They’ve got fast-food falafels down to a science at this popular San Jose drive-in

I’ve been to my share of drive-ins that serve up burgers, tacos, doughnuts, you name it. But falafels? That’s got to be a new twist.

Actually, Falafel’s Drive In has been a San Jose fixture since Anton and Zahie Nijmeh opened the place in the mid-1960s. Now, they’ve got it down to a science.

No sooner do I order, and pay for, my $4.25 falafel half sandwich, than the server is handing me this generous pita stuffed with parsley-speckled, crispy chickpea balls and family-recipe tahini and hot sauce. Ten minutes after I drive in, I’ve finished off this savoury dish and drive out, well satisfied and ready to hit the road again.

Half a falafel is leaving me more than half full

Falafel’s Drive In
2301 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose, California
Monday to Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm