Shop Alum Rock

What We Love: Delicious Mexican and Portuguese treats and shops along this corridor that connects Downtown to the East Side of San José.

District Tips: If you don’t look closely, you might miss out on some really great, authentic tamales at Oddi’s Cafe (1737 Alum Rock Avenue). Look for the bright green wall. And, not too far from Alum Rock is the Berryessa Flea Market, a cultural and commercial gem that represents the largest, densest cluster of small and microbusinesses in the South Bay.

Kid Fun: Do a walking tour of public art sites in East San José and then pick up a treat at Popular Bakery. When everyone else is satisfied head to Café do Canto for a much needed latte for you!

Celebrating as a Couple: Take an architectural stroll around the historic Five Wounds National Portuguese Parish and see why it’s called Little Portugal then head to Acopio Mexican Restaurant and find out why people call this restaurant a hidden gem.

For more information about the district head to the Alum Rock Santa Clara St. Business Association.

Small Business Spotlights

Shop, Dine, and Play in Alum Rock

Where to Shop

Berryessa Flea Market (1590 Berryessa Rd.) Not too far from Alum Rock is the Berryessa Flea Market, an open air market that has emerged as a center of public life, serving as a Latin American mercado or tianguis and representing the largest, densest cluster of small and microbusinesses in the South Bay.

Dulceria Mi Carnaval (1161 E. Santa Clara St.) This small, family owned business has been open for over 35 years. They specialize in piñatas of all themes, shapes, and sizes, and can custom make one for your next event! Make your party a fiesta with a piñata!

Fiesta Mexxicana by Marelys (1939 Alum Rock Ave) They have everything you need for all your events this season including a variety of Mexican crafts, clothing, Piñatas and balloons. You will also find tents, chairs, tables and jumpers.

La Herradura Ranch Style Wear (1658 Alum Rock Ave.) Carrying a wide assortment of denim products, perfume, and jewelry, La Herradura has been a prominent western wear store on Alum Rock Avenue for the past seven years.

Lamas Western Wear (2254 Alum Rock Ave.) Shopping for a western wear lover? Lamas Western Wear carries a wide range of boots, belts, and more, giving you plenty of options to choose from!

Plaza Jewelers (1130 E. Santa Clara St.) This family owned business has been a mainstay in San José since the 1970’s and is ready to serve you with a wide range of watches and jewelry from bridal to fine everyday wear.

Red Rock Western Wear (1640 Alum Rock Ave.) Originally founded at the San José Berryessa Flea Market, Red Rock Western Wear recently opened a location on Alum Rock Avenue. Featuring Stetson, Larry Mahan Hats, Justin Boots, Durango Boots, Wolverine Footwear, and more.

Where to Dine

A Bite of Wyoming (2227 Alum Rock Ave) Whether you come for eggs in the morning or a sandwich at lunch you won’t want to miss the green salsa. They have an extensive menu that ranges from burgers and buffalo to vegetarian options.

Acopio Mexican Restaurant (399 S. 24th St.) Acopio has been a passion from concept to reality, inspired by the blend of traditional family recipes and travel. They are a family-owned restaurant, and a sister to Taqueria Lorena's. Acopio is a dream project of second generation siblings, Lorena & Carlos, that has now come to life!

Bacalhau Grill (1555 Alum Rock Ave) Serving up the flavors of Portugal including beef and potato stew, pizza pastel, rump steak, and cod fish. Right inside the restaurant you will find a little market to shop Portuguese and Brazilian speciality items.

Binh Minh (1006 Alum Rock Ave) When the weather turns cold and you are looking for a giant bowl of hot soup, you will want to try their hotpot. It’s big enough to share and will warm you right up.

Cafe do Canto (7 N. 33rd St.) Delicious lattes, simple sandwiches, delicious lattes, and of course pastéis de nata, Portuguese egg tarts, all served up by super friendly staff and with a little taste of Portugal.

Dong Que (2852 Alum Rock Ave) Hot pots, clams in basil and ginger, buttered sea snails, chicken feet, and lots of fresh vegetables. There is something for everyone.

El Cerrito #4 (1925 Alum Rock Ave.) Amazing fresh made tortillas, mole, frijolitos with chile de aceite, and las enchiladas Michoacánas. Check out @MissFoodieBayArea’s review at the link.

El Rincon de Rita (1520 Alum Rock Ave.) El Rincon de Rita offers a wide array of burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and more. They use the freshest ingredients in preparing their food to provide the best quality and taste.

Hacienda Parrilla Bar (1820 Alum Rock Ave. Ste. 205) This Colombian restaurant is known for its brunch! They also feature a full bar and are pet friendly on their outdoor patio, so bring along your pup and stop by one weekend!

