San Jose on Hard Scrabble has been a part of my family's life for as long as I can remember. Every major milestone has been celebrated here--birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, and everything in between. It's always the first restaurant we recommend to friends and family visiting Columbia. One of the things that makes this location so special is that it's family owned and operated. Every time you visit, you're likely to see a member of the family working, whether they're serving tables, bartending, or greeting guests at the register. That personal touch is something you don't find everywhere, and it's one of the reasons we keep coming back. Most recently, my boyfriend and I celebrated both of us starting new jobs here, just like my family has done for so many other milestones over the years. It felt like the perfect place to mark another exciting chapter. As for the food, you really can't go wrong. The fajitas are always a favorite, especially with the chunky guacamole and queso. If you're looking for a huge sandwich, the Tony's Torta definitely lives up to its reputation. And of course, the margaritas are always a must. Great food, friendly people, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere keep us coming back year after year. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food in Columbia, this is the place I always recommend. read more

San Jose - Chicken Fajitas for 1 - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Loved our waiter, he was on top of things & provided the best customer service (we left a nice tip), but the food was only okay: Chips & salsa: the chips were GREAT, the salsa was boring. The meat needed more seasoning on both our dishes, the beans were fine, the rice was the perfect texture but lacked flavor as well. We may come back to give it another go, we'll see... read more

San Jose - Complimentary chips & salsa - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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This is one of my go to,places for business lunches. Reasonable prices, very quiet and nice booths. read more

San Jose - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I recently ate at San Jose Mexican Restaurant in Columbia and it was excellent! The ambience felt authentic, like an old-time Mexican restaurant, and the service was friendly and attentive. The food was definitely the highlight--we ordered the Fajitas Jalisco for two and they were absolutely delicious. And I can't forget the margarita--it was BIG and so good! Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for great Mexican food in Columbia. Oh and they had SOL!!!! Which I never find in Mexican restaurants read more

I would not eat here again if the food was free. The drink had so much syrup that the straw stood up in the middle. The food came out semi warm if not cold was sent back to be replaced but the same exact food on the same plate was back in a few minutes. The server was accommodating by removing the food off the bill. Not good at all. Disappointing. read more

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Fajitas Jalisco for two - absolutely incredible! Everything was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. They even had Sol, which is hard to find because most places are out. The margaritas? HUGE! A large one could easily serve four people, and it was delicious. The salsa was spot-on--fresh, flavorful, and the perfect kick to start the meal. Overall, amazing food, great drinks, and an experience worth coming back for again and again! Highly recommend if you're looking for authentic flavor and generous portions. read more

The service was good and expedient. The food was not very tasty. I don't understand why there was ground beef in a chile relleno. The tostada was just a soggy tortilla with ground beef and weird cheese sauce. read more

Very busy and loud. Service was quick and considerate. The food was reasonable, a bit underwhelming and cool temperature.

My favorite Mexican restaurant here in Columbia. The staff here is very friendly and the service is great. Food is always good and fast. read more

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Never had anything that wasn't delicious! Staff is very nice and accommodating I especially love their seafood salad. Plenty of medium size shrimp. Yummy read more

We came on a Friday night and the parking lot was packed. We thought for sure we would have a wait. This location has a sign on the door stating that the patio is closed because of lack of staff, so we expected a long wait for our food as well. Wrong on both accounts! We walked in, was seated immediately. Waitress came with chips and salsa seconds later. We ordered queso to go with the chips. Once we ordered, the food came out quickly as well. My husband ordered the pollo something (we can't remember the name) that included grilled onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños; it came with beans and rice and the salad. I had the mushroom quesadilla with the beef tostada with the salad. I also had a huge pina colada. All of the food was delicious, except for the tostada. I didn't care for how the beef was textured or seasoned. This still remains one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Columbia. The staff was super nice and efficient on a busy Friday night. read more

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This was a good Mexican joint that I would frequent while I was stationed at Ft. Jackson. I never got a disappointing taco here. The prices were great, service was fast. They also had really good combo platters! read more

San Jose - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The service here has always been fantastic. I usually always end up with the same waiter and he pretty much remembers my entire order every single time love the atmosphere. It's always so fun and lively and people are just enjoying themselves and the food is absolutely phenomenal. The Milanese de Pollo is always my favorite go to with the Carne con queso. read more

Great spot for Mexican food in NE Columbia. There are several San Jose restaurants in and around Columbia, but this is the only one I've ever visited. This place is always crowded, but service is fast and the workers are always very friendly. The food seems to be of authentic Mexican quality and is reasonably priced. Outdoor dining and takeout are both available. read more

