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Andale Mexican Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
21 Santa Cruz AveLos Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 395-8997
Announcement
We proudly serve Marys Organic Free Range Chicken, All Natural Choice cuts of Beef and Pork, and Organic MIx Greens.
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
115 reviews for Andale Mexican Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"They also have some outdoor seating on a private patio." In 7 reviews -
"mmm I die for their goat cheese." In 6 reviews -
"Love the back patio." In 6 reviews
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115 reviews in English
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Review from Alex K.
San Jose, CA
3/6/2012
Andale is one of our favourites for a quick lunch or dinner. Food is always good, we love the Mesquite Chicken Salad or the Flautas. Also, the Watermelon Aqua Fresca or Sangria is to die for. The guacamole and salsa is on the spicy side sometimes, beware if that's not your cup of tea.
The restaurant itself has a great ambience, fitting to care free Los Gatos living.
I would give 4.5 if I could, there isn't really anything bad. -
Review from Christine T.
San Jose, CA
3/10/2012
I ordered the Andale burrito, it was prettty goood. The flan was YUMS. I feel the food is way overpriced though, it's not drooling good and the portions aren't up to the price. But service is quick, fast, and nice.
I ate inside though, and the air circulation is not that good, because I left kinda smelling like the place -___- I wished I ate outside in the patio! (but I didn't know until now ;C ) -
Review from Mark B.
3/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A quick lunch before diving into the Apple Store.
I had the fish tacos which were excellent and very fresh. Service was really fast and the Habenero hot sauce on the tables is definitely fierce... hooray!!!! -
Review from Sheeva G.
5/18/2012
The food has always been solid at this place. I usually get the chicken quesadilla or the mesquite chicken salad with goat cheese. The margaritas are so yummy and they have a cute outdoor patio in the back of the restaurant. It's a good place to grab a quick bite or a drink with your friends. They always have different kinds of fresh juices too, which is nice.
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Review from Michael J.
Los Gatos, CA
5/16/2012
I've always loved Andele's. The food is REALLY good. The margaritas are the best and service is top notch! Why not 5 stars? I alway have to wait for a seat and the locals (me included) hover over tables like lions ready to pounce. They need to expand the dining area.
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Review from Venkata A.
Santa Clara, CA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Decent Food!
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Review from Annette F.
Los Gatos, CA
2/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
You know what I like about Andale?
1. It's fast but not "fast food."
2. They serve consistently well made, good tasting food.
3. It is Mexican and you can go "hog wild" in eating carbs and calories but you can also choose to eat very healthy, well balanced meals that taste great and are cooked with quality ingredients.
4. My kid loves it and the sense of community is great. It's like Cheers - everybody knows your name.
5. They work hard to get tables cleaned up so that something is available by the time that your food comes out.
6. Good margaritas which are even better out on their little terrace in the back. They have worked pretty hard to make a small space cozy and pleasant while adding space for patrons.
7. Really great portion sizes matched by reasonable pricing - can't beat that!
Problems?
Well, occasionally, it's a mess inside. I suppose they get into rush times when they can't keep up with the flow of people.
And, you can review a Los Gatos restaurant without commenting on the lack of parking....argh! Not their fault but still frustrating!
It's not the French Laundry but then again it doesn't aspire to compete with the French Laundry. For what they do, I am a big fan! -
Review from Shwetha R.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 3/30/2012
I went to Andales aftre a long time for lunch, the food was as good as ever. I had their Crispy tacos (3 of them) and they made a vegetarian version with a lot of grilled vegetables. Usually when a restaurant grilled vegetables, its mostly onions, bll peppers & zucchini...but here, theye had these plus nicely sauteed carrots, a few varieties of squach..all of them grilled with taco spices and served with salsa verde. Simple gobblicious :) the shells are really crisp and tasty as well.
My only crib was that they stopped making their vegetarian flautas :( :( I reeeeeally wish they' bring it back..please pretty please! I HEART flautas, and Andales are the only restaurants that make vegetarian versions.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/15/2008
*Great* Flautas and good burritos. I wasnt very impressed with the Chilli releno. And the margarita… Read more »
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Review from Christa S.
