Best in town!!! Best falafel + Best customer service = Best friends for life! Their falafels are always made to perfection, and you can really tell they love what they serve & everyone who stops by. read more

Tried the Babaganoush, Gyro sandwich and Falafel sandwich. Very good Babaganoush. Could taste the eggplant; creamy. The eggplant flavor was not too overwhelming and went well with the soft pita bread. Topped with spicy chili jelly which added another layer of spicy to the dish. The meat on the gyro was also not overly spiced. Came with tomato slices and lettuce with mild tahini dressing. Small size is pretty filling. All stuffed in soft pita. The large Falafel sandwich was huge and full of falafel with lettuce and tomatoes. The falafel was good but would like it with a little more seasoning. Also tried the Koubby which was ground meat coated in wheat and fried. Texture is more on the dry side. The main flavor was onion with hint of cumin. Very reasonable price for the serving size and taste. There's outdoor seating in front and side of the building. Order and pick up at the windows read more

See all

I ordered three large falafels and told the guy taking orders No HOT SAUCE and all of them had HOT SAUCE and they even gave me extra HOT SAUCE I had to throw all of away !! What a waste of money Why did they not listen ???? I'm done with Falafel Drive In and I have been going there for 20 years read more

Falafel Drive-In in San Jose is a historic staple, so I appreciate its place in the local community, but I honestly don't fully understand why it is so popular. The indoor/outdoor seating is enjoyable, and they offer average prices for this type of food, though it is an order at the counter place. My meal was a bit of a mixed bag. The falafel was good, though a little dry and needed sauce to balance it out. My gyro was super messy, overly smothered, and ultimately lacked a flavorful punch. The pita chips were, let's say, robust and not at all delicate and crinkly. And I was disappointed by the mango lassi, as it was simply store-bought rather than freshly made. But if you are looking for a classic spot with a historic vibe and nice outdoor seating, it is worth trying, but the food didn't quite live up to the hype for me. read more

See all

Falafel's Drive-In has been in business since 1966 and have a fiercely loyal customer base that swear they make the best falafels ever. I had tried their gyro pita, falafels and banana shake in the months after the peak of the Covid pandemic as a DoorDash delivery. I was pretty underwhelmed at the time, but told myself that I should try it freshly made at the restaurant to give them a fair shake. I finally stopped by to check them out yesterday. It certainly feels like a drive-in restaurant with the five or so parking spots out front and menus posted above the windows facing the street. There are a few tables and benches for customers. One of the owners from the Nijmeh family patiently and politely took my order. I ordered the gyro pita, four falafel and a banana shake. It didn't take long to come out, just taking about five minutes. The falafel was slightly better in person than when I had it delivered due to the warmness. The same herb-heavy green inside the crispy fried ground chickpeas. It was tasty but does it stand out from the ones at Falafel Stop in Cupertino? No, not in my opinion. Falafel Stop has some fantastic falafel, slightly smaller and more savory. The banana shake was a slight improvement as well. I could taste the texture of banana this time and it was a bit thicker. The flavor was alright, although caramelizing the banana might help make the flavor more complex. Unfortunately, the gyro pita was really similar to how I remembered the delivered one. A thin and fragile pita barely holding lettuce and tomatoes drenched in sauce, with unwieldy blocks of gyro meat rather than gyro thinly shaved from a vertical spit. In two bites, the whole thing was coming apart in a complete mess. The flavor was rather ordinary as well. I can appreciate the long history and tradition of a local family-run restaurant. But I don't know if I've ever known of a more overhyped restaurant in my life. For me, the food didn't come close to earning the extreme adulation on social media and gushing reviews. There's a similar cognitive dissonance when it comes to Stan's Donuts. To some this would be considered sacrilege. And to this I say: merit and objectivity should take precedence over sentimental nostalgia. read more

See all

I like the outdoor/indoor seating and the food was quick to order. Wish I tried out more items. The banana shake is super yummy, refreshing on a hot day. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Large Falafel Sandwich with a Banana Shake Large Gyros in a Pita - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

Seen this place on several socials a few times and everyone says you need to try their banana shake and falafel here. Since we were in the area we stopped by to see what the hype is all about. I will say the banana shake is very good and the falafel balls are tasty and very crispy. However, their chicken pita was a bit disappointing as the chicken was cold and the flavor was pretty bland even after adding sauces. They have good customer service and the food comes out fairly fast. Will be back for more shakes and falafels. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Banana shake .....yummy! - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

