The But-It’s-Not-In-San Jose Taqueria

Last week we wandered into the Mission to visit Taqueria San Jose.  Actually, we wandered into the Mission to go to La Taqueria, but they were closed for remodeling so we had to look elsewhere.  Our alternate location was just down the street on the opposite side.   It’s called San Jose, but it’s actually in San Francisco.  Got it?  Just like, in a few years, the 49ers will play in San Jose, but they’ll be called San Francisco.  Yeah, just like that. Er, sort of…

I’ll start again.  It’s a big and light-filled place, with a huge kitchen and a vertical grill on which they cook their al pastor.  The mural on the wall gives you an idea of the approach.  Think gyros, only with pork and lots of hot sauce instead of lamb and lots of yogurt:

The mural at Taqueria San Jose

The other great attraction, albeit one that goes underground when the Health Inspectors come, is the pigeon.  Charming local color, and not nearly as annoying as last week’s yippy dogs at La Fonda.  Note the handsome grey plumage:

The taqueria's resident pigeon.

Yet we did not go there to birdwatch.   I had to order some of that succulent al pastor, along with carnitas and cabeza (head meat).  My tacos looked like this:

From left to right: cabeza, al pastor, carnitas.

They were good.  The al pastor did not quite deliver on the promise imported by the sizzling vertical roaster, but it was plenty good nonetheless.  The carnitas was a little dry, as were the tortillas.  The cabeza, however, was outstanding.  All three came with different salsas, though they shared one quality: hot hot hot hot.  I was sweating as if I’d just run a half-marathon.  Loved. It.

Matt ordered a burrito, viz.:  It was too big for me, but it was goooooood.  Not great, but it’s just got that, like, you know, gooooood feeling.  It contained carnitas (If you’ve read our previous posts, you’ll understand we like carnitas)  beans, rice, cheese, and sour cream.  I say it was goooooood. Although it was filling.

Carnitas burrito.

The atmosphere is pleasant: rafters festooned with faded Corona piñatas, the large mural noted above, loud banda and mariachi on the jukebox, and a steady stream of customers lining up at the registers of what is clearly a popular neighborhood spot.  The Tacoseekers liked their time here.  Give it a sample some time soon.

Ratings:

Salsa Bar: Four peppers.

Tacos: Three peppers.

Burrito: Three 1/2 peppers.

Atmosphere: Four peppers.

Heat of salsas: FIVE peppers.  Water!  Please!  Water!

Other: Beer and soft drinks.  Credit cards accepted.

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