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    Bombera

    4.1 (554 reviews)
    PriceyMexican
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

    Bombera Photos

    BOMBERA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

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    Camie K.

    It's shocking that this place hasn't received a Michelin Star yet but we will keep our eyes peeled for that moment to come! We decided on a whim to check it on a Friday night, and boy was I glad we went right when it opened. Since we didn't have a reso, we braved our walk in and already found several parties lined up along the fence from the entrance. As soon as they opened the front door they quickly seated everyone. At a quick glance the building looked like was repurposed from an old fire department. It had plenty of outdoor covered seating, and its interior boasted enormous high ceiling with beautiful decorations well illuminated by natural light. The menu was filled with delicious wholesome meals rendering us completely paralyzed with indecision. I talked my husband out of getting chips and salsa; instead we opted for the potato taquitos which were absolutely delightful - fried crispy to perfection juxtaposed with the warm comforting potato filling. The plate also came with a healthy portion of refried black beans, slaw and crema. Then next came our mains - fish tacos and half chicken over rice. Both were well portioned. The chicken was well seasoned packed with flavo and sat atop a mound of rice, black beans, some sort of greens and corn. The side of pickled carrots and onions added so much zest to an already phenomenal dish. We also loved being able to just use our hand to break apart the handmade moist tortillas into bite size pieces, scooping up all chicken rice mixture. The fish tacos were massive! I ended up removing most of the breading since I was starting to get full; the fish was very fresh and melted my mouth. The beet colored pickled onions that came with the tacos provided some acidity but also complexity. They have absolutely nailed each dish! Although I wasn't going to get any alcoholic drinks, our friendly and enthusiastic waitress got me to sign up for a passion fruit margarita with mezcal while my husband chose a Paloma. Both were outstanding and sent us both straight to sleep after dinner. Sadly we were so stuffed we didn't have get to order any desserts but there will always be a next time, 'cause I surely can't wait to go back!

    Carrots in black beens
    Mayra C.

    When in the Bay this is an obligatory stop! The food is fresh, flavorful and vegetable forward. I told my friends I would probably eat more vegetables if they were coming from this kitchen. My favorite was their complimentary beets but everything else was as equally delicious. The staff was friendly and attentive and place felt homie and lively. The decor is simple and neutral, the food and drinks add life and color to each table.

    Nirsh A.

    Food was really good. We got the duck and the quesadilla. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. However, our service was not that great. We were not attended to, and felt dismissed.

    Johnny W.

    Summary: Delicious food with explosive flavors Details: I can't recall how we landed on Bombera while we were looking for anniversary dinner options, but we were sure happy it did! I'll be honest: I came in to the dinner a little skeptical at the slightly lower reviews, but seeing that most of them were chalked up as service qualms (and being used to Chinese restaurants), we opted to give it a go. And boy, the food was t.a.s.t.y! Pozole and the carrots and beans were the highlights of the meal, both coming with a super smokey and fiery chili that we absolutely adored, but everything else we had was enjoyable, and not overly seasoned, which is always the concern when we go out these days. I can see where some of the service complaints might have come from because the staff seemed pretty slammed and harried, but we actually found the service to be quite friendly. Accessibility: Outdoor seating is technically accessible, not not always comfortably so. Some tables are situated on slightly-too-steep inclines, which means you may be scrunching or bracing for the entirety of your meal.

    Decor inside
    Ami J.

    Such a beautiful place! The vibes, the food, the people - all 10/10! First off - I'd suggest to make a reservation! We sat indoors but they do have an outdoor tented area. Second - we didn't have any issues parking on the street. The restaurant is tucked away in a semi-residential area. Third - the experience start to finish: Staff - super friendly, and welcoming! There was a seamless handoff between checking in, to the person helping with our order, to receiving our order. Drink - I had the house fermented soda and at that time - it was featuring dragon fruit. OMG - incredible, tasty, and refreshing! Food - we had SPICY CARROTS TOASTED ALMOND MISANTLA (11/10), BLUE CORN QUESADILLA (10/10 - everything handmade/fresh), and BLACK MOLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH (11/10 - whoever's came up with this combo - chefs kiss!) and more! I recommend this place for date night, family dinner, or a birthday/hang with some friends!

    Guava tart
    Leah E.

    Bombera, hear me out, brunch once a month on Saturday and Sunday? Or just Saturday? Or just Sunday? I was THRILLED to see that the New Year's Day brunch was back this year after a hiatus and I made a resy for two immediately. I was in Hawai'i for two weeks reconnecting with my family so this was my Christmas gift to myself. I love everything about Bombera but I specifically love not having to eat it for dinner.

    fish tacos.
    Diana S.