This spot is legendary! You can't claim to be from San Jo if you've never had falafel drive-in period point blank! Falafel Drive-In is hands down the best falafel in the area. The falafel is always perfectly crisp on the outside, fresh and flavorful on the inside, and they stuff the pita with it to the brim! No cheapo ish here! And their fries deserve their own s/o, they're crispy and taste like potato not the fry oil (like places where the fries taste like bitter old oil or stale) You can really taste the difference when food is made properly like it is here! Everything tastes like it was made right when you ordered it. An absolute San Jose classic read more

Haven't been here for awhile and decided to come back for their famous falafel. This place was in the Diner's, Drive-in and Dive Food Network show many years ago. It's really cool that they have all the drawings on the wall by the seating area. Their falafel is very good - crispy outside and dense inside. The Falafel pita sandwich is stuffed with falafel, lettuce and tomatoes. Their tahini sauce unfortunately is very thin, watery and not much tahini taste. I don't recall it's so runny before. It is very diluted and that's disappointing. Service is fast. The gentlemen at the windows are friendly and helpful. Note that they charge 3% credit card fee. Parking lot is small and you may need to park on the street. read more

See all

Over the years, I've driven past Falafel's Drive-in many times, but never stopping in because I was either heading to or had just finished another meal. Today, we made it a point to stop by on our way to Morgan Hill. Yes, slightly out of the way, but close enough. We arrived shortly after opening. This is more of a walk-up venue with plenty of shaded outdoor seating than it is a "drive-in". What's lacking is abundant parking. I think their lot could accommodate no more than five vehicles, one being a handicapped space. I can only imagine what kind of zoo long lines of people waiting to order and cars looking for a parking space could manifest. The menu is simple and we both opted for the Large Falafel Sandwich & Banana Shake for $14 per person. The shakes were delish and full of banana flavor. Well blended because we didn't have to struggle to get banana through the straws! The Falafel Sandwiches were good, but could have been even better with riper tomatoes, shredded lettuce instead of chopped and a thicker tahini sauce. The Falafels themselves were very good. Definitely worth a visit. We recommend going right when they open at 10am to avoid crowds. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Large Falafel Sandwich - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Orange freeze: needs more orange flavor. 3/5 The hot sauce portion seems to be getting smaller -- this last visit, I got a large falafel sandwich, extra hot sauce, and ran out before the sandwich was done. I resorted to licking hot sauce residue out of the empty container and off the sandwich paper, like a dog. Falafel sandwich's still fire tho! read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Gyros in Pita. Do not recommend. - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

I think this is probably the best falafel restaurant I have ever tried in my whole life. Too much meat in the sandwich! The eggplant is not good, I cannot like that one. read more

See all

Always my favorite spot! Eat there or take away.. either works! Falafel sandwich w/ a side of hummus and babaganoush - and sometimes a side of fries. Just a great combination of flavors! Be sure to get the hot sauce, if you like hot... it goes well with the sandwich! This place is always busy but very efficient... order go in and out so fast! They have some indoor seating and a large outside seating area. Parking can be challenging, but like I said people go in and out of this place so just be patient. Would I go back? Always :) read more

Solid spot for falafels and a banana milkshake! Wanted to change it up this time and try their gyros which was pretty good, although cubed meat and I preferred shaved. The French fries were okay, nothing special. The area is very low key, outdoor dining (small space inside), decent bathrooms and parking spots in the front and the back. Not my first time here and won't be the last. read more

Anytime I'm in the San Jose area, this is a must visit spot. I've been going to this spot for 10+ years now and was recommended from a friend who lived in San Jose. The two items you must get is one of their falafel sandwiches and their chocolate banana shake. A major plus I just found out is they do online orders now which skips any wait times and I would totally recommend doing this. read more

See all

This place has been on my wish list for a while. I can't believe it's taken me so long since I'm nearby. It's famous from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It has a time tested menu which is simple. Walk up window service. We tried the Koubby, hamburger and fries just to keep it real. There's seating inside and out. Very simple and old school. We thought it might be super crowded and there were people dining outside and they have a healthy takeout business but it is manageable. The nearby neighborhood is cute, too. The Koubby is basically a meat falafel but huge. They pair it with 2 kinds of sauces. I liked the white sauce. The other looked spicy so I skipped it. We liked our meal so much we went back and got the famous banana shake. They use real bananas and it's very thick and creamy! read more

See all

This place is a no frills spot with great food. When you pull up, you'll notice that it looks old school. You walk up to the counter, order your food, and pick it up when your number gets called. You can either sit outside or take it home. In any case, you'll find people snacking away on all the good stuff. I found some of the best falafels I've ever had here. Stop waiting! Get there and order already! read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

I came here on a weekday night to grab dinner to go and it's such a fun, local spot with a very friendly vibe. It's sort of a half indoor, half outdoor dining area which is so unique and I love. The menu has good variety and the prices are very affordable. I ended up getting the chicken pita with a side of onion rings and it was fantastic. The chicken was moist and plentiful and the onion rings were so good. Very crispy and light and not oily at all. Onion inside was perfectly tender too. Pairs well with the spicy red sauce they have which has a small kick but is overall savory and a little sweet. Also their banana shake is so good! I had a sip of it to try from another member of my party who ordered it and it was not artificial tasting at all. Very pleasant banana flavor and not too thick in texture! Friendly service and affordable prices, I will definitely be back! read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Menu Feb 2026 - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

I forgot how good this place is. This has been here since 1966 and they have a beautiful mural on the inside. It's across the freeway from the Valley Fair Mall and has a huge retro sign in front that is lit at night. There are a few spots in the front a lot more parking in the back lot. We ordered: -Daily Special (Large Falafel with a Fresh Banana Shake): Falafel was so fresh, flavorful, and came with a couple extra sauces. The banana shake has real bananas in it and you can taste the quality. -Fish Sandwich: this was okay but a good option for Lent. I asked for light mayo. -Dolmas: SO GOOD. I love dolmas, but theirs was so fresh, soft, and came out warm. It comes in orders of 7 pieces. There is mostly outdoor seating with heat lamps on the ceiling and there are a few indoor tables. You order at the window and they give you a ticket. You can see them making everything fresh. Tips: -This place was also featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the food network before. -There are a couple restrooms in the back. Definitely worth a stop! read more

See all

If there's one thing you've got to get here, it's the gyro sandwich! Seriously the softest & most flavorful gyro I've ever had. I honestly liked it more than the popular falafel sandwich, which was also really good! The hummus here is also a must; it goes with everything. I'd pass on the burger and burrito though. Very quick & convenient spot. We ordered a ton and everything came out within 10 minutes. There is seating outside but easily can take the food to-go. There's a beautiful mural outside! So intricate and fun to look at while eating. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - spread - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

Another one got through! And when I say another one, I mean a place I've been going to for over 20 years that I somehow never reviewed. I moved away from the area some time ago, so I haven't had the chance to come here nearly as often as I used to. Happy to report that aside from the higher prices and the slightly smaller banana shake, everything else remains exactly the same. Still one of my favorite family-owned San Jose staples. Consistency like that over two decades is hard to find. BB read more

We decided to give Falafel's Drive-In a try and despite being a filling meal, it wasn't the best that I've had. I got the Falafel Sandwich and a side of onion rings. Everything is packed into the pita and it can get quite messy. It was a good amount of food and the price was affordable, but the flavors felt a bit subpar compared to other Mediterranean spots that I frequent. The falafels also weren't as tasty as I expected. The onion rings were good and satisfied my cravings for it. I wouldn't mind giving them another try, but they wouldn't be on the top of my list when I'm thinking of Mediterranean food. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Falafel Sandwich - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

My cousin came to visit me and this was a MUST STOP before I dropped her off at SJC airport. This drive-in has been serving San Jose's best Middle Eastern Mediterranean food since 1966 and has been featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive Inns and Dives. The special- falafel sandwich and banana milkshake is a steal. Ask for extra hot sauce and don't miss the hummus! Huge portions and everything is authentic and as good as it gets! Note- outdoor seating only. read more

See all

Haven't been here in a long time so we decided to pay them a visit. I always have to have the banana shake! I paired it with a large Gyro and it hit the spot! My wife wanted a gyro and a side of pita chips and hummus! The owner graciously offered her a small side so we didn't have to purchase a whole container. Onion rings were crispy, Pita and hummus was delicious and the gyro called it all off! I'll make sure we don't go too long before the next time we come around. Watch for the birds! They can ruin your whole meal. read more

See all

I remember this place from when I went in high school so literally it's been decades lol I remember not really loving it but I did go when it was a summer hot afternoon so maybe the heat and greasy food got to me. This time around I got the small gyro, two falafel balls and a banana shake for $16.99. The gyro was ok, the filling fell out of its casing and the meat quality and cubes weren't the best. It tasted cold. The falafel balls for $0.50 a piece were small but actually quite tasty. I think I like the falafel on its own more then I like it in a sandwich but it retains to crispness. The banana shake was also better than I had remembered! Sweet but not overly. My biggest gripe was sitting outside there were so many fat pigeons flying in and out of the tent area, standing on the tables etc and it didn't feel very sanitary eating there. The old men who took the orders were nice he even called me mamacita lol the food comes out fast like right after you pay. read more

tl;dr The main special, which includes a large falafel sandwich and banana shake, is the best bang for your buck at $14. On busier days, you may have some difficulty finding seating and parking. If you enjoy crispy falafel sandwiches, Falafel's Drive-In is a must try for you! The pita sandwich is filled with lettuce, a few chopped tomatoes, and plenty of falafel. The banana smoothie that comes with the main special is also popular, but it can be quite thick and hard to drink through a standard straw. If you're looking for an easy to grab quick meal with a fun drink, check out Falafel's Drive-in. read more

Come here for the banana milkshakes! I don't what they do to make it so yummy but simply put this is the best! Fresh bananas in a creamy yummy drink! If you're trying this place for the first time and don't know where to start, grab the falafel and banana milkshakes deal! You save a couple bucks and get to try the best of what they have to offer. The hubby always gets the gyro sandwich and it's packed with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and thick cuts of proteins! Now that the weather is brightening up, make sure to stop by! read more

Parking can be challenging despite a parking lot available, so be prepared to wait. Once you place your order things move quite quickly. There is limited inside tables that are pigeon free or you can sit outside & be amongst a flock of eagerly hungry pigeons ready to eat any food that falls to the ground. Orders: Gyros Sandwich w/Tahini Sauce-nice tender pieces of meat w/a deliciously creamy sauce. A classic sandwich to order Falafel Sandwich w/Hot Sauce-crispy falafel pieces & fresh pita nestled in hot sauce was a nice vegan option. Both were great choices, look forward to trying out more items in the near future. read more

See all

Visit I'd driven by here before and finally got the chance to try it. The line looked long at first, but it moved quickly. I grabbed a table while my husband stayed in line to order. Food We ordered the banana shake combo with the falafel sandwich and fries, plus an extra falafel. The fries portion was generous, definitely enough for two people to share. The banana shake had a strong banana flavor. I'm not sure I get the pairing of banana and falafel, but it's clearly a popular combo here. The falafel sandwich was delicious. The falafels were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and very flavorful. It came with red and white sauces. The red sauce wasn't spicy like I expected, and the white sauce (tahini, I think?) balanced everything out well. Overall Experience It was a filling and satisfying meal. Parking out front is limited to a few spots, but there are more spaces available behind the restaurant. Conveniently, it's also just down the street from the West Valley Mall. read more

See all

I don't normally make negative reviews, but this place was extremely underwhelming and I feel so disappointed especially since i spent $50 on food that sucked. I was looking forward to eating here because i heard it's been in business for a long time and people rave over it being a san jose staple. Before we even sat down after we ordered there was a worker changing the trash and there were SO MANY COCKRAOCHES that came running from out of the trash container into the outdoor dining area. Honestly I should have left after seeing that but I really love gyros and I wanted to really give it a chance. Me and my boyfriend got 2 gyro pitas that fell apart IMMEDIATELY after unwrapping and it gad cubes of gyro meat instead of thin slices. The meat and even the sauce lacked flavor. Easily the worst gyro I've ever had. The "spicy sauce" they have tastes like ketchup. We also got fries, pita chips that were chewy and not crispy, a banana shake and a orange freeze. The drinks were the only things worth getting from here. I feel this place is definitely past it's prime. Don't waste your time here, seriously. read more

Stopped by Falafel's Drive In for a quick snack prior to a nearby concert and it was an alright experience. First thing to note, they have a few parking spots out front, but there is a larger lot in the back. This is a fast/casual spot, but the menu has a good amount of options from multiple sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes, and salads. They also have outdoor seating under a covered patio and limited indoor seating. We opted to order the recommended combo of a large falafel sandwich and banana shake along with a small falafel sandwich, an order of fries, and an orange freeze milkshake. Customer service was fine and seemed mostly friendly. Now a few things to note about the food- the falafel sandwiches were tasty, but seemed to be sloppily put together. There was a bunch of sauce on the top and but none in the middle or end, and the flavor was a bit bland. The falafels were not ball-shaped like I expected, but instead like smallish sheets and the pita bread sort of fell apart as you ate the sandwich. It was a bit messy to eat, so be sure to grab extra napkins. I assume the falafel sandwiches were not prepared neatly, as it was busy and they could've been understaffed. Regardless, it was a nice snack and I mostly enjoyed it. The fries were not the best, a bit soggy and cold, but adding some ketchup helped. I enjoyed the orange freeze milkshake, which was refreshing. I'd likely return if I'm nearby and looking for a quick meal. Falafel's Drive-In is probably worth a visit if you're a local or visiting San Jose. read more

