Looking for a group-friendly, date-friendly restaurant in New Jersey that is affordable and delicious? Looking for the best rice and beans, cheesy quesadillas, enchiladas and other Mexican/Cajun eats in NJ? Keep reading to see why Jose Tejas is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Jersey!
Locations in New Jersey
Jose Tejas has two locations in New Jersey. One restaurant is in Iselin, Middlesex County, NJ, and the other is in Fairfield, Essex County, NJ. I have been to both locations numerous times. The food is consistently delicious and the service never fails to be friendly and quick. Both restaurants tend to have a wait on a Friday or Saturday night, and they do not take reservations. I recommend showing up a little earlier so that you can eat closer to the time you prefer to. This restaurant is so good though, that it is worth the wait!
I first dined at Jose Tejas back in 2017 and have been a regular customer ever since. This restaurant is one of my go-to spots for dinner with friends, on a date-night with my boyfriend, or with family. The vivacious ambience and decor, quick and friendly service, mouth-watering dishes, and very affordable prices are why I love this restaurant!
Appetizers
Almost every time I dine at Jose Tejas, I order the fresh guacamole appetizer. They also give every table a complimentary basket of chips and salsa when you dine in. The chips are thin and crispy and the salsa has the perfect kick. I usually have some chips with the salsa, and some with the guac. Sometimes if we are craving an extra starter, we will get the camptown shrimp appetizer. This cajun-inspired dish has incredible flavor! The dish is made up of shrimp and french bread smothered in a spicy brown gravy, cooked with Negro Modelo beer. If you are more of a chicken person over seafood, I highly recommend the pastelitos. These are fried flaky pastries filled with shredded chicken and served with chimi verde sauce on the side. I also recommend dipping the pastelitos in guac.
My Favorite Entrees
The chicken enchiladas have been my go-to entree at Jose Tejas all year (they are soooo good)! The dish comes with two corn tortillas stuffed with marinated chicken, and baked in cheese and homemade enchilada sauce. This dish comes with one of a few side options: black beans with Jose’s rice, jambalaya, or white rice. I always get the beans with Jose’s rice which are chef’s kiss! I also always order this dish with a small side of guac and sour cream. Another great dish is the chicken quesadilla, which is my boyfriend’s go-to order. I have never had a quesadilla with more cheese than this (they really load it up)! The quesadilla is served with lettuce and sour cream, but I recommend paying for the small side of guac too. They used to have a shrimp and crawfish quesadilla on their menu, but have not had it since last year (we are hoping they bring this dish back)! You just can’t beat the quesadillas or enchiladas here as they are all only around $10-$12 for a very sizable portion.
Overall Thoughts
Jose Tejas serves up a plethora of Mexican and Cajun comfort dishes including fajitas, huge salads, burros, enchiladas, quesadillas, blackened salmon tacos, empanadas, jambalaya and more. The bustling atmosphere tends to be loud and vivacious, and the restaurant accommodates many tables. I love how affordable the prices are here as entrees are between $10 and $18, and very sizable (or even shareable) portions. The service never disappoints, and our food always tends to come pretty quick. If you have not dined at Jose Tejas yet, I highly recommend checking it out! This just may be the best Tex-Mex restaurant in New Jersey!
JOSE TEJAS RATING
Food: 4.8/5
Service: 4.7/5
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5
