Falafel's Drive In
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Falafel's Drive In

4.6
·491k reviews·,

An iconic San Jose drive-in serving authentic Middle Eastern fare and classic American comfort food since 1966.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Falafel's Drive In

Falafel's Drive In

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic San Jose drive-in serving authentic Middle Eastern fare and classic American comfort food since 1966.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place is amazing! It's 'just' falafel but it's incredible soul food that's hard to explain."

TIP

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times or weekdays to bypass the long lines at this popular establishment.

Don't Miss the Shakes

The banana and chocolate shakes are highly recommended and a hit with most visitors.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 10AM

Cuisine

Middle Eastern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(408) 294-7886

Address

2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Falafel Sandwiches

Iconic Falafel Sandwiches

Indulge in light, fluffy falafels packed with fresh herbs, served in warm pita with unique sauces.

Best Mediterranean Food in San Jose: Falafel's Drive InGoogle Review
Retro Drive-In Ambiance

Retro Drive-In Ambiance

Step back in time at this San Jose institution, offering a classic drive-in experience since 1966.

The Best Budget Restaurants in San JoseGoogle Review
Famous Banana Milkshake

Famous Banana Milkshake

A must-try sweet treat that perfectly complements any savory Middle Eastern or American classic.

The Best Budget Restaurants in San JoseGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times or weekdays to bypass the long lines at this popular establishment.

Don't Miss the Shakes

The banana and chocolate shakes are highly recommended and a hit with most visitors.

Try the Red Sauce

This unique red sauce is a game-changer; ask for extra to elevate your falafel or fries.

Embrace the Atmosphere

Enjoy the old-school drive-in vibe and friendly staff who make each visit memorable.

Tips

from all over the internet

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times or weekdays to bypass the long lines at this popular establishment.

Don't Miss the Shakes

The banana and chocolate shakes are highly recommended and a hit with most visitors.

Try the Red Sauce

This unique red sauce is a game-changer; ask for extra to elevate your falafel or fries.

Embrace the Atmosphere

Enjoy the old-school drive-in vibe and friendly staff who make each visit memorable.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Falafel's Drive In is a beloved San Jose institution known for its unique falafel and retro drive-in charm. Diners rave about the light and fluffy falafel, the iconic banana milkshake, and the friendly service. While many praise the food and atmosphere, some reviews mention inconsistent falafel seasoning or a desire for more varied toppings.

"Second time here. I don't want to overstate it but this place is amazing! It's "just" falafel but it's this incredible soul food or home cooking goodness that's hard to explain but you will understand when you taste it.
The workers are so nice and friendly.
PS banana milkshake! 🙌🏼🙏🏻🔥
PPS, my pictures don't do it justice. Just imagine a freshness flavor bomb! 💥😋"

Carl O'Neil

"It was a first time for us. We got the famous Banana shake with Falafel sandwich. It came with very little lettuce and tomatoes was hoping for some cucumbers and more of the good sauces, but sadly no.
We all got shakes and the banana and chocolate shakes were on hit. We all said we would go back just for the shakes!
French fries and onion rings were yum.
Iced tea was awesome too. Loved the flavor. Soda was on point too."

Sherene Saenz

"Really lovely experience here! It felt as though we were transported back into the 60's. Very reasonable prices, an efficient ordering system, and delicious food.

Totally recommended!"

Jake Byman

What People Like

Light and fluffy falafel
Famous banana milkshake
Old-school drive-in ambiance

What People Dislike

Inconsistent falafel seasoning
Desire for more toppings

Frequently Asked Questions

Falafel's Drive In is most famous for its unique, light, and fluffy falafel sandwiches and its iconic banana milkshakes. It's a San Jose institution since 1966.

San Joses Best Vegan And Vegetarian RestaurantsThe Best Budget Restaurants in San Jose

The falafel sandwich is a must-try, often recommended with their unique red sauce. Don't miss the banana milkshake, french fries, and onion rings.

The Best Budget Restaurants in San JoseGoogle Review+1

Yes, Falafel's Drive In offers generous vegetarian options, with falafel being a specialty. They also have other Middle Eastern dishes.

Best Middle Eastern Food in San Jose, CASan Joses Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants

To avoid long lines, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays.

Falafels Drive In: Awesome Middle Eastern Food in San Jose

Yes, Falafel's Drive In has a covered terrace with picnic tables for outdoor dining.

The Best Budget Restaurants in San JoseSan Jose's Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Food Lovers

Yes, Falafel's Drive In was featured on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'.

The Best Budget Restaurants in San Jose48 Hours in San Jose

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Ask any San Jose local where the best stop is to get your Mediterranean food fix, and they’ll respond “Falafel Drive-In.” The small restaurant has been operating for 50 years, and it still attracts hordes of customers. Order a falafel wrap with a side of hummus and tabouleh, and don’t forget to complete your meal with one of the shop’s famous banana milkshakes. In addition to serving scrumptious vegetarian food, Falafel Drive-In also serves some meat-based dishes, so be sure to clarify with an employee before placing your order.

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An iconic San Jose institution,Falafel Drive-In is an old school, fast-food stand serving Middle Eastern fare through a take-out window. The city is hooked on their authetnic falafel, gyros, kabobs, hummus, foul (a fava bean dip with jalapeños, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil) and tabbouleh.