    It's been almost a year since visiting Bombera but I'm still thinking about the freshness and flavors that I enjoyed here. Since I've just locked in the res for my next visit, I'm writing my thoughts in hopes that these months in between have only made this place even better. Bombera is a firewoman and this place is fireeee. The carrots appetizer will make you fall in love with carrots and calling yourself Bugs Bunny--it is that. good. I love the tostadas: smoky whitefish and fresh toppings. I'm not sure if these are on their current menu but the fish tacos were huge and perfect. I love that they let you add on a taco since we were a table of 3 and each wanted our own or if you're feeling extra hungry and want 3 for yourself! Oh and the carne asada was perfectly done but I only wish the portion was larger. They've maximized the seating in the dining room and patio (heated or shaded if you like) where you feel the liveliness but still have privacy for your own table. Lastly, Chef Dominica is not only a culinary genius but she has such a warm vibe and took time to greet so many of her diners on the patio on such a beautiful evening. I'm so excited to be going here in a couple weeks and again and again!

    Asparagus and carnitas in mole sauce.
    Joel S.

    Cute, friendly with very good food. I liked it when she had Cosecha in downtown but this is more elevated and warm. Nice staff. It's not cheap, $15 for a margarita is questionable. The only thing I would like to see is for a Sunday brunch which was great at Cosecha.

    Ramona H.

    Second time dining at Bombera. Amazing service, food is well thought out and the flavor and presentation 5 star plus. Cocktails are exciting, well put together and balanced. Fresh ingredients, Mexican flair, friendly and fun. Parking can be a challenge but worth it. We sat at the end of the bar closer to the entrance which is Where sat the first time we ate there. I enjoyed watching Guadalupe the bartender create cocktails and share recipes with me. Alejandro provided excellent service while We were waiting for our table. No reservations so 60 minutes but time went by quickly. Well done Chef and restaurant family. See you again soon. I'm hoping I can sneak in a chat with Chef next time.

    Kelley K.

    I have been wanting to dine here for years! We finally made it! This place is so charming! What a welcoming establishment! The entire staff is friendly & efficient. The drinks & the food were all amazing! We had the best time. I truly hope we will dine here often. It really will be difficult for me to order anything besides their Swordfish. It was the best fish I've ever eaten. Mind blowing swordfish! Thank you Bombera for the wonderful experience.

    Shirley H.

    Must try's: horchata, quesadilla, and fish tacos! The fish tacos were huge and so filling. The quesadilla was nicely toasted and would've been great with the addition of a protein. I'd skip on the tamales, they were fairly dry, and the guac/salsa - the portion of guac was pretty sad.

    Menu
    Joy F.

    Had a wonderful experience at Bombera and it's been on my list to visit. Scored a reservation for early dining and line was already forming at 5:00pm. Dined inside which was a beautifully decorated fire station, hence the restaurant name of Bombera. Started with the chips, guac and salsa, beets, all amazing. We also had pozole which was good and for our entree the filet mignon and whole chicken! It was a $9 difference from a half chicken to a full -- so guess what more chicken to take home! Our server was very nice. When I had mistakenly thought I was ordering a cocktail vs a shot, he quickly suggested we can make it to a cocktail, and it was really good. Oh and the closer was an amazing cardamom cake that you'd see displayed on the side of their open kitchen --- so so good! This is one of those places we'd love to come back to for sure, that checked all the boxes for a date night.

    Green pozole
    Liz S.

    Anything less than 5 stars would be a crime! After 3 dinning experiences at Bombera it has become my Oakland favorite (at the moment). Every single dish I have tried is unique mouth watering deliciousness. The food is so flavorful and perfectly fresh. I have had NO missed on the appetizers, entrees, or drinks. My only miss was the tres leches cake which was dry and dense and not one milk in sight lol. Staff has always been kind and attentive while encouraging sharing which I highly encourage as well! Get all the things! The duck mole is soft and crispy with a unique green mole a must try. Decor is cute and outdoor patio is perfect on a sunny day. Make a reservation!

    Tepache con Tiki cocktail, tamales, chips, & cardamom cake

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    Bombera Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bombera

    Do they have a bar?

    Yes! A really nice one, indoors with seating

    What is the difference between the patio and Garden area dining options? I don't see a garden based on any pix here. Thanks!

    Patio is outside closer to front door very simple Garden has a small set up with flowers but still outside… 

    What is the salon area? I am familiar with the outdoor patio and dining room, but see that “salon” is also offered as a dining location.

    The salon is in the back of the restaurant, not great, but okay, makes sure you reserve the right number of chairs as their hosts gets bent out of shape if you clone with extra folks

    Is the outdoor area pet friendly?

    Yes

    What's parking like in the area? Does Bombera have their own parking or would I need to park in a nearby parking garage (are they close enough?

    Bombera does NOT have their own parking. Street parking only; some metered, some not. The food and friendly staff are worth this inconvenience.

    Considering taking the in-laws here. is it loud in the indoor dining room? they're extremely sensitive & one has a hearing aid.

    Your in-laws will likely have a terrible time indoors at Bombera. I have hearing aids, and had the worst restaurant experience ever. The din was amazingly loud. The restaurant made it worse with loud music, and refused requests to turn it down. The… 

    Do they offer outdoor dining?

    Yes, they have a good size outdoor patio area with standing gas heaters.

    Assuming we are allowed to bring our own wine, what is the corkage fee?

    Are tamales offered as part of the Saturday brunch menu?

