Govea's Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Fri 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
16 reviews
San Jose, CA
"The best "mercado" ever. It's a party in here. It's always jumpin' with good ranchera and banda music playing on the loudspeakers. Oh…" read more »
34 Reviews for Govea's Restaurant
Good, Authentic Mexican Food. Ordered the soft tacos, beans and rice...loved it so much I had to order a 2nd serving!!!
My colleagues wanted some Mexican food and naturally, I turned to trusty Yelp for recommendations. :)
We drove for 20 mins to get there and we weren't disappointed at all. We ordered the Govea's super combo and a chicken enchilada. Everything tasted really good and the horchata is amazing.
Will definitely come back again!
It's a pretty damn good mexican restaurant. they got their stuff down here. I like going here cuz i can work on my spanish and try ordering food in spanish. but then i realize i'm really hungry so i'll just cut to the chase and order a beef steak burrito straight up with a nice long glass of horchata. their horchata here is the bomb, i came on a hot sunny day and the horchata felt like that drink in the forbidden kingdom movie the elixir of immortality i felt so enlightened and rejuvenated i seriously just wanted to jump kick someone in that restaurant. but then i realized the horchata glass they give you looks quite similar to those jesus candles that you can buy at luckys or walgreens, you know those tall glass candles and they have some bible verse on the back of it. yeah...goveas is great you guys should try it out
After a long drunken night out, there is no better remedy than some R&R and comfort food (preferably soup).
Note: My review is based only on the dish itself. I had no first hand experience with the staff whatsoever, nor did I browse the menu for other options.
We ordered about 8 liters (I know that sounds like a weird way of measuring...) of Cocido, and it was heavenly. I can see how it may be deemed unconventional to bring a pot from home and have them fill it up for us, but they so kindly did. (I felt that idea was genius! Especially since it was such a large batch we ordered...that way we could just re-heat the stew all at once on a stove.) It was enough to nurse all of our hangovers. The meat was so tender, it fell off the bone, as were the veggies...potatoes, corn, cabbage, celery, zucchini, etc). The dish as a whole was cooked to perfection.
I would like to come here and try the other plates on the menu. I see nothing but great reviews on its authenticity and yummy goodness!
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I was very pleased by the authentic frijoles, lightly fried chimichanga, and the savory sangria. I'll definitely be back when I need a burrito fix. The place is clean and the staff was friendly. The salsa isn't bad but it's not mom's.
This is a good place to have a late dinner. The burritos are GINORMOUS and delicious.
The food at Govea's is excellant becuase they take the time to prepare each dish when you order it.
I have been going to Govea's for 10 years. One of the best Mexican spots in town. Maria is the greatest waitress that ever walked this earth. If we haven't been there for months she will still call us by name and know what I'm going to order. Love this place the food is fantastic the salsa is amazing and I suggest you try the Govea Burrito supreme with the green sauce!! :)
SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!! my absolute favorite burrito joint of all time. hands down.
i don't eat red meat (i.e. pork, beef) so i always order the chicken burrito, its a whoppin $3.50 and HUGE i can barely finish the whole thing and im a big eater. they make a burrito they put cheese and lots of enchilada sauce on top and put the whole plate in the oven so it comes out all melty and hot and saucy. so good.
for you red meat eaters, i recommend the goveas burrito "the works" with beef for $6.75, everyone that i've taken to this restaurant has fallen in love with it. its gigantic. even bigger than the chicken burrito. i've even turned non-mexican food lovers into goveas burrito addicts. its delicious.
i don't like how at other places burritos can be dry, but not at goveas. the sauce they drench the burritos in makes it flavorful. plus unlimited chips and salsa (reallllly good homemade salsa) makes this place #1 in my book!
Authentic mexican food.
Low price.
the only real down side is that it's a really small place (seating), so for dinner, we usually get it to go and just eat it at home (still good! and little to no wait!).
I felt a lil' uneasy when the server brought out the free basket of chips and salsa. The chips were obviously not prepared fresh in the kitchen and I pondered, "How the heck can this place be highly rated, but have the horrible store bought chips?"
I thought it was going to be another Yelp disaster like Adelita's.
But I was patient, and waited calmly for my meal before making my conclusion. Govea's is not a taqueria, where you simply order your food and take it elsewhere to indulge. Although there is an option to order food to go, most of its patrons eat at the restaurant. I ordered a beef chimichanga, sans the beans.
