Taqueria El Abuelo San Jose: Authentic Mexican Food and Fresh Seafood on Lincoln Ave

Taqueria El Abuelo Introduce

Taqueria El Abuelo, conveniently located on Lincoln Avenue in San Jose, California, stands as a local culinary landmark, celebrated by the community for its vast menu, authentic flavors, and family-friendly atmosphere. More than just a typical taqueria, this establishment combines the speed and convenience of a Fast food restaurant with the extensive, comforting menu of a traditional Mexican restaurant, making it an ideal choice for any meal of the day.

For decades, this location has served as a childhood staple for many San Jose residents, a testament to its long-standing commitment to quality Mexican cuisine. Customers frequently praise the huge menu, which spans categories from early morning Breakfast Plates and specialized Breakfast Burritos to large, impressive Molcajetes and a substantial list of Seafood Plates, reflecting a rich culinary tradition, often associated with Jalisco-style cooking.

While the menu is expansive, certain items consistently receive high acclaim from local patrons. The Super Burrito and Asada Fries are often cited as favorites, indicating a mastery of both classic and modern California-Mexican staples. Additionally, those seeking traditional Mexican comfort food frequently recommend the Menudo, often hailed as the best in the area, and the highly-rated Chicken Flautas Plate. The commitment to freshness is evident in the inclusion of a dedicated Salsa bar and the use of fresh tortillas and generous portions across all dishes.

The versatility of Taqueria El Abuelo makes it popular for all dining occasions—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner—as well as Solo dining. Whether a user is looking for a quick and satisfying lunch like a classic Soft Taco, or a hearty dinner like a Fajitas Plate, this restaurant is equipped to deliver. The focus on authenticity, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming environment makes it a reliable choice for families, groups, and longtime locals seeking a genuine taste of Mexico in the heart of the Bay Area.

### Location and Accessibility

Taqueria El Abuelo is centrally located in the Willow Glen area of San Jose, California, providing easy access for residents throughout Silicon Valley. Its specific location on Lincoln Avenue ensures high visibility and convenient access from major thoroughfares.

Address: 1005 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, USA

The restaurant has made significant efforts to ensure it is fully accessible to all community members, a key benefit for local users:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Provides a smooth entry for all patrons.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Offers dedicated parking for ease of access directly from the lot.
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Ensures comfortable and convenient facilities for everyone.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Designated areas are available to accommodate diners requiring special seating.

In addition to these accessibility features, the location offers ample Free parking lot and Free street parking, eliminating the typical hassle of urban parking for diners in the San Jose area. Furthermore, the property is pet-friendly, allowing Dogs allowed outside in the outdoor seating area.

### Services Offered

Taqueria El Abuelo provides a range of flexible services to meet the diverse needs of the California consumer:

Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal in a Casual and Cozy environment with comfortable Seating.
Takeout: Orders can be picked up quickly, perfect for busy schedules.
Delivery: Available for convenient service directly to homes and offices.
Full Day Dining: Serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, catering to any time of day.
Late-night food: Extends its offerings for those needing a meal outside of typical dinner hours.
Payment Versatility: Accepts major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for fast and secure transactions.

### Features / Highlights

The defining features of Taqueria El Abuelo contribute significantly to its high reputation within the San Jose dining scene:

Extensive, Authentic Menu: Offers a truly vast selection of traditional Mexican dishes, from everyday favorites like Tacos and Burritos to specialized Molcajetes and diverse Seafood Plates (Mariscos), including Aguachiles and Camarones A La Diabla Plate.
Family-Oriented Amenities: The establishment is explicitly Good for kids, with amenities such as High chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu, making it ideal for Family-friendly gatherings.
Signature Comfort Food: Highly praised for classic dishes such as Menudo and hearty offerings like the Super Burrito and Asada Fries.
Complete Dining Experience: Offers a full suite of Dining options including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, ensuring fresh food is available all day.
Beverage and Offerings: Provides Alcohol and Beer to complement the meal, along with traditional Mexican drinks like Aguas Frescas and Bottled Mexican Coke.
Speed and Efficiency: Known for Fast service, making it an excellent option for a Quick bite without sacrificing meal quality.

### Contact Information

For patrons in the California region, the following contact details ensure easy communication with Taqueria El Abuelo:

Address: 1005 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, USA

Phone: (408) 293-4470

Mobile Phone: +1 408-293-4470

Users are encouraged to use the direct phone line for quick inquiries about the menu, reservations for groups, or to place an order for Takeout.

### What is Worth Choosing

For the user in California seeking a high-quality Mexican restaurant, Taqueria El Abuelo is a worthy choice for its unique combination of tradition, variety, and convenience. The most compelling reason to choose this taqueria is the sheer breadth and depth of its menu. Unlike smaller taquerias, El Abuelo offers specialty items such as large, impressive Molcajetes (like the Molcajete Mixto) and a diverse range of Seafood Plates (Mariscos) that showcase a higher level of authentic Mexican regional cuisine. This extensive menu ensures that whether you crave a simple $4.75 Soft Taco or an elaborate $35.95 Molcajete Mixto, the options are always satisfying.

Furthermore, the restaurant excels in being a family destination. Being explicitly recognized as Family-friendly, offering High chairs, and having a dedicated Kids' menu removes the complexity of dining out with children. The availability of abundant Free parking and the full Wheelchair accessibility further enhance the experience, ensuring a stress-free visit for all members of the party, regardless of age or mobility.

While some reviews mention price increases—a common challenge for small businesses in the high-cost California region—the consistent praise for the food's freshness, the generous portions, and the high quality of staples like Menudo and the Super Burrito confirms that the value remains high. By offering Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in options with Fast service, Taqueria El Abuelo remains a time-tested, dependable, and highly capable local gem that delivers a truly authentic and comprehensive Mexican dining experience right on Lincoln Avenue.

Taqueria El Abuelo Food & drink

Molcajetes
Mojarra En Salsa De Molcajete $27.95
Fried tilapia, grilled shrimp with molcajete salsa. Includes tortillas.
Molcajete Mixto $35.95
Grilled shrimp, steak, chicken, chorizo, and nopales. Includes an order of corn tortillas.

Breakfast Burritos
Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito $16.50
Vegetarian. Onions, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeños with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.
Jamon Con Huevo Burrito $13.50
Ham with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.
Chorizo Con Huevo Burrito $16.50
Chorizo with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.
Tocino Con Huevo Burrito $16.50
Bacon with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.
Nopales Con Huevo Burrito $16.50
Nopales with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.
Machaca Con Huevo Burrito $16.50
Shredded spiced dried beef with eggs. All burritos include potatoes and cheese.

Tacos
Crispy Taco Plate $17.95
Three crispy hard shell tacos filled with salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, and your choice of meat. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Hard Shell Taco $5.95
Hard shell taco with your choice of meat, salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and lettuce. One per order.
4 Taco Plate $20.95
Four soft tacos with your choice of meat, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Includes rice, and beans.
Taco Salad $17.25
A fried tortilla shell bowl, with your choice of meat, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and guacamole.
Shrimp Taco $6.90
Grilled shrimp served on a corn tortilla, with lettuce and pico de gallo.
Super Soft Taco $6.60
A larger taco tortilla filled with your choice of meat, onions, cilantro, salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and guacamole.
Fish Soft Taco $6.90
Fried fish, on a corn tortilla with lettuce and pico de gallo.
Soft Taco $4.75
One taco per serving. Taco toppings include: onions, cilantro, and salsa.
3 Taco Plate $17.25
Three soft tacos with your choice of meat, cilantro, onions, and salsa. Includes rice, and beans.
Fish Taco Plate $16.75
Two fish tacos topped with lettuce and pico de gallo accompanied with rice and beans.

Salads
Shrimp Salad $17.75
Grilled shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, red & green bell pepper, avocado, and cheese.
Chicken Salad $16.50
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red & green bell pepper, avocado, and cheese.
Steak Salad $17.50
Grilled steak, lettuce, tomatoes, red & green bell pepper, avocado, and cheese.

Quesadillas
Cheese Quesadilla $4.15
Cheese quesadilla on a flour tortilla.
Giant Quesadilla $16.20
A big burrito-sized flour tortilla filled with melted cheese and your choice of meat. Served with fresh guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
Super Quesadilla $13.15
Served with, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and choice of meat.
Quesadilla With Meat $10.20

Burritos
California Burrito $17.25
French fries, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Super Burrito $17.25
Choice of meat, rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Fish Burrito $17.25
Deep-fried fish, rice, beans, salsa, and lettuce.
Chimichanga $17.25
Like a burrito, but deep fried. Comes with your choice of meat, rice, beans, and cheese. Guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream on the side.
Jumbo Burrito $17.95
Choice of meat, rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, tomato, and lettuce.
Super Burrito De Camaron $19.80
Shrimp, rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Regular Burrito $15.90
Choice of meat, rice, beans, and salsa.
Vegetarian Burrito $16.50
Rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and salsa. Vegetarian
Burrito De Chile Relleno $17.25
Chile relleno, rice, beans, and salsa.
Breakfast Burrito $16.50
Eggs, potatoes, and Monterrey Jack cheese combined with your choice of chorizo, bacon, shredded beef, or ham. Served all day!

Soups
Caldo De Pollo (Chicken Soup) $20.25
This soup is made with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful tomato broth.
Birria De Res $20.50
32oz, available only on Weekend
Caldo De Camaron (Shrimp Soup) $23.50
This soup is made with succulent shrimp, tender vegetables, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful broth.

Vegetarian
Vegetarian Quesadilla $16.50
Served with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Vegetarian Soft Taco $5.95
Rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and lettuce on a corn tortilla.
Chile Relleno Dinner $22.95
One chile relleno served with rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and salsa.
Cheese Enchilada Dinner $22.95
Three cheese enchiladas served with rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and salsa.
Burrito De Chile Relleno $17.25
Chile relleno, rice, beans, and salsa.
Vegetarian Burrito $17.25
Rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and salsa.

Breakfast Plates
Huevos Con Tocino Plate $21.00
Scramble eggs with bacon. Includes rice, beans, and tortillas.
Huevos Rancheros Plate $21.00
Two deep-fried eggs on top of a tortilla with red salsa. Includes rice, beans, and tortillas.
Huevos A La Mexicana Plate $21.00
Scrambled eggs with tomato, green bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños. Includes rice, beans, and tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo Plate $21.00
Scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage. All plates include rice, beans, and tortillas.
Nopales Con Huevo Plate $21.00
Scrambled eggs with nopales. All plates includes rice, beans, and tortillas.
Huevo Con Machaca Plate $21.00
Scramble eggs with spiced dried beef. Includes rice, beans, and tortillas.

Drinks
Aguas Frescas 32oz $5.95
Bottled Mexican Coke $4.95
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Mandarina Jarrito $4.95
Sangria Senorial $4.95
Sangria flavored soda
Tamarindo Jarrito $4.95

Appetizers
Sopes $7.20
One sope per serving. Sope includes your choice of meat, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
Asada Fries $17.25
Choice of meat with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Tortas $16.50
Choice of meat with refried beans, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and sour cream.
Tostada $7.20
Choice of meat with refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
Regular Nachos $12.60
Served with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
Super Nachos $16.50
Choice of meat with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Chips, Salsa & Sides
8oz Salsa Container $5.50
Order Of Beans $4.50
8oz container with beans.
Tortilla Chips $2.50
Order Of Rice $4.50
8oz Container of Spanish Rice.

Seafood Plates
Coctel De Camarones $23.25
Shrimp cocktail. tomato, onion, jalapeno, avocado, ketchup, lime juice
Fajitas De Camarones Plate $26.25
Shrimp grilled with red & green bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo Plate $26.25
Garlic shrimp. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Camarones Al Molcajete Plate $26.25
Shrimps sautéed in molcajete sauce. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Camarones A La Plancha Plate $26.25
Grilled shrimps with onions. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Camarones Rancheros Plate $26.25
Shrimp with onions, tomato, and bell peppers. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Mojarra Frita Plate $22.10
Deep-fried tilapia. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Aguachiles $28.50
Aguachiles feature succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty lime and green chili sauce, served with crisp cucumber slices, purple onions, and creamy avocado. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice, this refreshing dish is a taste of coastal Mexico on a plate.
Tostada De Ceviche $6.60
Raw fish marinated in lime juice, with onions, cilantro, and tomatoes.
Tostada De Camaron $7.10
Shrimp tostada.
Camarones Al Tomatillo Plate $26.25
Shrimp sauteed with salsa de tomatillo. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Camarones A La Diabla Plate $26.25
Hot & Spicy. Shrimps sautéed with a very spicy sauce. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.

