Both businesses, located near the intersection of Lincoln and Coe avenues, have become fixtures in Willow Glen for Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike. While the two stores stand only a block away from River Glen—a two-way bilingual immersion school—a sweep down the rest of Lincoln Avenue doesn't provide the same unique multicultural vista.

Walking into El Abuelo Taquería at 1005 Lincoln Ave., a customer would be hard-pressed to tell it was the local favorite for Mexican recording artists. The simple décor, few tables and open grill might not look like much, but the authentic Mexican flavors in the burritos, tostadas and enchiladas keep those recording artists, as well as nearby residents and other visitors, coming back.

Palm Haven Restoration Committee chairman and Willow Glen resident Mike Borbely says ever since he discovered the taquería one year ago, he's been eating there a couple of times a week. Borbely says the flautas, shrimp tostadas and giant quesadillas are winners in his book.

"We're lucky to have this on Lincoln," he says.

For Mejin Emanuel, who works in Los Gatos, the food is worth the drive every day to have a taste of home.

"I've tasted so many places, but this is the best," he says. "They make menudo like in Mexico."

The taqueria's head cook and co-owner, Alfonso Rodriguez, was born in San Francisco but has worked in Mexican restaurants for many years. Before he and his cousin Jesús Rodriguez opened El Abuelo, Alfonso worked at Tres Amigos in San Mateo.

Property manager Evelyn Perl says before the taqueria existed, the space housed a business called Sherry's Diner from1994 to 1996.

The cousins' El Abuelo Taquería, named after Alfonso's nickname—abuelo is Spanish for "grandfather"—opened seven years ago, Alfonso says.

He says he and Jesús are glad to be located in Willow Glen.

"It's a pretty area," Alfonso says. He adds that there are Hispanic neighborhoods to the north, east and west, so the taqueria is well-located to serve the community.

Customers come not only from the Willow Glen neighborhood, but also from Tropicana, Story and Los Gatos communities, he says.

Even recording artists have sampled Alfonso's cooking. The Mexican band Los Tigres del Norte, whose members are from San Jose, and Alex Lora, who formed the rock band El Tri, which has performed for five decades and has opened for the Rolling Stones, have eaten meals at the unassuming eatery.

Alfonso says 50 percent of the taqueria's customers are Hispanic and 50 percent are non-Hispanic.

Many people are more familiar with Aquí's Tex-Mex Grill and Puerto Azul, but Alfonso says a taqueria has faster service and is cheaper because it's not set up to be a restaurant dining experience. But customers can seat themselves and enjoy their food on-site, and the taqueria also has a jukebox with Spanish-language music for an authentic south-of-the-border experience.

For customers who want real Mexican fare, the tripe tacos are what the taqueria is best known for, says employee Hector Tepa.

A 29-year-old who likes to cook and emigrated from Mexico two years ago, Tepa says he likes Willow Glen's peaceful environment.

"The people are pleasant and I feel at home," he says.

He lives a street away with several other El Abuelo Taquería employees, works two jobs for an 85-hour workweek and has taken English classes at Sacred Heart Church.

"I would like the people of Willow Glen to come, try our food and come back so we can serve them again," Tepa says.

Right next door to El Abuelo Taquería is Mi Rancho Supermarket at 1003 Lincoln Ave. The market and taqueria create a synergistic blending of the Hispanic culture in the neighborhood.

The market's clean interior and one-stop shopping that includes a butcher, jewelry counter, check cashing and video-rental section serve multiple purposes while preserving the homey-atmosphere feeling.

"It's always been a neighborhood supermarket," says Geraldine Derose, whose family has owned the property since the 1950s.

"It's a good place to stop on the way home."

Mi Rancho Supermarket manager Rafael Peña says the store offers Mexican products like hot chilis and piñatas as well as Central American, South American and North American brands.

Before Mi Rancho's existence, the market was home to Lincoln Lane Foods, a neighborhood grocery store, for almost 40 years. It had a one-year stint as an Asian supermarket called Chic's and switched to Hispanic foods as La Piedad grocery store in 1997 before Mi Rancho opened for business in 1998, says property manager Evelyn Perl.

Mi Rancho Supermarket owner Alonzo Lopez, who owns another Hispanic supermarket in Hayward, says Willow Glen is a unique community.

"It's a fun and festive area compared to the rest of San Jose," Lopez says. "I always consider Willow Glen its own city."

Karen Thacker, who lives on Glen Eyrie, says she shops at Mi Rancho because it's within walking distance and she likes going to "a little mom and pop store." She adds that the marinated meat is a specialty and the store's prices are reasonable.

Peña, the store manager, says customers come from Brace, Bird and Meridian avenues and Pedro Street.

Amber Robbins also likes the convenience of a grocery store in her neighborhood.

"Everyone's really nice, and they have good hot chilis," she adds.

Lopez says although his store is in a great location and people don't have to wait in long lines.

Besides groceries, toiletries, toys, music and video rentals, there's also a place inside to exchange pesos for dollars and wire money.

Perl had nothing but praise for the current tenants, Mi Rancho Supermarket and El Abuelo Taquería.

"I am so proud of both owners of those businesses," she says. "They work really hard. They started small, but have built successful businesses."