Mariscos Costa Alegre - Alum Rock — Restaurant in San Jose

If you are looking for a festive, gastronomic experience, I unwaveringly recommend Mariscos Costa Alegre in Alum Rock. I was weaned in Mexico, so any restaurant that takes me back to my childhood is a treasure. My friend and I went for the second time, and it was even better than the first time. Bertha was our server and guide. She made sure the we enjoyed our experience.

The meal always starts with a small cup of shrimp stock. I wish they sold it by the gallon! Our appetizer was a perfect guacamole...and there was more than enough for two.

My friend is always adventurous when it comes to food. This time he followed my lead and got their signature dish - Molcajete Costa Alegre. A seafood mix of head-on and peeled shrimp, crab legs, octopus, Tilapia fish filet, green mussels in chipotle cream sauce with nopal, cilantro, and jalapeños. Served with handmade tortillas. According to my friend, this dish is Michelin Star quality.

While there is no doubt that the food was outstanding, the 11-piece mariachi band was over the top!!! Yes they are a little loud, but they added so much atmosphere.

If you have any room for desert, I recommend that you try Mexico Bakery, just across the street.

Again, my thanks to Mariscos Costa Alegre and Bertha for a...

Order: Fajitas Trio, Camarones Crema, Asada Arrachera, Filete de Pescado Drinks: Coco mojitos, Micheladas

The fajitas are with steak, chicken, and shrimp. All meat was tender and juicy and flavorful. The serving size was huge and came with rice and beans. I had leftovers and enjoyed it as dinner as well.

The coco mojito was actually better than I thought it would be. My coworker loves Micheladas, and she states they are on her top list here. I don't like beer, tomatoe juice, or chilly, so I personally would not know.

We visited for a dual birthday lunch outing. It was a really busy lunchtime.

Plates included the option of red, green, or white rice and handmade tortillas. If you like Cilantro, you will love the green rice. It was really good, and I wanted more, but was too full to ask.

I always appreciate handmade tortillas. You can really taste the difference and the freshness of them.

I would like to try some of their seafood options, but a lot of things are spicy here. But, if spicy levels are a concern for you as they are for me, the menu item is marked if spicy. Makes choosing easier.

I definitely know we will be back again for another...

Ok, Mariscos Costa Alegre is a great place to eat, but there's a caveat. The place is very large with a full house every time I've visited on Sunday's around 4pm. Food is tasty, meticulously prepared, and portions are on the generous side (albeit I think maaaaybe a little on the pricey side for the area it's in). Service is generally fast and very friendly. Now the caveat. While you're dining, you will have very, very loud Ranchero-style music playing by singers with live instruments who will carpet the room asking for song requests (price is I think $20 per, but don't quote me on it). Now if that's something you like, then all power to you. But if it's not something you were expecting, now you know. Parking is a little tight too, but I think I might've gone during peak hours. And that just might explain the singing as well. Overall, great food, loud and lively ambiance, and I would definitely recommend trying it...