Austin, TX
4/13/2012
Being out of Texas for a week, I had the hankering for some Mexican food and at the recommendation of a colleague decided to head to Andale for a fix. And, I am glad that I did. The food was fresh and filling. I had the Andale burrito (figured if it was the restaurant's namesake, it HAD to be good) with chicken and a wheat tortilla. The portion was just the right size and came with a side salad (with some of the freshest goat cheese I've had) and a side of chips. I chose my own salsas - their version of the "classic" as well as tomatillo (something about that green stuff that I just can't get enough of!). To drink, I chose the wine sangria, which was flavorful and packed a nice punch. It was a happening place with people coming in and out for dinner and while it is more of the Mexicali flavor than Texmex (can't decide which I prefer), I would definitely return to Andale because it truly knows how to do it right.
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Review from leonardo r.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2012
Some of the best tasting and quick Mexican food around. I had the steak burrito and horchata (not always available sadly) and it was amazing. So much different than a taqueria quick wrap. Comes with the works and the meat was fresh and tender not cheap like super taq. I'd definitely recommend it of your in the area and craving some Mexican food!
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Review from Raymond P.
San Jose, CA
3/10/2012
The outdoor seating and salsa bar was quite nice, but the food was average. I expected more quality and portions given the prices.
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Review from Jane N.
San Jose, CA
5/2/2012
I love there chicken nachos! Always fresh, yummy chicken. Try there agua de sandia!
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Review from Tim C.
Saratoga, CA
4/20/2012
I've been here a couple of times and i have not been dissapointed. I've tried the andale burrito and fajitas, which i thought were very good. The burrito could have used a little more flavor but i put salsa on it which made it tasty. All the salsa's are delicious and i basically put them on everything there. I really wish chips came free with each dish since the salsa's are so good. The service is super quick and there are many tables to choose from. Overall, this is a winner for lunch or dinner and i will definitely be back!
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Review from Sal E.
Los Gatos, CA
10/2/2011
The Baja Burrito (red snapper) was delicious. The side salad was excellent & fresh. Food 4.5 stars.
There was a 1 inch square chicken bone in my wife's Maya Burrito (didn't tell the staff), The Salsa Bar was good but not refilled the entire time we had dinner. Therefore amenities & details 3 stars.
The cashier had an attitude when the customer ahead of me thought his portion of rice was smaller than the portions of rice at the Andale across the street. Cashier/Supervisor 1.5 stars.
I'm thinking this would be a food to go establishment for me in the future. -
Review from Jae K.
Boulder Creek, CA
2/18/2012
The best as healthy as it gets Mexican food I ever had in over a decade or eating there! I feel like i'm in Mexico everytime visit. Classic dishes and specials...I never ordered anything I did not thoroughly enjoy. It is very pricy for Mexican food though.
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Review from Vicky W.
Aptos, CA
6/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Been coming to Andale for years. They do a nice job with what they have. This location is bigger and nicer than the one across the street. They have done a great job with the decor. The line to the counter can make you feel like you are in the other diners way and finding a table is often a challenge.
I like the fact you can get some yummy margaritas here but damn they are pricey for what you get.
Food is pretty consistent but not as amazing as some of the more authentic fare around the valley or over the hill.
This is a great place to stop by if you are shopping the area and don't want to blow your wallet on lunch or dinner and save it for retail therapy. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Saratoga, CA
3/18/2012
YUMMMM!!! I LOVE ANDALE!!! Years ago i use to work at the coffee shop right next to andale and would always get lunch from there. I NEVER got sick of it. Now i work at a salon, so most of the time its hard to find time to order/pick up lunch so the whole salon decides on one place, makes a big order, and one or two ppl will go pick up. I've also changed my eating habits a lot and pack my lunch everyday. (Saves money and healthier). There are SOOOO many yummy restaurant options for lunch in lg....and its so tempting but i always so "no thanks" when ppl are putting in their orders. It sucks even more to watch my co workers devour their meals while im eating the plain boring crap i packed that day....BUT when the salon decides to order from ANDALE, i cant resist. The only time i succumb is when its Andale. I use to eat their burritos and flautas (yum). But now i try to keep it light. But that doesn't mean its not still delicious. Their mesquite chicken salad is bomb! U can also change the meat to carne asada....i substituted the chicken for the shrimp last time and wow....their guacamole is amazing (im a guac snob). Only two things im not sure about is their chips (theyre good....but they are really oily)...and their tamales (which are also good...but made me and someone else i know sick for days.) Even when the salon decides on andale, and i dont order FOOD FOOD......i still at least have to get their watermelon juice...sooo good. I haven't really said ne thing about the service.....its not bad....its not great....but who cares.....the food makes me not care. Sure, its not the BEST mexican food EVER....but its my weakness.
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Review from Zoom Z.
Mountain View, CA
6/26/2011
I've been to Andale on various occasions when I am in Los Gatos and need a quick bite to eat.
Food is okay - definitely not the best Mexican food around. Back patio seating is okay if you can avoid some of the tables that have lots of flies.
So on Yelp when I last went there is a promo where you mention "margarita" and get 10% off your entrees. The clueless order taker did not know what I was talking about nor willing to even entertain the fact that it was on my iPhone. And he gave some lame excuse about not doing that sort of thing. Clueless - get in the 21st century! I just gave up since the line was longish and have complained via their website. Let's see what they do - at the minimum, they should train their staff better.
Verdict: food is so-so Mex, back patio is nice, and there aren't that many casual and quick places to eat in LG. However, train your staff to honor your promos and let them know that Andale has a website and is on Yelp. -
Review from Patt B.
Los Gatos, CA
2/13/2012
I've been eating at Andale for as long as they have been in Los Gatos...can't get enough of their cheese enchilladas and chicken salad. Lately they have been "cleaning up the place"...new tables and chairs, new patio (very nice), new counters which is all nice BUT they have started to cut back on the food. Now guacamole and sour cream are extra, plates are smaller -- EVERYTHING is smaller. We ordered chips and salsa and received HALF a basket of chips. More chips are extra $$. I'm very disappointed with them now.
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Review from John Z.
Dublin, CA
1/16/2011
What a great find in downtown Los Gatos. So much to love about Andale. The food is authentic and yet also very accessible to folks that may not always enjoy Latin themed cuisine. The service associates are very friendly and helpful. The decor is distinctive and also has a subtle sense of humor. Next time we visit we're going to sit in the back by the fountain. How cool is that? We both enjoyed the El Presidente with whole wheat tortilla and I think that you will, too. The salsa and homemade guac is delish. Here's the bonus - in addition to generous portions of chipotle chickent inside the burrito, you also get a half dozen large shrimp to garnish your new favorite burrito. The iced tea at Andale is also very flavorful.
I can only think of two items that could be a concern - relatively limited seating indoors and sort of high prices. The indoor seating is only a problem if it's raining outside and the prices - while high compared to my hometown of Dublin - are still pretty darn good for Los Gatos. -
Review from Christopher S.
Campbell, CA
11/4/2011
Good thing they have some good luck getting a nice location with all of that foot traffic. ther eis nothing special here. Plain ole los gatos style mexican grub. If im in the area I'd rather go to a number of other good food spots for the same price. and if i was in los gatos and really wanted mexican food i would leave leave los gatos behind all together. "shmee" if it is close and you NEED a burrito and dont want to move than... okay. I dont hate it (i just realized this sounds like trash talk) but it wont be my first pic!
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Review from Gaurav P.
2/18/2011
Los Gatos as a town to this Longuylander who frequents the North & South Bay areas, is a really nice find. It reminds me the villages of South Hampton, NY and Bar Harbour, ME; take the union of both and you have Los Gatos, CA.
