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Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"Hellooooo..... Love Love Love it!!! Had the Meat (Lamb only) Shawarma sandwich for $6.53 out the door and I was totally satisfied. I…" read more »
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Delicious! The service was fast, the place looked clean, and I enjoyed my experience.
My friend, Bernard-o and I was driving around checking out artsy stuff and we saw Falafel's Drive-In. He told me how they have the best Gyros ever. A Mediterranean style sandwich with fresh lamb and a combination of vegetables.
As soon as I looked at the menu on top of the cash register I saw Baklava! Man, it was such a happy surprise to see Baklava. I've tasted one of the best Baklava from NY and couldn't find any here in CA. So I ordered their Baklava and strawberry smoothie. The Baklava was sort of expensive but the price fits it's taste. Delicious! I gobbled it up right away and I also tasted Bernard-o's Gyros. That was also delicious. I am definitely coming back to that place.
Two thumbs up!
come here one night just about 10 mins before they were close, my friend and I were afraid that they are about to close soon. To our surprise just after us there is at least 5 more customer... so what a busy little place.
anyway.... got to admit.. their falafel is very yummy. we also order something lamb wrap... sorry forgot the name.. my friend and I agree that the falafel was better.. i think we were both expecting to taste like meat, but the lamb is mix with something else so to me I was disappointed cause I can't really taste the meat. So next time i will skip that for sure.
we didn't order any drink... bad idea... we were both very thirsty after our food.. so next time I will make sure to try their banana shake.
People thought this was:
Awesome... Read the other reviews and you will see what I mean. Everything here is good, and I have had most of it as I have been going here since I was a little kid. It has been here since 1966!!
My faves are: Koubby, Hummus, Pita Chips, Gyros and of course, the Falafel. Did I mention, BANANA SHAKE? They make them with fresh bananas - yum!
I won't go on - you can look at the other 1000+ reviews of this San Jose classic. Just try it out, if you haven't been here. It's part of living in the South Bay...
People thought this was:
Weird. Over 1,000 reviews, most of them 4 or 5 stars. I think Yelpers tend to get carried way with their little enthusiasms.
This is an OK place, not great. I love the hot sauce they use (haven't seen it elsewhere) but the portions are skimpy, the prices a little too high, they put too much salt on everything, and they use pitas that come apart in your hands. I might eat here again, but not if I'm seriously hungry.
I haven't been here in awhile but today I was craving some Falafel. Is it just me or has the prices gone up? Oh wells. So I had the kebob falafel and it was gooood. I washed it down with my favorite banana milkshake. Food here is consistently good.
I hate how there is no parking during lunch hour and even after lunch hour. Also the long line sucks and the amount of seating is small. Had to take it to go and by the time I got back to my office, my falafel was already falling apart. =(
I had a dream the other night.
I dreamt I was about to bite into a Falafel's Drive in "Falafel Sandwich" - 2 crispy chickpea balls nestled in a soft pita pocket, marinated in tahini + yogurt sauce, with generous helpings of ripe tomatoes, leafy lettuce and crunchy cucumbers...and then I woke up.
That was the only time I've ever wanted to cry from waking up from a dream. Damnit. How can you be so cruel?
Healthy, they are not but yet, they taste astonishingly fresh. Deceiving those falafels are. Coupled with a considerable amount of their ketchup (ketchup + hot sauce mix - genious!), you've got heaven in your hands.
People thought this was:
I have to agree w/Isaac. I saw the reviews and thought, wow, I really have to try out this place...OMG I was really disappointed! Okay, so if you don't know what Falafel is or what Gyros is, than you probably think, this place is great, but if you've had these things at other places before...you will be disappointed. The Gyros is like a cut up meatball...ridiculous! The lg sandwiches are really small...I paid for three sandwiches $20...I do not think that that's a good deal. But to be fair, the Falafel was not bad!
