Do You Know The Way To San José?

When you’re relatively new to the area and looking for good places to dine and quaff, sometimes the tips come from unlikely places. In the case of an outstanding Mexican restaurant called San José in Shallotte, it came from a beauty shop. Not any beauty shop I frequent, certainly, because even beauty shops in the South have obvious limits as to whom they can beautify, and I’m not in that category. But the missus is, and while being beautified one day at Kozo Salon and Spa, the chair discussion turned to wine and food. And the gal beautifying my wife mentioned that a place just across the street had some pretty good food. Moreover, their glasses of wine were huge—and just $5.50. Unsurprisingly, the missus’ ears perked up. So after the crush of the holidays, we decided to give it a shot, not having experienced any Mexican joints since we moved here,. And, no, Taco Bell doesn’t count.

The place is positively cavernous inside and interestingly, comfortably decorated. With booths set along either side, the center section can accommodate large or small parties.

And speaking of large parties, that’s what you might need if you order the Camarones Gratinado appetizer (above), a huge delicious shrimp dish smothered in melted cheese and onions and TWELVE—count ‘em! TWELVE-- plump, perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp. The cost? $8.25, though the online menu says $9.50. Worth it, regardless.

The missus ordered a dish (above) called Camarones al Mojo de Ajo—which she loved, and had to bring much of it home as it was so large. And very reasonably priced at $11.95, though the online menu says $15.00. Maybe Mariela (below) liked us?

The staff, especially our server Mariela (whose Uncle Josue owns a few San Jose places in NC) was as pleasant and efficient as could be, even asking me if I’d like more rum in my strawberry daiquiri, which I declined. Full disclosure up front (which, as I age, is how many places ask me to pay). Though they had a modest beer list, I wasn’t in the mood for suds, so I opted for that Strawberry Daiquiri, and it was exceptional. Both of them. The missus dutifully had a huge glass of Pino Grigio—the $5.50 one—so she could report back to—and thank— the gals at Kozo.

San José also offers what we’re told is an exceptional sangria, so it looks as though we’ll be heading back again. After all, I’m dedicated to my readers, and if I have to make such sacrifices, I’m prepared to do so. Fully sated with thirsts completely slaked, our bill came out to less than $40. But there are so many offerings—all authentic Mexican— on the menu, it would take twenty trips to sample all of them. Again, a sacrifice I’m prepared to make in the interests of great food, great ambience, excellent service and honest reportage.

Without question, our first visit to San José will definitely not be our last. Because It’s a tough job, and somebody has to do it. Cheers! The ORIGINAL PubScout—immersed in the craft beer scene since 1996.