Andale in Los Gatos (they have a few locations) based on the locals and my colleagues was the one to go to, and that's where we went. It has a fast food feel to it with the elegance of a sit down relaxed environment. The outdoor seating in the back is key to enjoying your time here along with some of their large selection of liquid sensations. Here's what transpired:
Blue Agave Based Liquid Sensations:
- Top Shelf Margarita. Lime, frozen, with salt on the rim by request. It was fair at best and just that...was overly sweet, tasted straight outta the Jose Cuervo / Margaritaville mix bottle thrown in to a blender and straight in to a traditional margarita glass. Bleh. I had to drink something and although I didn't love or hate it, I had 2. Next time I'll get a beer...
Andale's Foodstuff Creations:
- Guacamole Salsa and Chips. Blah. Wasn't made tableside, it was made fresh but who knows when...probably at 9am that morning. Was lacking flavor, salt and was overly creamy and watery. The chips however were good
+ Carne Asada Nachos. Tortilla chips with carne asada, melted cheese, black beans, guacamole, salsa fresca and sour cream. These were decent, the carne asade was actually pretty good and thus made the dish edible...the salsa fresca was the best part of this.
- Fresh Grilled Fajitas with Shrimp. Served with pinto beans, rice, guacamole, salsa fresca and corn tortillas. Okay so I've had fajitas everywhere and I have to be honest with you folks, this was really bland. The shrimp was overcooked as prepared in MOST restaurants, it lacked flavor, however the corn tortillas were fresh and warm.
They have a salsa bar which when paired with their warm/fresh tortilla chips, make a great combination. Needless to say, we went to town on their salsa bar and chips combo...
This is South Bay...there are just as many Latin joints here as there are French restaurants in Paris.
save your money and go somewhere else
THIS has been a review by Gaurav -
Review from Matthew G.
Campbell, CA
8/10/2011
3 Stars for the food. I've enjoyed the fish burrito and baja fish tacos. But they're nothing special.
5 Stars for the Chambord Margaritas! Quite, quite good... -
Review from Shanna N.
8/24/2011
mmm I die for their goat cheese... really on top of anything but especially on the mesquite chicken salad... omg sooooo good.
the tortilla soup is pretty good too.
i like this place because of the out door patio and margaritas :)
it's pretty much always busy... but the service is pretty quick and if you find a table it isnt too bad. -
Review from Evangelina B.
San Jose, CA
9/14/2010
Knocked off one star for not having Horchata! A staple drink for the Mexican culture! Come'on!
So here's the deal. My friends and I meet about once a month during our busy work schedules to have dinner. My friend who lives in Santa Cruz meets us half way in the LG. Since we usually have our usual sushi we thought we would try something new! Looking on-line and with my friends suggestion the three of us met up at Andale. It was very easy to find and the parking wasn't too bad. Downtown parking in Los Gatos isn't so bad since people are coming and going. I found a spot very close and met up with my buds.
The restaurant was very nice. I really felt like I was transformed into a true tex-mex dining experience. I had my eye set on the corner window dining table. As I was trying to keep it in our hands my friend told me to go order. So I left the table with them and we walked up to the counter. I enjoyed taking my time to order and gazed at the menu for a minute. I finally couldn't decide and ordered the 2 combination platter. One of my items was a pork tamal (tamale) and a chicken enchilada, served with rice and beans. Since they did not have any Horchata left I just drank water.
My other friends ordered the quesadilla supreme and fajitas. The presentations on all our food was really nice. Very fresh and all the ingredients you could tell were prepared to order or that same day. I love fresh guacamole! After we ordered I noticed our table had been taken! Just my worry. I peaked in the back and noticed they had a patio. Thinking it might be too chilly I hesitated but walked over anyways to see they had heat lamps under every umbrella.
It was a little courtyard patio very cute and cozy. It also had an outdoor fireplace, very impressed. After our first table was taken we decided to eat outside. Great choice. The decor and music were very nice. I was really impressed on how quick our food came out as well. Although our plates didn't come at the same time they were still hot and fresh when everyone received their plate. After we killed our food! Yes it was that good we enjoyed the patio and chit chatted for a good hour.