I recently moved here from SF and I probably don't need to tell ya'll - a good falafel place is crucial to survival. Tried this place on the recommendation of a San Jo native - and it did not disappoint! The falafel sandwiches are fantastic! They can get a little messy (can someone please teach these dudes how to wrap a sandwich so it doesn't drip all over?) The homemade pita chips are also a good choice - yummily seasoned. And if you're in the mood - the banana shake is also a great way to round out your meal!
The seating situation can suck - outdoor & sometimes packed, but trust me, it's well worth it!
Q: What's a falafel?
A: Meatballs (but usually chickpeas), cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini sauce (and/or hot sauce) all in a pita sandwich. Yum!
I've been to San Jose so many times. I'm kicking myself for not having tried the Falafel Drive-In until this past weekend! I had to get the falafel and banana milkshake combo that everyone has been talking about. It was a good sign to see huge piles of bananas in the kitchen. That's when you know it's fresh!
I got the falafel with the hot sauce. The guy at the cashier said it wouldn't be that hot so I thought it would be mild. I WAS WRONG! I don't like spicy so it was my mistake risking it. After taking off as much of the hot sauce as I could, I bit in and it was still delicious. Why get a burger when you can get a falafel? After I eat it, I don't feel like I've eaten something horribly bad for me. It's got cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes! And not just little thin slices like on a burger.
The banana milkshake was perfect for me (except that it was in a styrofoam cup, come on people, we are living eco these days!). I know a lot of people like thick milkshakes but I actually like it when it's drinkable. If it's too thick it's basically soft served ice cream in a cup and that's not what I want. I want a drink! There is no overly sweet, artificial banana flavor because they use the real fruit. So good! I also ordered a side of onion rings which were very tasty. Burgers were so yesterday. This is America's new meal!
People thought this was:
The absolute best Falafels anywhere - Or at least in the Bay. I've been coming here since I was 4 years old. I never get tired of it.
First timers should try a small falafel and a small hummus. Sooo good.
Trust me - Just try it.
People thought this was:
I couldn't resist stopping by today.
It's been a long time, my love.
Never again will I go this long without your delicious balls.
I heart you 4eva.
People thought this was:
OH-EM-JEE! Get the small falafel and the pita chips already!! Don't forget the fresh banana shake.… Read more »
There you are.
You sassy, soft, stuffed pita.
You're barely staying in one piece, fighting to contain the marinated beef gyros chunks, lettuce and tomatoes. You're swimming in just the right amount of tahini.
You have been a love of mine for more than 18 years now.
I am rarely in San Jose. On this fine October day in between rainfall I stopped in and proceeded to enjoy the large gyros and pita chips.
While waiting for my number to be called (and controlling my salivation) I heard someone order a chocolate banana malt shake. That took me way back and I smiled when I realized that even the younger folks have found the delightful bliss in the Falafel's Drive-In Banana shake and all its various configurations.
The menu is simple. Falafels are simply awesome. Small Gyros or Small Falafel is a frugal meal that could fill even the largest of eater.
One word of advice though... You may want to allow yourself plenty of time. The line gets to be very long and the staff does everything they can to pump out food quickly, but this could be a problem if you are in a pinch for time.
There has not been another falafel joint I have found that can compare. That is saying a LOT.
This time I made sure to swing by and get my fix.
People thought this was:
As this is my first review on Yelp, I figured I might as well review the first place I used Yelp for: Falafel's Drive In.
I was staying at a hotel on Stevens Creek during a trip to San Jose (prior to moving to the area), and needed a place to grab lunch. Yelp suggested Falafel's which was ridiculously close by. The surrounding area isn't the greatest and it is easy to drive by Falafel's if you're not looking for it specifically. The sign outside is an old-fashioned drive-in sign with a parking lot in front, picnic benches, and an ordering window. I think they have recently opened up indoor seating as well.
The food is fantastic, although slightly pricey for falafel. Still, totally worth it. The best option on the menu is the Falafel Sandwich - Banana Milk Shake combo. Don't remember the exact price off the top of my head, but it's about $8. The falafel is crunchy, the ingredients seem fresh, and the shake, delicious. I've been back several times since and it's great every time.
