No way Jose's I grew up in Cedar Springs and recently went back after 40 years and this place was still open. Figured it would be fire for lasting that long, nope. Walked in at 5pm, no music, no people just the sound of the waitresses 4 kids pushing plastic grocery carts around the restaurant. Considered leaving right there until one of her kids gave me a menu. As I sat looking around at the Rand McNally framed map of the US and dusty piñatas for sale hanging from the ceiling I realized this could be really awesome or a night in the bathroom. I placed an order for a chicken quesadilla and two chicken tacos. The waitress then went and took her kids order, which was fries and chicken nugs. 30 min later her kids food came out and she yelled at the cook to hurry mine up. When I did get mine the quesadilla consisted of half block Velveeta (which I normally love) and half boiled chicken. My two chicken tacos came out as beef. Not one to complain, I dug in and my word, i shoulda went with my instincts to leave. The beef tacos main spice must have been sand since it had a strange crunch like I dropped them on the beach and stepped on them. The quesadila within 2 min solidified and was like saltwater taffy from Mackinac Island. I politely asked for a to-go box so I could dispose of elsewhere. Props to them for 40 plus years in business, my people from Cedar must never have been to a real Mexican restaurant or real restaurant general. read more

Despite the other reviews, we had to try them. Everybody liked their food, particularly the wet burrito.

Tried them twice first time chicken fajitas the came out as if the cook over crowded the pan and cooked it in water. couldn't eat it.l then tried the burrito way too much salt tasted as if they dumped a pound of salt in the meat read more

Took food out for dinner. My husband had chicken wet burrito. I had beef wet burrito. It was delicious. The meal was huge. I had onions, lettuce, and tomato in mine. We got a side of rice and beans for $2.24 each. It was a big container of rice and beans. We both got a side of rice and beans. It's a little quaint restaurant located in Cedar Springs. I didn't eat inside so I don't know the atmosphere. I would recommend the food. It was delicious. read more

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Change the cheese to more of a mexican style. I didn't finish the meal because cheese tasted fake.

Dining at Jose's is a one-of-a-kind experience. Although, I'm not sure that's necessarily good?!? It's kinda like seeing Saving Private Ryan.. you should definitely do it once, but then probably never again. This was my second time here, and if not for some customers in the area, I know I never would've gone in the first place. The purpose of my return visit was to take one of my coworkers, so I could witness the same two things that I experienced when I passed through their doors a few years ago. I wanted to see the look on his face when we walked through the door, and also the look on his face when he took his first bite of the wet chalupa. We arrived promptly at noon on a Thursday afternoon. After a short wait in order for them to get their shit together, we were promptly seated by a very friendly woman and asked what we wanted to drink. To describe the inside of Jose's is more than a challenge. I guess the only thing I can say is that if you can imagine that the Addams family were Latino, and you were welcomed into their home for dinner... Half lit candelabras hanging from a dusty ceiling. The entire establishment is carpeted. There is brown paneling on the walls and they are sparsely decorated with black velvet paintings that are so old and dirty that you can't quite make out what they are trying to depict. The only thing that's missing is a cigarette machine from the 1970s. And yet, although that sounds absolutely horrifying, there is a certain charm that Jose's holds. Again, I can't quite describe it. You should be terrified to eat here... And yet, you're not?!? The real reason to come here is the food, of course. How to describe the menu? There is a smattering of Mexican and American dishes that are offered... Unlike many traditional Mexican restaurants that offer you a choice of protein, when you order at Jose's, you simply order a burrito, or a tostada, or in the case of our visit today... The wet Chalupa. If you're not from Michigan, it's just the Chalupa's. However, I am from Chicago... The whole notion of a wet burrito, or a wet Chalupa, is completely alien to me. Whatever magic sauce you folks like to dump on top of all of your Mexican dishes was initially intriguing to me... And much like sushi, it's now something I crave quite regularly. I can honestly say that there are some really good spots in the Grand Rapids area that serve this kind of fare.. The beltline bar does a decent job. Downtown Trinis in Sparta is probably the best example of how effective the sauce can be. However, if you were to put them all in a blind taste test, I would absolutely pick Jose's over all of the others I've had. There is a unique blend of seasoning that they offer hidden into their brown/red sauce... Heavy on the cumin, with a touch of some chilies... Not overly spicy, but every spoonful wants you has you wanting more. I assume the protein they serve with everything is ground beef, although underneath all that sauce... It could be fucking anything?!? Doesn't really matter, though, you were not there to watch the waist line... You're there to indulge. Their salsa is fantastic. They're hot sauce has a questionable aftertaste that is not at all displeasing, but unlike any that I've had in the past. They give you a ton of food as I have shown you in the picture. So is this a good review for Jose's?!? I don't know??? Again, if not for some good customers in the Cedar Springs area, I probably never would've ever gone to Cedar Springs Michigan. And it's a great little town with a bunch of other cool little restaurants. Jose's definitely has its place among them. Totally unique, and strangely satisfying... That being written, I don't know if I'll ever go there again?!? It's so bizarre. read more

Jose's Restaurant - The full order of Jose's Chalupa's. Think of a smothered tostada... - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Springs, Michigan

To say the least, do not eat here. First off, our waitress had not one clue what she was doing. We were the only people in the restaurant and we were only given two menus (for 5 people), she had to come back twice to confirm our drink order, and went back and forth five times to make sure she got out food order right (even though she wrote it down), then still brought out the wrong food to 2 people. They were out of steak and cilantro, what Mexican restaurant is out of cilantro? The food was not great. We heard the microwave go on and beep multiple times, it was dry, and NOT authentic in the least. The place is also just dirty. There was a ceiling fan that had an inch of dust on it, the floor is duck taped all through out, the bathroom was gross and had thick grime on the toilet and baby changer. I would hate to see what the kitchen looks like the only reason we stayed is bc we felt bad leaving being the only people in the restaurant. read more

Not even close to what I call Mexican food. Food was bland. The enchiladas were made with hamburger and runny and inedible. The tacos had no flavor either. Don't get me started on the refried beans! Obviously cut with water to make them thinner. Yuck! There is this thing called spices that are prevalent in Mexican food. Not here. I won't be back, sorry. read more

Haven't ate here in years, and now I know why. Everything was SOOOO salty we couldn't even eat it. The only thing that wasn't salty was the chips and guacamole and sour cream. Even the salsa was super salty, and my husband and I like salty foods so if we think it's too salty to eat, it's gotta be bad. Also, The cheese is weird like shredded velveeta or processed cheese, which is what I didn't like about Jose's years ago and why I haven't ate there in years. This time we ordered takeout, but years ago we dined in, and another reason I haven't gone there is their atmosphere is dark and dingy. They really need to paint or do some renovations, AND lay off the SALT! read more

Street parking and it was open late. My first time eating here, because my Sister has always talked bad about it. We have way different taste, so i had to try it. I got the Taco salad. It was served very oddly, but it was delicious. I would go back, just because the waitress was so cool. Great service and a great person. read more

It may not be the prettiest place in downtown Cedar Springs, Michigan...but if you like authentic...yeah boy! I got the wet burrito with the works...homemade salsa so good you want to drink it! Jalapenos on the side and two hot sauces to choose from...hot and hotter!. A large burrito floating in a sorta refried bean gravy and stuffed so full of tomatoes...lettuce ...onions...ground beef and refried beans...it hardly had any room on the plate...brings you back to yesteryear when the owners worked and lived there...memories on the wall ...needs some TLC but the restroom was neat and tidy ...what else would you need?...the soda wasn't watered down fountain and the nicest politest lady waited on me...I've been there before...always the same AWESOME! read more

Jose's Restaurant - large wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Springs, Michigan

Since we live in the area its our only option if we don't feel like going to Grand Rapids It's fairly good. We like their wet burritos, tamales, enchiladas and deluxe chips and cheese but we couldn't eat it on a regular basis. But worth a try if you're not use to better authentic Mexican. read more

Oh my the decor is awesome! I felt like I time-travelled back to 1972! My husband and I both ordered the wet burrito with rice inside instead of the beans it normally come with. It was amazing! I was a bit worried because one reviewer said they use Velveeta cheese, but they don't. They do use American cheese and I was concerned....(and rightly so, right?) but I can assure you the Amercan cheese is perfect in this burrito. read more

Cousin of the Jose's on S Division and a second place finish. While the food is very good the decor is not. Done in early trailer park it looks more like it's going our of business than the 25 years it has been a Cedar Springs mainstay. The waitresses seem to be multitasking, serving while doing daycare, watching soaps and smoking. So why do I go??? The food! Best in northern Kent County. It's worth putting up with the shortcomings Just DON'T bring someone you are trying to impress. read more

I swear if I hear that microwave open and shut one more time. They warm up food on all the food my tostidas was cold this place needs to shut down there's violations that the city really needs to look at. read more

Nice little place, but you need to order the right thing. Wet burritos are okay, quesadillas are alright, but the tamales are BY FAR the best thing on the menu & VERY authentic. Hit or miss on some items, but friendly service, great prices, & the true Mexican food is really yummy! read more

Valveeta on the tacos, with over salted meat. There was a lack of balance, with nothing green on the plate except shredded ice burg lettuce.

