Tacos El Chilanguito

- 115 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

For those in the San Jose, California area seeking a genuinely authentic and high-quality Mexican street food experience, Tacos El Chilanguito is an essential stop. Conveniently located on Phelan Ave, this establishment has quickly earned a reputation as a local favorite for its focused, traditional menu and commitment to fast, friendly service. The restaurant's name and specialties hint at the vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico City (referred to as a "Chilango" style), ensuring a depth of flavor that appeals to true aficionados of Mexican cuisine.

The core of the menu is built around expertly prepared, classic Mexican fare, most notably their extensive taco selection. For just $3.75, customers can enjoy traditional tacos filled with popular proteins like Asada, savory Pastor, Chicken, Beef Brisket, Chorizo, and Buche (pork stomach). The menu also caters to those seeking authentic, traditional meats with offerings such as Taco De Tripa / Beef Tripe Taco and Taco De Lengua / Beef Tongue Taco, both available for $4.25. Customer reviews frequently highlight the quality of the food, noting the pastor taco was "yummy" and praising the generous portions, juicy meat, and "nice and warm" tortillas, solidifying their reputation for solid street tacos.

Beyond the classic taco, the restaurant is particularly known for its signature items. The Torta Chilanga ($10.25), and its larger version Torta Chilanga (Grande) ($22.50), is a specialty sandwich layered with the customer's choice of meat, mayo, onion, cilantro, and avocado. Another highlight is the Gringa Al Pastor ($10.00), which features grilled marinated pork combined with melted cheese, all served in a tortilla and accompanied by fresh radish slices, grilled green chili, and cucumber. This unique offering and attention to traditional accompaniments showcases the restaurant's dedication to an authentic and elevated street food experience. For those who like to customize their flavor, Tacos El Chilanguito provides a full range of extras, including Aguacate ($1.00) and four distinct, small-plate salsas (Red, Tomatillo Green, Guacamole, and Chipotle) for a nominal $0.25 each, ensuring every bite has the perfect kick.

The overall dining experience is casual and accommodating. The atmosphere is family-friendly, welcoming groups, and is a popular choice for local residents. The "Highlights" of "Fast service" and its availability for "Late-night food" make it a reliable and convenient option for individuals dining solo or groups looking for a quality meal at various hours of the day or night. The establishment also caters to convenience with a full suite of service options, including outdoor seating and delivery.

Location and Accessibility

Tacos El Chilanguito is centrally located in San Jose, CA, ensuring easy access for a large part of the local community. Its address places it in a well-trafficked area:

Address: 115 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Accessibility and parking are notable features, adding to the convenience for local users:

• A Wheelchair accessible parking lot is available.
• Both a Free parking lot and Free street parking are provided, eliminating the typical hassle of finding a spot in a busy urban area.
• The location is set up for Outdoor seating, providing a casual, open-air dining option.

These features ensure that Tacos El Chilanguito is a stress-free destination for anyone looking for authentic Mexican food in San Jose.

Services Offered

The restaurant offers extensive services focused on flexibility and customer convenience:

• Dine-in and dedicated Seating options are available for those who wish to eat on-site.
• Outdoor seating and Dogs allowed make it a comfortable choice for diners with pets.
• Takeout and Delivery services are provided, making their authentic food accessible even when dining at home.
• The dining options cover Lunch and Dinner, with a popular offering for Late-night food.
• The business Accepts reservations for groups, demonstrating a level of planning accommodation often not found at casual taco establishments.

Features / Highlights

The features and highlights of Tacos El Chilanguito emphasize authenticity, speed, and variety:

• Authentic Mexican Tacos: Known for their traditional approach and wide selection of meats, including Asada, Pastor, Chicken, Chorizo, Beef Brisket, Buche, Tripa, and Lengua.
• Signature Specialties: Offers unique, highly-rated items like the Torta Chilanga and the cheesy, grilled Gringa Al Pastor.
• Excellent Service Speed: Recognized for consistently providing Fast service, ensuring a quick bite for busy customers.
• Traditional Condiments: Provides an array of authentic, spicy sauces and extras, including four distinct Salsas and Grilled jalapeños (which are noted to be "fireee!").
• Flexible Dining Hours: A reliable spot for Late-night food, a valuable offering in the San Jose area.
• Accessibility and Parking: Offers both a Free parking lot and Wheelchair accessible parking, making a visit straightforward and convenient.

Contact Information

For ordering, reservations, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 115 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Phone: (408) 712-8834

The phone number is the best way to contact the restaurant directly to place a takeout order or inquire about group seating and reservations.

What is worth choosing

Tacos El Chilanguito is an exceptional choice for California residents in the San Jose area looking for authentic, delicious, and convenient Mexican food. The breadth and authenticity of their taco fillings, including harder-to-find options like Tripa and Lengua, set them apart from standard taquerias. The quality of their flagship items, particularly the flavorful Pastor, the rich Torta Chilanga, and the cheesy Gringa Al Pastor, are highly recommended by local customers.

The restaurant's commitment to accommodating various needs—from offering fast service for a quick lunch to providing a full seating area, outdoor dining, and accessible parking—makes the overall dining experience seamless. For those craving genuine Mexican street food with a strong, spicy kick (don't forget the "fireee" grilled jalapeños!), Tacos El Chilanguito is a high-value, high-quality, and highly convenient choice for any time of day, particularly for those late-night cravings in San Jose.

Tacos El Chilanguito

115 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, USA