El Tule Mexican Restaurant in San Jose, CA

I found this restaurant while out on an errand in the Blossom Valley area of San Jose, across from Oakridge Mall and Site For Sore Eyes. It is one of those hole-in-the wall places that I would have missed had I not paid attention. I walked through the door with the expectation of having a burrito or a tostada for lunch.

El Tule serves burritos and enchiladas like every other Mexican place in this country. However, what makes them stand out is their traditional Oaxacan dishes. I decided to take a chance, even though I had never eaten black bean puree or Oaxacan cheese in my life.

The dish I decided to eat was called Tlayudas with the beef. A Tlayudas is basically a tostada without the TexMex sauces. What I received was a large tortilla that was topped with black bean puree, quesillo (oaxacan) cheese, fresh tomatoes, avocado, lettuce and beef.

The presentation of the food looked homemade, which isn't a bad thing at all, just unusual for a restaurant. Another thing I found that I liked was that the food wasn't piled high. I felt like I could eat most of my plate before I grew full.

I took my first bite, and thought, "This is different."

It took me a moment to figure out that I didn't like the cheese. It was too stringy and ropy. The beef, which is a small slab of skirt steak, turned out to be the best part of this dish. It was quite flavorful and tasted great with the avocado and tomato. If I were to order this dish again, I would see if I could replace the cheese with Cheddar or Jack.

My server was quite friendly and explained to me what the different ingredients the Oaxacan dishes have. Then she asked me how I liked the meal. I explained to her that it was a taste that I would have to grow into but that I like stepping outside of my comfort zone every once in a while to try something different. I liked the food and the service so much that I took a business card and a menu home with me.

El Tule has served the Blossom Valley area of San Jose for four years. Their business hours are from Sunday to Saturday, 10:00am - 9:00pm. They offer catering services for corporate events, business lunches, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and Christmas parties. Check out their menu at www.eltulemexicanrestaurant.com. You will find that their prices are quite reasonable.

Location

5440 Thornwood Dr., Unit I
San Jose, CA 95123
408-227-1752