San Jose - Carnitas meal with extra carnitas, no tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Came here for my sons birthday, his choice!! I love me some Mexican so I was super excited so exited we were the first ones here lol. Came in and was greeted right away and seated at a corner booth to accommodate all of us, actually I asked for the booth (I always prefer booth so much more cozier). Our waiter came over and immediately asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink, of course I had to try the strawberry margarita (it's 5 o'clock somewhere right?? Don't judge me) As he left to fill our drink order I seen the most beautifulest waitress coming our way. My mouth begin to water, my stomach started growling omg it was the........ you guessed it the chips and salsa lady!!!! She placed in front of us 2 big baskets of the most golden brown corn chips, and each of us a little bowl for our salsa( so excited about the individual bowls as some of my little ppl love to double dip and after a certain age it can get kinda nasty, yep not for me). Well needless to say I pigged out (as I'm stuffing my face I kept telling myself well technically it's not Monday so I'm not on my diet yet so "carry on") by this time our drinks have been filled and I try and slow myself down on the chips by drinking the margarita yeahhh that's a great idea! Well the food has arrived and the presentation was great, food looked so appetizing and even tho at this point I was stuffed from the chips and salsa I had to eat it! The eggs were cooked exactly as I requested, the chicken was moist and seasoned well, and my tortillas were warm to the touch. My food was delicious, so Yummy that somewhere in my head I forgot I was full and ate it all (yep I'll live to regret all those beans and eggs later maybe not me but those in my household) so I try and make it a point to ask the others what they thought about their food as well I was assured that their food was just as delicious! Even had me a bit taken back since my son who is the pickyest eater I know gave it a thumbs up!! So I give this San Jose 5 stars, the cleanliness of the restaurant was exceptional, my waiter was amazing in making sure everything was perfect, and all our needs were met, and the food was yummy and worth every penny we paid!! If you haven't go check it out!! read more

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Pretty cool place. Wasn't crowded, nice atmosphere. Service was great and food was good. Will go back

Woah I was impressed. Was not expecting this to be as good as it was especially as someone coming from Southern California. I got a whole fried fish and absolutely demolished the whole thing! They have drinks and a great free dip with their chips. Would go again. Too bad I don't live in the area. read more

Great Margs and ever better service. Never had a bad meal there. Very friendly people and plenty of chips and queso.

I fell in love with this restaurant on Gardner's Ferr Road. My family and I were regulars. I moved to Northeast Columbia and discovered several weeks ago, San Jose was here. I'm on a TIGHT budget tonight so I had two tacos and a cup of tea. I know I was hungry as I hadn't eaten all day therefore the tacos were finger licking delicious. The salsa and chips were fresh. I ate like a queen on a budget. My server was very attentive. She didn't miss a beat. Refills on cue, didn't have to ask or slurp straw to make noise for attention. Lastly, I love the space. It's welcoming and family oriented. I love the mix of cultures and the feel of no judgement. I recommend this spot for those who love authentic Mexican food!!! read more

San Jose - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The food was great it was well seasoned and cooked. The Fajitas were very tasty and cooked in its sauce. The portion was big it can easily feed two people. The tomatillo salsa was very spicy I loved it, you rarely get spicy salsa now a days. The Service was good on point very attentive, they're bilingual so no one should have a problem of communication. The ambience as expected got a Mexican restaurant friendly busy and music in the background that's not too loud. read more

San Jose - The fajitas is a large portion cones either a full side of rice and beans and your choice of tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The food is literally taco bell. I can't. I went once and I'll never go back. Unless you like runny ground beef on everything!!!! Don't come here read more

We live close, so we have lunch there weekly. Always anticipate what we are going to order Servers are polite Food comes out hot and quickly from kitchen Tendency to get really loud when packed or big games on. ( to be expected) read more

Best Authentic Mexican in Northeast Columbia, SC hands down. Feel like Mexican? It's ready in 15 minutes read more

San Jose - San Jose Logo - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This place is the bomb Ask for a coronarita or a marginrona I t will change your life. Either way it's the same drink read more

This location is in walking distance from my house, so I eat here quite often. Even if their parking lot is packed, you never have to wait that long to be seated and the food comes out within 7 minutes after ordering...EVERY SINGLE TIME. Everyone is so friendly and always seem happy to interact with customers too. The food is so good & comforting, and you get so much for your money...most of the time I can't finish my meal in one sitting & have to take the rest home with me. read more

5 stars every time. The food is always delicious and served fresh and hot. The service is excellent. The servers are kind, attentive and very friendly. The atmosphere is always welcoming . We say we are going to try something new, but going here is like going to visit family for us now. We don't want to go anywhere else. E highly recommend! read more

Ugh, was a poor experience. We ordered queso for an appetizer and it literally came out cold, straight out the bag. It was so cold to the point where the waiter asked us was it cold because it looked cold and it told us "let me take this back and warm it up, I saw them pour it out the bag so I figured it was cold". Rough start. The margarita was sooo weak, tasted like I was drinking lemonade. My boyfriend ordered the arroz con pollo and he hated it. It was bland. I ordered the fajita quesadilla and it was mediocre. Literally worst experience, lastly the chips for salsa were stale. Never coming back. read more

The food was. Great. I will have to visit again once i am in town. The service was great, nice friendly staff.

