Hello dear
At Don Jose’s Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Castro Valley, we celebrate the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Our story began with a commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Offering an array of beloved dishes—from mouthwatering enchiladas to sizzling fajitas—we strive to deliver authentic tastes that delight diners. We are proud to cater to diverse needs with vegan options and outdoor seating. Our friendly staff and lively bar create an inviting backdrop for gatherings, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive celebration. Join us at Don Jose’s for food, fun, and unforgettable experiences.
About
Welcome to Don Jose’s Restaurant, a charming cornerstone of Mexican cuisine nestled in the heart of Castro Valley, California. Situated at 3430 Village Dr, this restaurant has made a name for itself with its vibrant atmosphere and a menu that sings the authentic flavors of Mexico. From delectable enchiladas to tantalizing fish tacos, Don Jose’s truly captures the essence of dining out.
What sets Don Jose's apart isn’t just the food; it’s the entire experience. The restaurant extends a warm welcome to everyone, boasting features such as:
As you step inside, you will find yourself embraced by a casual yet inviting ambiance, ideal for families and friends alike. Many patrons rave about the generous portions and consistent quality, which keeps them coming back month after month, just like Natalie S. who states, “They have amazing enchiladas and fish tacos.”
One of the jewel dishes on their menu is the sizzling fajitas, perfect for sharing and loaded with a mix of chicken, shrimp, and steak. The flavors are vibrant and satisfying, complemented by house-made chips and salsa that flow freely throughout your meal, earning praises from diners like Jazlene T. who cherishes the "big amount of chicken, shrimp, & steak" served hot!
The drink menu is equally enticing; don't miss trying the Peach Mojito, a delightful twist on the classic that has garnered attention from customers seeking a refreshing experience. As noted by Shaun M., this Mojito captures the essence of summer and brings a unique flavor that you won't find everywhere.
Service at Don Jose's is consistently commendable, featuring friendly staff who strive to make your visit enjoyable, even if the place can be a bit busy at times. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a hearty meal, the restaurant has the essence of a neighborhood favorite.
In conclusion, Don Jose’s Restaurant is not just about food—it's about community, togetherness, and enjoying shared experiences over flavorful dishes. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make it a point to stop by for a fulfilling meal that will undoubtedly leave you with great memories and perhaps a craving for more. Come embrace the fiesta at Don Jose’s!
“ They are always kind we go there once a month at least and they have amazing enchiladas and fish tocos . A tiny under staffed but what place isn't ”
“ I've hosted my annual cookie swap here for the past 3 years. Both managers I've delt with have been easy to communicate with and helpful. The servers are very prompt & helpful. Food is always good & consistent all the other times I've been there as well. ”
“ Long overdue visit to a place nestled smack dab in the middle of Castro Valley village. I've been eying this place for a while and finally my curiosity got the best of me and I made my debut! With out a reservation I showed up on probably one of the busiest days of the week for this area and this place was no exception. Parking was particularly a struggle but managable. Entering an seeing the cute cubby they call outdoor seating made my destination choices easier. The hostess greeted us as I entered and asked where we'd like to sit. She said outdoor seating is come and go! So go we went! Before even seated a waitress came with menus and asked if we'd like water or drinks. Silly, I'm here for drinks! I was not expecting to eat but I had a slight grumble. Anyways, on the docket first was a Flaca-Rita... In my chase for a drink from an establishment I regular'd for years and was shuttered for good during the pandemic, I see a drink that sounds like or has similar ingredients and it's always going to get a try. Saddly, The Flaca-rita was not it, but on it's own the drink was a good drink. It's primarily just a skinny margarita. Slightly on the strong side but not too strong. Food, I ordered Flauta. Haven't had this in maybe 10 years. No photo unfortunately because my hunger kicked in before my mind did. It was a really good dish. I myself could live of rice and beans so being served on the side made this dish a satifying meal. Lastly, A Peach Mojito, I like obscure flavors.... and I don't think I've seen or had a Peach Mojito before. I can say, Peach makes for a good flavor of Mojito and Don Jose makes a damn good Mojito. A side note, I did eye the bar walking by and it has a suprising seducting allure, I will have to come back on game night to experience the bar in itself. ”
“ Don Joe's is a Castro Valley classic whether you think it's good or not. The reviews are pretty bad but you can't expect authentic taste everywhere. Of course you can find better Mexican food somewhere else. Going into this restaurant is for the experience, they have a cute bar and it's family style. The service is pretty good, the bartenders and servers are always on the go yet you can easily catch their attendance. It's nicely decorated for the holidays during this time of year. All of the patrons I've met are real sweet. Sizzling fajitas combo for 2 people came with a big amount of chicken, shrimp, & steak--really hot. The Tex Mex was too good, you wouldn't know there was any liquor! They brought out a lot of chips & salsa. Fajitas combo - 8/10! Solid, good portions for 2 people. Big prawns. Wish there was more flavor in the meats or regular salsa instead of guacamole though. I should've asked. Tex Mex - 10/10 dangerously tasted like juice... You get a bang for your buck Potato skins - honestly one of my faves 9/10 you can't go wrong! chips & salsa - another win, they constantly give you more without asking. they're fresh but I wish it wasn't in a paper container lol 8/10 ”