Wahoo’s Fish Taco

Good is great. Their salsa is the best. Beer selection is not bad, either. Great lunch spot.

Discovered wahoos in SoCal and was super excited to find one closer to home. I’ll always love wahoos but I was a little bummed they didn’t have the California burrito at this location!

My girlfriend raved I mean RAVEDDDDD about the Wahoos in Santa Barbara. Apparently she lived off of their California burritos. So of course there’s only one Wahoos around the Bay Area and it happens to be this location.
Walking in the restaurant was empty. Like not even a church mouse empty. Actually there was a family of three but let’s just pretend that they weren’t there for the sake of the story.
I think I know why it was empty though. The food was bland. But a good bland. The kind of bland that allows you to taste the beans for the beans, the carne asada for the carne asada and the guac for the… oh wait there was no guac but the green sauce is amazing!
If you like fresh quality ingredients for what they are then try wahoos out. If you’re into sauciness and saltiness and salty people, go to Taco Bell.

Today, on Thursday, I went for lunch, showed my driver’s license, and asked what they were offering to drivers. They said there were no special offerings. I was really hungry and ordered a chicken banzai bowl and asked for a free soda, because I deserve free stuff everywhere I go. They said «no» again. I was shocked! The banzai bowl was the BEST LUNCH I’VE EVER HAD. But I am giving the restaurant 2 stars because they didn’t give me free stuff.

Today, on Veterans Day, I went for lunch, showed my military ID, and asked what they were offering to Vets. They said there were no offerings to Vets. I was really hungry and ordered a chicken banzai bowl and asked for a free soda, as a Vet. They said «no» again. I was shocked. The banzai bowl was the best lunch I’ve had in a long time. Very, very good. But I am giving the restaurant 2 stars because of their complete disregard for Veterans Day. Very sad.

I don’t know why so many Wahoos closed down. I love this food and atmosphere! I guess its more of a so cal thing *shrugs* The location was so empty around dinner time, I was very surprised. The service was quick and the food was great. I sure hope this one doesn’t close down * fingers crossed*

So I have to update my review because Unilocal is my go-​to and some things have changed w this place since my 5 star review.
I heard about new management but not 100%, if so that explains a lot.
Every time we order pick up or try to go in to eat after 7pm «the kitchen is closed». Could be bad timing on our part but it has happened numerous times and don’t keep your restaurant on Eat24 /​Doordash if you can’t accommodate. (LOVE Doordash btw so check that out if you want delivery on any local restaurants.)
When we have been able to dine in or order out there is always something wrong w the order. Missing item, forgotten item, etc.
I still LOVE this place so will add the ongoing Pro’s–
Great service, very friendly. (Especially bartender Freddy)
Food never disappoints (when it’s delivered properly) and all pretty healthy so you don’t leave feeling like it’s post thanksgiving.
Multiple TV’s and will put on different games requested by customers sitting at the bar.
Oh yeah, and the food is delicious.

I can’t see myself returning here. I went with the carnitas and the carne asada (yes, I know their name says fish tacos… But that’s not what I wanted, lol). The meat wasn’t well marinated and the tacos tasted way too healthy. I would recommend a hole in the wall restaurant with cheap tacos over this any day. Wahoo’s only positive is that their ingredients seem to be fresh and the vegetables were crisp. I guess that’s where your money is going…

Kale Kai salad is a must if you are looking for a guilt free lunch. The staff is always bubbly and greet you with a smile. Anyone would like that. right?
Their burritos are not bad either but somehow too big for my liking and lack the authentic mexican sauce. So far there have been only two taquerias which has appealed to naughty taste buds:) One of them is in San Francisco — Tropiseuna and other one in London — Wrap it up. These guys have just nailed it when it comes to the sauce. Nonetheless back to Wahoo’s — I would go here on a balmy afternoon for a relaxed lunch or just chill at their bar with an ale. The Shrimp tacos are pretty good for seafood lovers as my companion that day couldn’t stop raving about it!
Tip: Sit outside if possible and carry a book if you are alone:-)

Decent place to stop for lunch, and one that thankfully does have vegetarian options in spite of the name :) I occasionally stop by with coworkers, as it is fairly convenient.
The food is pretty good – I do like the tofu options, and the burrito is usually on the large side of things (I keep forgetting this, and that I should probably just do the bowl or something). The service varies; sometimes it is reasonably quick on the turnaround, and sometimes it takes a bit long. Occasionally they’ll forget an add-​on you ask for or something like that, and I usually don’t go back and fix it because I don’t feel it’s worth the hassle, but that’s just me. Also, if you’re here during the busy times, they don’t always get time to wipe down the tables, so they might be a bit sticky.
Otherwise, it’s a decent joint, especially if you can get in before the lunch crowd! Like the Unilocal rating text says, it’s A-​OK.

I ordered a to-​go order here today, and the place seems cool enough to grab a drink at. The food — I ordered the Cajun fries, which were good enough, and the SCReaMing Burrito — the actual burrito itself was cooked well, but the reason for the low star rating is that the chicken was not fully cooked :(That ruined the taste for me entirely.

My boyfriend kept raging about this place and how he would always come on his lunch breaks, and he finally brought me. As a salmon lover, this place was amazing! We ordered the salmon bowl (~$ 10), and I highly recommend it. The white rice was so fluffy and tasty! The side of cole slaw went well with the dish too.
The service was quick, but we went on a weekend in the middle of the day.

I knew Wahoo’s fish taco from San Diego and loved it. Then when moved to North San Jose was surprised to see one at the beautiful apartment complex Crescent. In that area is difficult to find any place to eat/​have dinner, and the only close by options are Wahoo’s and Patxi pizza. I was delighted to see a coupon for a free meal at the Metro magazine, so I clipped, went last Sunday and loved the quiet atmosphere, great service (no questions asked about the coupon, unlike other places). Very attentive servers who let me stay there doing my sketches all the time i wanted. Food was very good, as usual. Very casual, surfer style vibe.

My boyfriend and I love this restaurant! My favorite entrée is the baja ladas which is a wrapped burrito with spinach, chicken, and cream cheese inside with a layer of cheddar cheese and enchilada sauce on top! YUMMY!!! I have also had their regular burritos which are pretty good too. One cool aspect is that there a quite a great selection of meat choices including fish.
And, there are so many entrée choices including burritos, rice bowls, enchiladas, salads, and tacos. The prices are great and the size of the entrees are generous. The service is superb and the interior is awesome with its sports theme. Just one thing that I am confused about, the restaurant has an app that you can download and when you do, you can get a free entrée. However, it appears that the app only is for restaurants in Southern California and other states only.
Pros:
–great tasting food and great prices
–cool sport theme atmosphere
–great service
Cons:
–webpage app and app specials do not count at this restaurant
–this restaurant is sort of hidden among apartments so can be difficult to find
–limited parking

Terrible service
They told me they were closed at 9:30
Well they always are open until 10
Even Unilocal says 10
D bags
Went back and I saw bugs on the ground
Not a huge deal but… ewwww

Five stars for atmosphere and great food. Missing a star because the last two times I was here they messed up my order. They have a bar in the back so you can come watch sports or whatever. I love their shrimp tacos made coastal slaw style. Overall s great place we can walk to from north park apartments so we come every week.

Came here for a quick work lunch today. I could see parking perhaps being an issue here during busier times.
There are some non-​fish/​seafood options here, but when in Rome… you know how it goes. So I had the two-​taco combo with grilled fish, brown rice and black beans. I believe this was around $ 9, but I didn’t pay today (thanks to my employer).
What arrived in front of me approximately 10 minutes later was a mountain of food. The tacos are generously sized and filled, in my opinion. They come topped with cabbage, a little salsa, and some kind of green sauce (presumably avocado). Fish was firm but a nice contrast to the relatively soft items in the taco. I also got a massive mound of both rice and beans.
I don’t know if anything here will blow your mind, but it’s perfectly serviceable and seemingly a good value. I’d happily return to Wahoo’s.

WAHOO’S!!! Omg i love this place, back in the day I used to watch Laguna Beach and The Hills and they would always go to Wahoo’s and I found one in Santana Row. That was my fav spot until they closed it :-(Then fast forward a few years and they have opened one on Tasman and this location.
I don’t even know how to explain what their food is, is it mexican, tex-​mex, fusion or what but all i know is that it’s yummers!!! This location seems to be pretty spacious and it’s on the ground level of some nice and luxurious apartments/​condos, I almost passed it by.
I always get the same thing and that will probably never change. I ordered the cajun chicken enchilada w/​green sauce, cajun white beans and white rice. Oh can’t forget the extra green sauce to pour over my rice! I have never tasted anything like this, that green sauce just takes the enchilada to whole different level of delicious. Normally when I eat enchiladas it’s strictly cheese but this is the ONLY place where I eat them with chicken and blackened (spicy) chicken at that.
This place is absolutely a must try, it’s very different and unique. 4 stars!

I was Wahoo-​less for years when they closed its doors at Santana Row. I was craving for a wet burrito here bad but when I came during my lunch a few weeks ago, I opted for the Chopper Salad.
Counting macros made me restrict what I was eating simply because I was tracking my fat, carbs, fat, and calories. Though I got a little crazy during that 2 week time period, I realized that I was becoming «neurotic». Well, it was pointed out that I was behaving in that negative manner.
Anyway.
I chose the salad because it was relatively low in all aspects based on what I was following on IIFYM. It was also very low on taste. The salad was dry and even though the salad looked fresh, it didn’t taste like it was fresh. Or maybe it was my fault for choosing a salad when I know that their burritos are awesome. Who knows.
The 3 stars is for cleanliness. The food is below par but for old times sakes, I will give it a 3 and will return one day to see if my rating will change.

Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (WFT) is a SoCal based Mexi-​Asian fusion taco joint, that was founded by the Wahoo brothers in the late ‘80s. A preponderance of WFT’s locations are in SoCal, but you can find them in quite a few other states (e.g., Colorado, Texas, NY & Hawaii) but more importantly, they’ve finally made their way up here to NorCal. I had heard of WFT before from friends who frequent SoCal (Maniacs, I know…), but I can’t say I was «excited» when I first saw their signs popping up. I’m not sure why, but the idea of a «Fish Taco» just doesn’t get my blood pumping. What did catch my attention was their sweet 50%-off Groupon Deals – which are still available at the time of this review (7÷20÷14). Nothing better than trying out a new place at a fraction of the price – it’s a Unilocaler’s wet dream. I ended up going twice, because I love a good deal.
Wild-​caught Salmon Bowl (Salmon, Rice & Citrus Slaw):
— The Salmon was a bit overcooked and didn’t have much flavor to it; I would’ve liked more seasoning of some kind on it. I do appreciate that WFT promotes the fact that their fish is all wild-​caught; so, bonus points for that. 2.75*
— I paid 25¢ for an «upgrade» to brown rice over white, which is kinda weak. Why do places charge you extra to eat healthy? I’m pretty sure there’s little to no discernible difference in the price of white over brown – in fact brown should be cheaper because there’s less processing involved. Eh… What’re you gonna do? 3*
— The Citrus Slaw was sorta strange, and I didn’t care for it much. It tasted much better when mixed with the brown rice. 2*
Entrée #2: x2 Fish Tacos (x1 original & x1 Citrus Slaw), Brown Rice (le sigh), and Cajun White Beans:
— Both Fish Tacos came out very dry; I liked the toppings on the original much better than the Citrus Slaw, which is way too sour for my liking. The Corn Tortillas that they were wrapped in are generic store-​bought and could’ve used a little browning, in my opinion. 2*
— Brown Rice (see above)
— I really liked the Cajun White Beans; they were cooked perfectly; weren’t drowning in sauce; and had a nice zing and sweetness to them. 4*
Service & Ambiance– When you first walk into WFT you order at the counter, grab an number and then they bring your food right out to you. Everyone we dealt with was really nice, always had a smile on their face and a pep in their step. The interior is decorated with all kinds of extreme sports knick-​knacks and the music is on way too loud. They also have what looks to be a bitchin’ bar area, but I’d have to save that for a time I’m not working. There’s also lots of TVs for your sports viewing pleasure. Service 4.5*/Ambiance 3*
Value– You can get yourself a good healthy meal and a drink here at WFT for around $ 10, which is not bad. Most places tend to hover around the $ 15 mark. I just wish the food was a little better. 4*
Overall, based on the food alone, I would probably give WFT a 2.5-star average; if I factor in the fact that’s it’s healthy and the lack of other good options in the area, I’ll give them the 3-​star bump. In future visits, I may have to venture out of the «healthy» food realm, as one of my cohorts claimed their carnitas were muy bueno. Next time, Gadget…