Crystal Taqueria

- 101 Delmas Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

For those living and working in or around San Jose, California, the quest for truly authentic, high-quality, and satisfying Mexican comfort food often leads to a hidden gem: Crystal Taqueria. Located conveniently on Delmas Avenue, this establishment has quickly cemented its reputation as a go-to spot for fresh, made-to-order tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. More than just a simple restaurant, Crystal Taqueria is an evolution of a long-standing local favorite, carrying forward a legacy of quality cooking and exceptional customer service right here in the Golden State.

The core philosophy of Crystal Taqueria is built on quality ingredients and generous portions, ensuring every meal delivers on flavor and value. The menu, while focused on classic Mexican fare, provides a robust selection that caters to all appetites throughout the day. Diners can start their day with breakfast options, grab a quick but filling meal for lunch, or settle in for a satisfying dinner. The versatility of their offerings makes it a popular choice for all dining options, including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, in a delightfully Casual atmosphere.

The menu features signature items that highlight the taqueria’s commitment to flavor. The Super Burrito ($13.78) is a standout, an epic meal in itself, typically featuring your choice of meat, rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, onions, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, ensuring a satisfying and hearty experience. For a more traditional experience, the Regular Burrito ($12.48) focuses on the core components: meat, rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Tacos are the heart of any taqueria, and Crystal Taqueria offers its classic Taco ($3.90) as well as the specialized Taco S De Camaron ($5.00), featuring flavorful shrimp—a true Californian treat.

Quesadillas are another area of expertise, ranging from the simple Q. Maiz - Solo Queso ($4.16) on a handmade corn tortilla, to the substantial Q. De Harina - Con Carne ($12.48) on a flour tortilla. The inclusion of the Quesadilla Veggie ($12.48) and the budget-friendly Veggie Quesadilla ($5.72) demonstrates a thoughtful consideration for vegetarian diners. Torta lovers can enjoy the traditional Mexican sandwich ($12.48), filled with your choice of meat, beans, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cheese, and mayonnaise on toasted bolillo bread. The option to add sides like Avocado ($1.30), Sour Cream ($1.04), or Cheese ($0.78) allows customers to fully customize their perfect meal.

A unique offering on the side menu is Consome ($1.50). For those unfamiliar, Consomé is a rich, flavorful broth, often beef-based and seasoned with spices, cilantro, and onion. It is traditionally served for sipping on its own, or as a savory dipping liquid for tacos and burritos, particularly for Birria-style tacos, adding an extra layer of authentic Mexican flavor to the meal—a delicious addition well worth the small price.

Crystal Taqueria is conveniently situated at 101 Delmas Ave, San Jose, CA 95110, USA. This location makes it highly accessible for San Jose residents and those commuting through the area, situated perfectly for a quick stop. Accessibility is a key feature, as the restaurant provides a Wheelchair accessible parking lot and Free street parking, making it easy for patrons to visit and enjoy their meal. The friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the fact that the cook is the same friendly and talented owner from the previous Imperio Tacqueria, providing consistency and a familiar, welcoming face to the neighborhood. The fact that the establishment is now equipped to take credit cards, tap payments, and convenient online orders is a significant improvement over the previous cash-only operation, demonstrating a commitment to modern customer needs.

Services Offered

• Full Dine-in service with Seating available in a casual setting.
• Convenient Takeout for quick pick-up orders.
• Delivery service available for customers in the surrounding San Jose area.
• Serves a full range of meals, including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• The menu is designed for a Quick bite, perfect for busy California residents on the go.
• Dogs allowed outside, welcoming pet owners to enjoy their meal in the vicinity.
• Good for kids, with the provision of High chairs, making it a family-friendly venue.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Mexican Comfort food prepared with quality, fresh ingredients.
• Known for generous portions that offer excellent value for the price.
• The owner/cook is noted for being super friendly and cooking most items fresh to order.
• Popular across all major dining times: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Offers a variety of menu options including the Super Burrito, various Quesadillas, and Shrimp Tacos (Taco S De Camaron).
• Includes affordable and satisfying Vegetarian options like the Burritos - Veggie and Veggie Quesadilla.
• Now conveniently accepts card payments, tap, and online orders, upgrading from its previous cash-only status.
• Unique menu side item, Consome ($1.50), available for an authentic dipping experience.
• Atmosphere is highly casual, making it a comfortable spot for Solo dining or a family meal.

Contact Information

Address: 101 Delmas Ave, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Phone: (209) 809-9186 (also listed as Mobile Phone: +1 209-809-9186)

What is worth choosing

Choosing Crystal Taqueria for your next meal in San Jose is an excellent decision based on its combination of culinary quality, authenticity, and enhanced convenience. For Californians who appreciate fresh, non-overly-salty Mexican food—a key point mentioned by a 'chilanga wife' in a review—Crystal Taqueria delivers exactly what locals look for. The commitment to cooking most items and meats "fresh to order" ensures a quality that fast-casual competitors simply cannot match. This dedication to freshness, coupled with the quality ingredients and generous portion sizes, means every dollar spent here results in a truly satisfying plate of comfort food.

The personal touch provided by the owner/cook, described as a "super friendly guy" and the consistent provider of "these burritos for the last several years," adds a layer of community and trust to the dining experience. It’s more than a transaction; it’s a connection to a local culinary figure whose food has a loyal following dating back to the Imperio Tacqueria era. This history and continuity are invaluable in a large city like San Jose.

Furthermore, the convenience factor is a major incentive. The ability to now "conveniently order online and pay with cards, tap, etc." drastically modernizes the experience, catering to the speed and efficiency modern California life demands. Whether you are grabbing a quick and flavorful Taco on the go, a hearty Super Burrito for lunch, or planning a relaxed family dinner, the Taqueria supports your needs with Delivery, Takeout, and comfortable Dine-in options. The availability of diverse menu items, from Veggie Burritos to Shrimp Tacos, ensures there is something delicious for everyone in your party. In summary, Crystal Taqueria is a highly recommended, authentic, and high-value local establishment that epitomizes great Mexican comfort food in the San Jose area.

Crystal Taqueria

101 Delmas Ave, San Jose, CA 95110, USA