What I wasn't prepared for was perfection. Yes, I'm serious... It was that good.
The beef chimichanga (essentially a deep fried burrito) was cooked just right. The outer layer was drizzled with sour cream and a generous portion of guacamole. Many places prepare chimichangas incorrectly by frying them for too long in the oil leaving them hard and dry, but Govea's was delectable. The flour was golden brown, yet light and fluffy. As you bit into the it further, the entire was balanced well with the huge chunks of marinated beef, cheese, beans and other vegetables. It was like a symphony in my mouth.
The Spanish rice was a traditional side dish that complemented the entree perfectly. The grains of rice were seasoned thoroughly with a slight hint of butter and were light in texture. I'm Asian, so it's difficult for me to say this, but the rice is possibly be my favorite of all time. And the glass (no Styrofoam cup. Classy!) of horchata here is refreshing and not chalky one bit. We have a winner, folks.
Though I haven't been to all the Mexi joints in the world, my travels to cities with great taquerias and restaurant have included:
SF, SJ, SLO, LA, OC, SD, TJ, San Felipe, and Cabo San Lucas
I've got to say that this is the best Mexican restaurant of all the cities. That's right, I said it! You got a problem with that??
It's right at home in San Jose, too.
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I used to always come here, but haven't been lately. A solid taqueria that serves up tasty authentic food and complimentary chips and salsa. I love me some free chips and salsa!
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5 Stars
Finally, a chance to review my favorite Mexican food restaurant in the South Bay. I always review places after visiting them, and I've been waiting to review Govea's for a while now. So when we went there Friday night (Oct 12th), I knew I'd be reviewing on Yelp shortly there after.
This place is 5 Stars for the food - all the way. There's not a whole lot of atmosphere or ambiance for people who need a cute, trendy place to eat. I can't help but paint a little picture of the place though. When you walk in the door, on the left side, there are a couple chairs in case they're all full or in case you're waiting for a take-out order. On the other side of the door is a jukebox which seems to be filled with several South-of-the-border standards (I've never taken too close a look at the jukebox, and I've never seen anyone operate it). From there, you've got about 6 booths, 5 multi-person tables, and 5 two-person tables.
But it is SO worth it. Everything on the menu is a winner. My standard order (which I had this evening) is good ole plate #5 - one pork tamale, one beef enchilada, beans, and rice. While that's being cooked, it's time to start with a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa. I love the salsa. The really need to bottle it and sell it separately (La Victoria downtown must do a brisk business selling their orange sauce, why doesn't Govea's sell their salsa). Our waitress brings over salad that consists of grocery store bag lettuce and Italian dressing. I usually pick at it because I'm hungry, but by all means leave it alone if you think it might ruin your appetite.
Then comes the entrees, on steaming hot plates - thank you very much. The plates are platter size/style to give enough room for the generous portions. The refried beans with a little cheese on top are fantastic. The rice is super authentic Mexican rice. Not my favorite, but by adding a little bit of that screaming-good salsa on that rice, it's suddenly my favorite next to my wife's homemade. The pork tamale is perfect. I've had them homemade, and I've had them from other stellar places - and Govea's is my favorite. And the beef enchilada is a study in simplicity being best. Tortilla, ground beef, little cheese, and the sauce is all these enchilada's need for greatness. By the end of the plate, I'm in heaven.
My wife always has a dish that includes a chile relleno. She swears they're the best she's tasted since her Grandmother used to make them. My son isn't down with authentic Mexican food, so he has a burger (sometimes I jokingly wonder if he's really mine - haha), and my daughter has plenty of favorites here too. On this Friday night, she ordered the same items as her mother.
For other food suggestions, I've had their chicken soup before (please forgive a white boy who can't remember the name of the soup), and it was very well done. And I think they have the best nachos EVER. The nachos are on the appetizer menu, but I have had them as an entree before. Much like so many things on this menu, the rule of make the simple things as best you can is the standard with this dish. It's only nacho cheese, some seasoned ground beef, peppered sour cream, and guacamole spread around a plate full of chips - but it's better than any plate of nachos I've ever tasted anywhere else. Quick tip on the nachos though - only have them at the restaurant, never order them to go. The chips travel very poorly in the styrofoam container they pack all to go orders within.
