While waiting for my food, I read all the reviews and felt obligated to share my review with you. If you come here, just know the owners are elderly folks. I agree with some of your reviews, that they may be lacking some Customer Service, but those wanting good authentic Mexican food should try to ignore that. I travel all around the U.S.A, and this place is about as good as you'll ever get for good quality Authentic Mexican food. DELICIOUS AND FRESH! I ordered the Barbacoa plate and wanted to sample the Taco that was in the picture posted on this site, which was basically bean, bacon and egg on flour tortilla. Probably the best taco I have ever ate! The barbacoa was not greasy, cut into fine pieces and had great taste. All I'm saying, is try to ignore the reviews on the old man, and try this place! The older gentleman is a little rough around the edges, but you'll be happy you stopped. I'm a Texas born Hispanic with strong Mexican roots , and if you're wanting good authentic Mexican food, give them a try. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is a hidden gem. The gentleman who took our order was a little coarse but absolutely delightful, lol! too cool. The food... Heavenly. beat rice and beans ever. Carne guisada flavor profile 100% on point! Bacon and egg. Bean and cheese. Amazing. Highly recommend. if I had one thing to say... tortillas though delicious, could be softer and fluffier. read more

This is a little hole in the wall taqueria in an unassuming part of the east side next to an intercity bus garage sandwiched between downtown and the Frost Bank Center. When I went there was one guy working there. I placed my order to go. It took a bit long but then I noticed that the guy who took my order seemed to be doing everything such as order taking, hosting, waiting and I'm guessing cooking. I was impressed with the carne guisada taco. read more

Now I don't know who's shit in your Cheerios but I didn't get the feeling that I wasn't welcome. I just got a very stern workingman super sweet, beautiful woman working in the kitchen. They greeted us. I did not have a bad experience so I don't know if y'all are just sensitive or I don't know but the food here is amazing I would definitely be back the beans taste so good like oh my God I am heavy on beans, and if you know how to make beans, I'll trust all your other plates the wife got Chilaquiles she is happy with her plate. The salsa is so phenomenal it's like a different taste. The salsa never had before but it's amazing like all it all will definitely eat here again eat here Oh and the prices are so affordable like extremely !!!!affordable. read more

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After nobody showed up to open a nearby cafe where I had planned on meeting my best friend for breakfast, we trekked to the next closest open cafe, J&I. We were pleasantly surprised by this hole-in-the-wall east side cafe. The interior is humbly decorated. The portrait of the horse is kick ass, and it was apparently the couple who own it were running the kitchen and counter alone. The owner did not seem rude to me. It wasn't the most hospitable ass-kissing service so many are accustomed to, but he was friendly especially when it came time to pay. The breakfast tacos were fantastic, and I will be happy to patron this business anytime I am looking for something to eat on that side of town. The mural outside is also pretty cool. read more

J & I Cafe - Mural - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Definition of hole in the wall. Took a long time to get our food after ordering, I assume it's because it's made fresh? Not sure. It's Tex mex for sure, being from Los Angeles I'm not use to tex Mex, only traditional Mexican food. Chilaquiles were more like little bites of cheddar cheese quesadillas if that makes sense. Their salsa has minimal flavor but it will burn through your mouth which I appreciate. Interesting experience, but not sure id be back if I ever visit again. read more

I was in town for an event at the Alamodome. This place is a short walk away, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm SO glad I did. I had a plate of beef enchiladas, and I swear they were the best enchiladas I've had in years. Forget chain restaurants, this place is great. read more

J & I Cafe - Beef Enchilada Plate - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The more you go back to eat here the worse it gets for me. First time I went the food was decent. Seems hot and fresh at lunch. Second time I went I ordered beef fajita plate and it was not fajita meet. It was more of a milanesa steak cut up. Deal is they charge you more for fajita and give you thin steak. Third time they tried to charge me for beef enchiladas instead of cheese. Again a price difference. Fourth time I went my Ben's and enchilada gravy was so watery I know when something has been watered down to make more .... I'm Hispanic. Fifth time the chicken quesadillas made my stomach hurt. Let's not forget about the breakfast. It seems to me they use store bought tortillas for breakfast or for to go orders and real homemade tortillas for dine in but that might be too elaborate of a plan for those to execute. Service is whatever. Old man is straight forward. No kind of personality. Takes your order. Brings your order. Then cashes you out. No hello. No thank you and no come again. Ambience is pretty much what you see from the inside is what you get in the inside. Dark, old furniture. Nothing more to say. read more

