Story & Atmosphere
If you’re searching for a vibrant culinary escape in San Jose, look no further than Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen. Nestled at 515 S 10th St, this lively taqueria is making waves with its authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions. From the moment you step in, you're enveloped in a warm atmosphere that promises an unforgettable dining experience.
What sets Cali Spartan apart? It’s the food. Patrons rave about the super soft tacos, which truly live up to their name. The combination of fresh ingredients and authentic recipes creates a flavor explosion that keeps customers coming back for more. Whether you opt for the marinated carne asada, succulent carnitas, or spicy pastor, each bite is a taste of Mexico. Just ask local fan, Joe Alvarez, who can’t get enough of the three-meat combination tacos!
The menu doesn’t stop at tacos. The massive burritos and crispy tacos have also garnered quite the reputation, alongside addictive nachos that have patrons declaring them “bomb.” Whether you are sharing with friends or indulging solo, there’s a dish for everyone at this beloved spot. In fact, Laura Alexandra highlighted the enormous drinks that accompany the meal—perfect for quenching your thirst as you enjoy flavors that transport you south of the border.
Despite being a cash-only establishment—a convenient ATM is available on-site—the service is consistently praised. Many customers, like leila A, commend the friendly staff who work diligently to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Whether you dine in or take away, the efficiency you’ll find here will impress.
Of course, it’s not just about the food. The lively atmosphere, complemented by vibrant music, creates a perfect backdrop for a casual outing with friends or family. However, during peak hours, the dining space can get a bit crowded, so be prepared for a potential wait. As described by Himani Singh, this is her go-to spot with visiting friends—a testament to how beloved Cali Spartan has become within the community.
In summary, Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen is not just a restaurant, but a culinary experience that engages all senses. The heartwarming service, flavorful dishes, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit on your San Jose itinerary. Don't miss the chance to dive into this delightful taqueria where every meal feels like a little fiesta. Just remember to grab your cash before you head in!
“ This taco place is awesome! Everything was tasty and the portions were big. The drinks are massive, and the service was great! Just remember to bring cash. ”
“ One of my favorite taqueria's in San Jose!!! I recommend getting 3 Cali soft tacos with your choice of meat. I get carne asada, carnitas and pastor (or chorizo). ”
“ food was great! we got the super soft tacos and the nachos. both were sooo good. i wasn’t the biggest fan of the marinade for the pastor since i’ve had better (it’s more on the salty side), but it was still tasty. the super soft tacos do NOT lie—they are literally super soft. probably the messiest i’ve ever looked eating tacos but i’m not complaining, it was worth it. the nachos were bomb too. you can’t really go wrong with nachos, but i especially loved how the chips stayed crispy even under all the toppings. overall, super solid spot. definitely coming back! ”
“ They have incredible tacos and massive burritos. I suggest getting the half horchata half strawberry drink. Be sure to bring cash, since that is all they accept. They also have a massive bottle of coke! ”
“ you have to try this place!!! this is my go-to with friends. i highly recommend trying their crispy tacos and cabeza for the meat. the atmosphere is amazing and the workers are all nice and friendly. once it gets busy sometimes the wait takes a while. it’s cash only but there’s an atm inside. ”