**We will be going back!!**
* They accept credit cards -
Review from Kamryn C.
8/3/2011
I stumbled in here with a few friends for a quick dinner before hitting a bar in the area. I ordered the mesquite grilled veggie burrito, grilled vegetables, cilantro rice, and black beans wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. The menu listed salsa as well, but I think the burrito was missing it because it was incredibly dry. The burrito in general was just so-so, I've definitely had better. The real treats of the meal were the side salad, that came with goat cheese and slices of avocado, and the peanut sauce on the salad bar. This peanut sauce was one of the best condiments I've ever had, I wish I could bottle it and take it home. Honestly, it was probably the saving grace of the meal.
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Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
5/26/2009
I really never gave Andale much thought when looking for a cheap place to eat in Downtown Los Gatos. After grabbing a bite to eat there yesterday, I realized that I've been missing out!
Now, you have to be aware that there's a big difference between dining inside and dining outside in their patio. Inside, you feel like you're just dining in a typical chain taqueria, but outside, you feel like you're on vacation in Mexico! The patio is super cute, and well landscaped with tropical trees. I seriously felt like I was already on my Playa Del Carmen vacation.
The food was tasty too! The portions were huge, and well worth the price. I had $9 carne asada nachos, but it was plenty to share with at least two other people. I also had a glass of watermelon agua fresca, which tasted like the sweet nectar of the gods.
Yay for another nice, inexpensive option in Downtown Los Gatos! Make sure you dine out in the patio at this location -- there's another one across the street for take out orders!Listed in: Downtown Los Gatos
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Review from Kitty M.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2008
(TMI review - this is for you Jessie K)
Why do I always clutch my guts after I eat here?
Based upon said guttal issues, Im sure it is not necessarily Andale's fault. However, I will always without a doubt do the gut clutch after I eat here. It doesnt seem to matter what it is. Even if I get the chicken salad, which I really like, gut clutch. So I try it without dressing (I figure oil is the cause) - clutch.
So, I look at it like a scientific experiment into what is wrong with the food - Why is it that I just can't deal with it. I start to think maybe it is a spice they use on the bird, or oil they cook stuff in . I decide to try to shrimp quesadilla yesterday. Gut clutch - followed by the most horrific of all - heartburn. WTF? Tortilla, cheese, shrimpys and onion.
I am convinced that there is a funk spice that makes my gut clutch.
I don't think the food it bad. I don't think the food is great. I think the food is overpriced and I can never find a seat. Even if that seat is in the bathroom out back.Listed in: Eatin in the Gat
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Review from Jason H.
8/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
2.0 Stars
My friends and I stopped by to try Andale Mexican Restaurant this past Sunday for brunch. I found it interesting there were two locations within a block of one another. I read on their website the other Andale down the street was actually the original founding restaurant.
I perused the menu until I found something interesting to try. I personally love battered Fish tacos so trying it in a burrito was something new for me. The Baja Fish Burrito went for $9.95. It contained beer battered red snapper, black beans, cilantro rice, and spicy cabbage in a flour tortilla. It was topped off with a roasted tomato salsa that ended up making the burrito soggy and wet.
The taste of the burrito was just decent, but there was nothing extraordinary about the flavors. I found myself mostly eating beans and rice and there was barely any fish. When i did find some pieces of fish the beer battered coating was already pretty soggy. Lastly, the portions of the burrito were pretty small and thin.
For my drink choice I tried their Watermelon Aguas Frescas for $2.50. It was a hot day outside so I was hoping this drink to be chilled or at least cold. When I drank the aquas frescas it was room temperature at best. It had a good watermelon taste, but did not refresh me from the hot weather.
I actually was not impressed with the food at Andale, but I did like the interior decorations. The big murals were definitely different and quite interesting to look at.
I probably won't be coming back because there are ample amount of Mexican restaurants to try in San Jose that offer better tasting food and portions for a better price. -
Review from Margi T.
