La Bonita Taqueria is a hidden gem located in Uptown Oakland's Franklin Square. Only open until mid-afternoon, La Bonita excels at breakfast burritos and plates and of course lunch foods, all traditionally prepared with care. Favorite dishes include the Enchiladas Poblanas, the Torta, and the Carnitas.
Tacos Mi Rancho is a popular late night spot to enjoy a delicious burrito or tasty tacos. This food truck is perfect for a snack after going to the nearby bars. However, don't forget that they're open for lunch too and their massive burritos and cheap prices are perfect at any time.
This Emeryville restaurant is well-known for its delicious burritos and other authentic Mexican fare. Portions are generous and prices are cheap. Try the carnitas burrito! Choose your tortilla (flour, spinach, tomato, or whole wheat), type of beans (black, pinto, or refried), along with Mexican rice and mild pico de gallo or hot salsa.
This taco truck is located in a somewhat hard-to-find corner of Oakland, but rest-assured your search will be well worth the effort. Taqueria Sinaloa is praised for its cheap, delicious and authentic tacos, which come topped with delicately marinated meats and pickled vegetables. Another star on the menu is the Super Burrito, and they aren't joking with the "super" - each one is roughly the length of your forearm. Try the Carnitas Super Burrito and bring a friend to share. Note: this place is cash-only.
The food at La Calaca Loca tastes as good if not better than at most taquerias, which makes it all the more surprising that its actually a lot healthier. Greasy burritos and tacos are out; La Calaca Loca uses vegetables from local markets, line-caught fish, Niman Ranch beef, and Fulton Valley Farms chicken. For a healthy, quick, cheap meal, whether by yourself, with a group of friends, or with the family, enjoy one of La Calaca Loca's giant burritos or fish tacos. You'll leave completely stuffed, guilt free, and probably ready for a nap.
This food truck is located a bit off the beaten path on International Boulevard and 27th Avenue. The menu, which utilizes the freshest of ingredients, features a wide variety of items, all of which are delicious. However, you most definitely can't go wrong with that classic taco truck staple: the burrito. One is big enough to share. Please note that it is cash-only.
You might think that this place with its faux adobe paint job and bright red tables was moved lock, stock and barrel from Mexico itself. The food tastes authentic, too, but the great news here is that it's made without lard and the cooks use cooking techniques that keep the cholesterol down at every stop in the cooking process. The results are delicious and virtually indistinguishable from its more calorie-rich counterparts. Agua fresca and both Mexican and local microbrewery beers are also available from the friendly and quick wait staff.
Located in Alameda, La Penca Azul features generous portions at a reasonable price. This isn't your run-of-the-mill taqueria. In fact, it's a nice sit-down restaurant and they also have a popular happy hour with great deals on drinks and food. Try their chicken enchilada and don't forgot to pair it with a top-shelf margarita. La Penca Azul is great for hosting larger groups as well - come and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
This Mexican flag adorned mini-hacienda in Oakland's Fruitvale district has been a citywide favorite for years. Large portions of traditionally prepared Mexican dishes are served up out of the kitchen. Favorites like burritos, tacos, nachos, tortas and more come piled high with fillings like their carne asada, chorizo and their popular al pastor and some more daring yet still traditional ones like lengua (beef tongue) and cabeza (beef head). Make sure to try the wet al pastor burrito. San Jose also has a fair selection of seafood dishes like ceviche and shrimp cocktail. The large dining room is particularly good for large gatherings.
El Farolito is a popular chain of Mexican restaurants in northern California. The most well-known are the ones in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, but the Oakland location, near the Fruitvale BART station, holds its own as well, and has the added bonus of a shorter wait time. Guests efficiently place their orders amidst the signature yellow decor. Everything on the menu is authentic and delicious, but the popular Super Burrito is clearly the star. They come gigantic, stuffed with whatever meat your heart desires.
Mariscos La Costa features a delightful menu of Mexican treats including dollar tacos, as well as tostadas and burritos. They also place a special emphasis on seafood, and you can even get ceviche and fresh oysters on the half-shell here. Located in the Fruitvale area of Oakland (which, by the way, has no shortage of Mexican restaurants), Mariscos La Costa is a true gem.
For gigantic burritos and a host of other delicious menu items, head to El Taco Zamorano. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Oakland, patrons will most definitely never leave hungry. Portions here are huge; the "super" burritos in particular are massive, so bring a friend and share, or save half of it for later. Prices are on the cheaper side, which makes this a popular dining spot indeed.