Balls Deep In Downtown - San Jose

The OG. Nuff said. A Falafel Sandwich with the Banana Shake is the staple for me. If I came here more often, I may peek at the rest of the menu. The Falafel Salad costs more for some reason, too. (Can't eat the aluminum bowl... Parking lot and street parking are totally dependent on the day of the week and time of day. Both indoor and outdoor seating available. No nonsense ordering, please. Staff and guests really want you to know what you want BEFORE you step up to the window.

Consistently delicious food Iconic location with old school drive in architecture. Don't skip banana milkshake

I love the falafel special here! You get a large falafel in a pita with a banana shake. It's fantastic and everyone I take here always rates it highly! The workers are friendly, quick, and hook it up with the hot sauce. Atmosphere-wise, it's very casual with some outdoor seating and fun murals painted throughout the seating area. Although I didn't love some of the other items I've tried (the baba ghanoush and cheeseburger we're not my favorite), their falafels, banana shakes, and fries are exemplary!

I always drive past this place but never really gave it any thought. My bf and I didn't know what to eat for lunch per usual but decided to give this place a try since we were in the area. I ordered the daily special which is a large falafel with a banana shake and my bf had the large gyro and onion rings. Service was super quick and the pita wraps were huge! The ingredients tasted very fresh and definitely ask for some hot sauce. The banana shake was interesting since you usually don't see that at most places. It was good but maybe a little too sweet for my liking. It was nice for the very hot day though! Overall we both enjoyed our meal and we'd definitely be back.

Falafel's Drive In is a San Jose institution that's been open since 1966. I've personally been coming to eat here since my days at SJSU around 2012 and they're still just as good in 2024. Their $13 large falafel and banana shake special is to die for. So filling, but so light. The slightly spicy red sauce mixed with the hearty helping of falafel (fried chickpea balls) in a bread-based wrap is always delicious. Their banana shakes use specially sourced bananas, according to a feature story on SJ Spotlight, and you can taste it when you take a sip. The banana taste is so strong and tastes better than any banana shake I've ever tasted. If you're from out of town or a Bay Area local, I highly suggest you try Falafel's Drive In. You won't be disappointed.