The History Behind Jose’s
Jose’s Mexican Café and Cantina opened in November 1973 by the Martinez Family. Oldest brother, Joe, opened the La Paloma Mexican Restaurant on Kapiolani in 1966. The younger brothers and sisters followed Joe to Hawaii, moving one by one and working for Joe at La Paloma. After working for a few years, the younger brothers, and sisters decided to open Jose’s in 1973. Jose’s first cook was taught by Mom, Ina, using her own family recipes for enchiladas, salsa, Spanish rice and beans.
Today, Jose’s is still serving up great Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas on 1134 Kokohead Avenue in Kaimuki, Hawaii.
Based on 439 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 3.9 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No delivery
Address:
1134 Koko Head Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: (808) 732-1833
Website: http://www.joseshonolulu.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–9:30 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Delia Rio Benitez
The fish tacos were fresh and tender.
… more
Zeina B.
We randomly came into Jose’s today after running errands. The place was not busy and the wait staff was very nice.
… more
Vincenzo
Service was excellent despite clear short staffing. Servers were friendly and smiling even as they were bouncing between tables trying to keep thing moving. Job well done. Food was very good and fresh. Plates came out scalding hot so I believe the food was ready for a bit of time before finally being served. I’m ok with that and thankful for the staff hard work. Atmosphere while a bit dated still has the mexican feel.
… more
JMAC
Nice inobtrusive place to hang in the hood. I like camping at the bar. Meatball soup and Carnitas are my go-to’s!
… more
LJ Andres
Good food. Starting with a pitcher of margaritas, chips and salsa! Shredded beef taco salad then pork chops and spinach burritos. The wife of the manager brought us her Friday dessert so I ordered ice cream to go with it!! Delicious chocolate chip squares! Super evening!
… more
Daryl C
Terrible service. I’ve been dining occasionally at Jose’s for over 30 years. In the last 10 years, service has gotten worse and worse. Waitress pretty much ignored us for 15 minutes. Hostess was nice and friendly, though, brought over water and chips/salsa as soon as we were seated. Had to ask the hostess to call over waitress. I was ready to walk out. It wasn’t that crowded, think one large family of 8 and three tables of two of which two of them were finishing up. Salsa was bland, no taste, no cilantro. Saving grace was the crab enchiladas and crab burrito, which to me was perfect. Only thing is not too many good Mexican restaurants here in Hawaii.
… more
Kaz M
Locally owned old school business. Service is friendly and great!!!
… more
TaDasha love
I’m only giving it one star because of customer service (DURING THE DAY ) . A few time I have had someone do take out for me , I even ate here on my Bday . But yesterday 04/06/2023 I experienced the most horrible service there was only by one employee (White old lady who was wearing tight legging and could barley move around in them ) The lady was so rude I was in shocked .. first I called in my order which was around 12pm the guy on the phone said 20 minutes . I am familiar with their wait time so I actually did arrive until 1pm so about 45minutes . When I arrive this older gentleman and I waited by the door for about 8 minutes before the wicked lady actually greeted us . I was the first in line and I told her that I was waiting on a phone order that I placed a while ago . The litttle wicked lady rudely told me sit down by the door because my food still wasn’t ready … Fast forward 10 more minutes ( mind you I called around 12 pm ) my food was finally done ..as I was paying I seen that the lady had a stuck up attitude slamming down the bill and ink pin pretty hard . Definitely not one please nor thank you . I am in the food service and understand how things are but how I see it at the time there was only 4 other customers (3 customers were at one table )in the restaurant besides me and it was still early so why come to work with a sh*ty attitude. Anyways after that situation I was just flabbergasted . my other half and I are great tippers where ever we go I still thought about tipping even after waiting forever for my food and the lady nasty attitude , but I rather had gave it to the homeless man who was sitting around the corner . Not to mention that the day before was my birthday so I was still I little hung over and a little irritated… and to the little lady if she see’s this because I know she knew her service was sh*t and should’ve been waiting on a review : You may wanna look in the mirror every day and tell your self your gonna have a good day , you don’t know what type of day someone is having especially me my emotions be everywhere . Idk if your leggings was so tight that you couldn’t process right or your just old and also have emotions idk what the case was but coming to work the way you did yesterday Laaaaady even Taco Bell employees will never …. Overall great food of course and shout out to the young lady who made my margarita nights before “Girl you the Bomb”!.
… more
MonkeyMel
The food there was really good an delicious! The waitress was super nice and always checked up on us! We ended up eating everything and left happy! Ten out of ten would recommend!
… more
Saundra D
Big Kahuna burrito is the bomb!!! Strawberry Margaritas was delicious and very refreshing. Service was fantastic.
… more
… View more