See all

The falafels here are AMAZING. Been coming here for years and it never lets me down. They take card over $10 minimum I believe. Skip the gyros. RECS: + Falafel sandwich ($7.50 small, 4.5/5 stars) has the crunchiest, most delicious falafels. Their spicy sauce adds a lovely tang and mild kick too! I do wish the sauce was more incorporated into the sandwich for an even bite versus just on the veggies PASS: + Gyro sandwich ($9.50, 3/5 stars), it's fine but nothing crazy and it's cubed so it falls out too much read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Falafel Sandwich ($7.50 small, 5/5 stars) - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

oldies goodies. The falafel sandwich is delicious especially on a hot summer day and the banana milkshake is fresh and good. The staff are like your old neighbor, not too talkative and know what you need. Lunchtime is not too busy. Enjoyed my lunch at the outdoor patio area is relaxing. This is the place I would want to grab some good falafel if I am nearby. read more

See all

Food: A la carte falafels (6) Dolma (7) That's what I ordered but my to go bag had the falafels and pita chips (which smelled amazing btw). Fortunately I was still at the establishment when I noticed so the staff got it corrected. Though in retrospect, I should have ordered the pita chips. Those smelled and looked so good. Next time I'm skipping Dolma. Though I really had wanted the Koubby but they had run out! So next time I want Koubby and/or Pita Chips. The dolma were okay. It may be the authentic taste, though it leaned more sour or acidic than I prefer. I wanted something shareable as a backup option and Dolma fit the bill. read more

Falafel's is definitely a blast from the past. The picnic bench seating, murals on the wall, old school menu are the traits that bring Guy Fieri to town. You can forget about ambiance as the pigeons roam around your feet eating anything you drop. Fieri loves everything he eats so you can expect mediocrity when you actually try the places he recommends. This is no exception. The gyro was packed with lots of mystery meat but didn't really have a memorable flavor. The pita itself was fine but not extraordinary in any way. The service was fine, efficient and friendly. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Menu - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

I've been here a few times and everytime I want to love it so much, but usually I leave knowing it's not the best. Now if you are looking for a quick bite and not interested in lots of toppings this place is for you. I don't love their sauces but they get the job done. The banana shake is delicious, but if you have a lactose intolerance you can only have a few sips. The evening we came I settled for six falafel balls (they are tiny) and tabouleh (needed more moisture, but decent). The fries were good. My partner had the chicken pita. Service is so friendly and extremely fast. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Vegetarian options and a pet friendly patio! read more

See all

The falafel sandwich with hot sauce is amazing; super quick and delicious bite to grab. A small is $7.50 and for a large is $9.50! I will be coming back again; this place has rich history, beautiful art, and is Palestinian owned (so I've been told). Service is warm and pleasant. The atmosphere is filled with lots of happy returning customers enjoying fibrous food. read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California

Looking for a quick and easy place to eat and found this place. We got the special which includes a large falafel sandwich and banana shake. The falafel sandwich was average, nothing extraordinary. Stuffed with sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. Sauce can be stronger flavor. Red sauce was good tho. The banana shake had strong banana flavor. I also got the pita chips. It was seasoned well but the chips were hard as a rock. Quick service. Diner ambiance with outdoor seating. Limited parking in the front and more space in the back. Would come back for the banana shake. read more

See all

I had not been to Falafel Drive-In for years and years, and it is about the same as I remember it. Which is a good thing. Their menu was a little bit expanded from what I remember it, though I really only ever would get a falafel sandwich and maybe something on the side. The falafel sandwich is still really good. I thought the prices weren't that bad either, about $8 for the large falafel sandwich. It's still fast and delicious. We also got the baba ghanouj, which was really great. Service is friendly and fast. I seemed to remember them being a cash-only business, but they now take credit cards if you are buying over $10 worth of food. They do have parking in the back, and when we got there around 5 on a Friday night, there was plenty of parking and also plenty of seating. It's very casual, lots of people hanging out and enjoying food. read more

See all

Really lovely experience here! It felt as though we were transported back into the 60's. Very reasonable prices, an efficient ordering system, and delicious food. Totally recommended! read more

Falafel's Drive-In - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Jose, California