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Food & Dining > Falafel Drive in2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA | Directions 95128
37.323631 -121.934997 View Website
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You Crave It! Esp. the Pita Chips... Mmm. My husband's family has been going to this place for years and now we take every chance to make a trip - it's just that good. Like going to Philly for Gino's cheesesteaks, you've gotta do it!
Great falafels and banana shake. The banana shake didn't sound too appealing, but it was pretty darn good. Food was fast and good. The only downside is that their hours are a bit limited.
It doesn't get any better than this!. Been eating here since 1973. Its more popular now but food quality remains high. The falafel's & banana shakes are to die for! One reviewer complained about order person's attitude. Their order-delivery process is a science. For obvious reasons they aren't thrilled when people are indecisive - so if you don't know don't get in line. As for ambience: older plastic picnic tables reminicent of a 50's drive-in are quaint yet comfy. The bathrooms have been upgraded and are around the back of the building along with dditional parking. So go enjoy! You pocketbook won't suffer but beware.... you'll be hooked so count on returning every year no matter where you live. We used to drive over one hour each way just to have lunch there. Hooked on those falafel balls? We order them by the bagful and serve them for starters at dinner parties... always a hit!
not bad, but not up to expectations. The food was good, the service was not good at all. Overall, average.
User review by raynbow. The falafels are addictive! Since eating here, I crave them and must have my 'fix' about once a month. We've driven 70 miles each way from home just to satisify those cravings, and we'll do it again and again. The only con: once you've had falafels and hummus and pita chips from here, no other restaurant will ever measure up again.
Burger lovers and veggie heads find common ground at this landmark lunch spot..
The Scene
The counter is hidden from the street by a mesh sunshade, obscuring the '50s look that locals love. But you can't miss the historic sign in the parking lot, which has advertised the Nijmeh family's falafels with style since 1966. If you come during lunch, expect a line that moves quickly (with no-nonsense service) and plenty of outdoor picnic-table seating.
The Food
There are fast-food staples on the menu--from a basic hamburger and fries to fish sandwiches and tacos--but most come for the Middle Eastern fare. Falafels are good enough to convert even die-hard meat eaters, served warm and overflowing with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creamy tahini sauce and falafel balls made from deep-fried ground chick peas. Try a gyro stuffed with tender sliced lamb with crispy pita chips. Banana shakes made fresh with real ice cream are the perfect companion for lunch with a little spice.
Consistently Good.
The Falafel Drive-In remains our favorite lunch spot. We've been going there for over 6 years and their service and quality of food has not changed. It is still exceptional! Try the falafel / banana shake combo for some $5.
One "complaint" I have is that the size of their large banana shake has shrunk, but the shake is still outstanding. One improvement made over the last few years is the wind break facing Stevens Creek. It keeps the temperatures comfortable and the tables dry during winter.
Get there early (11:15 to 11:30am) for lunch as parking fills up. The line grows long, but moves fast.
The Only Real Falafel in Town!. What a real falafel should taste like! Plenty of flavor. Try their fresh banana shake too. And don't let the long lines deter you. They've been serving at the same location for so long they have it down to a science. Faster than most fast food places and the long lines just mean a lot of people know the best place to eat falafels!
Great milkshakes too!. The falafels, small and well-fried, are the tastiest I think I've had anywhere. The 'hot sauce' is a good addition. It's messy eating, but worth the trouble (kind of like what Carl's Jr advertises). The pineapple and banana shakes are recommended too.
Chock full of falafel goodness!. I thought there was no falafel in Silicon Valley, until I found this wonderful divey little place. You walk up to the window and order (it's more of an ex-drive-in), and there are picnic tables scattered in what was probably once the drive-thru area. There are a few parking spots on one side, but you may have to park a little ways off. The food is good, though unfortunately they don't have gyros; that and a good restroom are probably the only improvements I could ask for. Best feature: you can get hot falafel balls fresh for a low price, if you're just looking for a snack or the sandwich doesn't quite fill you up.
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