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If you follow Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, then Falafel’s Drive-In is a must while you’re in San Jose. The huge falafel sandwiches are sloppy with flavor, especially with plenty of the famous white and hot sauce added on, while the fried falafel balls are crisp and crunchy on the outside and soft and savory in the middle. The Nijmeh family has been running the Mediterranean hotspot since 1966, so hop in line (it moves fast), grab a picnic table, and don’t forget the napkins and the (real) banana shake to wash it all down.

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You can’t talk about Middle Eastern cuisine in San Jose without mentioning Falafel’s Drive-In. This charming drive-in restaurant opened in 1966 when its owners immigrated to San Jose and wanted to create a spot that offered healthy and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine to the community, along with American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and onion rings. Falafel’s Drive-In is a great spot for those searching for hearty vegetarian options, with a variety of falafel dishes.

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The falafel at Falafel’s Drive-in is unlike any other I’ve tried, simultaneously light and fluffy and satisfyingly meaty. When you bite into them, you notice the dough is packed so full of fresh herbs, it turns the inside of the fried ball a bright green. The falafel is served with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes and dressed with classic tahini sauce and a chili garlic hot sauce, either in a pita or a bowl for the carb-conscious.

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As one of the most popular places for a meal in San Jose, Falafels Drive-In is always busy, but it is worth the wait. This walk up counter restaurant makes falafel sandwiches and other types of Middle Eastern food, all with their own unique sauces and side dishes like the pita chip fries. I finally got a chance to visit a little while back, and I am happy to say that it lived up to the hype and that my wife and I both loved it.

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After you’ve filled your shopping bags, take a lunch break at one of the many incredible restaurants here or head down the street for casual and walk-up-to-order food at Falafel’s Drive-In, a San Jose institution and featured on the Food Network’s Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives. Be sure to pair your gyro or falafels with their signature banana milkshake.

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A San Jose landmark since 1966, Falafel's Drive-In offers delicious Middle Eastern fare in a casual, retro setting. Famous for its crispy falafel wrapped in warm pita bread and drizzled with homemade hot sauce, it's a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal. Other menu favorites include gyros, kebabs, and creamy hummus with fresh pita.

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Order Gyros in a Pita, a Falafel Salad, and Baklava from Falafel’s Drive-In. Feast on classic Vietnamese dishes like Bun Rieu, Ap Chao, and Pho Bo at Pho Kim Long. Visit La Victoria Taqueria—one of the best restaurants in San Jose—and try Super Nachos, Chiles Rellenos, or Carnitas Tacos smothered in their signature Orange Sauce.

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A local favorite since 1966, Falafel’s Drive-In is renowned for its mouthwatering falafel sandwiches and zesty garlic sauce. Located on Stevens Creek Boulevard, this humble eatery offers a taste of Middle Eastern flavors with its crispy falafels and refreshing drinks. Discover the iconic flavors of Falafel’s Drive-In here.

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It’s basically a taco with a lot more food packed in it and all kinds of options. If you go to Falafel Drive-In, you’ll quickly realize why many people say it’s not just the best place for this specialty in San Jose, but perhaps the entire West Coast. You’ll have no problem finding the place either.

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A San Jose institution since 1966, Falafel’s Drive-In offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Their falafel pita sandwich is a local favorite, and the combination of crispy falafels with creamy tahini sauce will leave you craving more. Its one of the best Vegan Restaurants in San Jose.

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2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128 falafelsdrivein.com. Check out this upscale restaurant serving lots of tasty kosher options, along with signature cocktails!. If you’re looking for a place that truly serves kosher over and over, then Falafel’s Drive in is the place to go.

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For some authenticly flavorful Middle-Eastern cuisune with a specialty in falafel, this spot has it all — and with the fun twist of a drive-in style atmosphere. There’s also a collection of photos highlighting the restaurant throughout every stage of its existence.

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A photo posted by Kristin [SF Food & Adventures] (@bayareaeats) on Jan 3, 2016 at 10:27pm PST. Falafel’s Drive-In provides the best falafels served conveniently wrapped in a pita or on a salad. This place is perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

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Falafels Drive-In is a San Jose staple beloved by both citizens and visitors. At the takeaway area, exquisite gyros stuffed with crispy falafel, excellent hummus, lemon juice, and garlic oil welcome you. If you want it hot, add the extra jalapenos.

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2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128408-294-7886 Visit Website. In 1966, Anton and Zahie Nijmeh opened the diner to serve family, friends, and the community’s delicious home-cooked meals. The restaurant is open daily, beginning at 10:00 am.

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Beneath the retro neon sign and red awning of Falafel’s Drive-In lies a closely guarded family secret. The crispy, vibrant green falafel at the 57-year-old San Jose institution is so delicious, some people have even tried to steal the recipe.

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Or pay a visit to Falafel’s Drive-In, a Middle Eastern take on a burger joint that dates back to 1966 and is famous both for its huge falafel pitas and its banana shakes—and, more recently, for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

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2301 Stevens Creek BlvdSan Jose, CA 95128(408) 294-7886 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Serving heavenly Middle Eastern food for over 50 years, this old school stand is a solid pick for those craving unique, local San Jose eats.

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Falafel’s Drive In, 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Your dog won’t save your space in line, but they can join you at this legendary spot’s outdoor dining area.

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Falafel Drive-In – This iconic drive-in on Stevens Creek Boulevard is known for its delicious falafel sandwiches and garlic fries.

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