Pretty good falafel but too expensive
Have been to this place a few times. Food is not bad but pricing is out of control! Falafel is meant to be poor people food; these guys are really expensive...
I like big balls and I cannot lie
You other brothers can't deny
That when garbanzo beans are in pita bread
With some veggies and some red
Sauce, wanna eat every inch
Of that big falafel sandwich
With a banana milkshake
It tastes even better than cake
Oh gyros, I wanna get with you
And bite your beef steak
My stomach tried to warn me
But that meat you got makes me so horny
Oh, rump-o'-smooth-balls
You say you need to have some sauce
Well you get two kinds, two kinds
A red one and a white one
I've seen them prices
To hell with food cost rises
It's cheap, peeps
Just a few bucks for a huge heap
I'm tired of restaurants
Not giving you what you want
Come to Falafel's Drive In in San Ho
It'll leave you wanting mo'
So, fellas! (Yeah!) Fellas! (Yeah!)
Has your girlfriend got the hungz? (Hell yeah!)
Tell her to eat it! (Eat it!) Eat it! (Eat it!)
Eat those healthy balls
Baby got balls!
People thought this was:
Nothing special. We would come here from time to time since the wife likes this place, and also when in the neighborhood.
For me their falafels are a bit salty. This might be the reason why it's popular. The pita after a while crumbles while eating. The lettuce are not crisp - probably due to the hot falafels. They could use a little lemon squirt on the white sauce or something citrusy to balance off the fried and salty taste of the falafels. ( their latino cooks will like a little lime in there)
My kids aren't impress with the hotdogs and fries, not even the banana shake. The gyro is processed meat - something that you might find at a food court.
People thought this was:
Tried this place with friends and we love it. I've never had a falafel sandwich and it was great! It's a nice little place with nice people working there. They're quite popular, there was a good line of people when we got there. It was easy to find parking and order. They were featured on Guy Fieri's 3 D show!!! I highly recommend this place, especially for falafel sandwiches.
My sister and I are a fan of Guy Fieri's DDDs. So when I was living up north near her we decided to check this place out.
I was a little leery to try the falafel, so I stuck with the gyro while my sister got the falafel and banana shake combo. We both tried each others and while I was a little sad I didn't get the falafel, the gyro was awesome! I also, being the complicated person I am, sheepishly asked if there was any way they could make me a CHOCOLATE BANANA shake. The guy kinda laughed at me and said "of course"
I'm sad I'm not still living in Northern California cause this place was delicious. But I didn't quite understand when people ordered hamburgers at a FALAFEL drive in...hmmm...
People thought this was:
Guy Fieri totally knows his stuff because this falafel haven is hot!
Featured in Diners, Drive ins, and Dives, this cute little stop serves some mean falafel. The parking lot is always full and all of the seating is outside. Their menu isn't extensive, but you don't need much more than their falafels, pita bread, hummus, and special spicy sauce. Although I haven't tried it, my boyfriend raves that their banana milkshake is bomb. If you like falafels, or want to give them a try, this spot won't disappoint you. Scouts honor.
Let me sum up my review with an ACTUAL conversation I overheard while chomping down on my pita:
Dude #1: (After taking a bite) You know, this is really the best falafel I've ever tasted.
Dude #2: Really?
Dude #1: Ya..I mean, I've tried falafels in Europe, Canada, and L.A. Out of all of them, this place is still my favorite.
People thought this was:
No reason to choose anything else on the menu other than the Falafel and Banana shake combo (I only say this because:
A) it rocks
B) I can never manage to order anything else. As I wait in line, I think maybe Falafel salad, or that kebab thing looks good, but invariably when I get the windo and can see all those little balls of heaven being dropped into the vats of fat, words fail me and Falafel combo it is!
Banana chocolate milk shake and falafel sandwich does a body good. This is the best drink/food combination in the world.
Don't order the dolma...it is pretty plain and borderline gross.
MY FUEL FOR SHOPPING AT VALLEY FAIR & SANTANA ROW.
