Discover authentic Mexican flavors and vibrant cocktails in San José. This popular spot boasts a 4.2-star rating. Plan your visit today.
Traditional Oaxacan cooking & mezcal served in the warm, exposed-brick dining room or on the patio.
Nestled in the heart of San José, this inviting Mexican eatery offers a delightful escape with its unexpectedly beautiful decor, transporting diners to a distant locale. Praised for its fantastic atmosphere and top-notch food and drinks, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Diners appreciate the attentive service, exemplified by a waiter who kindly offered samples to answer menu questions. The generous $$-$$$ pricing makes it accessible, and the 4.2-star rating reflects a consistently positive dining experience. Whether enjoying a casual lunch of tacos or a shared plate of guacamole, the vibrant setting and quality cuisine make it a destination worth revisiting.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
It was quite unexpected to see such a beautiful decor and style inside the restaurant, made you feel like your in a place far away from SF. We ordered guacamole and chips to start and tacos for lunch. We head some questions about the manue and the waiter brought out a sample to try, so nice. Definitely a place will revisit next time we are in the area. This is one of those San José best kept secrets, the place is fantastic, the atmosphere is great, food and drinks are top notch and the prices are very reasonable. This is one of my favorite restaurants in downtown and am so happy they still deliver great quality Oaxacan food. I love Mole Negro, Enfrijoladas, Enchiladas Suizas and Tlayudas con Tasajo Love the painting and music there, the kids menu is great also. Big portions of food and nutritional items to choose from, though I don’t speak Spanish, I can still get good food and drink there!
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October 21, 2025
It was quite unexpected to see such a beautiful decor and style inside the restaurant, made you feel like your in a place far away from SF. We ordered guacamole and chips to start and tacos for lunch. We head some questions about the manue and the waiter brought out a sample to try, so nice. Definitely a place will revisit next time we are in the area.
November 18, 2025
This is one of those San José best kept secrets, the place is fantastic, the atmosphere is great, food and drinks are top notch and the prices are very reasonable. This is one of my favorite restaurants in downtown and am so happy they still deliver great quality Oaxacan food. I love Mole Negro, Enfrijoladas, Enchiladas Suizas and Tlayudas con Tasajo
September 20, 2025
Love the painting and music there, the kids menu is great also. Big portions of food and nutritional items to choose from, though I don’t speak Spanish, I can still get good food and drink there!
November 7, 2025
We just got lunch here and absolutely loved the experience. The food was incredible, every dish was so good! Our server was so personable and made us feel genuinely welcome the whole time, even chatting with us about the music. The owner even stopped by our table to chat, and he was so kind. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of charm. You can really tell this place is run with care and pride. I’ll definitely be coming back!
October 30, 2025
We’ve lived in downtown San Jose for a few years but had never dined here before. We’d tried stopping by on a few Friday evenings, but it was always packed—a good sign! :) This time, we came for a late lunch and really enjoyed the experience. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the overall vibe was relaxed and welcoming. We ordered the fresh guacamole, a mezcal and tamarind cocktail, tacos, and a chicken burrito—everything was great. We’ll definitely be back!
Features and amenities that make Mezcal Restaurant special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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