El Pirrin — Restaurant in San Jose

Being Latina and from Southern California, my standards for Mexican cuisine are pretty high. After moving to the Bay Area a couple of years ago, my spouse and I had almost given up on finding decent Mexican food; nothing quite compared to San Diego, or even LA. The flavor and quality just weren't there- and trust, we've tried all the recommended restaurants across San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and even Berkeley.

All changed when we found El Pirrin, during quarantine of all times! Their pozole is delicious. The broth is full of flavor, and they give you the perfect balance of hominy-to-meat ratio.

Their carne asada is tender and flavorful, whether you're having it in a taco or on a plate. They're not stingy with their fixin's and their salsa roja is perfect for dipping your tostadas in. Looking for good Mexican food in San Jose, definitely visit El Pirrin!

P.S Their ensalada de Nopales is the business. Get it with some cotija cheese, and bam! You got yourself a great and...

Stopped here on our way to visit my grandma at hospital to get her some chicken soup, never been at this restaurant before but let me tell you service was BAD the girl at the register that took our orderwas ok but as soon as I asked her if they could chop solids smaller since my grandma has a hard time swallowing she was about to ask her coworker but there was no need to ask, you could see she was in a bad mood she was like"NO WE DON'T CHOP FOOD' the way she said it with a huge frown made me want to leave but we really wanted to bring my grandma some food and Itold her it was a bad way of responding and she was like "wow I see you got offended" ...we definitely would npt go back hopefully the owner would hire people that treat customers as if they feel happy to work there because obviously that woman is having a miserable time doing what she's...

A friend told me about how good this place is and he was 100% correct! I couldn’t decide between tacos and the chicken mole (I love good mole…) and since I forgot my credit card the first evening, I went back the next evening as well…I must have subconsciously planned that out 🤣

The first evening I asked for one of each of the tacos and while they were all a step above many taquerias in each category (carne asada, pollo, cabeza, lengua, chicharron) the one that I loved the most was the al pastor. I thought they were overpriced for street tacos, but the flavors are there for sure.

I went back the next evening for the pollo en molle and the sauce was rich and delicious. I got corn tortillas, although for this I usually prefer flour.

Both meals were excellent, accompanied by the obligatory Corona(s). Excellent place and nice covered patio for...