San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Tacos y Barbacoa Don Jose
Jose Meneses started Tacos y Barbacoa because he wanted San Jose to understand the barbacoa of his home state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Selling out of a repurposed school bus, the barbacoa specialist makes tender lamb barbacoa on weekends, as is tradition. Similar to carnitas spots (and DJs), this barbacoa taqueria takes requests where you can specify the cut of meat. I recommend asking for rib ($4), if available, or the soft pancita taco ($4), a red, heavily spiced option made of lamb’s stomach. Customers are also really into Meneses’ quesadillas ($12) which are arm-length and glued together with cheese. Order the lamb consomé ($4) with any tacos or quesadilla, to sip alongside or for dipping. The consomé contains soft garbanzo beans and rice, and the spicing makes the gaminess manageable. There are a few tables next to the bus.
1696 McKee Road, San Jose. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. TuesdaySunday.
This story was updated to reflect where La Parilla Loca’s al pastor recipe is from and a new location for Tacos Mi Reynita.