Don't judge this place too quickly when you drive past it on Stevens Creek Blvd. I almost missed it when I was driving to VF to go shopping.
Being spoiled in Berkeley for having tons of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern places, I needed to get my fixin' for some Falafel. The falafel balls were crisp & flavorful. Mmmmmmm... The banana shake??? So light and creamy. Not what I expected from a banana shake at all. I downed it like it was the last banana shake on earth.
Sidenote: ATM/CC surcharge - $0.90. Tons of parking in the rear.
Grab a falafel & a banana shake. You'll get your food right quick. For a great price, you can't go wrong.
People thought this was:
Eating at Falafel's was a great experience. Since I'd never actually eaten a falafel before, I bought one for 25 cents and tried it first. It was great, so I ordered the falafel sandwich (falafels in a pita with lettuce and some kind of runny white sauce--cheese?--and a red sauce). I was really surprised at how much I liked it. I also tried the pita chips which were good, but I think I would have rather had two falafel sandwiches. I also ordered the banana chocolate shake, and it was super yummy! My son had a corn dog and my mother had a bowl of tabuleh (she was jealous of my falafel sandwich).
We ate at around 7:30pm, and we were surprised that there was no indoor seating. Fortunately, the covered area was out of the wind, so we could enjoy our meal. It really is a drive-in. It's also in a not-so-good neighborhood. I stopped to get gas on the way back to the hotel, and realized that I should have waited to get gas somewhere else. So, Falafel's Drive-in rocks! But, I wouldn't plan to spend much time there other than to eat the food and drink the milkshakes!
I love falafel drive-in!!! The workers here are the best. I usually get a small falafel. One time, my boyfriend and I only had enough money for one large falafel and the guy at the counter decided to give us two small ones instead. The customer service was great and the food is delicious
I was overly excited and ambitious when I came here for lunch after a few-months hiatus, and got a large falafel. It was falafel overdose, but I didn't care b/c it was so damn delicious. I had severe falafel food coma at work that I wasn't sure I'd recover from... until my friend sent me this link:
http://www.imdb.com/ti...
As long as it was Falafel Drive In's falafel, the death would be worth it.
People thought this was:
Their falafel is the standard I compare all falafels to. Everything about it is delicious, the 2… Read more »
This place is a seriously a hole in the wall that is a MUST. It is the best Falafel i have ever had and the owner is so nice he keeps you coming back for more. I remember the first time I went there, he came by and brought some extras for us to try. I was shocked and so pleased that he wanted us to try something new. It was fabulous.
LOVE THIS PLACE.
Ok, so I had to checkout what all the rave was about so I gave it a try on a Saturday afternoon. One mistake was getting there during peak lunch hour as there is a huge line just to get food. Long lines must indicate that the food must be good. I saw the many reviews in the windows so that made my curiosity spark even more to see how good this place was. I order the falafel sandwich was the best tasting sandwich I have ever had. The prices are super cheap. You could feed a family of four and not break the bank which is a plus in this economy. If your ever in the area you MUST checkout Falafel's Drive in.
My partner and I stumbled upon the Falafel Drive In a few years ago and fell madly in love. The large falafel sandwich and banana milkshake can't be beat! The combination of spicy and creamy are heavenly and I wish I lived closer to San Jose so I could eat there on a weekly basis instead of bi-yearly.
Damn, now I've got a craving.
People thought this was:
Maybe it is the best falafel that the "Meh Area" can offer but I still maintain that Sarah's in Austin is far superior (but you Calis had better not use this justification to further stink up the Austin area - think of the wonderful "weather" that you leave behind when you move to TX!) I thought the falafel this establishment offers was rather greasy. Also, the pita pretty much fell apart, causing quite a mess. Service was quite fast though but cash-only was a bit of a shock. Good place all in all for the location and convenience.
