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Restaurant Locatorrestaurants open near meCaliforniaSanta Clara CountySan JoseAlum Rockrestaurants open in Alum Rock AvenueEl Cerrito #4
El Cerrito #4 ico

El Cerrito #4
- 1925 Alum Rock Ave # C, San Jose, CA 95116

Mexican restaurant ★4.0 (16)·$10–20

1925 Alum Rock Ave # C, San Jose, CA 95116, USA

4.0
The restaurant is a bit of a dive, but if you want good down home authentic Mexican food and a menu with lots of good choices, then this is your spot. I had the huevos rancheros, my two partners had the chilaquiles, and huevos a la mexicana. We all very much enjoyed our food. Good flavor, hand made corn tortillas, descent coffee, tasty chili. I will be sure to drop in again next time I'm hungry and happen to be in the neighborhood. - itsallgooddm1 Maldonado
El Cerrito #4 Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 16 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

El Cerrito #4 Introduce

For residents of the **California** region, particularly those in the vibrant East San Jose community, **El Cerrito #4** stands out as a genuine destination for down-home, authentic Mexican cuisine. Located conveniently on Alum Rock Avenue, this **Mexican restaurant** is cherished by locals for offering a menu rich with traditional flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. It serves as a reliable spot for every meal of the day, making it popular for **Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner** among locals and those traveling through the area.

While some describe the location as modest, the quality of the food and the extensive menu—which features everything from classic Mexican staples to sought-after regional specialties—are what truly draw in the crowds. Patrons consistently praise the commitment to freshness, particularly the highly-regarded **hand made corn tortillas**, which elevate every dish. El Cerrito #4 provides a casual yet cozy environment, ensuring a comfortable and authentic dining experience for families, groups, and solo diners alike.

The establishment is committed to providing a full experience, combining excellent food with amenities like **Fast service** and even **Live music**, ensuring that a meal here is both delicious and engaging. It is an ideal spot for anyone in the Bay Area looking to enjoy quality, traditional Mexican cooking that tastes like it came straight from a Mexican kitchen.


Location and Accessibility

El Cerrito #4 is conveniently located on Alum Rock Avenue in the heart of San Jose, CA, making it highly accessible for both local patrons and visitors to the area. Its positioning ensures easy access for dining in or picking up an order.

The address is:

  • **1925 Alum Rock Ave # C, San Jose, CA 95116, USA**

The restaurant is dedicated to providing an accessible experience for all community members, with the following accommodations:

  • A **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **Wheelchair accessible seating** are provided for ease of access.
  • A convenient **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** is available, along with **Free street parking** in the vicinity.
  • The premises include a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**.

Services Offered

El Cerrito #4 ensures a flexible and comprehensive dining experience, offering various services to suit the dynamic lifestyle of California residents. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a relaxed, full-service dinner, the options are plentiful.

  • **Dine-in:** Enjoy the complete menu in the casual, **Cozy** atmosphere with full **Table service** and comfortable **Seating**. **Accepts reservations** for planning ahead.
  • **Takeout:** The convenient **Takeout** option, supported by **Fast service**, allows customers to grab their favorite authentic dishes quickly.
  • **Delivery:** For ultimate convenience, **Delivery** service is available, bringing the full menu right to your door.
  • **Full Bar & Happy Hour:** Offers a variety of **Alcohol**, including **Beer** and **Cocktails**. Patrons can take advantage of special **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food** specials.
  • **All-Day Dining:** The restaurant serves a broad range of meals, including **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**.
  • **Catering:** Services are available for **Catering** events, bringing the authentic Mexican flavors to your next large gathering.
  • **Payment Options:** For customer ease, all common payment methods are accepted, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
  • **Family Accommodations:** The establishment is highly **Family-friendly**, offering a specific **Kids' menu** and providing **High chairs**.
  • **Counter Service:** In addition to table service, **Counter service** is offered for quick orders and grab-and-go options.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the fundamental services, El Cerrito #4 boasts several notable features that distinguish it as a top choice for authentic Mexican dining in the San Jose area.

