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Mendoza's Restaurant

4.1 1,032 reviews 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM 2122 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, United States

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Mendoza's Restaurant is a gem tucked away on McKee Rd in San Jose, known for its authentic Michoacán Mexican cuisine. Diners rave about the vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by live mariachi music that transports you straight to a festive beachside in Mexico. The service is consistently highlighted, with staff praised for their efficiency and warmth, ensuring a welcoming experience.

The menu boasts tantalizing dishes like the rich molcajetes, featuring succulent shrimp, octopus, and prawns in a flavorful chipotle sauce topped with melted cheese—a standout at $47.99. Another favorite, the Birria, has received high accolades for its authenticity, even impressing skilled cooks among patrons. Vegetarians will also find satisfying options, like the hearty burrito at $11.99.

Beyond individual dishes, what sets Mendoza’s apart is the sense of celebration it fosters. Large groups can expect quick service, making it an ideal spot for gatherings or special occasions. Overall, the combination of delicious food, engaging ambiance, and excellent service makes Mendoza's Restaurant a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine Mexican dining experience in San Jose. Ready to savor the flavors? You won't be disappointed!

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Mendoza's Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for Mendoza's Restaurant

4.1
1,032 reviews
5
100%
4
40%
3
18%
2
8%
1
18%

Review highlights

Based on 1,032 reviews

Mendoza's Restaurant in San Jose is widely praised for its authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring a variety of flavorful and satisfying dishes that appeal to both regulars and newcomers. Reviewers consistently highlight the warm, efficient service provided by attentive staff, contributing to a welcoming dining experience. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music, which adds a festive and engaging element for larger groups and celebrations. Ample parking and prompt food and drink service are also noted as conveniences. Overall, Mendoza's is recognized for delivering genuine regional flavors paired with a friendly, vibrant environment that encourages repeat visits.

Steven Cheng
Sep 30, 2025

A truly, truly artistic Michoacán Mexican cuisine. We drove by so many times never stopped but we so glad we did and invited our entire family to join us for dinner! Service was very nice and efficient. Drinks delivered within minutes, our order was taken right after that! We ordered seven different dishes for six of us and we enjoyed every one of them! According to my Son in-law, the Birria was the best, coming from a person which making killer Birria himself was firm confirmation! We enjoyed our entire meal time with Mariachi playing in the background makes me feel I’m In Mexican beach somewhere even Michoacán not have much of beach! We will be back for sure!

Andrew Schwafel
Sep 29, 2025

Excellent Authentic Mexican food. Good proportions. Wondeful service. They need to open in West San Jose.

Stirring Waters
Sep 02, 2025

Plenty of parking, went on a Monday and not too many people, went with a group of 15 and was served quickly. Musicians came in and out was a perfect fun time. Paid per song and enjoyed every moment. They took requests from Birthday person and knew most of his requests and/or offered other songs. Was able to get up and dance a couple of songs in the restaurant. That was fun! I had the fajitas and it was so good, we had shrimp cocktails and very fresh and good. The enchiladas were a little different but good. Overall a fun time, good eating and music was good I enjoyed the loud atmosphere because we were celebrating. The bills was nominal for what we got

Daljeet
Aug 30, 2025

Servers were very cordial and efficient. The burritos were good and quite filling. Very satisfied.

R. Nebres
Aug 29, 2025

I lived in the area 30+ years ago and decided to visit and try this place. I enjoyed the caldo de res and went back again during happy hour. I hope I remembered the names (Fatima and Camilla?) they were warm and friendly, it's a great restaurant that I'll keep coming back to now!

K
Aug 01, 2025

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! The food is absolutely amazing!!!! If you want authentic, really delicious Mexican food from the Michoacán región, this place is awesome.... The service was delightful.

Fatima Saldivar
Jul 07, 2025

Yesterday, I decided to try this place, and I'm glad I did. Despite going there on a Sunday lunchtime, the service was speedy, and the staff were friendly. The menu is consistent, and they also offer some special dishes. Although the price is slightly higher than average, the portions are enormous, making it worth the price. Upon arrival, you enter a spacious, pristine restaurant with ample natural light. Live music adds to the lively atmosphere, while several TVs display different soccer matches, a common feature in Mexican restaurants. I had "tacos dorados de papa" (5 fried tacos filled with potatoes topped with cabbage, tomato, jalapeño, avocado, and potatoes) and "agua de meló." Everything was super tasty, and the bonus point: they bring you two homemade salsas! (red and green).

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Quick info

Address
2122 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Mexican restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Thursday 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Friday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
  • Saturday 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
  • Sunday 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Location

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