12/6/2009
Andales makes an awesome vegetarian burrito (sans cheese for a vegan delight). It's been one of my favorites since I was a student at LGHS. There's so many great options on the menu though. My husband and I had our first date there, so that alone earns Andales a special place in my heart and stomach. They have an interesting breakfast menu, if you're into Mexican breakfast. The heated patio seating at the larger location is lovely if you can get a table, but they don't allow dogs. It's a great place to take kids, too.
There is a large, recently expanded parking lot behind the restaurant, so that's your best bet. The rear patio has a wall separating it from the parking lot and you can come in through the patio entrance.
I'm really baffled by the review(s) about the employees being unhappy here. They all have smiles and are super friendly. You get what you give.
Regarding the food being "white-washed," the restaurant is Mexican owned for the record. It's certainly more Mexican than Aqui's. And even comparing it to Chevy's or Chipotle makes me furious. Chevy's is disgusting. Chipotle doesn't have even 1/4 of the options that Andales does. You're not going to find a salsa bar and character at either.
And yes, you still get free chips and salsa, plus an amazing side salad (lettuce, avocado, jicama, tomatoes, Mexican cheese), with your entrees.
I've eaten at the Los Gatos Andales locations probably more than 100 times in my life and I've NEVER gotten sick. NEVER. And before I became vegan, I never had a mystery meat moment at Andales either. All the ingredients seemed fresh and tasty. Andales also offers really reasonably priced and generously portioned catering package. Had a stellar experience with catering here.Listed in: Food I Crave
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Review from Julie K.
4/12/2009
I know I ate here years ago, but I don't really remember anything either good or bad about it. So today when a friend suggested we grab some lunch, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Like Aqui, Andale is kind of like Mexican fast food, but in a spiffier setting than most taquerias, and the food has a California twist to it, so not authentic Mexican. You order at the counter and somebody brings your food to you. The menu had a lot of variety (and pretty high prices), but I decided on the Baja fish tacos. My friend got the quesadilla de hongos (mushrooms).
The menu promised deep-fried red snapper, and I must say the big pieces of fish seemed freshly battered and fried. But the tacos smelled distinctly fishy when they were served, which put me off for a moment. But since I was starving, I took a bite. The tacos were actually quite good, with cabbage and roasted tomato salsa, but no lime (I had to ask for some). My friend wasn't so happy with her quesadilla, since the mushrooms were swimming in a chipotle sauce and laced with bell peppers (not mentioned in the menu description). To be fair, when she told them she couldn't eat bell peppers and asked for a plain quesadilla, they insisted on making her a chicken quesadilla right away. It looked good, and she left happy.
I won't go out of my way to come back here, but will consider stopping by again if I'm in the area. But $8.75 for two fish tacos is pretty steep. So, really 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up. -
Review from Lindsey A.
San Jose, CA
11/1/2009
Everything is nothing more than average. We've been here before, but have never, ever been impressed or even thought it was good. Overall flavorless.
This time, I had a tostada salad with chicken. Bland and most definitely not worth $9. My husband had the fish burrito. Fish was good (red snapper), but was simply a bean burrito with some fish inside. Um, no thanks. -
Review from Sarah K.
San Jose, CA
2/2/2010
Love, love, love, LOVE this place. Authentic, tasty Mexican food (pricy, but sooo worth it), and a great atmosphere equals one happy tummy.
I've been going here for years, and I still get excited about it every time. I love to sit in their outdoor seating behind the resturant, listen to the fountain and watch the birds hop around. Very serene.
My personal faves are the gazpacho soup (I'm drooling right now), chicken flautas, and beef and chicken fajitas. I'm always too full to try the dessert, but their flan looks amazing!
Great to-go too! -
Review from Michael V.
