Jose's Mexican Cafe & Cantina

I went to Jose's with a friend for lunch, there was plenty of seating at that time since it's mainly a dinner and bar spot, but I found the dim lighting a bit annoying--it made it a little hard to read the menu and see my food.We shared the Mexican Pizza ($17.95) and The Big Kahuna Burrito ($23.95). Both dishes were very large and very filling, but given the quality, I felt they were a bit pricey. While we waited, they served complimentary tortilla chips and salsa--the chips were super crispy, and the salsa had a nice spiciness that I enjoyed!For the Mexican Pizza, I loved the crunch of the crispy flour tortilla base. It stayed crisp throughout and didn't get soggy at all. The pizza came topped with enchilada sauce, taco beef, melted cheese, tomato, bell pepper, olives, and onions, with generous scoops of sour cream and guacamole on the side for customizing your pizza as you please. I would've preferred more veggies on the pizza though, to balance out the flavors and textures better.The Big Kahuna Burrito was huge! I doubt I could finish it on my own. It was satisfying but didn't stand out flavor-wise--I'd say it's more of a go-to if you're looking for something hearty and filling rather than something with bold, memorable flavors.Overall, the dishes are heavy and very calorie-dense--but hey, it's Mexican food, so you can't expect it to be light!Service was friendly and very attentive to us, which was nice. As for parking, there's a metered lot nearby, and it's affordable at $0.75 per hour.

Ambiance: I went to Jose's for lunch. It has a bar and two TVs showing sports channels. There's plenty if seating available but the lighting in the room was dimly lit. So much so that my eyes were straining to read the menu. I will say though that it was a bright sunny day outside though. I think if I went for dinner the lighting may be more suitable for that. Oh and parking is in a paid meter lotAs far as the food, I shared the Mexican Pizza and The Big Kahuna with my friend and I have some thoughts:The Mexican Pizza was good in a sense where the bottom crust was crispy and held it's texture throughout but I guess my biggest knock on it would be that it was "heavy" in an extremely greasy and oily sense. However I felt that the flavors of the vegetables, ground beef, and cheese was even throughout and the guac and sour cream was a good add on. Enjoyed trying it but probs wont get againThe Big Kahuna burrito was as "big" as I thought... The sauce was good and the rest of the burrito I'd say was above average. Had better burritos elsewhere and had to add salt to the beans and spanish rice. No complaints with texture. If the burrito was say $17 instead of $22.95 I'd say it's a good deal. But for the price, I probs wouldnt get it againService was nice and made us feel welcome. Overall I knocked 1 star off for the lighting, 1/2 a star for the fact that I had to pay for parking, and 1 and 1/2 stars for a combination of the taste and slightly expensive price

CODY stopped by for lunchCODY ordered the Whole EnchiladaCODY food was tastyCODY server was friendly and speedyCODY table was cleanCODY liked the vintage furnishings, and the Mexican decorCODY will return to order more food

Gross food! Can't believe they have been in business this long! We tried really hard to like this place, but seriously - not worth trying. Very sad!!!!

Jose's our favorite Mexican Food Restaurant on the east side of Oahu. Locally owned and operated. Lots of parking in the public parking lot. Our server did an awesome job. We had the Macho Nachos, Chimichanga, Big Kahuna, and the Vegetable Burrito. All perfectly prepared and delicious.

Still one of the great local family owned Mexican food joints on Oahu's east side.For me, I think I'm a regular, I've always had great service and welcomed with a warm greeting and friendly smile. Food is good and service is very good. Complete bar with most of the Mexican beverages you'll need. For us, we prefer Hornitos tequila that they don't seem to be able to get oft but many other are available.While I really don't go out for good Mexican or Tex-Mex food, we know how and make our own very good Tex-Mex food at home, I really do think their pork chops are the best locally for the price and flavor. If you're not sure what you want and the others in your group want Tex-Mex, go and order the pork chops. You will not regret your decision.Dickie and Freddie, the owners come by and do spend time at their place to check up on things. Their nephew, who manages the place is also there most of the time to insure standards are met.Overall, a very casual local joint with nice audience and friendly people.

Haven't been here in a very long time, but a friend wanted to go here. Sure glad we went there. The food was great, large hearty portions. The restaurant is very clean & spotless, the floor is shiny. I was impressed. Don't believe the negative comments. Definitely coming back!

Awesome flavorful juice shredded beef tacos with hard to find crispy shell Yess Yess YesssMy friend told me if I wanted crispy great tacos Jose's was the place to go... boy was she right!!!I got the 3 taco plate to go for dinner that includes a yum Spanish rice with in-house made incredible beans. Happy Surprise bonus free chips and salsa. Awesome!!I love the interior old school Spanish look as next visit I plan to eat in and enjoy their music and surroundings include aloha staff (so pleasant and nice to me)... I feel assured with go from 4 to 5 stars too

Rating is pretty accurate for this place. Everything was mediocre. They start you off with free house salsa and chips. Chips were always warm which was nice. We ordered guacamole, which didn't seem fresh. The service was nice, waitress seated us quickly and brought us water fast. She checked in on us a lot to see if we were ready to order (3 times). We ordered the enchiladas. Crab enchiladas were okay had real crab inside but was kind of dry. Beef enchiladas were okay. Like homemade hamburger with seasoning topped with red sauce. Cheese enchiladas was also topped with red sauce. Chicken enchiladas were good, had a good amount of meat. The rice has kind of mushy but not bad. Beans were probably the best out of everything, can't go wrong with beans.

Old school Mexico in Kaimuki. Started with a Dos Equis Lager and me + daughter munched on free tortilla chips and salsa while we waited for our order. Also added an excellent order of guacamole, good with with a second helping of chips/salsa.Had an excellent Burrito Ranchero, good meat and stuffings. The rice and beans are flavorful. This is comfort Mexican food, we come here periodically. We'll be back.