Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen

- 515 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

For those living in or visiting the Silicon Valley area of California, Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen represents the perfect blend of authentic Mexican flavors and a welcoming, trendy dining atmosphere. Located right in the heart of San Jose, this establishment has quickly become a local favorite, especially among the college student population and groups looking for a vibrant, casual, and cozy spot to enjoy great food.

More than just a quick taco stop, Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen is a full-service, Latino-owned and LGBTQ+ owned establishment that prides itself on serving generous portions of comfort food, a local specialty in the region. From the moment you step in, you'll find a restaurant that is popular for providing a delicious, all-day dining experience, whether you are grabbing a quick lunch, enjoying a relaxed dinner, or satisfying those inevitable late-night cravings. The focus is on quality ingredients, fast service, and a menu rich with classic and unique Mexican options, all served with a distinctly Californian flair.

Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen is conveniently situated at 515 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA. This prime location in San Jose makes it highly accessible for the local community, including those associated with nearby academic institutions, as well as tourists exploring the downtown area. Its setting contributes to a trendy and lively atmosphere that is always bustling with a diverse crowd.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons by providing excellent accessibility features:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and dedicated seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
• Parking: Customers benefit from both a free parking lot and free street parking options, which is a major convenience in the busy downtown area.
• Seating Options: Guests can choose between comfortable indoor seating or enjoy their meal outside with the provided outdoor seating, perfect for sunny California days or mild evenings.

Its strategic location and thoughtful amenities make Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen an easy and stress-free dining destination for families, groups, and solo diners alike.

The operational philosophy of Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen centers on versatility and customer convenience, offering multiple ways to enjoy their food and drinks:

• Dining Options: Offering a complete dining cycle, including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Service Modes: You can choose from Dine-in, Takeout for meals on the go, or enjoy the weather with Outdoor Seating.
• Table and Counter Service: The restaurant offers full Table Service for a relaxed meal experience, as well as efficient counter service for quick orders.
• Reservations: The kitchen accepts reservations, making it easy for larger groups or during peak dining hours to secure a table.
• Late-Night Food: A highlight for the local community, serving delicious options well into the evening to satisfy late-night cravings.
• Beverage Service: Full service includes Alcohol, Beer, and Cocktails, alongside a wide range of house-made non-alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees.
• Payment: It is important to remember that the establishment operates on a Cash-only basis for all transactions.

The appeal of Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen goes beyond just the food, encompassing a unique atmosphere and menu features that make it a standout in San Jose:

• Signature 'Super Soft Tacos': A highly-praised menu item, the Super Soft Tacos are famous for their texture and flavor, described by customers as being "literally super soft" and "worth it," though delightfully messy to eat.
• The Drink Menu: Known for their "massive" and unique drinks. Offerings range from house-made Aguas Frescas (including the unique Peanut Butter Horchata) and specialty non-alcoholic beverages like the Hangover Cure, to innovative cocktails such as the Cali-Margarita and Hennchata.
• Delicious Seafood Options: The menu features a substantial seafood selection, including Garlic Shrimp, Shrimp Ranchero, Fish Ala Diabla, and fresh options like Tostada Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail, catering to all palates.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The vibe is a perfect mix of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including College Students, Groups, and Families.
• Noteworthy Nachos: Customers rave about the nachos, highlighting that the chips impressively "stayed crispy even under all the toppings," a testament to the kitchen's preparation quality.
• Latino & LGBTQ+ Owned: Identifying as both Latino-owned and LGBTQ+ owned, the restaurant fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patrons.
• Speed and Efficiency: A key highlight is the Fast Service, ensuring that whether you are dining in or taking out, your wait time is minimal.

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about the current menu, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 515 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
• Phone: (408) 899-2755

Choosing from Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen’s expansive menu can be a delicious dilemma. Based on local praise and the restaurant's signature offerings, here are the most recommended choices for a truly Californian-Mexican experience:

• The Super Soft Tacos: As a signature item, these are an absolute must-try. Despite the delightful mess, the combination of fresh ingredients and soft tortillas is a celebrated highlight. Pair them with your favorite marinade, but be aware that the popular Pastor marinade is sometimes noted to be on the saltier side, though still delicious.
• The Nachos: For a hearty appetizer or main, the bomb-status nachos are a safe and satisfying bet. The kitchen’s trick of keeping the chips crispy under the toppings makes this dish a textural and flavorful triumph.
• The Cali-Margarita or Specialty Drinks: The huge, house-made drinks are part of the fun. The Cali-Margarita for those enjoying alcohol, or one of the unique Aguas Frescas (especially the Peanut Butter Horchata for the adventurous) are highly recommended to complement the bold flavors of the food.

Overall, Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen provides a high-quality, authentic, and fun dining experience. Just remember to heed the friendly advice from local customers: "bring cash" for your visit to this dynamic San Jose staple.

Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen

515 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA