Though you can find the classic American fast-food fare, the main draw is Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. If your extra hungry, get the large falafel sandwich, containing falafel, tahini, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and their signature red hot sauce wrapped in pita pocket bread. While sitting casually at one of their picnic-style tables, with a view Lila Gemellos’
colorful murals that cover all the walls filled with the history of San Jose, Cecile had the Falafel Salad and I feasted on the large Falafel Pocket Sandwich. The murals even include the famous Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. This is what he has to say:
“ Falafel’s Drive, a culinary institution in San Jose, CA, has been delighting locals and visitors with its delectable Middle Eastern cuisine. Renowned for its mouth watering falafel, the restaurant offers a menu brimming with flavorful options. The falafel sandwich, a true crowd-pleaser, features freshly fried chickpea patties nestled in warm pita and dressed with
crisp vegetables and tahini sauce…In addition to falafel…”
Janet Boyle, is co-owner of Falafel Drive-In. She basically grew up there, hanging out with her sibling at the quaint, casual eatery
their parents, Anton and Zahie Nijmeh, opened in 1966 after moving to the Bay Area from Israel. In fact Boyle who can still be found at the family-run landmark, doing prep work in the kitchen and taking food orders from a long line of loyal regulars, not only served Cecile and I last week, but prepared my take-out order today.
Postscript: When Cecile and I lived in San Jose near the Rose Garden, and worked together operating my growing podiatry practice at the Park Avenue Foot Clinic, Falafel Drive-In was one of our favorite places to go for a quick satisfying bite.