This is my go to spot! It's a really great Mexican restaurant! They're carne guisada with cheese is made with love. Also the bean and chorizo was very good! Not greasy, and the tortilla had a light crisp on it as if they grilled it. read more

J & I Cafe - Updated pricing of the taco menu. - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The machacado with huevo was a flavorful dish . The nopales con huevo just like the way my mom used to make them. Best place in San Antonio super humble with authentic Tex-mex food. When I go back and visit San Antonio I'm definitely going back there. Greetings from Southern California I love this place. read more

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If you want great food near the Alamodome, this is the place to go. First time eating here, and I wasn't disappointed. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

J & I Cafe - First time eating at J&I Cafe, the food at this restaurant is great, highly recommended. - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

It's a shame the owner is rude because the food is good. Judging by other reviews on here it seems he's always had an attitude for years. I've been here twice decided to give him a second chance and I regret it. Won't be back again. read more

The food is amazing! A hole in the wall, with no fluff. Just exceptional food! Authentic Mexican cuisine!

Great breakfast tacos for the right price and made fresh and very fast too There green salsa is very good read more

Great food, clean restaurant. Huevos rancheros were excellent, refried beans very tasty. We will definitely be back again.

Very good and reasonably priced. I love the breakfast tacos, pancake platter and enchiladas. Owners are very friendly. read more

J & I Cafe - Menu - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I have come here 3 times and live in Dignowity. Each time the gentlemen at the register has had an attitude problem. This morning my wife comes in for tacos and relays a very poor experience that I already know too well. So I drive back to speak to the gentlemen and address the situation at the front and discover he is the owner of the restaurant. (I did NOT verbally assault the owner as one critic stated in response to my wife's review.) I specifically told this owner that he need to be "more courteous when speaking to his customers". This owner has had a machismo type of attitude towards his guests that I will not tolerate. I understand everyone has bad moments, but this is the 4th time with the same unacceptable poor experience. I will not tolerate any establishment to pick on my wife or displaying a lack of respect towards guests. To the owner - maybe you will start to think about how you address customers when speaking to them in the future. Everyone should do themselves a favor - go to CON HUEVOS TACOS that is 2 blocks up the street. Way better tacos with amazing service. read more

The food was mediocre, the hospitality was cold. The owner and his wife (I assume) both acted like they neither wanted nor needed anyones business. One star for the tortillas. One and done at J&I cafe! read more

We Love J & I, we have been going here for 5 years!!! We were there when Britt M was in the restaurant and not only did she park sideways in the handicapped spot she sent her "husband" back to the restaurant, he verbally assaulted the owner screaming at him 6 inches from him and shaking his finger in his face!!!! read more

The food was ok, but there is no service. A couple older gentlemen sitting next to us had to walk up to the front to get the menus after waiting for a good 10, 15 mins. We ordered at the front for dining in, asked for water, and was brought bottled waters which they charged us almost 2 bucks each for. They gave us no receipt either, so I have no idea what other charges they might have added into our bill. I can only say that an item of about 7 bucks on the menu was totalling almost 13 bucks at the end. No tips. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this breakfast spot. It's tucked away but the food is incredible and the owners are very nice. It's a nice quiet spot with good WIFI. Highly recommended! read more

I went to eat here with my wife on a Saturday, when we came in we were taken care of by I believe the owner of this café. The owner is so rude and condescending, we ordered a coffee and water and the owner said we don't give free water in a rude tone, but I never expected to get free water since I order bottled. Then he took our order and with a bothering tone and made us feel unwanted there. The place needs better customer service and needs to make customers feel welcome. Not going back again. read more

This mom and daughter duo are amazing! My husband's friend took us to J&I Cafe and I was blown away by their cooking skills! I'm an enchilada aficionado and this is far the best enchiladas that I've had in awhile. I know that I've said that in one of my other posts but seriously this is the real deal. On the wall they have a host of taco deals and some of the best I've seen so far in the city. Like where in the world can you find 15 tacos for less than $12?!? They close by three so get there early! read more

Their carne guisada is delicious! Meat is very tender and just the right amount of seasoning. Their breakfast tacos with egg are okay.

