Falafel's Drive In
Middle Eastern restaurant · Burbank
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Highlights
Iconic spot for falafel sandwiches & banana shakes
Iconic spot for falafel sandwiches & banana shakes
"For more than 50 years, Falafel’s Drive-In has been a San Jose landmark. And while it’s neither a drive-in nor owned by someone named Falafel, the mid-century fast-food joint is a local institution for a reason: falafel that’s crispy on the outside, marbled with herbs and spices on the inside, and topped with a delicious homemade hot sauce. Better still, it all comes in a pita sandwich the size of your face for just $7. Grab a spot at a picnic table outside, and don’t skip the fresh banana shake." - shoshi parks
"For more than 50 years, Falafel’s Drive-In has been a San Jose landmark. And while it’s neither a drive-in nor owned by someone named Falafel, the mid-century fast-food joint is a local institution for a reason: falafel that’s crispy on the outside, marbled with herbs and spices on the inside, and topped with a delicious homemade hot sauce. Better still, it all comes in a pita sandwich the size of your face for just $7. Grab a spot at a picnic table outside, and don’t skip the fresh banana shake." - shoshi parks
"Family-owned Falafel’s Drive-In has been cooking its staple dishes for nearly six decades. The menu offers casual favorites like hamburgers, salads, and pitas, but the restaurant’s forte is the falafels, which are based on a recipe that’s been passed down through generations. Visitors most frequently order “The Special,” which consists of a pita pocket stuffed with falafel balls, an array of vegetables, and homemade sauces. Many customers also gravitate toward the banana shake, which serves as a refreshing complement." - Octavio Peña
"When Falafel’s first opened in 1966, the titular Middle Eastern food wasn’t even on the menu (today, it’s the “Drive In” part of the name that’s the misnomer). But a large part of its success over more than 50 years can be credited to the falafel, made using a family recipe (one still in use today) and introduced to a public then fairly unfamiliar with the snack. The “special” pairs a falafel sandwich with the signature banana shake — a go-to order for many in the long lunch and dinner lines." - Vox Creative
"Anton and Zahie Nijmeh first opened in 1966, starting with burgers, then slowly switching to falafel, gently telling customers over and over, “try it, you’ll like it.” Fifty years later, it’s a falafel institution. And yes, it was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s show. (You knew Guy was going to pop up in here somewhere.)" - Becky Duffett
