If you want to eat at Jose Tejas in Woodbridge, pull up a comfortable chair.  This nonstop Mexican establishment is a major attraction for regional fans of tasty, affordable food and margaritas, and as such has monstrous waits during peak times.  On one Saturday, we arrived at 4:45 and weren’t seated until 5:30; a second time we endured a near two-hour wait, with the manager begging people to step outside to avoid fire code violations.  It was a ZOO, and we blame the hordes of New York plates in the parking lot–surely Staten Island escapees visiting the Woodbridge Mall.

That said, the food is some of the best Mexican we’ve encountered, with lots of vegetarian options and even a Cajun menu section, and the service (once seated) is swift, friendly and efficient.  Ambience is noisy, but warm and sociable.  Prices are fair, as are portions. Although in many ways it is worth the wait, going for lunch or a weekday dinner is probably a better bet.  You can’t miss the place–just get on Rte. 1 and look for the giant neon sign that says “EAT.”