There is so much more to Mexican food than cheesy enchiladas and brick-size burritos. These five San Jose restaurants are particularly good examples of the range of Mexican food we have to choose from.

La Penita
Located under the shadow of the 280 freeway, La Penita is a sweet little cafe that specializes in great soups and classics like chile colorado and chile verde.

Mendoza Taqueria
Located in the Mexican food-rich zone on Alum Rock Avenue, Mendoza Taqueria is the place for comida Michoacana, regional specialties like uchepos and morisqueta from the north-western state of Michoacan.

Metro Balderas
Mexico City street food is specialty of the house: pambazos, almabres and great little tacos. There are two locations for this taqueria. My favorite is the one on Almaden Avenue.

Mezcal
With its great Oaxacan food, great bar and great look, Mezcal has helped put downtown San Jose’s Mexican food scene on the map.

Tu Mero Mole
The little restaurant specializes in regional Mexican food. Great array of salsas, too.