El Jalapeno Rojo

- 400 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110

**El Jalapeno Rojo** is a highly popular, fast-casual dining establishment located in San Jose, California, specializing in authentic **Mexican restaurant** and **Latin American restaurant** fare. Situated centrally, this spot has earned its reputation primarily through sheer convenience, aggressive pricing, and a menu of familiar comfort foods, serving as a go-to option for the local community, especially for those needing a quick, satisfying bite at any time of day.

The restaurant’s concept is built around speed and accessibility, prominently featuring a **Drive-through** service that makes it a convenient stop for people on the go. Its menu is designed for affordability and quick consumption, offering a range of classic Mexican staples like various Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, and hearty plates such as **Super Nachos** and **Chimichangas**. This focus on efficiency and value has made it a magnet for a diverse crowd, including local **College students**, **Locals**, and **Tourists** exploring the San Jose area.

El Jalapeno Rojo caters to every major meal of the day, offering **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with a special draw as a destination for **Late-night food**. The atmosphere is decidedly **Casual**, reflecting its function as a reliable spot for a **Quick bite** or substantial, unfussy comfort food. While the core experience is focused on speed and food volume, it remains a heavily trafficked spot due to its practical service options and generous portions.

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El Jalapeno Rojo is strategically located at **400 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA**. This address places it in a high-traffic area near downtown San Jose, making it easy to access for commuters and those in the surrounding neighborhoods. The emphasis on drive-thru and takeout services reflects the convenience of its location.

Despite being a functional, quick-service eatery, the restaurant offers important accessibility features for all patrons:

• **Drive-through:** This primary service option offers unparalleled convenience and speed for those who do not wish to leave their vehicle.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** Ensures that all guests, regardless of mobility, can enter the premises for dine-in or counter service.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** The facility is equipped with designated parking to accommodate those with accessibility needs.
• **Parking Availability:** The restaurant provides a **Free parking lot**, although customers note it can be limited in space (around 2-3 cars), complemented by readily available **Free street parking** in the surrounding area.
• **Outdoor Seating:** Provides an option for customers who wish to dine on-site in the fresh California air, and this area is also **Dogs allowed** for patrons with pets.

The combination of a drive-thru, accessibility features, and both lot and street parking solidifies its status as a highly accessible convenience spot in the San Jose midtown area.

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The service model at El Jalapeno Rojo is built for speed, volume, and convenience, ensuring a no-fuss experience for its diverse customer base seeking a fast, affordable meal.

• **Dining Options:** Offers three primary meals: **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with **Seating** available for dine-in guests.
• **Service Format:** High emphasis is placed on expedient service, categorized by the highlight of **Fast service** and the availability of a **Drive-through** system.
• **Consumption Methods:** Customers have a full range of choices, including **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, and the mentioned **Drive-through** for maximum efficiency.
• **Specialized Offerings:** The menu is categorized by offerings such as **Comfort food**, **Small plates**, and being a dedicated source for **Quick bite** items. Importantly, it is known for providing **Late-night food**, which is a significant amenity for the local crowd.
• **Group and Family Accommodations:** The location is noted as being **Good for kids** and is suitable for **Groups** to enjoy a casual meal together.
• **Atmosphere:** The vibe is described as distinctly **Casual**, attracting a crowd of **Locals** and **College students** looking for a low-key environment.
• **Payment Systems:** Accepts modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**. (It is noted that a fee may be charged for credit card use).

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While the focus of El Jalapeno Rojo is on budget-friendly, convenient Mexican cuisine, several key features and menu items distinguish it in the competitive California market, particularly in San Jose.

• **Incredibly Affordable Tacos:** The restaurant is highly noted for its low-cost core items, particularly the **Tacos at $1.70** each and **Tacos De Chorizo at $1.70**. The **Super Taco** is also budget-friendly at **$2.75**. This pricing makes it one of the most cost-effective Mexican food options in the area.
• **High-Value Burritos:** The menu offers a popular array of burritos, including the **Burrito Regular ($5.75)**, **Burrito Vegetariano ($4.75)**, and the generously sized **Super Burrito ($6.75)**, which are all high-value items for the California market.
• **Local Specialty Dishes:** The menu includes specialized regional items like **Menudo ($5.95)**, which is typically served on weekends, and a wide variety of main dishes such as **Chille Relleno ($7.75)** and **Camaron Ranchero ($11.25)**, indicating a depth beyond simple tacos and burritos.
• **Late-Night Service Advantage:** The availability of **Late-night food** service is a massive highlight, catering to the active social and student crowd in the San Jose downtown area.
• **Comfort and Speed:** The establishment is famous for its combination of **Fast service** and traditional **Comfort food**, delivering quick, hearty meals without a lengthy wait.
• **Targeted Crowd:** It successfully attracts a crowd of **College students**, **Groups**, and **Locals**, indicating a strong community connection and relevance as a regular dining spot.
• **Outdoor Dining with Pet Policy:** The presence of **Outdoor seating** where **Dogs are allowed** is a welcome feature for pet owners and those who prefer to dine al fresco.

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For first-time visitors or San Jose locals seeking the best value and flavor at El Jalapeno Rojo, the best choices revolve around the combination of affordability and satisfying portions. The restaurant’s greatest strength lies in its ability to deliver classic Mexican staples at an accessible price point.

The essential choice for any visitor is the signature **Tacos ($1.70)**. At this price, it is highly recommended to sample several varieties, with the **Tacos De Chorizo ($1.70)** offering a bold, spiced flavor that is a favorite among patrons. For those looking for a substantial single item, the **Super Burrito ($6.75)** provides significant portion size for the price, packed with meat, beans, rice, and other fillings, making it a complete and filling meal for lunch or dinner.

For sharing or an indulgence, the **Super Nachos ($6.75)** are an excellent selection. Loaded with toppings, they represent a quintessential comfort food item perfect for groups or as a large meal for one. Another standout choice from the main menu is the **Burrito De Chile Erde ($5.75)**, a hearty option that focuses on pork simmered in a savory green sauce, a California-Mexican favorite.

Seafood lovers can look to the **Tostade De Camaron ($5.50)** or the **Camaron Ranchero ($11.25)** for a taste of the kitchen's more specialized offerings. For a simple, on-the-go choice, the **Tortas ($5.75)**—classic Mexican sandwiches—provide a satisfying alternative to the burrito.

Finally, given its **Breakfast** service, early risers should consider their offerings to start the day with a substantial, affordable Mexican meal.

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For convenient drive-through service, takeout, or general inquiries about dining options, please use the following contact details for El Jalapeno Rojo:

• **Address:** 400 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
• **Phone:** (408) 275-6299
• **Mobile Phone (Alternative):** +1 408-275-6299

El Jalapeno Rojo

400 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA