Falafel's Drive In
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
497 Reviews for Falafel's Drive In
My sister dragged me here the other day because we couldn't decide where to eat. Holy crap this place is damn good. I know where I'm coming during Lent!
My fiance ate a falafel and didn't even realize there was no meat in it. (He loved it... but after he found out that there was no meat, he instantly decided he rather have a gyro.)
The small falafel sandwich was enough for me. My pita started falling apart towards the middle of me eating my sandwich, so I finished the rest with my fork - which was also difficult since the tables there are made of that grated metal stuff and you stab right through the paper. I still didn't mind. It was that good.
As a San Jose newcomer, I've been dying to try this falafel place of almost mythical proportions on Yelp. Before arriving, I warned my husband that the owners were compared to the likes of the soup nazi from Seinfeld. We approached the counter promptly with our order of the banana shake and falafel combo, along with a hummus and vegetable appetizer. I was pleasantly surprised that they were friendly and conversational, but I didn't want to test what might happen had we asked for substitutions or extra bread.
I have very high expectations for falafel, having tried some of the best and even attempting my own a few times. Their falafel is good, but didn't live up to the hype of these reviews. The sauce and flavor of the falafel didn't stand out, and the ingredients weren't distributed very well. The banana shake, however, is definitely the best I've ever had. It tastes like ice cream blended with real bananas, and gives me a reason in itself to return.
So..I was a bit disappointed with my first recommendation from Diners Drive Ins and Dives (Jay Bee's in Gardena: (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), so I was hoping I'd have better luck here. In the end, I have to say, Falafel's Drive In is DAMN good!
Came here with a friend last Sunday at about 2pm, and the place was packed. What I liked about the place was the fact you pretty much have a cultural melting pot here. Pretty much everybody and anybody was enjoying their falafel's and banana shake.
So, my friend and I got the Large falafel sandwich and a banana shake, and boy, it was hella good. First, I'll go with the falafel. You get about 3-4 pieces of falafel mixed in with the veggies and the 2 sauces stuffed inside the pita bread. It was filling and delicious. Now, onto the crack shake..errr..banana shake. Coming from a guy that don't care too much for banana, Jebus, that was some good shit. Forget about any other fast food or diner ice cream shakes, this shake tops them all. Seriously, I think the best shake I've had ever!
I'd have to say, if I had to judge the falafel sandwich by itself, it's probably 4 stars worthy, but just on the banana shake alone, it deserves a star bump. Definitely check this place out. I know I would, on my next San Jose visit.
P.S.: The lines are usually pretty long, but they get the orders out fairly quickly. I think I waited for about 10mins.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've been going here for years, mostly for the banana shakes and a quick hummus fix. The falafel is okay too, but their pitas are so flimsy that it's hard to eat without making a mess. Veggies aren't all that fresh either.
The meat offerings (except for maybe the hamburger, ironically) are mediocre at best -- the gyros and kefta are downright bad, and I'm an easy reviewer.
There's a nice lemmings/cult like vibe here though with the crowds and the reviews. And the prices aren't too bad.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Ok so I am a newby by far to this place, I can say I had never went been to the Falafel Drive In until some friends took me there. The Falafel is awesome, tastey and filling. The banana shake is an automatic yes for me... Yummy!! The gyro is good too but I prefer the Falafel..
This place is hopping, combination of the incredibly tastey food, the friendly staff and was also featured on the Food Network with Guy Fieri.. This is a place I don't go to often because it is a little far for me but definetly a good choice when you are in the neighborhood.
What else can be said that wasn't said before?!? All I know is it's great tasting, great value, get your food quick (esp. considering how many may be ahead of you) and worth whatever antacid I need afterwards!!
BTW, it's rich, but the the banana milkshakes are killer.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
When did this place get so popping and crazy? I went the other week and there was huge line. I guess i was lucky in the past to never encounter such thing. Gyros and falafel's are good. Humus and chips are good for a side too. And if you are going to get a shake and a small falafel, just order the regular combo - you get more food, and it's only like 10 cents more or something, but the guy taking my order told me to do so. All seating is outdoors, and if there's a lot of people, parking might be tough. And even though Santana Row and Valley Fair are right across the freeway, imo, this place is better stop for food.
Kyle loves the falafels here. We come here just about anytime we're in San Jose.
I love the banana milkshakes and the hummos with pita.
We've been to a lot of falafel places and nothing can compare to the falafels here.
Stay away from the lemonade though, it wasn't fresh and I didn't care for it at all. I think it's a powder mixed with water.
Only the best damn Falafels ever!!!!
