Mexico Lindo Y Cantina: Authentic Mexican Flavors and Full Bar in San Jose

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Introduce

Introduction / Overview

California residents know that when it comes to Mexican cuisine, the options are plentiful, but finding a spot that perfectly balances an extensive, authentic menu with a vibrant atmosphere and great drinks can be a rare treat. Mexico Lindo Y Cantina, nestled in the heart of San Jose, steps up to meet this expectation. As a full-service Mexican restaurant, it offers much more than just quick-service tacos and burritos; it provides a comprehensive dining experience that celebrates the rich, regional flavors of Mexico. The name itself, "Mexico Lindo" (Beautiful Mexico), suggests a commitment to tradition, while "Cantina" promises a lively atmosphere with a full bar.

The restaurant operates in a prime location within the city, establishing itself as a community favorite for a wide range of needs—from a hearty weekend breakfast to a late-night bite with friends. It caters not only to the general public but is also a popular spot for groups and local tourists looking for genuine, large-portioned Mexican meals. Their dedication to a diverse menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside specialty seafood and meat dishes, makes it a true culinary destination in the competitive San Jose food scene.

Location and Accessibility

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina is strategically situated at:

11 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

This location places the cantina in an easily reachable part of San Jose, making it highly convenient for the community. The restaurant has clearly prioritized accessibility for all patrons, reflecting California's commitment to inclusive public spaces.

Wheelchair Accessibility: The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Parking: Customers benefit from both a free parking lot and free street parking options, simplifying the trip for those driving from surrounding Silicon Valley neighborhoods.
Proximity: Its central San Jose address ensures quick access for solo diners, groups, and families coming from various parts of the city.

Services Offered

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina provides a full suite of services that cater to the fast-paced California lifestyle and the desire for quality dining experiences.

Flexible Dining Options: The restaurant offers dine-in with comfortable table service, as well as takeout, and no-contact delivery options for maximum convenience.
Extensive Meal Service: Serving meals throughout the day, the restaurant offers dedicated menus for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
Full Bar Service: A Cantina is defined by its offerings, and this location provides a full bar onsite, including Alcohol, Beer (with a great selection), Cocktails (praised by customers), Hard Liquor, and Wine.
Happy Hour: For the after-work crowd, Happy Hour drinks and food are available, providing an excellent value opportunity to try a variety of their offerings.
Reservations and Group Dining: The establishment accepts reservations, making it a great choice for planning group gatherings, parties, or special events.
Family-Friendly Amenities: To welcome families, the restaurant offers high chairs and a specific Kids' Menu, making dining out with children easy and enjoyable.

Features / Highlights

What truly distinguishes Mexico Lindo Y Cantina in San Jose's crowded market are several key features that enhance the overall dining experience:

Vast Menu Selection: The menu is a highlight in itself, spanning over 70 different food items, from classics like the $14.95 Regular Burrito to specialties such as the $35.95 Molcajete Mixto (Grilled Beef and All Seafood) and $30.95 Fajitas.
Signature Seafood Dishes: The restaurant specializes in seafood, evidenced by items like the $32.95 Mariscada, various shrimp preparations (including Camarones A La Diabla for $24.95), and the impressive $73.95 Explosion De Mariscos for four people.
Authentic Breakfast Menu: Offering traditional Mexican breakfasts such as $18.95 Huevos Rancheros, $18.95 Chilaquiles, and $18.95 Machaca Con Huevos, alongside the popular $14.95 Breakfast Burrito.
Atmosphere and Energy: The atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it suitable for different crowds, and it features Sports viewing, appealing to local fans.
Late-Night Offerings: For those craving Mexican food after hours, the restaurant provides late-night food options, filling an important niche in the local dining scene.
Great Value and Portions: Many customers comment on the affordable prices and large portion sizes, such as the $5.95 Taco and the variety of combo plates, delivering excellent value to the San Jose community.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering, use the following details:

Address: 11 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Phone: (408) 295-7765 or +1 408-295-7765

What is Worth Choosing

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina is worth choosing for several compelling reasons rooted in both quality and variety. For the California patron seeking authentic Mexican cuisine, the sheer breadth of the menu ensures there is something for every palate. Where many restaurants might specialize narrowly, this location offers a deep dive into Mexican gastronomy, from comforting $19.95 Menudo soup to exotic Botanas De La Casa like $32.95 Camarones Aguachile.

The dining experience is enriched by the available amenities, including a full bar with quality Cocktails and a great Beer selection—a significant draw for those looking to complement their meal with a premium beverage. The fact that the restaurant is highly accessible, with a dedicated parking lot and full wheelchair accessibility, demonstrates an attention to customer needs that simplifies the visit for a diverse crowd, including tourists and large groups.

While a large and busy kitchen may occasionally lead to inconsistency, as noted in a small minority of customer reviews (mentioning service challenges or a flavor deviation in a specific dish), the majority of the feedback centers on the excellent value, generous portions, and satisfying flavors. The positive comments often highlight the speedy service and the customer-friendly attention of specific staff members, indicating a strong service recovery ethic.

In a city like San Jose, where a substantial portion of the population appreciates and seeks out genuine cultural cuisine—a fact underscored by the region's strong Hispanic demographic—Mexico Lindo Y Cantina offers a reliable and expansive culinary experience. It is a destination for the local who desires authentic flavors, a family looking for a comfortable dinner, or a group seeking a lively night out with great food, drinks, and late-night options. Choosing Mexico Lindo Y Cantina is choosing tradition, variety, and convenience in one San Jose location.

For the price-conscious California diner, the comprehensive menu offers affordable entry points like the $9.00 Regular Quesadilla and a multitude of well-priced Super items, all while allowing patrons to indulge in higher-end specialty items like the $29.95 Tampiquena. This flexibility, coupled with the commitment to a full cantina experience, makes it a valuable and recurrent choice for many in the Santa Clara Valley.

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Food & drink

Side Orders
Guacamole - Large $8.95
Guacamole - Small $3.25
House made Guacamole.
Rice - Side Order $4.95
Beans - Side Order $4.95
Green Taco Salsa $2.00
Sour Cream - Side Order $3.95
Small 2 ounce
Red Taco Salsa $2.00

BREAKFAST
Machaca Con Huevos $18.95
Shredded dried beef with scrambled eggs, onions, and tomatos. Plate is served with rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas.
Huevos A La Mexicana $18.95
Two scrambled eggs with onion, tomatoes, serrano peppers. Plate is served with Rice, Beans, and your choice of Tortilla.
Breakfast Burrito $14.95
Your Choice of Chorizo with Egg and French Fries. Ham and eggs. Chorizo and eggs. Each burrito comes with beans and rice inside.
Huevos Con Jamon $18.95
Scrambled eggs with Ham. Plate is served with rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo $18.95
Scrambled eggs with Chorizo. Plate is served with rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas.
Chilaquiles $18.95
Chilaquiles - Fried corn tortilla pieces with scrambled eggs, onion, sour cream with your choice of red or green sauce. Plate is served with rice and beans.
Huevos Rancheros $18.95
Fried Eggs served on a corn tortilla and smothered with warm salsa. Plate is served with rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas.

LUNCH AND DINNER
Super Quesadilla De Camaron $16.85
Flour tortilla with cheese, shrimp, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.
Torta Milanesa $17.95
Breaded Beef, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, and pickled jalapeno.
Fajitas - Beef, Shrimp, Chicken $30.95
Grilled Beef, Shrimp, Chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomato. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Fajitas - De Pollo/Chicken $24.95
Grilled Chicken, onion, bell peppers, tomato. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Plate - Carne Asada/Grilled Beef $23.95
Carne Asada plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Tostada - Fish Ceviche $12.95
Plate - Steak Ranchero $23.95
Chopped Steak cooked in special sauce. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Fajitas - Vegetarianas/ Veggie $22.95
Onions, Bell Peppers, tomato, sauteed with a veggie mix. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Taco $5.95
Camarones Rancheros/Ranch Style Shrimp - Spicy $24.95
Camarones Rancheros /Ranch Style Shrimp. Plate comes with rice, beans, and side salad. Ranch Style Shrimp is Shrimp sauteed with cilantro, and our house made red and green salsa.
Combo 2 Chiles Rellenos $25.95
2 Chiles Rellenos, rice, beans, and side salad.
Torta La Peligrosa $19.95
Our Most Popular Torta - A must Try! Grilled Beef, Bacon, Fried Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Avocado, and pickled jalapenos.
Tampiquena $29.95
Quesadilla, topped with a grilled beef steak, covered in Mole sauce. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Camarones A La Mexicana/Mexican Style Shrimp $24.95
Mexican Style Shrimp. Comes with rice, beans, and side salad. Shrimp is sauteed with fresh jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and tomato.
Chile Verde $23.95
7 Mares/Seafood Mix Soup $30.95
Tomato base broth, onions, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, celery, tomato, Octopus, shrimp, fish, imitation crab, crab legs, clams. Comes with toppings for soup along with your choice of tortilla.
Super Taco $8.95
Your Choice of meat, avocado, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese.
Plate - Pollo A La Mexicana $23.95
Grilled Chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, and fresh jalapenos. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Pozole - Red $19.95
Our Red Pozole is available daily. Pozole comes with tender pork, Hominy (Corn), in a special red stew. On the side you are provided with cabbage, onion, radish, lime, and tostada shells for dipping.
Torta Carnitas $16.95
Braised pork. Comes with Braised Pork, Lettuce, Onions, Tomato, and pickled jalapeno.
Combo De Camarones Y Carne Asada. $26.95
Shrimp and Grilled Beef combo. Comes with rice, beans, and side salad.
Molcajete - Chicken Or Beef $29.95
Your Choice of grilled chicken or beef cooked in a special sauce, complete with cactus, chorizo, fried cheese sticks, tomato, onions, jalapeno, bell pepper, your choice of tortilla.
Torta Al Pastor $16.95
Marinated pork. Comes with marinated pork, Lettuce, Onions, Tomato, and pickled jalapeno.
Camarones A La Diabla $24.95
Shrimp cooked in our special hot sauce. Served with Rice, Beans, and side salad.
Molcajete Mixto - Grilled Beef And All Seafood $35.95
Grilled Beef with all Seafood cooked in a special sauce, complete with cactus, chorizo, fried cheese sticks, tomato, onions, jalapeno, bell pepper, your choice of tortilla.
Mariscada $32.95
Octopus, shrimp, fish, imitation crab, crab legs, clams, bell pepper, and onion cooked in our special sauce.
Camarones A La Plancha/Grilled Shrimp $24.95
Grilled Shrimp plate comes with rice, beans, and side salad.
Plate - Carnitas A La Mexicana $24.95
Carnitas cooked with onions, tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Super Nachos $18.95
Cheese, Jalapeno, beans, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, onions, cilantro, and choice of meat.
Tostada - Seafood $14.95
Fish, Shrimp, Octopus Ceviche
Caldo De Camaron/Shrimp Soup $24.95
Tomato base broth, onions, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, celery, tomato, and shrimp. Comes with toppings for soup along with your choice of tortilla.
Camarones El Rinconcito/Shrimp "El Rincon Style" $27.95
Shrimp "El Rincon " Style plate, comes with rice, beans, and side salad. El Rincon style shrimp is shrimp sauteed with bacon, bell pepper in a cream and cheese sauce.
Regular Quesadilla With Beef $10.95
Flour Tortilla with Cheese and Beef (Asada) only.
Cheeseburger With French Fries $18.95
Our juicy 8oz beef cheeseburger is a menu fav! Comes with a grilled buttered bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries. No Mayo or Mustard.
Burrito Vegetariano $13.95
Flour tortilla with beans, rice, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream.
Regular Quesadilla $9.00
Flour Tortilla with Cheese Only.
Camarones A La Diabla/ Shrimp In Hot Sauce - Spicy $24.95
Shrimp cooked in our special hot sauce. Plate comes with rice, beans, and side salad.
Enchiladas Michoacanas $24.95
Our famous Enchilada Michoacanas plate differs from our regular Enchilada plates. This traditional plate comes with 5 enchiladas cooked in a special red sauce, stuffed with Cotija cheese. This plate also comes with your choice of grilled beef or fried chicken. Plate comes with fried potato slices on the side, topped with cabbage, radish, pickled jalapenos, and avocado.
Plate - Pollo A La Plancha/Grilled Chicken $23.95
Grilled Chicken plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Burrito - Bean And Cheese $9.95
Flour Tortilla with Bean and Cheese.
Tostada - Veggie $7.95
Plate - Milanesa/Breaded Beef $24.95
Breaded Beef plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Chimichanga $20.95
Deep Fried Burrito with your choice of meat, rice, beans. On the side, this comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream.
Super Burrito $17.95
Flour tortilla, meat , beans, rice, cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
Burrito - Mojado Super $18.95
Your choice of a super burrito with our house made green or red sauce poured over entire burrito.
Salad - Chicken $16.95
Lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, topped with grilled chicken. Orange slices and lime, Ranch dressing.
Regular Nachos $14.95
Cheese and Jalapeno only.
Salsa 22 Oz $20.00
Fresh Mexican Salsa 16 oz.
Burrito - Camaron/Shrimp $19.95
Burrito with Camaron/Shrimp, Rice and Beans, onions, cilantro, salsa, avocado.
Super Nacho Fries $19.95
Fries, Cheese, Jalapeno, your choice of meat , beans, tomato, sour cream, avocado, onions, cilantro.
Tostada - Shrimp Ceviche $11.95
Carne Asada / Grill Beef $23.50
Served all day - includes salad, rice, beans, and tortillas.
Plate - Flautas $23.95
4 hand rolled Chicken Flautas topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocado. Plate comes with rice and beans.
Torta Carne Asada $16.95
Grilled beef. Comes with Grilled Beef, Lettuce, Onions, Tomato, and pickled jalapeno.
Menudo $19.95
***PLEASE READ!*** Tender beef tripe in a rich, red chili broth, garnished with chopped onions and cilantro. Comes with your choice of flour or corn tortillas. ***Hominy/CORN is not included, please request below to add it to your dish. ***
Caldo De Res/Beef Soup $21.95
Clear broth soup with Tender beef, carrots, potato, zucchini, onion, and Chayote. Soup comes with a side of rice and toppings for soup. Your choice of Flour or Corn Tortillas.
Camarones Empanizados/Breaded Shrimp $26.95
Hand Breaded Shrimp plate, comes with rice, beans, and side salad.
Enchiladas De Camaron/Shrimp Enchiladas $25.95
Two Enchiladas stuffed with chopped shrimp cilantro, onion, tomato, topped with a cream sauce. Plate comes with 2 Enchiladas, rice, beans, and side salad.
Regular Nacho Fries $15.95
Fries, Cheese, Jalapeno.
Asada And Tocino Taco $7.50
Taco made with Grilled Beef (Asada) and Bacon, topped with Cilantro, Onion, Salsa.
Super Quesadilla $18.95
Flour Tortilla with cheese, meat of your choice, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.
Combo 3 Items $22.95
Enchiladas or Tacos of your choice. Served with rice, beans, and side salad.
Caldo De Pescado/Fish Soup $24.95
Tomato base broth, onions, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, celery, tomato, and fish. Comes with toppings for soup along with your choice of tortilla.
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo/Shrimp Cooked In Garlic Sauce $24.95
Shrimp cooked in garlic sauce. Plate comes with side salad, rice, and beans.
Combo 2 Items $20.95
2 Enchiladas or 2 tacos. served with rice, beans and salad.
Filete Empanizado $25.95
Breaded fish fillet. Comes with Rice, Beans, and Side Salad.
Combo 1 Chile Relleno $17.95
1 Chile Relleno, served with rice, beans, side salad.
Chips And Salsa $5.00
Our house made Chips and Salsa are a customer favorite.
Coctel Camaron / Shrimp $22.00
Fajitas - De Camaron/Shrimp $27.95
Grilled Shrimp, onions, bell peppers, tomato. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Plate - Carnitas/Braised Pork $24.95
Carnitas plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Milanesa / Breaded Beef $24.95
Crispy breaded beef topped with fresh tomato slices, avocado, and onion, served with refried bean, rice, side salad, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Alambre $23.95
The Alambre plate comes with your choice of beef or al pastor sauteed with bell peppers, onions, cheese on top. Comes with 5 corn tortillas, red, and green salsa.
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $24.95
Shrimp cooked in garlic sauce. Comes with Rice, Beans, and Side Salad.
Plate - Steak A La Mexicana $23.95
Chopped Steak cooked with onions and bell peppers. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Camarones A La Cucaracha/Shrimp In Special Sauce $24.95
Shrimp with "Cucaracha" special sauce. Comes with rice, beans, and side salad. Cucaracha Shrimp is deep fried shrimp (no breading), then cooked in a special spicy red sauce.
Plate - Mole $23.95
Chicken Mole Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Fajitas - De Res/Beef $26.95
Grilled beef, onion, bell peppers, tomato. Plate comes with rice, beans, side salad, and choice of tortilla.
Regular Burrito $14.95
Super Quesadilla Veggie $13.95
Flour Tortilla with Cheese, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, onion, avocado, sour cream.

Botanas De La Casa
Camarones Aguachile $32.95
Raw Shrimp marinated lime juice.
Botana Italiana $32.95
Various types of shrimp, mussels, crab legs, cucumber, orange slices, onion, jalapeno, and lime.
Explosion De Mariscos (4 People) $73.95
Fried Tilapia, bacon wrapped shrimp, garlic shrimp, breaded shrimp, grilled shrimp, shrimp cooked in hot sauce, ceviche, rice, red onion, lettuce, and lime.

Beverages
Coca Botella Medio Litro $8.50
Sprite $5.95
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Horchata $6.95
Tamarindo $6.95
Jamaica $6.95
Coke $5.95
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Diet Coke $5.95
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Sunkist $5.95
Agua Mineral Preparada (Non Alcohol) $8.95
Sangria Prepareda (Non Alcohol) $8.95

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
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
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Photos

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Location

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina

California Santa Clara County San Jose St. Leo's Race Street

11 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Mexico Lindo Y Cantina Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 617 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I discovered this place by chance one Sunday during lunchtime. My friend and I received our service quickly and in a friendly way. Here, you'll find decent Mexican food offered at affordable prices, with large portions and good flavor.The place feels isolated and stuck in time (with its decor). I noticed they have a lunch buffet special, but it's only Monday through Friday. I might return to check it out if you're in the area and want something safe and quick.
March 25 · Fatima Saldivar
From the moment the waiter took away our drink menu before anything else, nor did he ask... He just seemed "angry at the world". Then he just abandoned us w no explanation. Wth. THEN, as soon as we received our food, I could smell FISH 🤢 I quickly identified the beans as the culprit. I could not eat the beans due to said issue and the rest of the food was nblah at best. THEN, the "?ground" beef? Felt like mush meat, tasted like Fast food overly "filled w fillers" mush, rather than ground beef. Idk 🤮 But again, the 1st waiter was a hot mess and unattentive. Our "new" wait staff was a bit more customer friendly. ? ARAVELLA, the waitress, made up for his/? lack of customer service skills.
May 10 · Doreen Isaacs
Tried their buffet and the options are great. Love their spicy pork ribs, fajitas, and pozole!
May 30 · Cristian Vargas
I came to eat here yesterday with my family for Father’s Day, the food was excellent, and the service was as well. We were attended by Naomi, we had a great time, and were treated like family. The drinks were great especially the micheladas, the best I’ve had in a while. My only complaint while there was the family that allowed their children to run around the restaurant and almost bumped into other guests. Besides that, everything was great, thank you to the servers and bartender who promptly served us, despite it being busy during the time we went!!!
June 17 · Lola Ramirez
I really wanted to like this place. The atmosphere is great. Very vibrant and celebratory. We ordered the chicken flautas and shrimp enchiladas. The flautas were very dry and tasteless. The toppings definitely saved the dish. The beans didn’t taste fresh, almost can like. The shrimp enchiladas were probably the better choice. Slightly fishy but the enchilada sauce was pretty good.
May 07 · Stephanie Del Rio