Very good food and good service but my rice had a weird texture. Overall family friendly place

Always good, try the spicy salsa! Fast and prompt every time with friendly servers and fair prices.

I really enjoy going to this restaurant. The service is always on point, the food is good, and the portions are just right. I recommend San Jose. Very good restaurant and will definitely go again. read more

Can't say enough about the chicken soup. It's perfect for when one of us is under the weather. The staff is always lovely and attentive. The food is always delicious! read more

Omg do not go here. Been here 3 times and it was good before.. today I ordered food and instantly me and my bf got sick and felt sick... I ordered churros they tasted like shrimp asked the lady to get me a new one in new oil and she brought me new ones that once again tasted like shrimp... then someone else came out and asked if I wanted a new dessert I picked the cheesecake and he said "you don't want that one we cook it in the same grease we cooked the churros in that you didn't like..." what.......... So you're telling me they fry everything in the same grease ?! Imagine how the kitchen looks yall.. please prioritize your health and don't eat here!! Then when he gave me another dessert it was FROZEN SOLID... the dude goes "here we're even now" WE'RE EVEN? You just brought me something inedible .....I'm usually not this kind of person At all but seriously what if I had a shrimp allergy or what if I had something bad happen all because you cook churros in the same grease as the shrimp and everything else in the restaurant.... My waiter was sweet tho she didn't speak much English but bless her heart. read more

Great food and service went here with my husband and really enjoyed the ambiance. Thanks for a beautiful date night

Once again, I need to apologize to my Yelp friends....no pictures of food. I'm sorry!!!! Arrival: I have been to San Jose's with family before, I knew what to expect. First, your standard chips and salsa. Mild and medium when you sit, however you can order hot. The hot is delicious. It is basically a tomatillo style salsa with fresh cilantro and various hot peppers. Delicious! For the meal: I had 3 steak tacos, el pastor....delicious!!!! Wife had fried chicken chimichanga...delicious! Son had #36....2 cheese quesadillas and smashed them. Daughter had #1....taco and 2 enchiladas....she killed it. Aunt #1 had pollo fundido and loved it. Aunt #2 had a combo of enchiladas and soft taco, delicious. We shared churros for dessert!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!! Service: This is the best part of San Jose. Excellent service by the waitstaff. Absolutely awesome service!!!! Overall, 2 thumbs up and 5 stars. read more

Came here pre-dinner rush and waited at the front for someone to come and seat us. After we were seated, waited on someone to take our order and they never showed, so I had to ask for someone to come. Once our order was taken, the place started filling up, so more staff was out and about. My daughter ordered fish tacos, and I had the steak quesadilla. I had ordered the quesadilla before off the food truck, and I will just stick to the food truck, because it was not as god. My daughter was not impressed with the fish tacos. We probably will come back again to give them another try. read more

How the hell, do you take the order of somebody who sits down after you? Not impressed! I would rather go to your competitors. ! It took freaking forever for me to get a menu, I didn't even get an opportunity to order before a person arriving after me ordered from you! Good lord, There is just principal when somebody sits down how long it takes to serve them. I am mad a definitely disappointed! read more

It's been awhile since I have been here. My wife and I was on this side of town and thought we would eat here. The place was packed and for good reason the food was great. They had one craft beer which was a plus to me. This is a family owned and operated restaurant even their kids work here and are very nice. The little boy keep our chip basket filled. Our waitress was his older sister. The place is clean. Even with it being packed we were able to sit down really quickly. Great place. read more

Do not go here if you are not Caucasian! Go to the location in Blythewood. I usually go to that location but I was on location's side of town so I decided to stop in. For starters, I was seated well before a Caucasian male and I did not receive my food, salsa, chips or drink order before him. This is not something that I have ever experienced at the Blythewood location. The salsa was a bit bland and the chips were not fresh. I will not be revisiting this location! read more

This was easily the best Mexican restaurant I have visited in my entire life. The meal was great, customer service was awesome, and prices are reasonable. They're plenty of parking so you don't have to worry about where to park. When I walked in the building, I was immediately impressed. The restaurant is separated into a bar and dining area. The ambience of the building was nice as well. The music was just loud enough for you to enjoy without overpowering your conversations. TVs are set to sports which is always a plus for me :) The waitresses are very kind. I didn't know what to order with this being my first visit. But they were very kind, made recommendations, and were patient with me as I made my decision. They take your order and back off of you to allow you time to enjoy your meal uninterrupted. The food are large portions in conjunction with the bottomless tortilla chips and salsa. The only issue I found with the place is.... the Clemson statute out from because I'm an Alabama Crimson Tide fan ;) Great experience! I enjoyed myself and will definitely be coming back. Thanks and enjoy your day by choice. -Fitz read more