A place to enjoy
Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant, located at 3430 Village Dr in Castro Valley, CA, offers a unique dining experience that combines a vibrant atmosphere with flavorful dishes. Guests appreciate the inviting outdoor seating, allowing for a delightful meal amidst fresh air. The menu features a selection of classic Mexican favorites, with highlights including the highly praised carnitas plate and flavorful chili verde. While some diners found certain dishes to be lacking in authenticity, many rave about the attentive service and the bar's signature margaritas. With its welcoming environment and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Don Jose's is a go-to spot for Mexican cuisine lovers.
About the Place
Welcome to Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Castro Valley, California. Located at 3430 Village Dr, our restaurant invites you to embark on a delightful journey through authentic Mexican cuisine. With a unique entrance that stands out in the area, Don Jose's offers a distinctive blend of ambiance and flavor, making it a perfect spot for casual dining or special occasions.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a charming atmosphere that seamlessly combines outdoor and indoor dining experiences. Thanks to our special outdoor seating area, you can enjoy a refreshing breeze while relishing your meal under a protective roof—an ideal setting for sipping our renowned margaritas or catching up with friends over crispy chips and guacamole. The decor is simple yet inviting, featuring lovely metal piñata-shaped lanterns that add a fun twist to the ambiance.
But the true star of the show here is the food. Many customers rave about the rich flavors and fresh ingredients that define our dishes. From the succulent carnitas plate, which is a favorite among regulars, to the standout Chili Verde that has left patrons in awe, there's something for everyone. While some guests have mentioned the occasional inconsistency in flavors—like needing a zestier touch to certain dishes—we pride ourselves on serving quality meals. The rice and beans consistently receive high marks for their taste, often bringing smiles to family faces.
At Don Jose's, we understand the importance of exceptional service as well. Our dedicated staff, including attentive servers like Natalie P., strive to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect—from the moment you enter until you take the last satisfying bite. The personal touch in service makes all the difference, turning a meal into a memorable outing.
In conclusion, Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a community gathering spot where delicious food and great company converge. With an ever-evolving menu that highlights traditional flavors and plenty of drink options to enhance your experience, we cordially invite you to join us for a true taste of Mexico right here in Castro Valley. Come, gather around our table, and let us make you feel at home.
“ Entrance to the restaurant is unique for the area it's in. The restaurant has out side seating- even tho you are under a roof and a safety wall you have the chance to experience a bit of fresh air. I'm the restaurant you have a very nice environment with a nice open view to the restaurant in different angles, no clutter of tables and decorations on the ceiling are pretty (Metal piñata shaped lanterns). To the food we go. I ordered a Cocktail and a water, and it was delicious. Plenty of liquor. For food I had a chicken enchiladas with green sauce, my son had a Bean and beef burrito and my other half had Chicken flautas. Everything was delicious. Best part was that we asked for 2 sides of guacamole- one with tomatoes and without. The waitress was great responding to the order without any hesitation that she would bring them. Only my opinion- on the flautas I like them crunchy and since they are made with flour tortillas they where not as crunchy as if made with corn. But they are a great size with the flour tortillas. ”
“ The food was okay. I expected a better flavor but it was just okay. I was disappointed in the kids taco meal it had a store bought taco shell. Not cool. My Chicken Tostada was okay. Again it didn't have an authentic flavor it was a bit bland and chicken was dry. I added the red salsa to get some flavor. On the other hand The rice & beans were good.. my family liked it lots. On the other hand staff is amazing very helpful. I will be back again to support our local restaurants but I hope the cook does a better job. ”
“ A go to for margaritas, drinks and chips! Bar area is nice and the bartender is very attentive and makes sure you're good. Food wise, I do enjoy their carnitas plate and their guac. ”
“ Fantastic Experience at Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant! I had an amazing time at Don Jose’s! The food was absolutely delicious — full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully presented. Our server, Natalie P., was outstanding — friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect from start to finish. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great Mexican food and excellent service. I’ll definitely be coming back again soon! ”
“ Wow! Absolutely wow! I had Chili Verde, and it was amazing. The other two dishes in pic were Malinche. But the portions were little smaller than Mexican restaurant we normally eat; this is a Bay area though. ”