Rohnert Park, CA
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love that you can get mushrooms, spinach, black beans, wheat tortillas, great salsa, great chips, and have it ready quick for you to go enjoy their great patio. I'm not a regular to Los Gatos, but I have spent a fair amount of time there over the years. That said, I think this is the most comfortable place to get together with friends. It's reasonably priced and the patio is somewhere you can hang out and catch up all day/night. Also a great place for brunch or even a dinner for a large group before going out... but good luck getting a table out back for that.
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Review from Melissa T.
Livermore, CA
3/9/2008
I'm not from Los Gatos, nor do I have memories tied to this street or the local vendors. A friend gave me a tour of the town and pointed out this as a long-standing favorite place to grab a quick bite.
I tried a chicken enchilada and a carnitas soft taco. The enchilada was pretty good, but the carnitas was pretty fatty and greasy. Overall, I'd say it's so-so. I did notice that they have a lot of vegetarian options, so that's one nice point. They also have some outdoor seating on a private patio. I don't see myself seeking this place out again, but if I lived in town it might be worth another try.Listed in: homeward eats
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Review from Shanna K.
5/11/2009
Some friends of mine were going here today for dinner and invited me along. Always game for something new... I said sure...
The place was full, but despite that service was quick and friendly. That's great. I also love the idea that everything is fresh and trans-fat free and so on. BUT... (and you knew there was going to be a but...) it's nearly 6 hours later and I'm still um.... "revisiting" the (dry as hell) mesquite chicken that topped my (rather unimpressive) salad of greens, avocado, tomato, and barely a sprinkle of goat cheese.
Bleh. Pass me the Tums.
My friends seem to go here often and really loved their respective fish and chicken tacos... so maybe if I find myself here again someday I'll try something like that but I won't make it a destination. -
Review from Ken R.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/4/2010
Andale's is pretty much the go to place for Mexican in Los Gatos. The food is good, and they have really good agua frescas there. They rotate the flavors from day to day, but they are generally good.
The prices are higher than they should be, but welcome to downtown Los Gatos. I was debated a 3 or 4 star, but decided that based on the Los Gatos everything expensive factor, I would give them a pass on the price inflation.
They have a walk-up counter which can get backed up, but is generally pretty efficient. You can sit down after ordering and they will find you bring you your food. The kitchen is very efficient, and they continue to have some good Mexican food. Not too heavy and the portions are reasonable. They rotisserie cook their chicken and they have good flavor without being too dried out.
They have a small salsa bar you can use, but chips are generally pretty skimpy, so you need to order that separate. -
Review from GottaHughJazz Y.
Saratoga, CA
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good. Cheap. Quick. Fresh Ingredients....(arguably) health, too!
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Review from Eric M.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2008
There is a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to open a mexican restaurant in the Silicon Valley. This is just another example of unauthentic, overpriced, shenanigal (I made that up) mexican fare. I mean really - stuff my burrito with rice & beans? Serve it on a room temp tortilla that tastes worse than the paste I ate in first grade. Where's the meat, the gourmet mexican blend cheese, can I get some salsa fresca, handmade sour cream, or anything original? I mean really people, this is 500 miles from the border and you're telling me $8 bucks gets me rice & beans? Wtf?
This may be the start of the mexican food revolution as I can't take it anymore and may have to just open up my own chain of fresh cali/mex food. You will all be welcome - it will be named Enrique's Fresh Cali/Mex. The only reason it gets two stars is due to location and the restaurant itself. The decor is fun and fresh, and the people watching is entertaining. -
Review from Rebecca T.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/6/2009
I found a pebble in my beef taco.
That being said upfront...
The Breakdown:
- Great place to grab some quick Cal-Mex food during your lunch hour or on a shopping break in Downtown Los Gatos
- Medium-sized menu with your basics (nachos, tacos, burritos, etc.) to special "Cal-inspired" items like burritos served in Spinach Tortillas
- SALSA BAR!
Go If:
- You want fast without feeling like you ate fast food
- You like Dos Coyotes or Chevy's
Notes:
- Food is not crave-worthy, but okay for a quick-fix that is not Taco Bell (you can tell that it's actually beef in the tacos at Andale)
