Jose Tejas

I've been coming to this location at least once on a yearly basis since 2019. I am not a big steak person, but the carne asada here is always so tender and flavorful! However, my food came in QUICK and my steak wasn't as cut as I would like. The chips and salsa are very underwhelming. I sat at the bar and I should not have. All the chairs were wobbly but it's whatever. I put my order in was served my food and served my drink and never again checked in on. Not once. I did not know this location did not take Discover. Which is my debit card but money isn't an issue on my end as I always carry alternatives. I paid cash and honestly, I think a $5 tip was more than generous. Will I be back? I'm honestly not certain after this experience.

Came on a Wednesday night and the place was pretty packed. Ordered the Blackened Salmon and the Carne Asada Jim Bowie style. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite meet our expectations. The presentation could use some improvement as my plate came out a bit messy with sauce. The steak was very salty, and the “secret cream sauce” didn’t help. I did enjoy the Jose rice though the portion was quite small and I wasn’t able to finish the steak because of the saltiness. The only standout was the grilled avocado with diced mango, which was really good. The Blackened Salmon was decent, just nothing that really stood out. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible experience but it’s probably not a place I’d return to.

Jose Tejas remains a New Jersey staple for those craving Tex-Mex with a Louisiana flair. It's a fine place to dine, known for its decent options in Texas-Cajun-Mexican cuisine. ​The Highs: ​Cuisine & Portions: The menu provides a satisfying blend of flavors, and the portions are famously large, often requiring an additional person to share or a takeout container. ​Margaritas: The restaurant lives up to its reputation for its bar, offering a wide variety of popular margaritas. Be warned, the bar area itself can get super busy. ​Atmosphere: The place has an undeniable energy, but this comes with a caveat. ​The Caveats: ​Busyness: Be prepared for a crowd. The restaurant gets super busy on any day, making a reservation or a smart timing strategy an absolute must. ​Large Group Experience (Disappointing): My recent visit with a large group was notably poor. We were split across three separate tables, which severely hindered the group experience. ​Food Quality Issue: A major disappointment was that the food, across multiple dishes, was excessively salty. ​Service & Attitude: When this feedback was brought to the server's attention, the response was rude and dismissive. The staff, in general, would benefit from a more customer-friendly demeanor and perhaps a little more kindness to jive with the clientele. ​Concluding Thoughts: ​While I still appreciate Jose Tejas for its vibrant atmosphere and famous margaritas, the recent experience suggests a decline in service attitude and a concerning inconsistency in food quality (the high salt content). ​Recommendation: I might not suggest this place for a bigger group until the service attitude improves. For a small group or a couple, where you can potentially be better accommodated and attended to, I might give it another chance, with a hopeful request for less salt. The restaurant has the potential to be great, but the staff's approach needs to be tapered down to match the prices and popularity.

Our party of eight got seated quickly when we made a reservation. The place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, but not excessively noisy. The drink were delicious, and the food was flavorful! I ordered myself the corn and black bean empanadas with some broccoli. The broccoli tasted pretty salty, but the empanadas were great! I can't wait to come back here next occasion. The staff were on it and kept our beverages filled, checked in on our table often, and followed our orders to a T!

Classic, haven’t been here in some time now and surprisingly everything is the same from the service to the food to the decor, nothing has changed. This place has a quick turn around because the food comes out quickly and consistently good. I enjoyed the blacken salmon salad and shrimp. This goes for the drinks as well, our waiter wasn’t too much for words but he was efficient and took care of the table needs. You can tell they have the secret to running a well oiled business, many people on staff which is great because It was packed with families glad they’re still doing good 😊.

