El Tule

I love Mexican food and wanted to try this place out because my buddy gave me a gift certificate to try this place out. Worst place I ever ate. For the price, they should put more food on the plate. Then they told me I can’t use my gift certificate and they will not except it. Why even sell gift certificate because they don’t know how to ring it up. I spent $ 56 on three plate and two taco. Wow, non of the plate fill me or my boys up and my boy is only 11 years old. Service was also slow, it took them 15 minute to come take our order and 25 minute to bring our food. Service was not at its best as well. If you want good Mexican, go to the east side. Those are real Mexican food with a great price. I am still piss at the gift certificate shit still. Don’t sell gift certificate if you can’t honor it people. Again, I will never ever come back here. With $ 56 buck, I could of gone to red lobster or the outback. Fuck this place and hope it burn down for ripping off the customer with its high price and low quality of food. I learn my lesson.

Best place to eat authentic oaxacan food. Not a typical mexican restaurant but mostly very authentical oaxacan… I will definitely recommend this place, one of the best ive tested so far.

Just paid $ 6.45 for an horchata to go. $ 6.45! A little too pricey for me. It was decent. A little thick and syrupy. But you live and you learn…

Doesn’t get much more authentic than this place. You are getting your money’s worth if not more! This food is delicious and so fresh! The tortilla maiz hand made. As well as there salsa. You can taste the hard work they put into their food. The rice and beans are not are like my Mom made them! The price is not bad at all. Glad I discovered this place. The plates are made for two. Who doesn’t love leftovers?

Terrible customer service. They only have one waitress taking orders and we waited over 10 minutes and just walked out. Will not come back.

Literally just walked out of the restaurant waiting to be serviced for 10 minutes. We didn’t even get greeted when walked in. Usually you wait to get seated or they say you can sit wherever but NO. We got nothing. One man approached us and only asked if we were eating here or take out. Decided to stay but when we didn’t even get water or anything, we just walked out. Don’t recommend this place nor will I come back.

Our company just had our end of year Holiday party at El Tule!
It was such a perfect night!
They let us use their TV to run a slide show and allowed us to use our music for song selections.
Esme, our host was a true gem! She put major thought and energy into every detail. The Holiday decorations, table settings and hand made mini bags with mints were such a wonderful touch! It was elegantly beautiful!
Here was our menu:
Drinks: Alcoholic Sangria, horchata and Jamaica
Appetizers: Oaxacan specialties! Yum!!!
Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette and fetta
Main course: pollo en escabeche, pollo enchilado or pollo en chipotle
Sides: pesto pasta or creamy Mexican spaghetti
Dessert: flan or arroz con leche
Optional: Open Cash Bar serving: shots of mescal, chavelas, margaritas, chavelas or micheladas with samples of chapulines.
All day the next day I had coworkers still talking about how amazing the food was and the service. Everything was so taste and perfect!
The staff was professionally dressed and kind. They were so efficient in refilling drinks or food in the buffet style serving! Never had to ask for anything, it’s like they read our mind!
I can say it’s been one of our best Company Holiday Parties in a while!
El Tule was the perfect place and can be for you too!
Wow what a nice memory!

Excellent food, horchata delicious but I gave 4 stars because they are slow to attend.

I went on a Sunday and the server, was also in the register and she was also cleaning the tables. In sum it was really busy and she had no help which in term made the customers wait longer for food, refills, etc… The food was good though. Not excellent but it was good.
If any of you Unilocalers are ever in the LA area, go to Expression Oaxaquena on 3301 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90 019. Their food is awesome! I used to go there all the time when I was living in LA.
By the way Oaxacan food is a totally different breed of Mexican food. Its so exotic and delicious.

Esta muy bueno este lugar y la comida también pero se tardan mucho con las tortillas y cuando te las traían te dan dos o tres para dos personas no me parece justo

Clearly short-​staffed, but this is kind of ridiculous. Not even apologetic. I asked for a minute after putting my kids’ orders in because they were hungry. The waitress didn’t come back until she had everyone else’s food. Then, my husband had to go ask for silverware as the food got cold on the table. I really want to know what kind of attitude she has when the place is actually full, because at half capacity, she is rude. When I tried to talk to her so we could get it figured out, she just walked away. If you have no time for me, and I have to leave without eating at all? You will get one star, short-​staffed, or not.

The food looks and smells amazing, and they are quite busy in here., so I’m sure it is as fabulous as it looks. Do not come here if you have somewhere to be. It is quite possibly the longest time I have ever spent waiting for the food that I ordered.

Ok if you want burrito, taco, and tamales. This is the spot. Don’t get shrimps coctel; it’s so small shrimps and its cut it half. It’s those 51 pieces a pound shrimps. They have varieties dishes and I see many get crispy jumbo tortilla with meats, cheese, and veggies on top. Monday-​Friday have deals on tacos after 6pm. I think buy 3 tacos get 1 taco. But homemade salsa is good. Taste like how I made at home.

Because they love me I got hooked up, shrimp with black mole. Holy mole that’s good stuff. I always appreciate rice and beans in dishes and these are better than what’s out there. Those tortillas I’d like to roll myself up in one of them yum!
The Agua Fresca seems to rotate so whatever it is, try it cuz they totally rock them all! My last visit I had Horchata Con Pitaya which is the fruit of the cactus, yes they are hardcore like that.
And please don’t leave without more than your recommended daily allowance of Chapulines. It’s all good
5 stars

If u like a Mexican food u must try this cousin, authentic from Oaxaca one of the best food in Mexico, this restaurant is 99% close to that food

The oaxacan can cuisine is one of the most exotic and important in Mexico! It’s mixes of flavors and textures makes it enjoy every single bite.
Who haven’t eat Mole? And Oaxaca (the state) is famous for its variety of moles.

El Tule (ET) is a terrific little hole-​in-​the-​wall Mexican restaurant that’s located in a nondescript strip mall right across from mega-​mall Oakridge. Named after El Árbol del Tule; a giant Tule tree that located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (Wa-​hah-​kah), and is estimated to be 3,000 years-​old, with a trunk circumference of ±140′, and a height of ±116′. ET serves up Oaxacan (Wa-​hah-​kan) cuisine that is renowned for being the most varied in all of Mexico. My favorite part of Oaxacan food is probably what they’re most famous for: Mole. For those who aren’t familiar, Mole is a type of sauce that is comprised of many different ingredients; some pretty normal (e.g., chili powder, garlic, onions, etc.) and some not-​so common (e.g., Chocolate, Cinnamon, Pumpkin seeds, etc). While most Mexican places serve up only one type (Black), ET has a whole rainbow of colors to choose from! Let’s delve in, shall we?
Moles:
Oaxaqueño (Black) — This is the most common type you’ll find at quite a few Mexican restaurants, but ET puts everyone else’s to shame. It’s chocolaty, earthy, complex and not for beginners; I adore it and could eat it every day, if possible. 5*
Amarillo (Yellow) — I don’t think I could love anything more than their Black mole but, I must say, their Yellow comes in a close second. It has an excellent flavor; sweet, buttery and thick. I really like the potatoes and green beans that come with it, as they’re a nice accompaniment. 4.5*
Verde (Green) — ET’s Green Mole is very similar to a Tomatillo salsa, but a little bit thicker; sweet, earthy and a little tart is how I’d describe it. I’m not a fan of Tomatillos, but this wasn’t bad. 3.5*
Coloradito (Red) — This is the only one I still haven’t tried; I tasted a co-worker’s once, but I need a full sampling to review. I will fill this in later.
Meat– All their Moles come with chicken; the option of Beef with the Yellow; and the option of Pork with the Green. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but the beef can be dry from time-​to-​time. 4*
Sides:
Rice– Terrific homemade Mexican rice. It’s always tender, and compliments their Moles quite well. 4.5*
Corn Tortillas– Homemade and excellent. ‘Nuff said. 5*
Drinks:
Horchata– ET might have one of the best Horchatas I’ve ever had; not too sweet, great cinnamon flavor and no chalky residue. 5*
Horchata con Tuna (Horchata w/​Prickly Pear) — This is essentially ET’s Horchata with Prickly Pear juice (syrup?) added in. It’s good, but I think I prefer their regular Horchata. If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, this is the way to go. 4*
Chilacayota (Pumpkin w/​Cinnamon) — I think this is my new favorite Mexi drink. Nice mix that’s not too sweet, cinnamony and refreshing as anything I’ve ever had. I can’t really tell what the base is, but it’s delicious. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen it anywhere else, but I’ll keep looking. 5*
Complimentary Chips & Salsa– These are worth mentioning because they’re homemade chips, and the salsa is terrific and has a nice zing to it. 5*
Chapulines (Grasshoppers) — Dried Chapulines are another part of Oaxacan fare that the region is famous for. They come out fully cooked; seasoned with salt and chili; and lime wedges to squeeze on. They remind me a little bit like those dried shrimp you get in Asian grocery stores, but not as salty. They actually have a much more pleasant flavor than the aforementioned shrimp, and they’re not as crunchy as one might think. If you throw them on a corn tortilla with some rice and salsa, they actually make quite a terrific taco! You really, really have to try it! I promise you, it’s delicious. 4*
Service & Ambiance– The people working in ET are always really nice, and very quiet. Some people might take that the wrong way, but I can assure you they’re lovely, and humble people. ET is a tiny spot that holds maybe 20 – 25 diners, and is decorated with pictures of Oaxaca. The store itself is always clean, and smells delicious. 5*
Value– Typical Mexican restaurant prices at around $ 10/​plate. They could easily charge more –because the quality is superb– but I’m not complaining. 4*
I think that about wraps it up for ET. If you’ve never tried Oaxacan cuisine, then this is definitely the spot to break you in. They also have regular Mexican food that you can find at a million other places here in SJ, but what fun is that? If you’re feeling adventurous, then try the Chapulines – you won’t regret it! As I like to say, «Veni, vidi, Unilocali!»

