While Fremont’s Mission San Jose area is primarily a hub for some of the very best East and South Asian cuisines in the Bay Area, it is also home to one of the best Mexican Restaurants in the Tri-Cities: Cantaritos.
Located at the east end of the Ohlone Village Shopping Center on Washington Boulevard, Cantaritos has been a longtime staple in Fremont. Previously operating under the name of Mission Jarrito, then later El Mezcal, the Cantaritos team continues to serve authentic Mexican Cuisine, no matter the name!
Upon entry, the friendly staff will greet and invite guests to sit wherever they prefer, or escort them to a table depending on how busy the restaurant is. The dining room makes for a more intimate experience, while the U-shaped bartops foster lively, margarita-enhanced conversations among patrons, and the bar seating gives diners a chance to catch the game including soccer and the occasional boxing match.
The decor is classic—recessed rustic chandeliers and Papel Picado strung throughout, with wooden dining chairs and the famous blue and white Clase Azul bottles-turned-vases on each table.
The first impression—judgement, really—of any Mexican restaurant tends to be the chips and salsa, and Cantaritos definitely checks out. The chips are made in-house and served with two salsas: A classic fresh red salsa and a bright green salsa vibrant in both color and flavor.
The bar boasts a great selection of tequilas and mezcals, and longtime Fremont bartender Pepe knows how to turn them into something delicious. The restaurant’s namesake, the Cantarito, is a delicious Jaliscan cocktail available in its proper clay mug and served cold, fizzy and stiff.
The margaritas are also fantastic, with those in the know ordering the top-shelf Cadillac Margarita unofficially and affectionately dubbed “The Gael” after Mission San Jose’s living legend Gael Stewart.
Chile Verde, Mole con Pollo and Camarones al Tequila are among some of the favorites, with the accompanying rice and beans always being top notch. Red Pozole, another classic favorite, makes an appearance on the menu at certain times.
Vegetarian diners will love the Veggie Enchiladas, packed with fresh vegetables and topped with enchilada sauce and avocado. Those who like to spice things up will love the Diabla sauce, available upon request.
Cantaritos is home to one of the last true Taco Tuesdays in the East Bay with great deals on tacos and drinks. Be advised: Tuesdays can be incredibly busy! However, great food at a good price is always worth the wait. The tacos are great, and of a decent portion with most appetites satisfied by two to three.
Whether for an after work pick-me-up, a family meal or a get together amongst friends, a fun, diverse crowd of locals and commuters brought together by great food and drinks makes Cantaritos the place to be.
This article was not prepared by, nor endorsed by Cantaritos Restaurant & Bar.
Cantaritos
5340 Washington Blvd., Fremont
Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 9pm
Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30am – 9:30pmClosed Sundays
