Mexican Food

Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Best Mexican take-out in Grand/Lake area

March 2009

We just moved to the East Bay and are still hopelessly navigating our way around local take-out options in the Grand/Lake, downtown Oakland and Piedmont Ave areas. In SF we loved Papalote and we miss it (and its great fish and prawn burritos) :(

But I know East Bay-ers can recommend Mexican take-out spots just as good if not better! I commute from SF so will go anywhere on the way to the Grand Ave area once off the Bay Bridge for a good burrito. What are the best places to head over to? Thanks! anon

Las Comales on MacArthur near Fruitvale. Buritto lover

My favorite for mexican food is Baja Taqueria on piedmont ave, across from 41st st. Their food tastes very authentic to me, having spent some time in central mexico. They are also very environmentally responsible. Whole foods actually makes good burritos too (I don't think fish is an option there though). - There is one in oakland near grand ave. happy eating!

I really like Baja on Piedmont Ave at 41st. It has great fish tacos. Anna

i really like connie's on grand, up from the theater (same side) toward safeway. not familiar with your fav spot in sf, but connie's is great plus she (connie) is super nice and will notice if you haven't been there before and say hello to you and welcome you, which is lovely. love mexican food!

I have lived in SF mission district and now live in grand lake area and my favorite taqueria of all is Los Cantaros on grand ave by children's fairyland. I am a vegetarian, but everyone I have brought there (we go weekly) has loved the meat items too. Their Aquas Frescas are really something too. dani

Dec 2008

Hi, We're moving to Berkeley just before Christmas, and I need a recommendation for a place I can order tamales for Christmas. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks! Kim

We like Cactus Taqueria (on Solano Ave or Rockridge - www.cactustaqueria.com) and have used their takeout/catering for parties before. I've also heard good things about La Borinqueqa in downtown Oakland (www.tamalegirl.com) for ordering tamales but haven't tried it. Yum

I highly recommend this place in Oakland. I have only ordered the pork tamales and they are really good. They do have a variety to choose from, so check out their website first. Good luck...... http://www.tamalegirl.com/
rockroseway

We like to get tamales from Taqueria La Bamba: 12345 San Pablo Ave Richmond, CA 94805 (510)235-2288. It is a few freeway exits up 80 from Berkeley at the San Pablo Ave exit on your immediate right as you exit the highway. Yelp review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-la-bamba-richmond The tamales are really moist. They come wrapped in banana leaves. Sandra

Hello Kim, I HIGHLY recommend Lourdes Jensen. She makes wholesome, authentic tamales (with an amazing sauce) and other delicious mexican food for events such as yours. Her family has been doing this for years as a means to raise money for her daughters' missions trips to Latin America. Her food is fresh and super tasty, she's local, and her rates are really reasonable! Here's her info: myupmost [at] sbcglobal.net Josie

May 2007

I'm looking for a place where I can buy freshly made, really good tamales, including vegetarian. I'd like to buy 15-20 for a dinner gathering. Any suggestions? jenny

I can't recommend highly enough the delish tamales made at La Borinquena in Old Oakland near Broadway. They lovingly make them as they have over the many decades that they've been open at that location. Here is their Yelp review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/fVmZSQunIQmSwUZ3AWhLjg ---in love with Borinquena's tamales---

I've heard that the tamales at La Borinquena in Oakland (7th Street between Jefferson & Clay) are good. I've never actually tried them (and I'm probably not the best judge of tamales, anyway) but they got several positive reviews on Yelp.com. Carrie

Will you need a total of 15-20 tamales? If yes, stop by La Borinquena Mexi-catessen in downtown Oakland. They have delicious tamales. Their number is 510-444-9954 and their address is 582-7th Street. Year-round Tamale Lover

I finally found somewhere that has great tasting filling, and firm yet moist masa. For our events, whether small or large gatherings, or just for a quiet lunch -- the best tamales around are at The World Cup Cafe aka The Tamale Queen on Fruitvale at 12st street. You can get them ready cooked, or frozen (ask her for the secret way to steam). It's amazing how the frozen turn out so fresh -- better than re-heating. Check out the outdoor patio, too!! She has live music on occasional weekends. And she's a character, too!! http://tamalequeen.com/ finally tamale satisfied

We love the tamales at Cactus Taqueria (top of Solano Avenue). We used Cactus' catering for a recent birthday party (25-30 people); they were great about taking our order in advance and having everything ready for pick up at the arranged time. Check out the catering menu: http://www.cactustaqueria.com/catering.html. robin

Yummy Mexican sit-down restaurant?

Aug 2005

I am looking for a yummy sit-down mexican restaurant with good food and margaritas a reasonable distance from North Oakland/Berkeley. I have places I go for great burritos and tacos but I am looking for more of a dining experience than a taqueria. What places do you like? I am open to suggestions in the East Bay and SF. Gracias! Jennifer

Try Dona Tomas on Telegraph (near 51st) in Oakland. Michael

You'll get this over and over, but Dona Tomas has generally excellent, authentic Mexican food. It's an upscale restaurant with upscale food - definitely not a taco shop. I don't know the exact address but its on Telegraph just off of 51st in Oakland. Rebecca

Have you tried Dona Tomas on Telegraph Ave in Oakland? It's not cheap but it's yummy, has great drinks , a festive feeling inside and out. It's sister site is on 4th Street in Berkeley.It's called Tacubaya and is more of a cafe than a restaurant. Everyone in my family finds something they love at either place. H.S.Brown

I highly recommend Dona Tomas in North Oakland - Temescal. Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Even an outdoor patio that's lovely on warmer nights. Dona Tomas is Mexican, but definitely a step above most burrito joints. According to their website, they serve ''authentic regional and exotic food from all over Mexico''. A must try. See www.donatomas.com for details. They're located at Telegraph and 51st, across the street from Walgreen's. Long-time Dona Tomas diner

I almost don't want to share my secret, although I know it's getting out anyway, but THE BEST Mexican restaurant is El Huarache Azteca - it's on E14th between 38th and 39th in Fruitvale. The food is real Mexican food, Mexico City specifically, and really, really delicious -- even good vegetarian food (try the corn fungus quesadillas!! Sounds wierd but they're incredible). Interesting, perfectly spiced, great variety, and really cheap! Don't know about the margaritas, but have had other alcoholic and non-al drinks that are great -- on Sundays there is music...it's a great atmosphere. It is all the way in Fruitvale but SO worth the trip! my mouth is watering...

The best mexican restaurant with great margaritas is Tommy's Mexican Restaurant on Geary and 24th in the city (not to be confused w/ Tommy's Joint on Van Ness). A traditional family rest. with 100% agave tequlia margos with fresh squeezed lime juice. The carne asada is outstanding. They do not take reservations and it can be quite crowded on the weekends, but I never mind waiting with a cold margo in my hand! It's worth the trip over the bridge. Many nights you'll find Tommy serving tables, his son Julio pouring margo's, and his wife and daughter hosting the front. We LOVE it there! Kerri

November 2003

For many years, we have followed the tradition of tamale making for the Christmas holiday. This year, we're not going to be able to do it, but I'd like to buy tamales for family and friends. Anyone know of a Mexican bakery/restaurant with really good ones that sells by the dozen? I'd prefer locations between and including Berkeley and Richmond. Thanks. Lori

My absolute favorite tamales are at the Farmers' Market in Walnut Creek on Sunday mornings. I'm not sure what other Farmers' Markets she does, but these are made without lard or unhealthy oils and in many varieties,some vegetarian. elaine

I buy tamales in ''mi tierra foods'' is an store on San Pablo Av. and University Ave. they are really good. gvbrown

The best tamales I've found in the East Bay are from the taqueria in the Emeryville Public Market. (I confess that I actually haven't looked very hard for better ones, since those are so yummy.) During the year they sell pork and chicken tamales; I'm not sure if they offer anything special for Christmas or sell packaged tamales in bulk. Happy eating! Janice

I don't remember the name of the woman, but at the El Cerrito Plaza farmer's market there is a woman who sells her homemade tamales and other delicious items. They are outstanding!!! also a tamale lover

For the person looking for tamales, I really enjoy Donna's Tamales. They're tasty, and I think all are made veggie or vegan. I especially recommend the cheese w/ green chilies and the tofu chipotle (I think that's what its called). They're stellar, and have become my Tuesday tradition at the SF Farmers' Market at the Ferry building.

I checked the web, and they do sell them at shops in the east bay, presumably in quantity. Take a look at their website (http://www.donnastamales.com/)and under ''purchase'' you'll see listings of east bay shops (also SF and Marin).

Cool - I may have to buy these for home so my husband can have them too. Good luck. Rebecca

Have you tried the tamales at Mi Tierra? It's been a while since I've had them, but they were yummy. Mi Tierra is on San Pablo one block south of University. Nancy

There is a cart vendor that sells tamales outside of St. Cornelius Church (on MacDonald across from the Civic Center) in Richmond. He is there every Sunday after the masses until at least 1, and I think on Saturday evenings too. You could buy some and see if you like them, then ask if you can order the dozens you need. Rose

Have you checked out the ones at El Cerrito naturals on san Pablo? They have about ten different great flavors with some organic ingredients. about $7 for 4 of them. You'll find them to the left or armand's meat counter.

You can find authentic mexican tamales at Pepito's Deli in Richmond. It's located on the corner of 23rd st. and Rheem Ave. They are about $12 for a dozen they have chicken or pork. Last year at x-mas my grandmother ordered enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tamales for 20 people and everything was only around $75. You can also get homemade tamales at La Borinquena deli on 7th and jefferson in Oakland right across from the police department. They do catering and they have a restaurant there. Everything's great. Good luck! alex

You can also try www.tamalegirl.com skito