  • **Authentic Regional Specialties:** The menu is extensive and features deep-cut regional dishes that demonstrate authenticity, such as **Birria** (both wet and dry forms), **Enchiladas Michoacanas**, **Pozole**, and **Menudo**.
  • **Fresh, Handmade Tortillas:** A significant highlight noted by customer reviews is the quality of the tortillas, which are **hand made corn tortillas**, guaranteeing a level of freshness and taste superior to mass-produced alternatives.
  • **Full-Service Seafood Menu (Mariscos):** The restaurant dedicates a substantial portion of its menu to fresh seafood, or **Mariscos**, including **Caldo 7 Mares** (Seven Seas Soup), various **Camarones** (Shrimp) preparations, and **Pescado Frito** (Fried Fish).
  • **Lively Atmosphere and Entertainment:** Patrons can enjoy **Live music** during select hours, which contributes to the casual and engaging dining experience.
  • **Diverse Offerings:** The menu balances **Comfort food** with **Healthy options**, including a variety of salads like **Ensalada De Pollo** and **Ensalada De Camarón**. A **Salad bar** is also available.
  • **Kid-Friendly Menu:** The availability of a dedicated **Kids' menu**, featuring items like **Kids Chicken Nuggets** and **Kids Hamburger**, ensures that all members of the family are accommodated.
  • **Community Focus:** The atmosphere is warmly described as **Casual** and **Cozy**, attracting a crowd that includes **Family-friendly** groups and is an **LGBTQ+ friendly** space.

Contact Information

To place a takeout order, inquire about the **Live music** schedule, or ask about **Catering** options, patrons can contact El Cerrito #4 directly at the following:

  • **Address:** 1925 Alum Rock Ave # C, San Jose, CA 95116, USA
  • **Phone (Landline):** (408) 929-0213
  • **Phone (Mobile):** +1 408-929-0213

What is Worth Choosing

El Cerrito #4's massive menu offers something for every craving, but the most worthwhile choices are those that capitalize on the restaurant’s strengths: authenticity, fresh preparation, and regional specialties. These dishes represent the best of what this San Jose favorite has to offer.

The Authentic Classics and Signature Dishes

For a true taste of traditional Mexican cooking, these dishes are highly recommended:

  • **Birria and Quesabirrias:** **Birria** ($23.00) and **Quesabirrias** ($6.00) are signature items that showcase authentic, slow-cooked meat. The **Combo Birria** ($25.00) is an excellent way to experience this acclaimed dish.
  • **Breakfast Staples:** For a hearty start to the day, the **Huevos Rancheros** ($20.00) and **Chilaquiles** ($21.00) come highly reviewed for their good flavor and authentic preparation. They pair perfectly with the descent house **Cafe** ($5.00).
  • **Hand Made Tacos:** The **Tacos Tortillas A Mano** ($5.00) offer a superior taco experience, featuring the fresh, hand-made corn tortillas that are one of the restaurant’s greatest highlights.
  • **Enchiladas Michoacanas:** At $20.00, this regional dish is a must-try for those seeking a flavor profile beyond the standard Americanized enchiladas.
  • **Barbacoa De Res:** Another slow-cooked meat specialty ($19.50) that offers deep, rich flavor, embodying down-home Mexican comfort food.
Seafood and Customization

The extensive seafood menu provides excellent variety for those looking for lighter or more specialized dishes:

  • **Caldo 7 Mares:** This traditional **Seven Seas Soup** ($28.00) is a rich and flavorful seafood broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
  • **Camarones A La Diabla:** For those who enjoy heat, this shrimp dish ($23.00) cooked in a spicy sauce is a popular and well-executed classic.
  • **Sides and Extras:** Given the quality of the house-made components, be sure to order the **Chips Con Salsa** ($4.00) and take advantage of the fresh, tasty **Salsa Verde** or **Salsa Roja** ($1.00 each) to customize the flavor of your tacos and burritos.

