Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen

I got two super soft tacos and the tacos were substantially sized and filling. I thought the shrimp tasted weird (too puffy and felt like they had been put in some kind of solution), but the tilapia was tender and not chalky. I didn’t add salsa or sauce because there was already a lot of sour cream on top and texturally that would’ve been overstimulating. The flavor was lacking without sauce, though, so I wish the sour cream was also self-serve.

They have a parking lot, but it can fill up very quickly!

A local spot for tacos. Crispy taco shells and tasty food.

One of the best taco place. The meat is tastee. Big cryspy taco is the folks' favorites

food was great! we got the super soft tacos and the nachos. both were sooo good. i wasn’t the biggest fan of the marinade for the pastor since i’ve had better (it’s more on the salty side), but it was still tasty.

the super soft tacos do NOT lie—they are literally super soft. probably the messiest i’ve ever looked eating tacos but i’m not complaining, it was worth it. the nachos were bomb too. you can’t really go wrong with nachos, but i especially loved how the chips stayed crispy even under all the toppings.

overall, super solid spot. definitely coming back!

All the food here is good, the meat is grade A

The food? Genuinely delicious — Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen knows how to treat your taste buds right. The burritos are hefty, the seasoning is on point, and the location couldn’t be more perfect for SJSU students looking to escape dining hall mystery meat.

But here’s the catch (and it’s a funny one if it weren’t so real): You walk in, get hit with those amazing smells… and then realize your debit card is just a fancy piece of plastic here. Cash or Venmo only. And if you're short on bills? No worries — there’s an ATM right in the middle of the restaurant, like a hungry troll guarding the burrito treasure.

As a broke college student, I can't help but chuckle at the business model. It's a brilliant (and barely IRS-trackable) setup that feels like modern-day piracy with guac on the side. Pay up, kids — and don’t forget to tip… in cash.

Great food, but I do wish growing businesses that clearly have the foot traffic and community love would make it easier — and more above-board — to pay for it.

So close to 5 stars, but the burritos are mostly rice, and they are way understaffed.

Food is ok, but waiting 30 mins for it is not ok. Won’t come again.
Plus: holy sheet you have to wait in line to check out at the counter as well

Visited here during the weekend and waited for an HOUR to get our meal, we sit at 1pm and literally got our food at 2pm. The waiter didn’t tell us about such a long waiting time, the food is good but service and waiting are really bad. The parking is difficult too although they have a parking lot behind store but it’s usually full

Delicious food

The quesabirria here is awesome, recommended 🤤

3 big complaints
1. Slow service
2. Ton of salad in my burrito (nothing against salad but it was just filler and instead of more meat, rice, guac, cream, cheese, etc)
3. Doesn't give back correct change. It's only 2 cents but as a business everything should be done to the T. Cheating is cheating. Or change the to reflect the total amount without pennies.

The food was somehow soggy and dry. It was hard to get the attention of the staff.

Food is absolutely amazing. Traditional options like chile verde or enchiladas,m are very authentic. Their modern options like quesabirrias or cali tacos are also very tasty. Good service, had $1 tacos at a public event last year. Orange salsa is one of the best that I’ve ever had.
Very consistent and spicy!

Love this place always my go to whenever I’m back in town. Big crispy is always my go to.