Finally, to round-out a filling and satisfying dinner experience, they've got a large selection of Mexican beers, a couple domestics (if you need them), all the usual sodas, and a pretty damn good ice tea. And if you're feeling really authentic, they've usually got horchata ready-to-pour.
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My family and I have gone to Goveas for almost 19 years, and there is no other place like it! I always say "You can judge a place by their rice and beans simple as that, if thats not any good, for get the rest!" They are Fantastic, Authentic. They have GREAT lunch specials. Breakfast is good too. The Dinner is fantastic, they give you so much. The table service is wonderful. I like the Crispy Taco, rice and beans, with extra cheese, Thats what you get . The taco, and whatever else you order is exactly what is suppose to be. Goveas does not skimp, and add fillers, you know like in a "Chile Verde Burrito" other places put all rice , beans, tons of whatever else , but then you cant find the verde! Not at Goveas, TRY IT! Oh my gosh, try the Flautas, Carne Asada, ANY Shrimp dish!!, I can go on forever.....What else can I say? Great Authentic , Mexican food at a fantastic $$
Review by an Authenic Mexicana
I looooove me some Goveas! I've been going there for over seven years. I am a torta fanatic....so if thats your thing this is def the place to go. I can't personally speak on many of the other dishes but I always take my friends there and they love everything they order.
The service is really good too.
Two words: Govea's BURRITO!
Get it with carne asada.
I generally judge a Mexican place by their enchiladas....and they are also excellent here.
Oh and complementary chips and salsa round out the meal nicely!
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I had the opportunity to try Govea's for lunch today and get the Goveas burrito w/ carne asada that everyone else on here was raving about.
It tasted "ok", but I've had better burritos at other taqueria joints.. It had an excessive amount lettuce in it and the carne asada was so-so. The meat wasn't too dry but it lacked a bit a flavor. The mojado sauce on top wasn't something to rave about either.
The ice tea every one keeps talking about tasted like regular ice tea with a slice of lime. I was expecting something more flavorful.
Chips & Salsa; Chips are not made in the restaurant. The chips are storebought. Salsa is refreshing, and may be the only highlight of the restaurant, next to the service.
Service. Waitress was attentive. Order/Food/Check timing was great.
The bigger picture is that the restaurant is simply not on that high of a pedestal that everyone else keeps putting it up on...
DEEELISSSH! I have had Govea's food at catered events, but it wasn't until I did a video project on the best places to eat in Evergreen did I actually go in to eat there. The owners are so nice, the food is freakin awesome, and the atmosphere is very cozy...especially for being in a strip mall. The best part is that you can eat so much and the bill is so little. The price was definitely right!!!!
Based on our survey Govea's was named the #1 place to eat in the Evergreen Area!!!!
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This is the best homestyle Mexican food I've honestly ever had. I've been eating here since grade school. Everything is spiced to perfection, the meats are tender and juicy, all of the ingredients are fresh, and the service is fantastic. The owner is almost always there to greet you with a smile.
I recommend the Govea's Burrito which is their signature! The Iced Tea is also very refreshing. You get to watch Telemundo soaps on the corner tv if you're lucky.
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A great place to come if you are looking for good authentic mexican food! My coworkers and I come here for lunch or dinner often. The food is always consistently good. They are very kid friendly, even brought my toddler, some free tortillas and rice to munch on. it's a small family run restaurant. I spoke to the son of the owner, and he told me that his aunt runs a similar restaurant on Steven's Creek next to the Billiard's place. Service is always friendly. I highly recommend the chimichangas and the chicken enchilada suizas.
I would rate this restaurant between 3 & 3.5. The restaurant feels authentic, and I always felt I was eating at someone's home. The chips and the
salsa were really yummy, especially the salsa. We had the cheese enchiladas and the veggie burrito, and felt they were ok. It might be our mistake, but we seem more geared towards the less mushier bean preparations in the dishes. The service was great, but just dont know
if we would return. The place was packed for a weekday, and does seem very popular. Maybe we just got unlucky?
I LOVE GOVEAS. I would drive 30 minutes from my house to Govea's for the burrito supreme. Oh yumss ;] My mouth waters everytime I picture a Govea's Burrito in my mind. So juicy n smothered with guacamole, sour cream, and their special sauceee mMmMmm.. I WANT ONE RIGHT NOW!! xD
ps. Their quesadillas are heavenly.
pps. Govea's is soooo much better than La Vics. I swear.
