Mexican classics, with the massive carnitas burritos a particular
favorite. The outdoor dining is a hit as well and the Palo Alto
locations, in particular, attract scads of high-tech office workers
and even hungry VCs. 491 Lytton Ave. Palo Alto, 650/322-8226; 2723
Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, 650/324-8226; 3205 Oak Knoll Dr., Redwood
City, 650/364-8226; sanchostaqueria.com
Andale Taqueria
This family-run operation has been around since 1987 and there
are two Los Gatos locations on the same street to accommodate
grab-and-go diners at the taqueria or lingerers at the larger, fancier
Andale Patio. The latter is defined by its courtyard with a retractable
roof, fountain and soothing atmosphere. Attention to ingredients
and freshness are a hallmark of both locations and the tacos, wrapped
in homemade tortillas, come with popular fillings like grilled or
battered fish, grilled meat and chipotle shrimp. Vegetarians can
munch on a tofu taco in which the protein is prepared fajita style
or sautéed and paired with serrano salsa, rice and beans. Besides the
tacos, there are plenty of other tasty options, with particular stars
being a yummy mesquite-grilled chicken salad with goat cheese
and avocado and crispy tacos filled with chicken slow-cooked with
garlic, onion, tomato and chipotle chiles and blended with sour
cream, quesa fresco, romaine and hot chiles. 6 N. Santa Cruz Ave.,
Los Gatos, 408/395-4244; Andale Patio, 21 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los
Gatos, 408/395-8997; andalemexican.com
Dia de Pesca Si Food
This enduringly popular spot looks like a gas station turned into
a restaurant but it’s fun and the food is fresh and tasty. Seafood is
the specialty, as seen in a whole range of taco choices that include
tilapia, salmon, snapper, tuna, scallops, crab, prawns, halibut and
octopus. Patrons can get their choices breaded or grilled and all are
wrapped in corn tortillas and come with veggies, avocado, chipotle
sauce and classic salsa. While “si” food is the focus, various meat
fillings are available like carne asada, chile verde, carnitas, chicken
colorado and “chickenitza,” which is a sautéed breast marinated
in an orange citrus and cilantro sauce. There’s even a veggie taco
piled with rice, beans, sour cream, cheese, cabbage and guacamole.
Generous portions and reasonable prices are just part of the appeal.
Most visitors sit outdoors at one of many umbrella-covered
tables that have heaters when needed. 55 N. Bascom Ave., San Jose,
408/287-3722; diadepesca.net
Tacos el Compa Taqueria
Insiders know that despite the tiny size of this taqueria, what’s
served is fresh, delicious and comes in generous portions. The
owner is focused on authentic recipes and serves his tacos wrapped
in homemade tortillas, which is usually a tipoff for those seeking
the best taco spots. Most of the tacos are done in classic street-food
style with fillings, cilantro, onions and add-it-yourself salsa. Highlights
are the carne asada, chile verde and al pastor but everything
is made with care and love. While street tacos are typically small,
Tacos el Compa also offers some massive options like the El Jefe
stuffed with cheese and other goodies that seem like a small pizza.
Another big-eater option is the Huarache that’s layered with choice
of meat, beans, sour cream, queso fresco, lettuce and salsas. There
might not be a customer restroom in this tiny spot but there’s a
sink for hand washing, which is much appreciated. Tacos tend to
fall apart while being consumed. 1321 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose,
408/622-8035; tacoselcompa.com n
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