The guy at the front is very rude and talked to me degrading. I was so surprised. Don't waste your time. The food, environment and service is low grade. read more

This place is awesome. Came in here for the first time and got come tacos....yum! My new favorite place for tacos without a doubt. Their homemade tortillas make such a difference. Numerous cleanliness awards, super nice staff and a must visit. read more

All the business I've brought to this cafe and this guy just kicked us out of the restaurant and refused to serve us because I had my service dog. Please make sure you stay away. Unbelievable just simply baffled. We were sitting at the table and service dog laying under the table while wife ordered food and he refused to serve us. read more

This is Military USA. You don't get to treat our veterans bad and expect to get away with it. You were wrong in your treatment of the veteran and his service animal. And you are wrong in what you believe is the law. Educate yourself please and make an apology to that man. It doesn't have to be public either. Apologize to that man. He deserves it. read more

One of the best local breakfast dives in SATX! They'll be celebrating 31 years in business next month and couldn't ask for a better place to eat my taco :) read more

This place refuses to serve those who bring their service animals. Turning away a veteran and their service animal is not a very good practice. I will take my money elsewhere from now on. read more

They have great food!!! It is a Mom & Pop place and they make the food to your order. It always comes out Hot. It takes a little time and I don't mind. Everything is alway fresh. read more

Homemade style Mexican. Super delicious. Watch out for the chilaquiles, they're spicy! read more

J & I Cafe - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Main tip: stick to the tacos. The lunch and dinners are sub par or less but their tacos fill you up nicely and the salsa is good enough. Prices are fine for the food and the family owners are kind. My favorite non menu item is the bacon, bean, and cheese taco. They always put the perfect amount of bacon. I love going here in a pinch in the morning but it'll be faster if you call your order in because sometimes the wait is a little bit long. read more

The food was mediocre, service is not good, I hate giving bad reviews for small businesses but I don't think I'll be going back... Skip this place read more

Good and cheap breakfast tacos. Coffee is not good and there's no cream, only powdered "creamer". Decor is not what you're here for -- drab and dreary. Fresh tortillas and very good tacos. I enjoyed egg/chorizo, egg/potato and chilaquiles. With very large coffee $5.25. Not for hanging out. Grab and go. Or if you're very hungry, sit and eat. They serve food; not good cheer. Then I was sent to Pete's Tako House. I have not looked back. read more

J & I Cafe - Menu posted on wall when you enter - Tex-Mex Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This is a very short review. I ordered a bacon and egg taco + a bean and cheese with bacon to go. Two tacos for &4.17 When I asked for am additional salsa verde (there was only one in the bag) I was charged an additional forty cents. The flour tortillas and the salsa saved this review from being a single star. Almost five bucks for two breakfast tacos?!!? You are out of your mind. I will not return. read more

Glad we went in here on a whim. The exterior needs a little help but the food is on point. The prices are good for their tacos and entrees, and for hungry folk, you can get 15 breakfast tacos for $11.99. There's plenty of seating. There is a loud fridge that hums all the time which is unfortunate but the food comes quick. read more

One of those special gems you can never find in San Antonio. Our usual place was beyond packed and I found this place which was even better! Delicious food at a very reasonable price. I loved it here. I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. I'm very picky when it comes to food. This place knocks all the Mexican restaurants out of the park. Quality and locally owned just like they used to be back in the day. First time I've been here. Going on 31 years they've been here, trust me....this place rocks!! read more

This place is seriously badass. If you are looking for ridiculously cheap breakfast tacos with plenty of filling and homemade tortillas...this is the place. I've ate a shit ton of breakfast tacos on the east side of Houston and this place rivals any little truck or local haunt...but cheaper. The place is extremely local though so don't expect any other tourists or non-regulars. Manager isn't overtly friendly but not rude by any means either. Just a little short...but you are coming for cheap breakfast tacos, not friendship, correct? read more

The food is delicious and their service is great. Dont forget to order their fresh lemonade too.