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Goveas Burritos...best burritos in town. Located next to a starbucks, you can have coffee and goveas. Well priced and ready in minutes. Call In for takeouts and faster service. Would recommend my friends restaurant to anyone. My friends restaurant is well established and has served over 15+ years of pure authentic mexican food.
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I finally went to Goveas for dinner with my family. I honestly didn't think the food was that great. Maybe it was what I ordered, a meat dish, machaca, in which the meat was chewy and didn't taste fresh. My husband ordered a burrito, but according to him he's had better. I don't know that I would go back again.
I loveee the spanish rice and the burritos are good. I love Goveas. Even months later I can still remember the smell. I want some Goveas now! My mom knows the owner so it comes in handy but the customer service is pretty good. [=
If you get heart burn easily DONT come here. The sauce they use for the "wet" burritos is so tasty and spicy!! yummy. The huevos con chorizo is really good. not that store bought mess that some restaurants use where it only adds color to your eggs. The service is good and the salsa for the chips is excellent.
each time I go with my honey I go to the juke and blast red red wine..
:)
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They have good service and tasty homestyle dishes to choose from HOWEVER, the one thing i dont like is that you dont get refills with your drinks!
Come on now...
but the bean and cheese burrito (for being so plain) is actually really good, and HUGE for the $2 price.
i went for lunch with 4 people and all together (including myself) it costs about $33.
Not bad!!
But other that that its a casual place to eat.
Give it a try, i dont think you'll be let down.
The best burrito I've ever had. Period. I always get the chicken.
Excellent prices, homestyle dishes and atmosphere.
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I've eaten in once and take out once. I ordered the Goveas Burrito Supreme, and the Goveas Burrito (respectively). I love both burritos I've eated, and the price is very affordable (you can get a nice meal for less than $10). Now they have gift cards so I bought one for my friend for Christmas (he raves about the place).
Best wet style burrito around.
Everytime I think about Goveas my mouth starts to water. Their Pollo Diablo is the most freaking hot thing I have ever eaten outside of my mom's cooking! And those who know me know how spicy I like my food. Let's just say I can tell when they are cooking El Pollo Diablo cos I can smell the hot spices in the air! It burns your nostrils, your sinus, your throat, your stomach but it tastes so good going down!!! (Be sure to take some Pepto or antacid though...)
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Hmmmm the sound of govea's makes me think of my friend...oh wait my friend does own this restaurant. But just because i say my friend owns it doesnt mean that im making it sound good. First time i came here i had the Govea's burrito supreme, it was soo big i couldnt finish it! Now, i can finish it like nothing, and add some chips and salsa and im stuffed for the evening =]. I just ate here earlier today and it was delicious as usual, i recommend for starters that you try the samplers dish has alittle of everything.
The environment, service, prices, and taste is very excellent. If you're looking for Authentic Mexican cuisine this is the place to go...if ur in a hurry just call in and they'll have you're order ready by the time u get there! 6/5 stars
Update
3 stars
Don't get the Carnitas, they taste VERY salty. Its more like spam or corned pork. It does not taste like the usual carnitas at Mexican restaurants. The carnitas here are pinkish red and are chunky...like blocks. Not easily shred/ripped apart. And the taco isn't too good either, its bland and tasteless.
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3.5 stars
Their A la Carte burritos are really cheap. Its like 3-4 bucks. Their super burritos or govea's burritos are more expensive like 6-8$. I had the carne asada a la carte burrito and 2 horchatas. The carne asada burrito was pretty good and I was able to split it between my gf and be satisfied. Though my gf had some viet food to eat earlier so that eased off her hunger. Rice is optional and they don't charge you if you add it in there. The burrito was decent, nothing mind blowing. The meat, veggies, rice blended well together but it was sort of lacking some flavor as I had to add salsa to it to add that extra kick. Maybe I have to get the works or something to get that special burrito taste. La Bamba's has better burritos. Horchata was kind of odd tasting and my friend and gf didn't like it.
Its really clean in the inside and the service is extremely kind and sweet. I really liked them.
I'd probably come back since its soo close to my house and the food is decent, service friendly & decent food
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good food (; its good for what you pay and i'm not a fan of mexican food, but this one scratches when the craving itches. i can't finish their burrito, i LOVE their rice, the free chips and salsa are good too...
besides the burritos and chili relleno, i haven't really tried anything like salad or whatever, but dude, if the burritos are any indicators, it should be a good thing.
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