If you’re craving amazing Tex-Mex in New Jersey, Jose Tejas in Iselin is the spot. Every time I go, I leave full, happy, and already thinking about my next visit. Let’s start with the chips and salsa—easily the best I’ve ever had. The chips are warm, crispy, and lightly salted, while the salsa has the perfect balance of freshness and spice. I could honestly make a meal out of just that. But then I’d miss out on the chicken enchiladas and shrimp tacos, which are absolute must-tries. The enchiladas are packed with flavor and covered in a rich, savory sauce, while the shrimp tacos have that perfect mix of crunch, seasoning, and fresh toppings. Now, let’s talk strawberry margaritas. Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they’re also huge—perfect for washing down all that flavorful food. The only downside? The wait times can be long—because the place is that good. But once you’re seated, the service is super fast and friendly. The staff knows how to keep things moving without making you feel rushed. And for the quality of food, the prices are more than reasonable. If you haven’t been to Jose Tejas yet, you’re seriously missing out. Just be prepared to wait a bit—but trust me, it’s 100% worth it.

Over-salted crispy shrimps with Cajun seasoning. While our waiter left for something, I been waiting for a second waiter for a long time while he was busy on a phone and not paying attention to 3 tables that was in our room. Decent guacamole.

Went with my best friend for drinks and dinner, and everything was great! We started with warm chips and salsa ; so good! Our mango margaritas (one frozen with Tajín, one on the rocks with salt) were both delicious. I had the gumbo, which was surprisingly amazing, and my friend loved her salmon taco. The service was friendly and patient. It’s been a while since our last visit, but Jose Tejas is still a solid favorite!

I use to dine here very often before COVID even though they do not accept reservations and there are long waits to be seated. I remember coming on a Wednesday night and there was still a hour long wait. The food was always pretty good which made it worth it. After some mediocre experiences though I completely stopped going. They did not do to go order at all and if I wanted to take food home for my family I had to order it at the table and just "not finish it" and ask for a to go box. It was actually so annoying. After COVID, they started to allow online ordering for pick up. We tried it when it first started but since this location. Is not convenient for us we never did it again. Recently we were in the area and so we gave it other try. Everything was ready on time and the food was very good. What we ordered: - BLACKENED CHICKEN DILLA (Marinated blackened chicken tenders seared on a cast-iron skillet and stuffed in homemade flour tortillas with Melted Monterey Jack cheese and served with our made from scratch Ranch Dressing for dipping) - PASTELITOS (Lightly fried crescent shaped flaky pastries filled with chicken mix and cilantro. Served with Chimi Verde sauce on the side) The ranch dressing delicious. Taking the pastelitos to go made it so they were not as crispy but the taste was fine. I definitely recommend this place if you don't mind the wait for dine in or just take it go.

2.5 but will round up because I've come here a handful of times over the years when back in NJ -- it's a solid meet-up spot when coming with my vegetarian friends for some reason. I'm sad they no longer offer the tostada bowl ever since they've been under new management. The Mexican food here is spectacularly underwhelming. I am sad to have recommended to a new friend recently. I will say, since new mgmt has taken over, I haven't had to wait as long for seating as I've had to in the past. After my most recent experience with a severely subpar chicken enchilada plate and my veg friend who seemed neither thrilled nor disappointed with his vegetarian blackened broccoli fajita dish (I think if he were thrilled he would've said so, but if he were disappointed he would've kept it to himself), I don't think I will be coming back. This is a gross generalization but clearly New Jersey is not the place for good Mexican food.

Service was spectacular and the vibes were good, the food, errr not so much. I have never heard of a restaurant that cannot substitute... like Literally ANYTHING on the menu. We ordered each item as-is after learning of their absurd no substitution policy. Then came the food and it tasted like it was cooked in the ocean- extremely salty! The presentation was adequate but please cut down on the salt man, completely unnecessary. It wasn't just 1 item, it was the quesadillas, the nachos, and the empanadas- all had excessive sodium!

Jose Tejas always has a great vibe, fresh food and very friendly wait staff! We ate the food too fast so will post next time! Lol

This is my go to Mexican spot in nj, the food and service is good and the interior is really nice. I came here on a Friday night and only waited about 30 mins. Everytime I come here I always try something new. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Love how they give complimentary chips and salsa

It's pretty mid food, honestly was way too salty for our liking. But it's fairly priced, so ig you get what you pay for. The vibes and drinks were great tho and the staff is pretty friendly.

Chimichurri steak is back! It was so good, perfect w my margarita. And their fries are so good too.

