Review of San Jose Mexican Grill in Yulee, FL

SAN JOSE MEXICAN GRILL

463797 SR 200

Suite #1

Yulee, Florida 32097

(904) 548-0650

Store Front

There was a time that was not that long ago when people in north Florida made Yulee, Florida the butt of all the redneck & hick jokes. In all reality, Yulee has become a place to shop and not just a punchline. Along with it being a place to shop, the town of Yulee, Florida is starting to acquire a bunch of fast food restaurants. But to break from the fast food trend, there is a new Mexican place that is nice and refreshing. San Jose Mexican Grill is typical of most of the Mexican places with margarita specials, an item called the ‘Speedy Gonzalez’, fajitas, and a Mexican staff member waiting with a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa as soon as you walk into the place. Now before you think that they are boring with nothing special, they have a few items to peak any food fans interest, such as the guacamole salad and the items on the ‘Los Favoritos’ menu.

Chips and Salsas

Shortly after we were seated they had already dropped off the chips and salsa. The chips were warm and the salsa was fresh but common. So we asked for something with a little extra kick to it. At this time they provided us with a green chili salsa and a thicker salsa that was not quite as bright red as the original. When I scooped the last of the salsas onto my chip and tried it my friend asked me if I liked it. I said it was good, and it was, BUT after a few moments in your mouth it has a kick of heat that was not only hot but had flavor. You don’t have to be a good cook to make a hot sauce. But there is a real talent to make a hot sauce that has a rich flavor. This may be the best hot salsa that I have ever had. The waitress saw our affection and appreciation for the salsa and could see us sweating. She giggled and gave us a phrase in Spanish that is loosely translated into ‘It’s painful but I like it’.

Being lunch time and the extensive lunch menu that they have I went with the ‘Lunch #3′. Which consist of two tacos and one cheese quesadilla. Not wanting the ground beef I asked if they would substitute grilled chicken, and they did. After the waitress had left I looked closer at the menu and wished that I had ordered something else. When I saw the ‘Los Favoritos’ , it was then that I started to crave the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo. This item is sautéed shrimp in garlic and seasonings with rice, flour tortillas, and a salad. Just the sound of it is great. There is also an item with whitefish and garlic shrimp grilled with onions and tortillas that also sounded wonderful. When my food came I will say that the tacos were very, very good, the cheese quesadilla was just that, a cheese quesadilla. There are certain items that even a kid cannot mess up; cheese quesadilla is one of them. I did order a side of sour cream to top off my food. Looking around at other tables that were being served, I will say that I had meal envy. The next time I go to San Jose Mexican Grill (and there will be a next time) I will need to explore the menu a bit more.

Tacos

The restaurant is not too large and so on this being a colder day we needed to sit away from the door. To let you know, there might be only 15 tables in the entire place. The atmosphere is good and not stuffy. I must say that the staff was very kind and all were attentive. Even though you sit at a table and are fully served, you do need to take your bill to the counter when you are done. The lunch menu has items that start at just over $4.00 and go up to $7.99. The most expensive is the fajitas or the rib eye steak. They do offer 20 different items for the lunch with an average cost of just under six bucks. For those of you with the young ones they offer a kids menu as well. The kids menu has 8 different items that are kid friendly not just Mexican. They have everything from tacos to hot dogs. All of the items on the kids menu are priced at $3.99.

 So the next time you are on your way to Amelia Island or Fernadina Beach then be sure to feed your Mexican craving at San Jose Mexican Grill in Yulee, Florida. You might not be able to see the actual building from the road due to the bank that is in the way. If you see the Starbucks you should know that San Jose Mexican Grill is behind them. As of November 2009 they are still a new place. I mention this so you know that the furniture, tables, plates, and the overall feel is still fresh and clean. If you find yourself stopping by you MUST try the variety of salsas, but beware that they have a kick. Swing by and give them a try, as a matter of fact, I might even go out of my way.

Review by Pie, email:  pie@piesplate.com