Yummy food! Been here a couple of times. Always in the day. The service is super slow but they’re nice people. Little hole in the wall Mexican place. Would highly recommend trying! Everything I have had has been good.
Today I tried one of their tortas for the first time (carne asada) it was very good but could have for sure used some
More meat!

I’ve been coming to El Tule for years so I’m finally doing my due diligence and reviewing them on Cinco de Mayo. El Tule is located on a shopping strip across from Oakridge Mall. Don’t let the location fool you, this is a small family run restaurant where everything is made from scratch.
El Tule provides a different approach than most of the Mex restaurants you will find in SJ. Their specialty is Oaxacan food which is a state located in Southwestern Mexico. Oaxaca is best known for their indigenous peoples and cultures. Out of this region comes the world famous Mole (sauces) and Chapulines (toasted Grasshoppers).
7 types of Mole come from Oaxaca and El Tule has 4 on their menu.
Negro — black
Verde — green
Coloradito — red
Amarillo — yellow
So far I’ve only tried the Verde and Amarillo. Both are excellent though I’d personally give the upper hand to the Yellow, I can’t get enough of that flavor. A lot of work goes into making Mole the right way and this is something that you can taste here. I haven’t tried the other two because I’m not a fan of sweet food or chocolate. With that said, I do plan on eventually trying them out.
I remember trying their chile verde and thinking it would taste just like their green mole but I was wrong. This was a nice surprise.
I’ve tried so many things here that I’ve lost track but I’m always happy. I will admit that I am disappointed that they don’t serve warm chips with the salsa because the salsa is a fave of mine and it packs some heat.
El Tule also has specialties you won’t typically find at Mex restaurants such as Tlayudas, Molotes, Chapulines and Agua de Tuna (prickly pear drink).
Of course you will also find typical Mexican fare but if you come here try to be adventurous. There is much more to Mexican food than tacos, nachos and burritos. Also, keep in mind that since everything is made to order, the food might take longer. A bonus for me are the freshly made Corn and Flour tortillas, who can say no to that, right?
It appears they’ve remodeled the space and I definitely give it up a thumbs up. I always have questions and the husband/​wife are always eager to please so don’t be shy. They do have happy hour specials and the tv is always playing Soccer or a Novela.
I too have my fave Mex munchie spots but when I want quality, El Tule is on my radar and it should be on yours too.
* Handmade Corn/​Flour Tortillas
* Mexican/​Oaxacan food made from scratch
¡Viva México!

Wonderful and delicious! I am not usually attracted to strip mall restaurants but I really enjoyed our visit. Amazingly inexpensive and varied menu.
Next time I’m going to try one of the interesting Mole dishes.
First visit, I sampled three dishes and all were excellent. Marisella was really wonderful and offered help with a neighborhood I’m not familiar with. I had no idea there is a Nordstrom Rack on that street!!! Planning next visit as soon as possible!!!
The salsas were fresh and really perfect. I LOVE Coke in a bottle.
Highly recommend.

This place screams authentic the minute you step in and how quickly the servers come to you and help you out!
You may not spot too many vegetarian options spelled out on the menu, but I have come here more than a couple of times in the past 2 months as I had a training program going on nearby and it was go to restaurant to most of my colleagues and me for lunch. The staff is very friendly, courteous and easy to talk to. They will make food for you based on what you require and their chips are served fresh just off the fryer. They give you different salsas and everyone of them has a distinct flavor.
I like their enchiladas, their burritos and also tried their burnt milk icecream which grows on you with every bite! I was pleasantly surprised by the drink options and dessert options they had which were authentic.