Los Tapatios started as a lunch truck on the side of the road in San Jose and upgraded to a full restaurant before Guy Fieri came looking. It appeared in Season 2, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “One of a Kind,” aired November 19, 2007 — as a place serving homemade authentic Mexican food that went well beyond the commercial taco shop standard. The kind of place you have to know about to find, and once you find it you tell everyone.
Los Tapatios has since permanently closed. But for Triple D fans tracking the show’s history, it was a genuine find — the kind of neighborhood Mexican restaurant that earns its reputation one order at a time.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Los Tapatios
City: San Jose, California
Cuisine: Mexican
DDD Season: 2
DDD Episode: 8
Episode Title: One of a Kind
Original Air Date: November 19, 2007
Address: 354 N White Rd., San Jose, CA 95127 (former location)
Phone: 408-729-6199
Status: Permanently Closed
About Los Tapatios
The restaurant began as a taco truck operating out of the East San Jose neighborhood before expanding into a brick-and-mortar operation. The Food Network description was direct: homemade authentic Mexican food, the kind that gets made by people who grew up cooking it rather than people who learned it from a manual. Double tortilla tacos, hand-made everything, and the kind of condiment setup that lets you customize your plate the way you want it.
After the Triple D appearance the location briefly changed operations under the name El Grullo, suggesting some ownership transitions in the years following filming. The restaurant is no longer operating at the North White Road address.
What Was on the Menu
The Food Network highlighted the Tacos — double tortilla, freshly made, with a full range of meats and an extensive salsa and condiment setup. The Carne Asada and Al Pastor were the standout proteins. Home-style cooking that prioritized technique and fresh ingredients over shortcuts.
Last Known Location
Address: 354 N White Rd., San Jose, CA 95127
Status: Permanently Closed
Los Tapatios appeared in Season 2, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “One of a Kind,” originally aired November 19, 2007. The restaurant has since permanently closed.