Taqueria San Jose — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

It's really odd for a couple of people that grew up in Southern California to be reviewing a taco shack in Grand Rapids.... but Taqueria San Jose is really that good. We venture to say that this is one of the best tacos in the country. This taco shop has no frill and offers an extremely simple menu of street tacos filled with a variety of meats. Our favorite meat is the chicharron (well, technically the skin isn't quite meat), but all the meats on their menu is well seasoned and flavorful. The tacos themselves are nothing more than meat, onion, and cilantro wrapped in a couple of pieces of small corn tortilla. However, it is the simplicity of their tacos that really highlights the flavor of their meats. Since everything is made fresh after you place your order, be prepared for a 10-15 minutes wait before getting your food. Service is non-existent, but they don't expect a tip either. There is ample parking as the space looks like an old drive-in diner. The line can get a little bit ridiculous around meal times, but it's well worth the wait to get your hands on these little morsels of flavor. P.S. San Jose's tacos are excellent the next morning too! Add some eggs and turn these bad boys into the Texas staple:...

First time call in and I wasn't treated the best, they couldn't even give me a total for my order and no explaination was given. When I called back and asked to speak to a manager I was denied. Phone was instead given to another employee who said she was as close to a manager as they could get. Her attitude was horrendous. I used to be a server and was explaining what had happened. I was told the first person wasn't being rude and that I must have "heard it that way". This angered me but I had yet to raise my voice. After polietly calling the person out for saying it was me she asked " do you want to order yes or no". I gave her my order (same as earlier when I had to repeat it 4 times) and had to repeat it another two. I was at this point getting firm and short with my answers. She then proceeded to tell me she didn't like my attitude. When I said I wasn't going to argue and just wanted my order she kept telling me she didn't like my attitude or the way I was talking to her. I finally asked what don't you get about I don't want to argue? Bye and hung up. All I wanted was two burritos and chips with queso. I Will never go there and I haven't...

I love bringing my friends here! Coming from Southern California, I scoured the city for authentic Mexican food. Finally found it! Taqueria San Jose brings the flavor. The space inside is small, only room for 5 tables & some chairs, but in the warmer weather there is picnic-style seating outside underneath a funky 50’s-60’s style overhang.

*COVID-19: now they have a covered enclosed place to order with 3 person capacity. It works well. WEAR A MASK!

Fun fact: we ordered a burrito differently, with barbacoa, rice, beans, cilantro and onions inside instead of all the lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, etc. We got the order (it is HUGE, by the way), then the chef came out & said, “Are you guys from southern California?” We couldn’t believe he knew! “It was the burrito,” he said. “That’s how they make it in Southern California.” Turns our he had lived there, too! Pretty cool.

TIP— Call ahead to order for pickup; it can get busy at lunch time with local business folks that know of this gem.

TIP— They take credit card! Yay! Great friendly bilingual staff.

TIP— Shop local, especially now!...