My husband and I ordered wet burritos Saturday night. I only took a couple notes because it was nasty. My husband of course ate all his. Then Sunday about 3 in the morning my husband woke up puking and in the midst pain of his life. By Monday he was so sick fever puking diarrhea head ache, we went to the emergency room. After several hours of testing came back salmonella poisoning. They asked several questions and it all came back to the chicken wet burrito. Tuesday the health department called and again the lady said it came from Jose's. Now with all the test being positive including the burrito I hope the health department shuts them down. What if my kids would've been up and ate there too. They're lucky my kids didn't catch it. read more

Mexican food is my favorite, so after reading reviews, apparently on another site, I feel obliged to submit my own. I will start by saying the good....the server was fantastic. While she was busy, being the only server on a Saturday evening, she was so polite and respectful and is the only saving grace of this place. Now the negatives...I've had better Mexican food at American restaurants. I got a wet burrito, which I get at pretty much every restaurant I go to at least once, and it was the furthest thing from authentic that I've ever had. I like trying hole-in-the-wall places in search for gems, which Mexican places seem to have a lot of. This place definitely didn't follow suit. The meat was watery and flavorless, mushy actually. The cheese on top was American cheddar cheese, not the typical queso or Mexican cheese you get on authentic Mexican food. My boyfriend got tacos and, because he saw in the picture they used flour tortillas, he got hard shell. The moisture in the meat caused the shells to get soggy. And again with the American cheddar cheese--it was completely dressed like American tacos, no cilantro or lime. Just not good all around. The atmosphere is terrible and incredibly drab. The walls are dark with randomly scattered pictures and sombreros. There are two residential style refrigerators right out in the main room, also accompanied by a 13 inch television sitting on a table next to the cash register. Supplies are placed randomly throughout the room creating unappealing clutter. Although it's not attractive, I was expecting excellent Mexican food and unfortunately didn't get that either, so these small details really drag this place down. I wish I had better to say about this place....my boyfriend's thoughts were, "we should have went to Taco Bell." read more

Not a much to look at place. But the food is out of this world good. This has now become my new stop by an eat place when I'm in this neck of the woods. Great food an amazing service. read more

The staff was polite, but the food isn't very good. It tasted like school cafeteria meat and the cheese, as everyone else is saying, was American block cheese. We were also a bit surprised when the "chips and cheese" appetizer was bagged tortilla chips with the shredded American cheese that was put in the microwave and heated up. I can honestly say I've never seen that in a restaurant. Not sure we'll ever go back. read more

this is not a good place, fithly, and food so salty, it could not be eaten. the chicken fajitas looked like they are straight out of the tyson frozen bag, and I thought I heard a microwave door multiple times. read more

Jose's is great! Go as often as I can. Food's supreme and prices are RIGHT! 2 years ago I compared the two Jose's and S. Division was slightly ahead of Cedar Springs. But when I did it again last month, the Cedar Springs Jose was a touch better. I think the two Cousins might be trying to outdo each other and it's ongoing! You can't go wrong at either place. I am a connoisseur of Mexican fare. Bless Jose and Jose! They rock! I don't pay attention to the old facility in Cedar. The best eatin' is usually found at the funkiest places...and that's all that matters to me when I want to eat! read more

I do not usually take time to write reviews for restaurants, but Jose's was a very pleasant surprise. Traveling from Northern Indiana to Travers City, Michigan, Ceder Springs is just about halfway. We pulled off the Highway to refuel and head downtown for some local cuisine. A local resident directed us to Jose's Restaurant, since the other food establishment close early on Sunday's. Jose's is a little hole in the wall restaurant located on the main drag downtown. The waitress was pleasant and attentive, whats more the service was quick. The tables were plain, Clean Not Sticky, and there were modest decorations on the wall. I ordered the small traditional Burrito and a Tamale. One of my friends ordered the Wet version for himself. The Tamale was excellent! And so was my Burrito. The portion size was generous. My two friends, were both very pleased with what they had ordered. But the best part of all, it was authentic Mexican cooking. You might ask, How do I know? Well it lived in South Texas for over nine years. And this was the best Mexican Food I have eaten in many years. It is not just comfort food, they got the texture and spicing right! Why did I not give it a Five Star rating...well it is not a Five Star Restaurant. It has no table cloths, or fancy ambiance, but the food is Five Star all the way and reasonably priced. So if your in the area, I encourage you to seek out this local rough cut gem offering a truly authentic taste of Mexico. read more

I drive 50 minutes to go here and eat . The food is great. Can't find any better. Wet burrito's are outstanding. Same old place for years the food has always been great all these years read more

I love this place! The food is excellent and you can't beat the price! The decor may be outdated, but who cares?! If an irish pub is outdated it has character... what's the difference. This place is a staple in Cedar Springs--it has been there forever! It is one of the oldest restaurants still in business if not the oldest! I eat wherever I find great food! Chain restaurants with pretty flat screen TVs, etc are usually sub par when it comes to the food in my opinion. I would rather eat at Jose's any day or the week!!! read more