Jose Tejas never disappoints! You can't go wrong with their margaritas! Always delicious and perfectly made. The complimentary chips and salsa are fresh and addictive, and the steak and chicken fajitas come out sizzling and full of flavor every time. Fun atmosphere, great food, and consistently good service. Always a solid choice!

My best friend and I stopped by Jose Tejas after not going for a while, and it was just as good as we remembered. The place was lively but not too loud, and they seated us right away with warm chips and salsa (still sooo good!). We started with two mango margaritas. My best friend's was on the rocks with a salt rim and mine was frozen with Tajín. They were both perfect. I got the gumbo, which honestly surprised me with how good it was. My friend had the salmon taco and loved it.Our waiter was super patient and kind, and overall the whole experience felt easy and fun. Definitely glad we came back!

I'm still sad they took the crawfish quesadilla off the menu but the food was good and great service

Uhhh why was this place closed at 7:30 pm today? All the lights were on inside, doors were locked. Hope everyone who works there is okay. I watch way too much true crime. But also I really wanted your chicken pastelitos for my birthday.

Seated right away. Waitress was very friendly and attentive. Sort of a rustic feel in the restaurant. Lots of seating. We were brought chips and salsa right away. I like their salsa because not too spicy. I ordered enchiladas with beef and black beans and Jose rice. Enchiladas were delicious with lots of melted cheese on top. Just the right amount of spice for me. Black beans were really good. Jose rice was a bit too spicy for me. We also ordered chicken quesadillas. They were a bit soggy so didn't eat them all.

I waited about 25 minutes on a busy Thursday night which was not bad at all. The service was fast and great. The enchiladas hit the spot and the price was on point!

My go to when in the area. I love the blackened chicken strips and blackened salmon. Super flavorful.

Haven't been here in ages! Grabbed a bite to eat with my brother this week and it was sooooo good. Got the blackened fish tacos. Very flavorful along with the rice and beans and had a great amount of spice to it, wasn't bland at all. Was super busy at 730pm but our waitress was super friendly and patient and got our order quickly. Was only $36 for the two of us, highly recommend!

I cannot STAND the wait time here but the food is worth it . I came back to back weekends recently and everything was delicious. My go tos. The salmon tacos, the French fries, the steak. And a margarita is a must !

8/9/25 - Jose Tejas on Rte. 9 in Woodbridge has been my go to Mexican restaurant since moving to NJ back in 2002. The food was always good but we did stop going for a number of years. Why? Because if you show up there any time after 4pm, be prepared to wait. And wait. And wait.... 1 1/2 to 2 hours was not uncommon. We recently started going there again but now we only go during the lunch hours as we did today. The wait was a reasonable 5 minutes. After you are seated, you are greeted with salsa and warm tortilla chips. Both are heavenly. Now some more good news: somehow, the food has gotten even better! I had the burros ---it looks like a burrito and is stuffed with shredded beef. And the rice is so delicious that it makes you want to place a side order to go for a late night snack. :) The food is very reasonably priced. The bill for two people was a manageable $35.00. The restaurant has a super casual and fun atmosphere. The service is lightning quick. We barely dug into our chips when the entrees arrived. The food is a little bit spicy --- it will make your nose a little runny, but not even close enough to make you stop eating or cause pain. Overall, this is the best Mexican food in my area. Overall rating: A

Late night snap at Jose Tejas with our sweet server Emma who made Levi's night Levi and I moved from Downtown LA to Woodbridge 2.5 years ago -- and this gem was the very first restaurant we landed at. We loved it then, and nothing has changed since Even yesterday, after a full day at Legoland NY and an hour-long drive back, we pulled in and were told patio service wasn't available. But the staff made it happen anyway, just so we could enjoy that perfect summer night. The food? Always on point. I never skip the veggie empanadas, and Levi devoured his quesadilla Grateful for places that feel like tradition. #JoseTejas #WoodbridgeEats #SummerNights #MomLife #LeviMoments

came here for lunch with work proximity associates. I Haven't been back for many many years. I remembered this was the spot for cheap Corona back before Modelo was popular. Sadly, my beef burro was really salty and I needed a couple beers to water it down but since it was a work lunch I only had water :(