I've been coming here since before I knew what tahini was ;D Seriously I've been to a few Mediterranean restaurants, but Falafel's Drive In is hands down the winner. Usually go for small gyro which are just the right portion. I've had the falafel sandwich, but I prefer the individual balls, goes great with the hot sauce/tahini combo. They also serve burgers/fries here, but lets be serious.. people don't come here for the american flavor, haha. Banana shake special is very banana-y, but if you like that, go for it. Hummus is large and tasty and comes with pita bread.
If you're looking for little change in your savory palette, I can definitely vouch for Falafel's, great food/service/value.
People thought this was:
This place must have changed ownership recently. I was so disappointed and want my money back including gasoline to get to them. They asked me if I wanted the large or the small falafel and I usually go for large. Well it was just large with more lettuce and nothing else. The sandwich fell apart and every one was complaining about the same thing. The falafel shrunk in size and it was not worth it at all.
I am so angry that I want to call those people all the names in the book, but I would rather not because I know my friends might be reading this and they know I don't usually swear. But I can say this, new owners, go to hell. I am never coming back and you will lose a whole lot of business. Not just mine, but every one else that is used to the quality we used to get. Ba-Bye.
People thought this was:
I don't think there is a better falafel place on this planet than this one. 100% fresh and tasty. I… Read more »
"Falafel!" is such a fun word to say. It totally warrants an exclamation point when in written form. Today i decided to go-a-falafeling! at lunch. You can really beat a $6 meal that is filling and tastey.
I invited one of my co workers who was a falafel! virgin. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This was her first time falafelling!
I only noted one problem, there was construction going on and we had to endure hammering all through lunch. It would have been nice to have the hammering stop and resume after lunch. But the workers kept on going even after the drive-in was full of patrons eating. minus one star.
People thought this was:
I dislike Falafels, but I like them here.
They may not be the crunchiest, but they sure are the tastiest.
Delicious Falafels sandwich with spicy red sauce. Great food, that doesn't travel well to the movies. It's messy, messy, messy, but good.
The cube had negative memories of this place, and can you believe I just recently tried it??? We are Falafel Drive In converts.
People thought this was:
Love love love this place.
Most heavenly falafels!, wonderfully quick and friendly service. Every time I go, I order the Falafel Salad and I'm never disappointed. For $7.50 this is my favourite lunch out.
It often gets really busy around lunch time but these guys are trained experts and always have your order out quicker than you expect.
Cons: they should be located next to my house :)
People thought this was:
An AWESOME falafel pita and a fantastic banana shake. No wonder this place is always packed. $6 = perfect.
You do have a fight a few people for table space outside there....
People thought this was:
Last time I had falafel this good was 13 years ago, in Israel. I eventually stopped trying to get one in US because each time it was too heavy, too breaded, too oily.
Not here - huge, perfect falafel sandwich no skimping on vegetables. Chickpeas were fried to just enough crispiness but before they got hard and dense. All for $5. I am glad I asked for extra hot sauce.
This place is crowded, but service is fast.
I placed my order and it was ready by the time I got the receipt.
The gyro is not stuffed with slices of meat, but chunks. Great tasting pita, large slices of cucumber and tomato.
Ton of food, great price. Get there early!
Overrated.
I've never had a Falafel that crumbles to bits, pita & all mid-bite. Don't get me wrong, I would still eat here (it's practically the only fast-food med spot in the area), but I'm not going to crave for it. I do, however, love the banana shakes and the option of sitting outside.
I really don't think that this place deserves the spotlight that it has been in due to Diner's Dives & Drive Ins. I've had way better falafels at Oasis in the city.
I dont like their Gyro's, but I tried their Falafel sandwich today and it was good even though the falafel was not fresh. Their hot sauce sucks. I think it will be a good idea to go there when it is crowded to get some fresh Falafel's.
People thought this was:
Cheap, fast(when the line isn't around the corner), and the falafel is spot on. Their shakes are awesome too, but the falafel is so good that I haven't even tried anything else to eat. I want to, but when I get there I think, why would I want to get something that possibly isnt as good.
Only downside is the long lines and I wish they were open really late on Fridays and Saturdays, but I cant dock them a star for that because the food is worth 5 alone.
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