La Sonrisa de Cheke (1815 Alum Rock Ave) Looking for a sweet treat. They have you covered from waffles to ice cream. And, if you are in a fruity mood, they offer fresh berries, kiwis, mangos and more.

Lahori Restaurant (1202 E. Santa Clara Street) Lahori food is known for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and aromatic spices.They serve wraps and rice dishes including biryani, lamb, goat, chicken and vegan dishes.

Mariscos Costa Alegre (1527 Alum Rock Ave.) Founded in 2018, Mariscos Costa Alegre is a family owned business serving San José fresh seafood. Their family immigrated from Mexico many years ago and have always had a love for cooking and serving up delicious food.

Mariscos San Blas (1201 E. Julian St.) A seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere!

Mar y Sol Restaurant (1179 Alum Rock Ave.) Opened in 2021, how can you not visit a restaurant with a Vicente Fernandez mural on its exterior? This space is known for their hard shell tacos and also serves Caldo 7 Mares (7 seas soup), a fish stew popular in the coastal regions of Mexico.

Mexico Bakery (1560 Alum Rock Ave.) Looking for a generously sized torta? How about Flan, Tres Leches, or Jelly? This is the place for you! The owners take pride in the way they share and spread the flavor of Mexico on every plate.

Oddi’s Cafe (1737 Alum Rock Avenue) Oddi’s Cafe is your neighborhood coffee shop and laundromat, a convenient place to take a break while also checking off a few chores from your to-do list!

Panaderia La Mejor (1239 E. Julian St.) Established in 2011, Panaderia La Mejor’s baker Hugo has more than 30 years of experience, beginning in Cihuatlan, Jalisco. The bakery is open early, at 4:30 a.m. and serves tortas, natural juices, cakes, flan, and gelatin.

Popular Bakery (1636 Alum Rock Ave.) This family operated bakery has been a staple in Alum Rock for over 37 years and serves delicious Portuguese treats. You will definitely want to try the Pastéis de Nata, Portuguese egg tarts.

Sweet Passions Bakery (1512 Alum Rock Ave.) For over 20 years, Sweet Passions Bakery has served up cakes, cupcakes, and other hand-crafted treats. Want to highlight a special occasion? Order a custom cake with a thematic design!

Taqueria El Grullense (1175 E. Julian St.) Established in 1982, this restaurant serves up the authentic taste of Jalisco, sautéed into each one of their recipes. Their special dish is and will always remain camarones a la Diabla, Shrimp with Diablo sauce.

Entertainment and Fun

Five Wounds National Portuguese Parish (1375 E. Santa Clara St.) This architectural icon has been serving the community in East San José since 1914 and is one of the most photographed, sketched, and painted buildings in the city.

Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave.) MHP is a uniquely designed cultural facility located in the Mayfair neighborhood of east San José. The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza offers a variety of cultural programming including the holiday favorite Fiesta Navideña.

Services

Branding Out (224 N. 27th St.) Looking to print a few shirts for an event? Reach out to this creative services, manufacturing and merchandising shop.

Celia’s Boutique (37 N. 27th St.) From quinceañeras to weddings and business and personal events, Celia’s Boutique is a bridal shop and party planning service that turns your vision into reality.

Gala Events (1121 E. Santa Clara St.) Oswaldo Moreno is an energetic event planner with 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has mastered the art of creating memorable events, and has a passion for event planning. He’s ready to help you!

Just Elegance Events Inc (1368 E. Santa Clara St.) With a passion for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, their team thrives on creating events that reflect your unique vision. Every detail of your special occasion will be flawlessly executed.

Kathy’s Beauty Salon (1577 Alum Rock Ave., Suite B) Established in 1988, Kathy’s Beauty Salon is a family-owned business that provides haircuts for men and women, children, including other salon treatments.

Lucy’s Beauty Salon (1660 Alum Rock Ave.) Call 408-254-3691 for an appointment.

Master Car Audio (1815 Alum Rock Ave.) Car audio products and installation.

Mia Services (1364 E. Santa Clara St.) Mia Services is a notary public and income tax preparer located on East Santa Clara Street. They have been in business for 22 years.

Pacific Hand Car Wash SJ (1051 E. Santa Clara St.) Family owned and operated since 1995, this 100% hand car wash specializes in custom auto detailing. Quality work and customer service has always been their first priority.

Premium Clan Tattoo (1621 Alum Rock Ave.) A professional tattoo and piercing studio with years of experience and dedicated to art.

Valley Florist (2299 McKee Rd. #20) is a full-service shop offering flower arrangements and prompt delivery services.

Vero’s Beauty Salon (1591 Alum Rock Ave.) A women-owned business offering a range of beauty services.

Xtreme Kutz Barbershop (1184 E. Santa Clara St.) This family owned business is open seven days a week from 8am-8pm. New to the area, they’re always excited to meet new customers.