After finding this restaurant and its fine reviews on Yelp and stopping for lunch on the way through recently, I feel obliged to do my Yelp duty and leave a review. First let me say that I LOVE hole-in-the-wall Mexican joints. Almost as a rule, they have the best and most authentic Mexican food, prepared expertly, as long as you can forgive a few gristly pieces of meat. Jose's is a hole-in-the-wall joint, in an old building in a tiny town. But it is not good and it is not authentic. First the good - I got the combination plate, and the beef was seasoned well, the sauce for the tamale was good and the sauces (in ketchup and mustard bottles) were good. But, and I cannot emphasize how off-putting this is, the only cheese that was used in every dish (tostada, taco, tamale and even QUESAdilla) was American... possibly even Velveeta. Thick, yellow, melty, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth Velveeta. Imagine cutting open a chicken quesadilla and seeing yellow. Or cutting into a delicious-looking tamale and seeing yellow. It's just not right. And even if it's an accommodation to the local clientele who would rather have Velveeta than authentic, it's just a really really bad choice. Bottom line, I wish we would've stopped at Big Boy, and we needed to stop and get some cinnamon sticks at Taco Bell on the way out of town just to try to mask the flavor stuck in our mouths. read more

The first two reviews are spot on. Not much to look at, but when I had lunch here a couple of days ago I was impressed with the food. My daughter and I had the same thing ( wet burrito) so I am only going on one limited experience for this review. I will eat here again and try something different and see if the food is good again. My burrito was the full order and hers was the half order for a dollar less. Next time I have a burrito I would get the half and an order of rice or beans with the burrito. read more

The food is terrible. You can tell the cheese is cheap, and the ground beef taste like spam. I am surprised that there isn't any reviews on the place considering how terrible it is. read more

Go here!! Tough to beat the service and it's a nice, quiet restaurant at lunch time. Wet burrito was awesome!!

Food and service is great! They should probably update the decor thats pretty rough looking.

I agree with most of what is said in the other reviews... Especially about that ungodly salty velvetta cheese that they use in EVERYTHING. The cheese they use is just AWFUL!!! It is not authentic Mexican at all. The prices were not good for the portions you got. Not that I could have even eaten another bite of that over salted cheese they use. It tastes awful. IF THEY GET RIDE OF THE CHEESE, and started using authentic mexican cheese, I would probably try it again. read more

Awesome food family atmosphere.homemade awesome food and excellent customer service plus we have been goinh for 28 yrs now.love it.we do!!!!

The food here is great. Homemade salsa is so good that I will admit to having eaten what was left after the chips were gone with a spoon. Always stop here whenever we are in the area. Serving staff is friendly and you really get to know them if you come here semi-often. Is the service the fastest? Not always, but be patient because many times there is only one server working because of the fact that it is family owned. Love coming here, and honestly if you want to beat the crowds, just go to dinner early! It's what we always do and we never have a long wait for food at all. read more

This is my favorite place to eat :) I love their chicken enchiladas with their hot sauce it's just amazing. Along with their chips and cheese deluxe. Yum! read more

Best Mexican food in the world. I've been coming here since the 70's when it was LaFuente, owned and operated by Meno. Most of the same decor is still on the walls! I also remember the arcade in the room next door! read more

The food was probably the worst mexican food I have ever had,my wife concurs. I had a chicken wet burrito that was made with a Tyson like tasteless meat. The cheese was a yellow american cheese not a white mexican cheese. Keep in mind I have eaten in mexican restaurants throughout the US,Canada and Mexico. I think I would have been happier at the local Taco Bell. My wife thinks we ate there years ago,I think she is right,this not the same place. read more

Went in on a Saturday afternoon and we were the only customers. Food taste and quality were awful. Authentic mexican food , NOT! Unless you consider Quesidillas with precooked and prepackaged tortillas, chicken, and cheese whiz warmed up in a microwave real authentic food. Rice was cooked in microwave. I don't remember too many microvwaves used in Mexico. We did not eat our meals. Would never return! read more

The husband and I were craving nachos but didn't want to go far and finally tried this place out. Ordered nachos and tacos to split. There was so much cheese on the nachos you couldn't taste anything else. The tacos were bland, and again covered in cheese, most likely to distract you from the lack of flavor. The staff was very friendly and prices good, however major fail on the flavor. We most likely will not return. read more

The waiter was friendly, and that was the only positive. Took a while to get service. Then, took a while to get chips and salsa (which were not included). The salsa was HORRIBLE. The hot sauce (both mild and hot) had no flavor. The food was not good. This was possibly the worst Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten in. read more