Been going here for 20 years
LOVE IT!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/22/2006
Being a vegetarian gourmet I am picky about my falafels - it seems like everyone makes them too dry.… Read more »
Their falafel is the standard I compare all falafels to. Everything about it is delicious, the 2 different sauces, the perfectly fried and seasoned falafel balls, the salad... it's the best, BY FAR. If I go with a friend, we'll also get their pita chips, which are very yummy, although you'll have to do a smile-check-to-see-if-there' s-anything-in-my-t eeth to your friend b/c some of those spices can get stuck in there. Trust me, I know - I only get to go here during work lunch breaks and you don't want to go back to a customer meeting with Mediterranean falafel spices stuck in your teeth.
So definitely get the lunch special (falafel and banana shake), but only get the seasoned pita chips if you have a friend to check your teeth.
And I love how it's nice and cheap. $7 for a large falafel + banana shake (for very hungry days), $3.50 for a small falafel (normal days), and I think $3 for pita chips (for sharing days)? Something like that. Don't quote me on it.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
CAN it get any better than Falafel's Drive-In?? It's the ABSOLUTE best! The Falafels, the Gyros, the Pita Chips ... it's just all soo yummy. I never would've thought that I would ever stop into a drive-in somewhere to grab some eats, but I'm glad that I did stop here. Every time I eat at the drive-in, it's just pure falafel bliss for me!! If you don't try it at least once, you are definitely missing out!!!
Large falafel and banana shake for $7. Yum!
Holy moly. (I just watched Grumpy Old Men.) Review #99 goes to Falafel's Drive In!
Sis & I split the special.. large falafel & a banana shake.
Whoever put this combo together was a GENIUS!!!
We couldn't stop talking about our food until the day after. But with 475 other reviews of this place, there's really not much else I can say.
I heard of this place from the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I get SOOO jealous of the host because he gets to kick it in the kitchens of these places and taste test anything they throw together. Going to Falafel's Drive In that one fateful day (approximately two days ago) was the best idea I had that day.. lol..
Well this is a horrible review and I'm just rambling... I think I'm just trying to justify my choice of Review #99 by making it pointlessly long. Fin.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Good food and cheap, take some hummus to go. Nice on a summer night
How do you spell delicious??? F -A- L- A -F -E -L- ' S D -R - I -V- E I - N
Wow! I ordered the Special ...the $7 combo large falafel sandwich and a regular banana shake. There was a long line outside the place but I saw a couple ordering inside where they have a few tables so I decided to go inside and ordered my food and got my food faster. I wonder if people knew this. Am I giving away a secret???
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
For falafel's this is the place to be! My mom and I used to frequent here every tuesday when i was in high school! That was definately awhile back.....Ahh how I miss those Tuesdays! Now its on my list of "must hit" when i'm in town visiting.
Don't come here for anything else besides their falafels. We've tried their other options, such as the ones on their special menu (tacos, burgers, etc), and it just does not compare to their falafels.
This place can get packed and definately is a Silicon Valley landmark! Its pretty close to the mall, so after you've spent all your money at Santana Row head over here and grab yourself a falafel with the 7 bucks you have left for the rest of the month! You won't regret it!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I dream about the falafel here: fresh, moist, delicious, and alarmingly green. Throw these in a pita with some salad, tahini, and hot sauce, and you've got a top notch falafel sandwich. Add the requisite banana shake, and you've got a classic, one-of-a kind Bay Area lunch. (If there was a top ten list of such lunches, this would be on it).
Falafel's Drive In is far from work, so for me to make a visit here, the conditions have to be just right, like an alignment of the planets. I have to be getting hungry by 11:15, I have to have time on my hands, gas in the tank, and the patience to make the drive there and back (or friends to keep me company). Good weather and a falafel craving also help. If I can't leave work by 11:30 or so, it's too late, because parking will suck and I'll face a long, long line. I don't do long lines.
My order when I arrive is this: large falafel sandwich, extra hot sauce, and a banana shake. The sandwich is a build up to ecstasy (a fiery one if you load up on hot sauce). The banana shake provides the slow, delicious cool-down. The cost of this experience is a mere $7. Five stars easy.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
Delicious!! We had to pick up some tickets at the airport last night and the hubby gave me two options for dinner: Falafel's Drive In and and another near by Indian restaurant. My tummy growled for some falafel goodness and the ever so highly rated banana shake. Both were delicious and a strangely suitable combination at the $7 price point. Next time, and there will be a next time, I will ask for extra tahini and less hot sauce. Sorry hot sauce fans, this one was just a little too ketchupy for my taste buds, although with a great kick of heat. I might even just go with the salad since the pita opened up after first bite and served as an edible plate for the rest of the meal.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This place made it onto the Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Need I say more?
Definitely try their pita chips and hummus dip. Awesome!
-never knew a falafel patty could be this good, I love falafels and can eat the patties by themselves, I was so used to dry crumbly falafels but still enjoyed them...but not after eating here, they introduced to me what a falafel should taste like
-their falafel patties are hot, crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside, spicy & green!
