Falafel's Drive In

2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
+1 408-294-7886
$$$ Middle Eastern restaurant
(2169 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Falafel's Drive In, a beloved Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the heart of San Jose at 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd. This culinary gem has been delighting locals and visitors alike since its inception in 1966, serving up dishes that are not just meals, but true experiences filled with nostalgia and flavor.

As you step into Falafel's Drive In, you're enveloped by an inviting atmosphere that feels both retro and welcoming, transporting you to a simpler time. The cheerful decor and efficient ordering system are perfect for those in need of a quick bite or a laid-back meal with friends and family.

The cuisine here is nothing short of fantastic, with the falafel sandwich leading the charge as a crowd favorite. Imagine a perfectly crispy falafel tucked into warm, soft pita bread, accompanied by tantalizing red sauce that enhances every bite with its rich, spicy flavor. Customers rave about this unique sauce—it’s so good you might just want to pour it on everything!

But the menu doesn't stop there. Indulge in the Burrito stuffed with seasoned ground beef and refried beans, deep-fried to golden perfection, or savor the Chicken Sandwich, a juicy grilled chicken breast complemented by fresh lettuce and tomato. Vegetarians will absolutely adore the Falafel Balls, available at just $0.50 each, allowing you to savor multiple flavors without breaking the bank.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds with a slice of delightful Baklava for dessert or wash it all down with a creamy Banana Shake—a highlight as noted by enthusiasts who often come back just for this refreshing delight. If you're in the mood for something a bit different, the onion rings and fries are a great accompaniment to any meal, adding a satisfying crunch to your dining experience.

The locals can't get enough of Falafel's Drive In; customers like John Vega describe it as a "Silicon Valley gem" that’s not just about food but about memories and friendships formed over scrumptious Middle Eastern cuisine. Regulars like S D have been coming here for over 20 years, claiming it to be the best falafel spot in the Bay Area. This kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of the food, even through the occasional hiccup—most recently, a smaller portion encountered with a new staff member, but overall, the praises overwhelmingly echo throughout.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned patron, Falafel's Drive In is a wonderful place to satisfy your cravings for Middle Eastern fare with genuine, heartwarming flavors reminiscent of home-cooked goodness. Grab your friends, head over to this San Jose institution, and embark on a culinary adventure you won't soon forget!

For more information, you can contact Falafel's Drive In at +1 408-294-7886.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

2169 Reviews
Andretta Randall

15 Sep 2025

Falafel was AMAZING!! Sorry that the pictures don't show how good it tastes, lol! I'm glad I found this place after watching a tiktok review. However, I'm sad to be just learning about it after being in the Bay area for a year and a half. I will be back!!

Mark Kelley

11 Sep 2025

Fire! The falafel sandwich is amazing. That red sauce! You could put that on a flip flop and it would taste good. Pay for a couple of extras because you’ll want more and more. The onion rings are really good too.

S D

29 Aug 2025

I've been coming here for over 20 years and hands down the best falafel restaurant in the bay area. I cannot even find a similar place up in the Sacramento area. I usually spend $30-50 each visit. My recent visit they must've had a new guy making falafels because my small was considerably smaller than usual with part of the bread missing. Other than that. They're great and the family is very welcoming. William retired but he was my goto and high energy.

Jake Byman

17 Aug 2025

Really lovely experience here! It felt as though we were transported back into the 60's. Very reasonable prices, an efficient ordering system, and delicious food. Totally recommended!

Sherene Saenz

03 Aug 2025

It was a first time for us. We got the famous Banana shake with Falafel sandwich. It came with very little lettuce and tomatoes was hoping for some cucumbers and more of the good sauces, but sadly no. We all got shakes and the banana and chocolate shakes were on hit. We all said we would go back just for the shakes! French fries and onion rings were yum. Iced tea was awesome too. Loved the flavor. Soda was on point too.

Carl O'Neil

14 Jun 2025

Second time here. I don't want to overstate it but this place is amazing! It's "just" falafel but it's this incredible soul food or home cooking goodness that's hard to explain but you will understand when you taste it. The workers are so nice and friendly. PS banana milkshake! PPS, my pictures don't do it justice. Just imagine a freshness flavor bomb!

John Vega

01 Jun 2025

Let me tell you about a Silicon Valley gem that's been serving up happiness since 1965 - Falafel's Drive In, a San Jose institution founded by Anton and Zahie Nijmeh in 1966 and co owned by the incredible Jack Nijma (pictured) and his siblings. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a place where memories are made and friendships are formed over some of the most mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine you'll ever taste. I first discovered this culinary treasure back in '91 during my days at Lam Research, and I've been hooked ever since. There's something magical about watching first-timers take their first bite - that moment when their eyes light up and they realize they've just found their new favorite spot. What makes Falafel's Drive In special isn't just their incredibly crispy falafel or their perfectly seasoned hummus (though trust me, they're worth the trip alone). It's the warm welcome you get from the staff, the familiar faces of regulars who've been coming here for decades, and that wonderful old-school drive-in atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time. If you're looking for authentic flavors, generous portions, and service that makes you feel like family, swing by Falafel's Drive In. After all, there's a reason this place has been a local favorite for 6 decades - some things just get better with time.

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