J & I Cafe

4.3 ( 367 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM See Hours
$1–10
1431 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78202, United States
+1 210-271-0557
Nestled in San Antonio, J & I Cafe offers a delightful dive into authentic Mexican cuisine, drawing rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between straightforward and inviting, creating an environment where guests can enjoy hearty meals that evoke nostalgia. Customer favorites include the succulent Carne Asada Plate—served with rice, beans, and fresh toppings for only $7.25—and the beloved signature breakfast dishes like Chorizo and Egg Tacos that leave a lasting impression. Patrons love the rich flavors found in the Caldo soup and the Menudo, which is crafted fresh daily. Many reviewers highlight the affordability paired with generous portions, making each dish a steal. The cafe's well-received breakfast and lunch offerings resonate with the warmth of home cooking, reminiscent of childhood meals at Grandma’s. Service may be old-school and simple, but it amplifies the charm rather than detracts from the experience. J & I Cafe is a must-try for anyone seeking delicious, fresh, and homemade Mexican fare in San Antonio. Whether you're stopping in for tacos or a flavorful plate of fajitas, the vibrant tastes and wholesome atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For J & I Cafe

D
May 31,2025
This place has amazing food!!! I got the potatoe and bacon tacos(the best version of this I’ve ever had) my gf got barbacoa tacos. The location is easy to get to and very clean. I love the vibe inside the cafe it’s very no nonsense but interesting. Definitely give this spot a try if your in the area. The food prices are very reasonable the food is next level. Reminds me of visiting my grandparents when I was a child.
Conor Gallogly
May 5,2025
J & I was recommended to me by the manager of my hotel and it did not disappoint. I had a chorizo and egg taco and a huevos ranchero plate. Both were delicious.
John Lozano
Apr 24,2025
Great little cafe with some really good food. As some other reviewers said you probably won’t get over the top customer service from the older gentleman working the counter but it’s just an old school place. Order, pay and be on your way. The food is amazing, fresh and homemade. I think for the size of the tacos and inexpensive price, this place really stands out. If you’re in the area looking for some good food definitely try it out. For covid measures they do require mask upon entry (signs at door) and they had hand sanitizer setup right by the front door.
Keith Adelbai
Apr 10,2025
Coffee and breakfast are fresh and delicious. Hot sauce is great, too, with a kick! Highly recommended, will return if time permits!
Ari A
Mar 16,2025
First time eating here and the food was delicious. I liked everything.
Valerie Quiroga
Feb 18,2025
The food is delicious. Great service. It is quit big in the inside
H Hernandez
Feb 8,2025
Nicely stuffed egg, potato, bacon and cheese taco for under 5
Rudy Garcia
Feb 5,2025
Hole in the wall. tortillas could be fluffier but taste was good. Food was waaaay off the chart delicious. beans and rice best in town. carne guisada flavor profile on point! Guy serving us was kind of stoic, yet delightful! . highly recommend. will definitely be back. it's a hole in the wall so I didn't want to wreck the rating downgrading the atmosphere. use the restroom before you go there unless you are tiny. it's literally the size of an aircraft bathroom.

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