-banana shake and the falafel sandwich create a wonderful gastronomic chemical reaction when eaten together, i didn't like the shake by itself, but sipped with bites of the falafel, damn, yummy goodness!
-the falafel sandwich itself: i liked the white sauce and the hot sauce which wasn't really hot, more tomatoey than anything, hot suace is good with the fries, however, I wished I was back there in the kitchen assembling my own sandwich, cuz I got chunks of salad, then falafel, then salad, not all layered together in the pita, the pita was already torn when I opened my sandwich, and by the time I had already eaten half of it, the pita was soaked & had lost its integrity
-I plan to get the the falafel salad next time, pretty much the same stuff in the sandwich minus the pita
by the way, has anyone tried the Fool Mom.....sas(spelling?)
Falafel and a banana shake combo - about the best $7 you'll ever spend.
Don't be scared by the lines, its' crowded for a reason. Make sure you can make it rain b/c they don't take credit cards here.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Bumping you up to 5 stars, baby! You deserve it, Falafel's Drive In! You're just that good. I should've done it in the first place - don't know why I was holding out on you.
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
05/08/2008
Great falafel (old school in the pocket pita!), creamy and delicious hummus. They even have those… Read more »
I could write sonnets about Falafel Drive In.
This is theeee spot where I take anyone I'm showing around from out of town. Warm friendly service from the owner and his staff ALWAYS. Great prices and the food is refreshing and delicious.
The only tip I have is BRING CASH because using a card just adds complications and that just holds up the line bro...
Saw this place on Food Network and was determined to go here. I made it my mission to go here the very next time I was in the area, and I did!
large falafel and banana shake = $7.00
well worth it. i was immediately satisfied. the falafel was crunchy and soft, a lil sweet yet savory, and light but filling. my taste buds were overwhelmed with joy. the banana shake is AWESOME!
my partner in crime had the falafel salad and french fries, which were also filling in the most wonderful way.
just add a lil more hot sauce for that extra kick. falafels drive in is the fuckin bomb dot com!
what an organsmic foodie experience, mission complete.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
This place has the best falafels! I've had falafels from other places and no other can compare. The falafels here are full of flavor and have a little bit of crunch to them (not too much where they are dry and taste like paper like at some other places). I usually get the same thing when I come here because the value is just too good to pass up, the Large Falafel and Banana Shake for $7 (that already includes tax). It's a pretty big size but it's so good that when I'm hungry enough I can eat the whole thing in just one sitting! The baklavas are also very tasty!! Not too sweet and they have the perfect crunch to them. They're also a great deal at $1.25 a piece.
As for the banana shake, I must tell you that I dislike bananas in general but I love their shake!! The best thing I can compare the taste to is that of banana creme pie. It doesn't taste like the actual fruit but more of what banana tastes like when it's used in dessert dishes.
BTW, when you drive by and see a big crowd, don't let that deter you from dropping in. Everytime I go it's usually crowded but I usually make it out of there in 10 minutes or less when I get my food to-go. They are very fast and efficient when it comes to taking your order and preparing it.
Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, the falafels here are guaranteed to satisfy!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This place IS good!
I finally came here after hearing so many good things. I wish I had come at a more in-between time though since the line was LONG at 12:30.
The guy that takes your order was friendly and cool.
I ordered 2 small falafels and a small hummus dip to go. When I paid with atm card, I got pretty wide-eyed since the the total came out to $20 for something that was much less! I thought "omg what a huge convenience fee!" Luckily it's just that the machine automatically adds $10 or something like that(?) as the guy explained. So I was relieved when he gave me change back in cash and saw on the receipt that the fee was 90 cents. Using your atm card is a little funky, but it works. Next time I'll use cash though.
Anyway, the falafels and hummus were really good! A small falafel is a perfect size for a meal without making you feel grossly full. But it was messay! Half-way through, it got so broken and I looked so sav eating it haha. Good thing I ate at home!
Still, I will definitely come back!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I have never had a bad meal here. The place gets crowded but it is well worth the wait. In addition to great middle eastern food they have decent burgers.
All the hype that they were talking about on the Drive in's, diner's and dives its all legit. Great tasting food! The freshest food you can get real fast too.
Banana Shakes and Falafels is this place is all about.
THEY ONLY ACCEPT DEBIT CARDS!
Falafel?!?? What is that?!!?!? What's in it?!?! Is it good?!?!
All of these questions was definitely running through my mind. I've never ever had a Falafel before, let alone never even knew what it was UNTIL late afternoon on Friday. So why not give it a try, right?!!?
First impression of the "restaurant"--looks like a mini shack. Definitely old school. Despite of its look, there were many customers outside just grubbin away.. so of course that made me more anxious to try it out. Ordered the combo (Large Falafel Sandwich + Banana milkshake) for $7 and a Falafel Salad for $6. Took one bite, and I fell in love. So gooooood. I actually prefer the salad than the sandwich only because I prefer less bread. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED the chili hot sauce on it.. gave it more of a kick to my taste buds.
