J & I Cafe

Mexican Restaurant $ 4.3 (349)


The restaurant is well-regarded for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, with several customers stating that the food tastes homemade. However, the service can be inconsistent and sometimes unfriendly, detracting from the overall experience. The general ambiance is casual, and while the food is a highlight, the need for better service remains a common concern among patrons.

Overall:

4.1

(291 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

3.6

Service:

3.4


Phone number: (210) 271-0557

Address: 1431 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78202, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" There’s something very special about J & I Cafe. It’s small, cozy, and has a real sense of home. The flavors they pack into their dishes are just phenomenal. I had the carne guisada plate, and everything was cooked to perfection. It felt a bit like family dining, but I will say that the service could use some improvement. Overall, highly recommend for any lover of authentic Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)

" Don't let the humble exterior fool you—this place serves up some of the best Tex-Mex you can find! I had the barbacoa tacos, and they were packed with flavor and tenderness. The owner was a bit brusque, but the woman in the back cooking was so sweet. I'd recommend this cafe to anyone searching for authentic homemade food at a great price! " (*Curated Review*)

" Incredible little find! J & I Cafe has some of the best breakfast tacos I've ever had. My personal favorite was the potato and bacon taco—amazing flavor and piping hot! The owner took our order but seemed a bit gruff, which was surprising given how friendly the staff at other eateries can be. The food, however, is a hidden gem and makes up for any service shortcomings. I'll be back for sure! " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently moved to San Antonio and was on a hunt for authentic Mexican food. A friend recommended J & I Cafe and it did not disappoint. The breakfast burritos are massive and filled with flavors that remind me of my grandmother's cooking. While the owner could work on his customer service skills, the food was worth every penny. I loved the fresh flavors, and you can't beat the prices in this area. I will definitely be back to explore more of the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" My experience at J & I Cafe was overall positive. The menu is simple but clearly focused on authentic recipes. I enjoyed the tacos very much! Each one was filled to the brim with ingredients. However, service can be rather slow, making it tough on busier days. But for delicious homemade Tex-Mex, it’s worth the trip. I’d return for sure! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (281)

" My first visit to J & I Cafe was slightly frustrating due to the slow service. I could see how busy they were, but it would have been nice to be acknowledged more. However, once I received my carne asada tacos, all frustrations melted away! The flavors were phenomenal. It's clear the cooks here know how to create authentic dishes, so I'll definitely be back for another round! " (*Curated Review*)

" As a lover of Tex-Mex food, I can't say enough about the authenticity of the dishes at J & I! From the homemade tortillas to the perfectly seasoned tacos, everything was just incredible. The service was a bit nonchalant, but I can look past that for such delicious food. Make sure to try the huevos rancheros—they're to die for! " (*Curated Review*)

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