Trine's Cafe
Mexican · San Jose
About Trine's Cafe
Trine's Cafe in San Jose is a beloved family-owned gem that transports diners back to the late 1970s with its charming, intimate atmosphere. Run by the granddaughter of the founder who began serving guests in the 1960s, the restaurant honors a rich culinary tradition. Patrons rave about authentic Me...
Trine's Cafe in San Jose is a beloved family-owned gem that transports diners back to the late 1970s with its charming, intimate atmosphere. Run by the granddaughter of the founder who began serving guests in the 1960s, the restaurant honors a rich culinary tradition. Patrons rave about authentic Mexican specialties like their signature chile verde and hearty beef soup, alongside delicious breakfast plates and burritos. The friendly staff delivers fast, accommodating service that makes every visit feel like being at home. With wheelchair accessibility and a welcoming vibe, this local favorite offers affordable meals perfect for solo diners or large groups celebrating together.
What Customers Say About Trine's Cafe
Trine's Cafe is a local favorite known for its authentic Mexican food and friendly service. Customers rave about the menudo, chile verde, and caldo de res. It's a family-owned restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and a nostalgic, old-school vibe.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Parking can be tricky, so plan accordingly. Also, remember to bring cash as they don't accept cards.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Trine's Cafe
Trine's Cafe is located in San Jose, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Parks & Gardens
- Cadwallader Park (A 191m) — park in Santa Clara County, California, United States of America
- Parque De Los Pobladores (A 957m) — park in the United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Estadio CEFCU (A 947m) — estadio de la Universidad Estatal de San José, California
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Trine's Cafe
Trine's Cafe San Jose Reviews
Parking can get tight. They have outdoor seating in the back. The menudo is a must try here!
Feels like home when you’re here. Small but mighty, this spot makes a tasty burrito, but also marvelous Mexican breakfast. Super nice crew, and quick service. You’ll love it
CASH ONLY, with a storefront that is barred from floor to ceiling and tinted windows that make it difficult to see if Trine's is open. Step inside and you are transported to the late 1970's when most of the interior was finished. A warm and friendly greeting from the staff is the beginning of an amazingly authentic dining experience. The menu is simple and traditional but includes breakfast options. Prices are inexpensive, especially for the quality of food available. Service is fast and the food is simply amazing 😍🤩
Too late for beef stew. Had the menudo, just as good, not oily. Exceptional staff.
The waitress was super friendly and the huevos con jamon was amazing!!
CASH ONLY, with a storefront that is barred from floor to ceiling and tinted windows that make it difficult to see if Trine's is open. Step inside and you are transported to the late 1970's when most of the interior was finished. A warm and friendly greeting from the staff is the beginning of an amazingly authentic dining experience. The menu is simple and traditional but includes breakfast options. Prices are inexpensive, especially for the quality of food available. Service is fast and the food is simply amazing 😍🤩
New years day. Went there with sister, her daughter and 5 teen age kids for lunch. The service was great. The waiter was very accommodating placing tables together for us. Food was tasty and the jukebox music was nice to enjoy our meals to. We ate a variety of Mexican food and some of us had hamburgers and fries. It was a comfortable restaurant to start the year off with.
My favorite local Mexican Joint. Stop in for some beers, Tacos and enchiladas!
It's my favorite place to eat and visit!! Best Mexican food in San Jose!! Very nice and friendly waitress and cook. Been going here for years!! So happy they have stayed open!!
Great food and service! You cant go wrong with the caldo de res. Parking is tricky.
Came from out of town. This place makes really good homemade food. Very delicious thanks.
My new restaurant at my new home to go too. Mimosa's are delious! Owner very friendly and attentive.
This little hidden gem is a really delicious place for your Mexican soup cravings along with shrimp plates and breakfast plates. Seems like a family owned restaurant, kind, and welcoming. The food came out hot and delicious! Come on down and give them a try.
Best beef soup ever, excellent service, good price's, all the food is really good, we moved from the bay area to Los Baños Ca and we still go for the beef soup, we go to the one on First St, highly recommended.
I love their rendition of chile verde (only at this store now). It is more like Tejano puerco guizado, and very delicious. Their steak a la Mexicana is also very good too, but more like a quick carne guizada. Back in the old days, all the Trini Cafes served freshly made flour tortillas, which makes me think the original owners were Tejano. Very heavy old school Tex-Mex influence, and down home atmosphere. Still one of my favorites.
I give this 4.5 stars. Welcomed by host (cook), price was not bad, and the food was 8/10. Suggestions: season the breakfast burrito a little more. Maybe go a little lighter on the potatoes and more on the eggs or add some other ingredient. The plus side of this is that most places over season their food. This place has zero problem with that. Other than that it was good. I'd go back if the other place in the neighborhood was closed or busy. FYI: I've only eaten here one time and had the bacon breakfast burrito.
The tradition of food that’s been handed down since grandma started this place in the 60s. It’s like stepping back to great times and great food now run by Trines granddaughter.
Amazing food amazing service. I come here often with my wife when in the area. Never fails always delicious
Came from out of town. This place makes really good homemade food. Very delicious thanks.
Amazing food amazing service. I come here often with my wife when in the area. Never fails always delicious
My new restaurant at my new home to go too. Mimosa's are delious! Owner very friendly and attentive.
Great food and service! You cant go wrong with the caldo de res. Parking is tricky.
The tradition of food that’s been handed down since grandma started this place in the 60s. It’s like stepping back to great times and great food now run by Trines granddaughter.
Great testing food. And service.
My favorite local Mexican Joint. Stop in for some beers, Tacos and enchiladas!
Best beef soup ever, excellent service, good price's, all the food is really good, we moved from the bay area to Los Baños Ca and we still go for the beef soup, we go to the one on First St, highly recommended.
This little hidden gem is a really delicious place for your Mexican soup cravings along with shrimp plates and breakfast plates. Seems like a family owned restaurant, kind, and welcoming. The food came out hot and delicious! Come on down and give them a try.
I love their rendition of chile verde (only at this store now). It is more like Tejano puerco guizado, and very delicious. Their steak a la Mexicana is also very good too, but more like a quick carne guizada. Back in the old days, all the Trini Cafes served freshly made flour tortillas, which makes me think the original owners were Tejano. Very heavy old school Tex-Mex influence, and down home atmosphere. Still one of my favorites.
It's my favorite place to eat and visit!! Best Mexican food in San Jose!! Very nice and friendly waitress and cook. Been going here for years!! So happy they have stayed open!!
New years day. Went there with sister, her daughter and 5 teen age kids for lunch. The service was great. The waiter was very accommodating placing tables together for us. Food was tasty and the jukebox music was nice to enjoy our meals to. We ate a variety of Mexican food and some of us had hamburgers and fries. It was a comfortable restaurant to start the year off with.
The menudo is delicious!
Damn it Google! I looked up “breakfast burrito” nearby and chose the highest recommended option and decided to just try it. Absolutely regret this decision. The place WAS packed and I did see many folks with soups, so the soup may be the start of the restaurant here. The breakfast burrito certainly is NOT. It’s just a little bacon egg and hash brown wrapped in a tortilla. First two bites were just tortilla. No salt added. What a disappointment because the place looks good so I got excited. Do NOT come for a breakfast burrito. Not worth $15. That’s SF prices for a bleh burrito.
Damn it Google! I looked up “breakfast burrito” nearby and chose the highest recommended option and decided to just try it. Absolutely regret this decision. The place WAS packed and I did see many folks with soups, so the soup may be the start of the restaurant here. The breakfast burrito certainly is NOT. It’s just a little bacon egg and hash brown wrapped in a tortilla. First two bites were just tortilla. No salt added. What a disappointment because the place looks good so I got excited. Do NOT come for a breakfast burrito. Not worth $15. That’s SF prices for a bleh burrito.
We ordered a tortas de camarones, which on the menu it said it was $13.75. We were expecting a shrimp dish and once we got the bill we were charged $18 and then when we got home there were no shrimp! It was just a bunch of peppers, rice and beans. Maybe it’s better if you do dine in so that you can make sure you get what you ordered.
We ordered a tortas de camarones, which on the menu it said it was $13.75. We were expecting a shrimp dish and once we got the bill we were charged $18 and then when we got home there were no shrimp! It was just a bunch of peppers, rice and beans. Maybe it’s better if you do dine in so that you can make sure you get what you ordered.
Sign in to leave a review
Sign inRemove ads and manage your menu
Explore Your Area
Wienerschnitzel
Lee's Sandwiches
Pizza My Heart
Tacos Victoria
La Penita
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
Kukar’s House of Pizza
Back Bar
Mosaic
Spoonfish Poke
26 Photos
Explore Trine's Cafe's photos
About Trine's Cafe
How to get there
995 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110
Highlights
Services
Dining Options
Restaurant Info
Amenities
The Neighborhood
Location
995 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110
📍 Explore the Neighborhood
Upcoming Events
Becky Robinson: The Beasts in Me Tour
29 May 2026, 19:30
San Jose Improv
FRIKITONA - Classics vs Current Reggaeton Fiesta
29 May 2026, 21:00
The Ritz
San Jose Open Mic Showcase
29 May 2026, 21:45
San Jose Improv
The Flatliners, Samiam, Strangelight
30 May 2026, 19:00
The Ritz
park in Santa Clara County, California, United States of America
estadio de la Universidad Estatal de San José, California
park in the United States of America
Gaming
🎮 Earn Points While You Explore!
Play Find Me and redeem points for discounts at Trine's Cafe and other restaurants
Earn Points at Trine's Cafe!
Play Find Me and redeem rewards here
Earn extra points and redeem them for rewards at Trine's Cafe
🏆 Rewards at Trine's Cafe
10% Discount
At Trine's Cafe
Free Appetizer
On your next visit
VIP Table
Premium experience
to redeem rewards and earn points
📋 How Do Rewards Work?
Play Find Me
Every 100 score points = 1 reward point
Collect Points
Workers earn 2x points per game
Redeem Rewards
Discounts, free food and VIP experiences
Is it yours? Claim it FREE!
Remove ads and manage your menu