Plates
Pollo Asado Plate $22.95
Grilled chicken plate. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Birria De Res Plate $22.95
Tender, slow-cooked beef birria served with Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh cilantro, and diced onions. Includes warm tortillas.
Fajitas Mix $27.50
Chicken, steak, and shrimp grilled with red & green bell pepper, onion, and tomato. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Fajitas Plate $22.95
Chicken or beef, grilled with red & green bell pepper, onion, and tomato. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Carnitas Plate $22.95
Tender, seasoned fried pork served with Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and melted cheese. Includes warm tortillas.
Bistec Ranchero Plate $22.95
Steak grilled with onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, fresh salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Includes warm tortillas.
Chile Relleno Plate $22.95
Cheese-stuffed chile relleno, topped with savory sauce and melted cheese. Served with Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and warm tortillas.
Chicken Flautas Plate $22.95
Four crispy chicken flautas served with Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and melted cheese. Includes warm tortillas.
Enchilada Plate $22.95
Red enchiladas served with Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and melted cheese. Includes warm tortillas.
Steak Alambres $23.50
Carne Asada Plate $22.95
Grilled steak. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.
Chile Verde Plate $22.95
Green sauce pork. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas.

Taqueria El Abuelo Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Locals

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

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Taqueria El Abuelo Photos

Taqueria El Abuelo Location

Taqueria El Abuelo

California Santa Clara County San Jose Willow Glen Lincoln Avenue

1005 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, USA

Taqueria El Abuelo Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 403 user reviews.

salsabarcarne asada friesbreakfast burritoswallplatemenudoeggenchiladasbeans

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I used to live around the corner and grew up going here when I was a kid. My parents used to go here before I was born actually, they were one of their first customers. So this is like a childhood staple. I didn't realize how much their prices have gone up. I went to get my mom food, I got her 4 tacos de carne asada and 1 large orange juice and it came out to $31! I understand we can't control the tariffs and small businesses are being impacted, i completely understand. Unfortunately, the tacos were not very good at all. My mom didn't even finish her food and I also tasted it, definitely not the same. I have a soft sport for Abuelos because of how long my family and I have been going , but I am debating whether or not I will go back. I might give it one more chance and order something else. But, there are lots of other taquerias that have decent prices and food quality is much better.
April 30 · Samantha Prieto
Parking in the rear of the restaurant. Kid friendly.Outdoor seating available.Love the Menudo!! Salsa bar and fresh tortillas chips.Food is very fresh and generous portions.Huge menu that ranges from breakfast items to fresh seafood and soup.I highly recommend it.
January 05 · Franky Lee
Delicious homestyle hand made food, made to order. It's a bit of a dive, looks like a neighborhood taqueria with Formica tables and plain wooden chairs, tv playing Mexican soap operas, constant, loud Mexican music. But it does seem clean, other than the nasty air conditioning unit has on the ceiling.You order at the counter. There is a large menu but on the wall opposite the counter there is a picture menu.There is a vegetarian menu but not a vegan menu. They also have a seafood menu. Prices start at $5.00 for an a la cart enchilada. A cheese enchilada plate is $14.95, which includes 3 enchiladas, beans, rice, salsa, and guacamole. They are friendly. Service is fast.They offer soft drinks, beer, and Michaladas.
March 15 · donna mayle
It is a small place but has a large menu. The place is good for catching up with friends and spending some time. Since the food is good we can have a good experience. Most of the dishes are shown as pictures on the wall for better understanding and eradicating the language barrier. It looks like the place is very popular online as I saw multiple delivery agents picking up the orders.
January 08 · Satvik Dosapati
Great food, huge portions so prices are very reasonable. Asada fries are the best I've had!
May 29 · Cameron Kalani