Good Grub: Burrito Showdown in San Jose, California

Good Grub: Burrito Showdown in San Jose, California

San Jose takes it's burritos VERY seriously and it's clear from the wide variety of taquerias to the debates on best "orange sauce," that there are some great burritos to eat in what I affectionately call "The 'Jo." Burritos are an all-day affair, from breakfast to late night snack, it is a food that will be your friend 24/7. Here are the best of the best for you to sample.
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Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? 

I live basically next door to a "La Vic" as it's known. To me, they have the best breakfast burritos, smothered with their famous orange sauce (which they claim is vegan, so sure, ok). 

La Victoria Taqueria
@amyposey
A San Jose institution for breakfast burritos. To me, the best orange sauce in town as well, creamy, medium spice, and a lingering burn that balances out the well-stuffed burrito. Buy a bottle of orange for home.
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Cafe Rosalena
@amyposey
People like Cafe Rosalena for the generous portions. They have 3 salsas (green, orange, red) but I found them lacking true heat. There's a solid following for the Rosalena burrito and they claim it's "World Famous" if you are counting San Jose as "world."
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Mexico Bakery
@amyposey
A down home bakery and sandwich shop. The portions are huge and delicious. As authentic as it gets for San Jose.
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Rose Café & Donuts
@amyposey
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Viva Michoacán Restaurant
@amyposey
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Anytime Burritos

These are the current burrito champs in SJ. 

Angelou's Mexican Grill
@amyposey
Cali burritos with fries, good veg options.
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Iguanas Home Of The Burritozilla
@amyposey
Obviously a "burritozilla" is going to get my attention. Huge portions, spicy orange sauce.
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El Halal Amigos
@amyposey
They also have vegan selections here. A bit more upscale, obviously halal, good flavors.
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Tacos A La Parrilla
@amyposey
Solid veg choices when you're on the east side.
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Tacos El Compa Taqueria
@amyposey
Homemade tortillas and a big menu.
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La Cueva
@amyposey
Spicy vegetarian burritos. Green sauce, lots of seafood options.
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California Wet Burrito
@amyposey
Known for great rice, huge burritos, and a nice outdoor seating area.
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El Jalapeno Rojo
@amyposey
A tiny drive-thru spot (and you can walk up). Good tostadas and fries as well.
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Taqueria Lorena's
@amyposey
Basic spot near the university for burritos and combo plates.
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Adelita's Taquería, Restaurant & Bar
@amyposey
Great vegan and vegetarian options. Solid spot.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
California-based traveler focused on short attention span travel. My guides provide info on how to make the most of a short trip and find the best eats (usually healthy/veg!) in town. I've spent the last 22 years traveling, living, and working overseas and love experiencing the very best a place has to offer even if I don't have a lot of time. My guides focus on 2-4 day trips in a place. I tend to get out into nature🌲, check out great restaurants 🍽️, and find great coffee ☕️. 📍Currently: San Jose, CA 🇵🇹 Soon: Albufeira, Portugal 🌎 visited 80+ countries 🏃🏼‍♀️ fast break expert 🏔 mountaineer & paragliding enthusiast 🌱 plant forward + foodie ☕️ coffee lover ✈️ married to an airline pilot, so I live that #nonrev life ____________________________ Shop my guides to suss the best things to do with not a lot of time. There's a sample guide or two available for FREE! so check it out. New!: Cartagena and Medellin Colombia Coming soon!: Algarve, Portugal, Global Pizza Quest, San Jose Burrito Throwdown
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