Metro Balderas 1

Inside Metro Balderas 1

Metro Balderas 1 on S Almaden Ave brings a straightforward, no-frills Mexican dining experience to the heart of San Jose. This family-run restaurant has a focused menu that highlights traditional dishes like Tacos Al Pastor Con Piña served right off the trompo, hearty huaraches, and a variety of quesadillas including asada and chicken options made with corn tortillas. Their offerings extend beyond typical tacos to include items like pambazo and consomé de borrego, giving a broader take on authentic Mexican street food and comfort meals.

Inside, the vibe is casual and bustling, reflecting its local neighborhood roots. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll see regulars stopping by for a quick lunch or unwinding over a plate of nachos and a cold beer in the early evening. Service is friendly and unpretentious, leaning into that family-operated warmth without any rush.

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak lunch hours, which tends to draw a crowd of office workers from nearby buildings and food enthusiasts seeking real-deal street-style tacos. Weekday lunch and early dinners are good times to visit if you want to avoid the busiest moments, though the lively atmosphere during rush hours adds to its down-to-earth charm.

Those who appreciate authentic Mexican flavors, especially lovers of al pastor cooked on the vertical spit, will find this spot satisfying. There are options for vegetarians, which is a pleasant surprise given the traditional focus, making it welcoming for a range of diners. Portions come on the generous side, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a casual meal that fills you up without fuss.

In summary, Metro Balderas 1 is best for folks craving straightforward, traditional Mexican street food done well — a place to grab solid tacos, quesadillas, and traditional platters in an informal, family-run setting that feels anchored in the local community. Just plan a bit ahead for parking and bring your appetite.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Has fast service

Has great beer selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves alcohol

Serves beer

Serves coffee

Serves comfort food

Serves food

Serves healthy options

Serves late-night food

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Has catering

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

796 Reviews

S VKTZ

25 Dec 2025

Never fails. Consistently delicious. Great Asada, chorizo and suadero. Parking is always a pain but worth the effort.

Eliad Goldwasser

01 Dec 2025

I’ve been there twice and it’s really amazing… Their taco El Pastor is the real deal and I have no idea why I don’t visit here more frequently?! The staff is really friendly too. It looks like the rest of the menu would be good as well but all I ate here is the El Pastor street tacos

Fatima Saldivar

07 Nov 2025

I truly enjoyed trying this place yesterday. I went for lunch, and I'm returning from now on (especially because they have more than one vegetarian option on their menu). The flavor is definitely there; the staff is friendly, and their menu is extensive enough with good options but still not overwhelming to focus on continuing to perfect the dishes they offer. Keep in mind the place is not too big, and there are only a few parking spots, but it is worth your time looking for a parking spot! I ordered "torta de huevo" -it comes with tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapeños, and cheese. It was TASTY!! And with real telera. When you give it the first bit, your mind will transport you to your favorite lonchería in Mexico. Bonus: They bring you (with your order) their tasty and homemade red and green salsas! I highly recommend it!

Rajalaxmi Rajagopalan

30 Oct 2025

Great casual Mexican place. It's a family run operation with huge protions.

Yunong Xiao

17 Oct 2025

Delicious Al pastor tacos served from the trumpo. Order first and sit down and wait for your delicious tacos. Their green salsa is the best. Parking is hard to find, consider carpooling.

McKenzie

11 Oct 2025

Parking sucked but food was good and service was amazing. Highly recommend eating here if you’re near the area.

Maria Zheng

03 Oct 2025

This has some amazing and hard to find eats. Get the suadero and chicharrón prensado tacos! Asada and al pastor are good but the suadero and chicharrón prensado are home runs. Perfect mix of crispy, smoky and tender brisket for the suadero. Chicharrón prensado was spicy and the right mix of chewy and tender. Horchata was also perfectly not too sweet. Tacos are on the small end, so you probably need at least 3 for a meal.

Raul M

26 Sep 2025

Good tacos, I will recommend al pastor, carne asada, cabeza, and the huarache, huarache is a hand made oval large tortilla like a sandal kind of looking style filled with choice of meat, cheese, cream, salsa, this place have two locations one near by on willow st, also i like the yellow tortilla that they served with the tacos very flavorful

Inside Metro Balderas 1

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

796 Reviews

More Local Spots to Explore

DurianFamily Cafe' - 榴莲家族

Cafe @ The Round

Lucky House Kitchen

Ola Coffee

Pleasant Hill Coffee Van

Join the Metro Balderas 1 Newsletter