Food: I have been coming to this restaurant since I was a child. It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in general. The menu has changed since then, but I still really enjoy their food. My favorite dish is the chicken fajitas which comes with chicken tenders, onions and peppers, tortillas, and a side of lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. The tortillas are fresh and serve warm. Their appetizers and other dishes are also very delicious. The only thing that made me give four stars versus five is the salt content is very high in all of the dishes and makes you very thirsty afterwards. As soon as you are seated, you get free tortilla chips and salsa too. Service: Service is usually excellent here. The server comes to check on you throughout the meal and also refills your water and drinks as soon as they see it's almost empty. Ambiance: The restaurant is pretty big with tables for small and large groups. The decor is nice and has a Tex-Mex theme. The place is very popular and gets packed very quickly. You can expect to wait for a table during peak hours. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant!

Absolutely hate to write this but nothing has changed since the last visit -- for the better anyway. Have been coming here for over 20 years. What was once a family favorite has been lacking post covid. We tried it again after a year or so of not having a great experience and was really rooting for this place to have turned it around. Unfortunately it just still isn't the same. The menu did add some items back but a lot of the original items are still MIA (catfish, crawfish etouffee). Pricing increases and decreased portion sizes are happening everywhere but once the quality starts lacking it becomes too much. The food was either too heavily salted or lacked any salt/seasoning at all. No more sizzling plates and several entrees arrived lukewarm. The inside decor of the place also looks heavily sterilized --- no more colorful lights and walls made out of beer boxes. At least the servers still seem attentive.

Such good food drinks atmosphere and prices ! The only downside is there is always a long wait but no biggie

Ordered take out as it's been a hot minute since having my Tejas. Tejas chicken, blackened salmon tacos and blackened salmon salad was perfect! What was the miss?? The hostess giving me attitude when I went inside to pick up my food rather than waiting outside at the pickup window ( waited a few minutes without anyone looking to see if ppl were waiting) She said she's "busy and can't always stand at the take out window."

Food was so good! Margarita hit the spot! Our server was so friendly and quick! Highly recommend the fish tacos! The manager even stopped by to see how things were. They were packed but their staff has it under control. Definitely will be back!

A Woodbridge and Central Jersey classic! Jose Tejas serves up some delicious Tex mex! I went with the Cajun Gumbo while my boss has the indelible Steak Fajitas. Also ordered the DJ 1942 sipping tequila. Oh and how could I forget the fresh chips and salsa! This was honestly the first time I've been sat as soon as entering as normally the wait is always roughly and hour. A true testament of how good this restaurant is and has been for as long as I can remember. It's a must visit for me!

I always love coming here - it's become something of a family tradition We love the unlimited nachos and salsa The guacamole is always fresh and the queso dip is consistent and delicious I always find the food to be over salted regardless of what I order - the burro, quesadilla, enchiladas or fajitas I think that may be something of personal preference though because no one else seems to complain about it The strawberry daiquiri is delicious and fries as well I will definitely keep coming back here annually! If they served breakfast the chips would make an amazing chilaquiles!

Great Mexican food. Good Happy Hour menu. Excellent service. Decor is Mexican inspired. Steak fajitas good with accompaniments. Interesting no coffee or tea available. Probably to turn tables faster.

Classic, haven't been here in some time now and surprisingly everything is the same from the service to the food to the decor, nothing has changed. This place has a quick turn around because the food comes out quickly and consistently good. I enjoyed the blacken salmon salad and shrimp. This goes for the drinks as well, our waiter wasn't too much for words but he was efficient and took care of the table needs. It was packed with families glad they're still doing good .

I love coming to Jose Tejas. It's one of my favorite restaurants to eat out at. I have never had a bad experience here. They offer so many good menu items too. I feel like I have tried their entire menu lol. Some of my favorite items to get are the blackened chicken, gumbo soup, quesadillas, salads, and their burritos. There is not a single bad item to order here. The blackened chicken is to die for. This is the must order item for anyone visiting for the first time. My absolute favorite dish here. Highly recommended!

The frozen margaritas were great. I really enjoyed the tacos & the quesadilla. The guacamole could have used some salt but the free salsa was probably the best restaurant salsa I've ever had. The staff were nice & the restaurant is beautifully decorated.

Jose Tejas never disappoints, 10/10 no matter what you order. I recommend the quesadillas! The only down side is the long waits

The best food in town. Excellent blacked chicken, best chips around, excellent queso, friendly and fast service. Worth the wait!

I think it's okay! I love how big this place is and how quickly they bring out the food. The chips and salsa were also delicious and a great appetizer. It's quite busy on the weekends so make sure to be ready to wait 20-30 for a table. In terms of food - I think the veggie fajitas were okay. Some pieces were too salty and some lacked salt. My family got the corn and bean empanadas which they enjoyed so I think it's based on what you end up ordering

guacamole had no salt, no lime. My chips were all in one lump although the salsa was very good. I had a break up with the chips. The bartender was excellent. A waitress was very very nice, but there was a piece of hair in my food so I couldn't eat my dinner. We've been going to jose Tejas for over 25 years and it is not what it used to be used to be our favorite place to go but not anymore.

This place is always packed. Chips and salsa were a great start to our meal. Ordered a frozen lime margarita. So yummy! For my meal, I ordered the chicken burro with white rice and black beans. Delicious! Will come back to try other menu items.

Such a nice place with great food!!! Was passing by after some shopping nearby and decided to try, we had sangria and was delicious! Some empanadas and popcorn shrimp as apps and we had the quesadilla and enchiladas as main course, all good sizes! The only bad thing they don't have desert. But everything else, the service, the ambience was pleasant!

my favorite! How ever!! Today it tasted different. I felt like I was eating salt straight up. Even the broccoli was salty. Everyone's food was delicious. I thought I was going crazy feeling like I was eating straight up salt. I gave my husband a spoon and he too tasted the same thing. I only had 2 spoon of it and I was done, I took it home just to throw it out. I got home and told my daughter to try it. She gagged after one small bite. She even said it was too salty. ‍

Always a busy place but usually not a long wait. Go to after work spot to meet coworkers at. Feels very rushed service even during lunch time. But can't go wrong with the margaritas and quesadillas, chicken is my favorite.'I've tried the shrimp tacos before but was not impressed as it had a very salty coating on the shrimp.

This is one of my favorite spots to eat in the Wayne area. You can't go wrong starting off with a frozen margarita and some tapas. My favorites are the pastelittos and the Camptown shrimp. All of their entrees are awesome. Two of my favorites are the carne asada fajitas and the blackened fish. There is plenty of parking all around their location and the vibes inside scream Tex-mex. You are immediately greeted with complimentary chips and salsa and the service is always on point.

Haven't been here in Years. This place used to be an experience we'd all rave about. Having not been here since before the Pandemic, I was disappointed with the "new version." The menu is WAY smaller, they took A LOT of stuff off, including my personal favorite, the 'Eggplant Royal.' The loss of a decent portion of the menu is a big negative for me. The environment is the same, the food (that they do have) is still good, the service is still fast & friendly, but I don't know....it feels like they've lost something. I'd still eat here, but it's no longer a go-to, which makes me sad. Grades: Half & Half Fajitas: A Corn & Bean Empanadas: A- Beef Tacos: B Burros (Chicken): B- Queso: A Lemonade: A+

Food was great! Atmosphere is nice. Kids a I always enjoy. They get busy, so timing is very important.

What can you say. This place is always packed for a reason. Usually worth the wait. Good vibe and tasty Mexican food!!

Such a fun place it's always packed which is a good sign. Food is fresh and the chips and salsa come right to the table we like that it's included where as many other places charge extra. Nice touch they are warm too. Hubby had cheese quesadillas which he enjoyed and was huge we also had shrimp tacos which were good but a little too spicy and didn't realize the shrimp were fried we prefer grilled waiter told us what to do next time we will def be back!

As a new yorker I take tex-mex personal and I have to say Jose didn't disappoint. This was my first time to Jose Tejas and EVERYTHING was delicious. I am sad to learn I missed a larger menu. I love menu surfing but I will continue to enjoy this one At the restaurant I enjoyed the painted walls and the exposed can filled cupboards. The guac was simple, cold and tasty. The blackened salmon tacos were GREAT - that isnt an understatement. I feel like everyone in faster food places over cook salmon. Jose, did not! The mango salsa with a slight kick ... Mmm Mmm Mmm. The service was pleasant and fast. I really enjoyed this restaurant. I'll be back and will update my review then.

Jose Tejas has the best frozen margaritas. Their chips are homemade, and are warm when placed on the table. Homemade salsa. Shrimp taco was plentiful and tasty. The fajitas, unfortunately, did not come out as a sizzle, but were tasty. The service was perfect. Had a table located on the enclosed patio, so it wasn't as crowded and noisy as it can get inside. The waiter was very polite and made our dining more enjoyable. They have a very well set up bar and the decor resembles the Mexican flavor.

Today I had to go down to the Woodbridge area for an exam I had to take. I was suffering from anxiety prior to the test my appetite was just depleted. Finally took my test, anxiety still there but I was now hungry. I haven't had good Tex Mex in awhile and I saw Jose Tejas. I convinced my husband to take me there. The ambiance of the restaurant was of a typical Tex Mex restaurant. We sat on the smaller room to the left of the bar. You are greeted with chips and salsa. I had asked for a kids menu but I guess they didn't have one because they gave my daughter a regular menu. I noticed the menu was a Tex Mex menu along with Creole Menu. I love creole food because we had stayed in New Orleans a few years back. My husband skipped over appetizers and ordered straight dinner. He ordered 2 chicken tacos with black beans and rice. I ordered the half and half fajita with marinated skirt steak and grilled chicken. I opted out of Pico de gallo and subbed it for extra sour cream. You also have Guac option but I love sour cream As my side I decided to see how their jambalaya was. So food arrives....my fajita plate was not sizzling food was still warm (thank goodness) They give you flour tortillas and shredded white cheese with sour cream. I diveee in prep my fajita with steak 1st and then I bite...... The meat was tender but the marinade was not for my palate expectations. The chicken was better because the flavor wasn't overpowering. I then tried the jambalaya let's just say It wasn't what I expected. My husband ate his 2 tacos but for him not to eat rice & beans....it was probably not palate pleasing either. So we didn't really finish our meals and just got the check. I guess a snack will be in order later So to clarify something I've heard about Jose Tejas was about take out yes they have take out hopefully that will help whoever needs to know that. This time this food was not for us but you can't always please everyone's palates. We hope if you decide to go that you enjoy your meal! Let me know your thoughts!! Until our next eats!! Byee #tastebud_adventures80

The best spot for Tex Mex in NJ!! Have been coming here for as long as can remember and the food is always on point. They start you off with their tortilla chips and salsa. They are very generous with refilling the chips and salsa which is a good thing because they're always gone in seconds! For entrees you can't go wrong with any of their blackened chicken or salmon dishes. I usually go for the blackened chicken fajitas or the blackened salmon tacos, both amazing! The chicken/salmon is well seasoned and the perfect amount of spicy. For drinks i ordered the mango margarita, however this is where I feel they fall short. The drinks here are just ok and there are only a few options on the menu. I believe pre-covid they had a lot more drink options which is a shame. Hope they expand their variety in the future! Overall this is a place I will never get tired of and would highly recommend.

I used to love coming here but after Covid it changed. First menu was cut in half ok wtvr but the taste of food changed too. I don't know if they changed the chef but everything taste different. For example Tejas chicken used be covered with creamy buffalo sauce and it came with homemade blue cheese dip now its little pieces of over cooked chicken with some spicy spice and watered down dill yogurt dip. I ordered blackened salmon it was overcooked , sides were different too. Even presentation changed tortillas used to come warm in the wooden dish with the lid and now it comes with your entree on the side of the plate. Not coming back

i've been wanting to go here for awhile. I finally had the opportunity, got right in and the place was pretty busy. we were given chips and salsa which were so good. I couldn't decide what I wanted but decided on the baja shrimp tacos they came with jose's rice, beans and guacamole. Very good and flavorful, the staff was awesome too. definitely gotta check them out