Whether you're stopping by for an early morning **Breakfast Burrito** or a late-day **Platillo De Birria Seca** while enjoying **Live music**, El Cerrito #4 provides a taste of authentic Mexican culinary tradition right here in San Jose, CA.

El Cerrito #4 Food & drink

  • Sides/Extras

  • Salsa Verde $1.00

    Green salsa

  • Chile Toreado $1.50
  • Aguacate $2.00
  • Salsa Roja $1.00

    Red salsa

  • Chips Con Salsa $4.00

    Chips with Salsa

  • Guacamole $12.00
  • Frijoles $5.00

    Beans

  • Arroz $5.00

    Rice

  • Crema $1.00
  • Tortillas $3.00

    3 hand-made corn tortillas

  • Main Dishes/Platillos

  • Platillo De Birria Seca $21.00

    Dried beef served with Hand made tortillas

  • Mole $21.00
  • Morisqueta $18.00

    Pork meat topped with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa.

  • Burritos $14.00

    Made with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa.

  • Quesabirrias $6.00

    Quesadilla with birria meat

  • Birria $23.00

    Your choice of beef or goat meat.

  • Barbacoa De Res $19.50

    Steak barbacoa served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Tacos Tortillas A Mano $5.00

    Tacos made with hand-made tortillas.

  • Super Nachos $18.00

    Nachos with chips, cheese, beans, rice, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and guacamole with your choice of meat

  • Huilota En Salsa $23.00

    Dove in green salsa; served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Bistec A La Mexicana $23.00

    Steak with onions and chile serrano served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Torta $16.00

    Torta with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions, beans, and cheese.

  • Carne Asada $23.00

    Steak served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Plato De 3 Tacos $18.00

    3 tacos con arroz y frijoles

  • Burrito Chile Verde $14.50

    Made with pork carnitas in chile verde, beans, rice, onions, cilantro, and salsa.

  • Menudo $23.00

    Menudo soup with a side of onions, cilantro, salsa de aceite, and chile salsa.

  • Enchiladas Michoacanas $20.00

    Six corn tortilla enchiladas with red sauce, your choice of meat, and Mexican cheese inside.

  • Caldo De Pollo $20.00

    Chicken soup

  • Kids Chicken Nuggets $10.00
  • Tacos Dorados $20.00

    Six crispy Chicken tacos with lettuce, sour cream, cheese, tomatos, avocado, and salsa.

  • Tacos Super $7.00

    Tacos con queso, aguacate y crema

  • Burrito Vegetariano $11.50

    Vegitarian burrito; made with beans, rice, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, and tomatoes.

  • Tostada $7.00
  • Carnitas $21.00
  • Chile Colorado $21.00

    Beef in red sauce; served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Caldo De Res $23.00

    Beef soup

  • Burrito Super $17.00

    Made with beans, rice, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

  • Sopes $16.00

    Two sopes with your choice of meat, rice, beans, lettuce, and salsa.

  • Enchiladas Americanas $20.00

    Three corn tortilla enchiladas with red or green sauce, your choice of meat, and melted cheese ontop. Served with rice and beans.

  • Tacos $4.00

    Served with cilantro, onions, and salsa.

  • Kids Hamburger $12.00
  • Bistec Ranchero $23.00

    Steak ranchero served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Combo Birria $25.00

    Birria with beef or goat meat; served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Pozole $20.00

    Pozole pork meat with a side of onions, cilantro, salsa de aceite, and chile salsa.

  • Chavindeca $18.00

    Dos tortillas de harina con queso y carne

  • Fajitas $22.00

    Fajitas made with your choice of meat. Served with rice, beans, and hand-made tortillas.

  • Alambre $21.00

    Your choice of meat with bell peppers, cheese, onions, avocado, and salsa; comes with hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Chile Verde $21.00

    Pork in green sauce; served with rice, beans, and salad.

  • Quesadilla Maiz $8.00

    Hand-made corn torilla; plain or with your choice of meat.

  • Quesadilla Harina $8.00

    Flour torilla; plain or with your choice of meat.

  • Flautas Combo De Pollo $20.00

    Chicken flautas combo plate

  • Seafood/Mariscos

  • Caldo De Pescado $23.00

    Fish soup

  • Camarones Al Ajillo $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Pescado Frito (Tilapia) $23.50

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Camarones Envueltos $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Filete De Pescada $24.00
  • Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Mojarra Frita $25.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Caldo 7 Mares $28.00

    Seafood soup with octopus, fish, clams, and shrimp; served with tortillas, tostadas, or salted crackers.

  • Camarónes A La Mexicana $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Campechana $25.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Tostada De Camarón $12.00

    Tostada with shrimp

  • Camarones Empanizados $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Naco Botana $35.00

    Mixto de camarones

  • Camarones Rancheros $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Coctel De Camarón $23.00

    Side of salted crackers or tostadas.

  • Caldo De Camarón $23.00

    Shrimp soup

  • Camarones A La Diabla $23.00

    Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Drinks/Bebidas

  • Sodas Mexicanas $3.00
  • Sangria Preparada $7.00
  • Agua Mineral Preparada $7.00
  • Gelatina Con Rompope $6.00
  • Agua Fresca $5.00

    Choose from large (32oz) or small (16oz).

  • Water Bottle $3.00
  • Jarritos $5.00
  • Te $5.00

    Tea

  • Gelatina $5.00
  • Cafe $5.00

    Coffee

  • Breakfast/Desayunos

  • Huevos Con Tocino $20.00

    Eggs and bacon; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Huevos Con Jamon $20.00

    Ham and eggs; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Breakfast Burrito $15.00

    Burito made with scrambled eggs, beans, rice, and salsa.

  • Huevos Rancheros $20.00

    Rancher style eggs; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Omelette $20.00

    Made with ham, tomatoes, onions, and chile. Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Aporreadillo $23.00

    Eggs with dried beef and chile, served with rice and beans.

  • Breakfast Torta $14.00

    Made with scrambled eggs, beans, rice, and salsa.

  • American GI Special $21.00

    Eggs, potatoes, and chorizo; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Huevos Con Chorizo $20.00

    Chorizo and eggs; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Papas Con Huevo $20.00

    Eggs and potatoes; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Chilaquiles $21.00

    Corn tortillas in red or green sauce and eggs.

  • Huevos Revueltos $20.00

    Scrambled eggs; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Huevos A La Mexicana $20.00

    Eggs with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Huevos Con Nopales $20.00

    Cactus and eggs; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Huevos Estrellados $20.00

    Eggs over easy; served with rice, beans, and hand-made corn tortillas.

  • Healthy Dishes/Saludables

  • Ensalada De Pollo $18.00

    Chicken Salad

  • Ensalada De Res $20.00
  • Pollo A La Plancha $20.00

    Grilled chicken served with vegetables

  • Ensalada Vegetariana $13.00

    Simple vegitarian salad with vegtables.

  • Ensalada De Camarón $22.00

    Shrimp salad

El Cerrito #4 Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Live music
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Salad bar
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free street parking

El Cerrito #4 Photos

El Cerrito #4 Picture 1El Cerrito #4 Picture 2El Cerrito #4 Picture 3El Cerrito #4 Picture 4El Cerrito #4 Picture 5El Cerrito #4 Picture 6El Cerrito #4 Picture 7El Cerrito #4 Picture 8El Cerrito #4 Picture 9El Cerrito #4 Picture 10

El Cerrito #4 Location

El Cerrito #4

1925 Alum Rock Ave # C, San Jose, CA 95116, USA

El Cerrito #4 Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 168 user reviews.

birriaenchiladasmenudoenvironmentgoatcorn tortillasburritoprice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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