And the besssst part... the banana milkshake. Very authentic flavor--ultimately the BESSSSST shake I've ever had, EVEEER! Easy to suck to ((THATS WHAT SHE SAID))!! Sorry, I just had to. =)
I am no longer a Falafel virgin! Plus, it's a greaaaat healthy meal I could probably eat 3 times a week! YAAAAAAAAAAY!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
They had this place featured on Food Network. Soooo dope! I'm glad they did cause I probably would've never heard of it! I went for the Falafel sandwhich, the Chicken sandwhich, Banana shake, and Root Beer Freeze shake. They seriously need bigger sizes for the shakes, cause I wanted a second one after trying the Banana.
I thought I wouldn't like the Banana shake, but I killed that bad boy! The Root Beer Freeze is basically a rootbeer float, just blended. Both the Chicken and Falafel sandwhiches were super dope. There wasn't a line for this place when we hit it up.
A banana shake and a falafel....sweet nectar of the gods. May sound a bit strange to newbies, but trust us, you'll thank us later. Line out the door every day of the week. Go when the weather is nice. It can not be beat for quick and cheap eats. BTW: bring cash.
This place as GREAT falafel's - but what do I know, I'm just some Chinese guy. To me, the food tastes great here and you HAVE to try the mango shake because it's a winner.
Remember to come here early because the line gets LONGGG after noontime.
I'm just going to put my rating in because what i have to say does not differ from the other 400 or so reviews. The line moved quickly, food was ready within minutes, and devoured with a smile on my face. Falafel and banana shake..you made my trip.
Fast, cheap, and good (It's like fast food, but better! ) You really can't go wrong here when you're craving a falefel!
The best falafel I've ever had! It's always worth the trip to visit this San Jose dining tradition!
After getting my car fixed and going for a sale at Cost Plus I ventured here... for a Banana Milkshake... I like the Falafel places better in Santa Cruz....but they don't make banana milkshakes.... SIGH. Since it took me 2 hours to get to work today (Santa Cruz to East San Jose) because of the fire... just in case I had another 2 hour trip home I figured a potty break and a milkshake was in order (potty at the car dealership) that was a tad classier than going to McDonalds.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
5 stars for the falafel, which were amazing. the rest of the menu were lackluster though. i'd rather have pita pit for the super greek, but that's just me
I loathe being in that grimey area (traffic and summer heat do it for me) but this place is a little diamond in the rough. But 40% of the time I want to eat here, I don't have the currency of choice..tough luck for them and me
This is one of those Yelp finds....that I'd never think of visiting if it wasn't for the 400+ reviews.
I'd never had a falafel so I'm not a good judge as to whether this is a good one, but my bf liked his. The falafel sandwich was ginormous and fell apart pretty fast. There's probably an art to eating them that I'm not privy to, because I definitely had issues.
We both got the special with the large falafel and the banana shake. I was not into the shake. It was thin and tasted like a banana candy...which is the one in the pack that I avoid or try to give away. I love natural banana flavor, but I'm not into the candy flavor and it was super thin for a milkshake.
We also got an order of hummus, which was good, but not outstanding. The place was pretty packed, it was during the lunch rush and all the tables were occupied and there was a line. The place is definitely quick, we ordered, grabbed a table, and somehow our order was ready in about 2 minutes. fabulous!
I think next time I go I'll go with the corn dog and french fries, that's probably (sadly) more my style.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
i am sad....
Sad that i am not enjoying a falafel right now. That is how good it is here.
Let's just say i was a falafel virgin, and now i am broken in and want to be fucked again. Lol :)
Oh yeah the banana shake is delicious!!!!!!
note to people that are coming here for the first time- do not try the chicken pita.. Not tasty at all, and if it's busy and you get a shake ask for it from the freezer....
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (7)
Cool (6)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Sorry...but you're…
My growing list of places that people swear… -
Not So Fast Food
When you want something quick, but good and… -
Bus Route 23
Back in the days, when I was young, I'm not a kid… -
Middle East and beyond!
My favorite Middle eastern, Meditteranean, and… -
Mediterranean/Persian
Places for good falafel, baba ghanoush, shawerma,… -
Where You'll Find Me…
Some of these places are fancier, and others more… -
Snacky snack snack joints
Where you can also kick back.... Northern Cal…
Hot and New
- Uncle Frank's BBQ and Catering
183 reviews
Mountain View, CA
- Kubota Restaurant
98 reviews
San Jose, CA
- Sam's Bar-B-Que
137 reviews
San Jose, CA
- Crawdaddy
139 reviews
San Jose, CA
- El Paisa Taqueria
34 reviews
San Jose, CA