The new Mexican restaurant in downtown San Jose can be accurately called Angelou’s 3.0
Owners Teresa and Sergio Lopez opened their first Angelou’s in 2006 in a former coffee shop on North Second Street. That one had Cafe & Grill attached to its name, and they served sandwiches, burgers and salads along with Mexican food.
Later, they sharpened the focus to meet customer demand. The renamed Angelou’s Mexican Grill became well-known to office workers and residents for the Cali-Moco burrito (with fries and a fried egg), tacos, quesabirria and salads with the signature cilantro ranch or chipotle dressing.
Then came the move. With a senior citizen housing project planned at their site, the Lopezes vacated in late 2023 and secured a South First Street location where they could transform their taqueria concept with a sophisticated design, increased seating and a full bar. A Frida Kahlo mural and green chandeliers overlook the scene.
The new menu, introduced at the July opening, supplements customer favorites with Fajitas (shrimp, chicken, beef or the full trio), Green Pork Pozole and appetizers such as Shrimp al Ajillo, Chori-Queso Fundido and Shrimp Ceviche.
At the bar, the five M’s rule: margaritas, mojitos, micheladas, mangonadas and mimosas. Other signature cocktails include the Spartan Flight, a trio of vodka drinks showcasing the San Jose State University colors with blue curacao, mango puree and coconut cream.
And a traditional but rarely seen Carlota Cake stars on the dessert menu. It’s a key lime confection made with layers of Mexican cookies, sweet dream and lime.
Details: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, until 9:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 78 S. First St., San Jose; https://angelousmexicangrill.com