Sorry El Grullo. I wanted to like you. 2 Stars. read more

It's that stand alone restaurant in a slightly shady-looking plaza you've always passed by for years since you were a kid, but never really stopped by to check it out until now because you're hungry and want Mexican food right this second. The parking lot looks like it would be scary at night. Good thing that the inside of the restaurant is like any other homey, slightly worn out Mexican taqueria with attentive employees and items on the menu that you wouldn't find at other Mexican "taquerias" (like seafood soup!). The cheese quesadilla was plain but just how I liked it. The lady forgot to give me a side of sour cream so as we were driving off, she ran after to us to make sure we brought it home. How nice! The carne asada super burrito was juicy and soft. It was flavorful. read more

inexpensive and open late. they have a taco truck outside, which seems kinda redundant. the tacos are only $1, but they are pretty small. i would skip em. the burritos are $4, with rice and beans on the side it's $7. we got carne asada fries. they were tasty and loaded with meat and avocado, but the fries themselves were the frozen crinkle cut kind. if they were homemade, they would be infinitely better. $6. they have about 6 kinds of beer. lots of tables inside. the chicken served on the taco and in the burrito is tender, in a red sauce. the burrito is pretty full of meat. also rice. not really anything else, which is fine. I believe they close at midnight. read more

El Grullo Restaurante - carne asada fries - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

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GREAT price for awsome food and beautiful interior. $1.40 regular tacos $3 Large Massive sized Horchata $2 or $3 side of rice and bean * Salsa and chips are eh, but the guac and avacado slices are great. ** Also, They might have the most beautiful bathroom I have ever seen in a resurant. Ever! ****Please dont be scared by the homeless people hanging around the bar, XXX video joint, or the AA building. read more

I enjoy there enchiladas menudo and tacos cabeza on homemade corn tortillas. family owned family oriented I enjoy visiting with my son here we enjoy their Chile Verde plate read more

been coming here for years, my family and self love this authentic mexican food restaurant, for breakfast i recommend the huevos mexicanos and the coffee, they make tortillas recién echas OMG so good read more

This little gem in the heart is San Jose! Family owned and operated. Extremely clean restaurant and the ambiance is very good! Ingredients are fresh. The chile relleno is to die for! Corn tortillas too home made for sure! Chips and salsa are ON POINT. Lets not forget the absolutely thirst quenching chavelas too! Not made from a can folks. It's like coming home! read more

El Grullo Restaurante - Chavela heaven - Mexican Near Me - San Jose, California

Giving two stars because i only tried the tacos and they weren't so good. haven't really tried anything else. The meat was kind of bland not really flavorful at all. The table was dirty and it wasn't really busy. Food came out quick. Defiantly had better. read more

Waited almost 10 minutes no menu no acknowledgement waitresses walked by my table repeatedly: gave up. My lunch hour is too short to waste my time. read more

This place is so good. I've gotten their chile verde, chile rellenos, carnitas super burrito (ask for it crispy), and chile relleno burrito. Awesome burritos and great little sit down restaurant read more

It's my guilty little pleasure taqueria. They are great for cheap tacos and huge burritos. The staff is always nice and friendly and it's genuine. Tip: order the salsa on the side that way you can add it at your leisure. It's a little greasy, but the carne is delicious with aguacate, cilantro, and lime. Mmmmm.... read more