    Would say yes, since they have had them recently. Would suggest you call ahead. One thing for sure: they are excellent

    View All 10 Questions

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    NIDO's BackYard - Fish taco

    NIDO's BackYard

    3.8(1.1k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    TLDR: Immaculate vibes and friendly staff. The atmosphere and huge layout of the place are super…read morenice - maybe one of the best in the city - and it's definitely a great place to have a big party or gathering. Lots of different open sections, many open spaces and large tables covering a huge foot print. Lots of TVs, good music/sound system, and lots of plants used to split up the tables and create a great environment. Food could be slightly improved. I'll definitely be back and give it another try. Come here for the vibes, drinks, and atmosphere - which are without a doubt a 5 star experience - but if you want good authentic Mexican food, look elsewhere. Food, I'd give a generous 3.5 stars to 3.8 stars, at best. I was really excited to try their food but honestly it tasted bland, unpolished, and unrefined. I have a feeling their target audience is someone that doesn't like spice so they punish those of us that actually like them. For example, my fish tacos didn't have pico de gallo or hot salsa, my rice and beans were NOT even topped with any sour cream (a Mexican delight) or fresh grated queso fresco. These are two very simple ways to elevate the dish and was a miss in my book. Their mole dish was nicely plated but for the taste the mole was not up to par - it tasted sweet and not authentic, there was no depth in the flavor you're used to tasting for mole. Drinks were 5 stars without a doubt and I had the best Paloma I've ever had in my life. I also highly recommend the Alabama slammer super yummy and tasty it's like a punch but not too sweet. The drinks did take a solid 30+ minutes to get delivered so that was a bummer. If they were quicker I would've gotten a second round but I didn't feel like risking waiting around for another half hour for them. Parking is pretty good but it's still Oakland - I do appreciate that they hire a super friendly security guard attendant at a nearby dedicated parking lot location for a modest $5 charge. Don't forget to tip the parking lot attendant doing the lords work! The last thing I would mention is that if you're sensitive to smells, this is an outdoor place right off the bay (1-2 blocks) and near some Amtrak train tracks (which pass hourly or so), so there is a faint and occasional odor of bay water and some brake dust or diesel fumes when trains pass occasionally.

    Genuine authentic Mexican style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Large yard for seating…read moreor even private events. Full bar with friendly bartenders and beautiful hostess and waitresses. Welcoming and warm atmosphere great for groups, gatherings, events watching over big screens, kids, casual dates and meetups. Food is simply amazing full of flavors and fresh. Reservation is recommended for large groups and off for events. Large parking area across the street for $5. Wide and flat entires and routes great for accessibility.

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    NIDO's BackYard
    NIDO's BackYard - Chilaquiles with Chorizo added

    Chilaquiles with Chorizo added

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    Molcajete Cocina Mexicana - Guacamole

    Molcajete Cocina Mexicana

    3.8(766 reviews)
    2.8 miUptown
    $$

    I've been here a few times now and have tried the shrimp and steak burrito as well as the chicken…read moreburrito. Both were really good, with generous portions and great flavor. The staff has always been friendly, and the food has been consistently enjoyable. One suggestion I'd offer is to consider adding a happy hour or Taco Tuesday special. There are several Mexican restaurants nearby that offer deals like those, and I think it could help bring in more customers during slower times. The food is definitely good enough to attract people--I just think a few specials would give more people a reason to stop in and give the restaurant a try. Overall, I'd definitely come back and would recommend it if you're looking for a solid burrito.

    The service was fantastic, the man in the front was very polite and friendly, and the ambiance in…read morethe restaurant was great I loved the decorations so much, but the food disappointed me. It was packed nicely in a cool container I'm so excited to reuse, but the salsas were watery and bland, and oh my the flautas were nothing like I was expecting. They were big like little burritos and the tortilla was still soft, it also lacked flavor. The beans and rice were delicious, the rice had some big pieces of what I believe were tomatillo peppers which I loved. I think my food was supposed to come with tortillas which I did not get. Maybe I just need to try something else there but a bad salsa really put me off.

    Photos
    Molcajete Cocina Mexicana - Love the vibe of the bar area.

    Love the vibe of the bar area.

    Molcajete Cocina Mexicana - Guacamole, chips & salsa trio

    Guacamole, chips & salsa trio

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    Doña - Guacamole & Chips

    Doña

    3.9(621 reviews)
    2.8 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
    $$

    Great food, great service, great ambiance! The coffee was okay, but it was extremely weak, and the…read moreflavor I got was pre-batched--nothing special. I haven't tried their cocktails, but they had an interesting selection. There's plenty of seats and a great community vibe here. There's a decent amount of tables and booths, both inside and outside, and a large two-floor patio as well. I loved the space and think it's a great place to bring a group. There's enough seating that the restaurant feels full but not overcrowded or loud. The workers also are very attentive and will check up on you. You place your order at the counter, and they will bring it to your table. Everyone was very friendly, and there's a good vibe. I ordered the fish tacos. They were a bit pricey for tacos, but they were good. I wouldn't consider them extremely flavorful, but the ingredients were good quality and well-balanced. Overall, I really enjoyed Doña and would definitely come back. I think this is a great place to focus and get a lot of work done, or to hang out with a big group of friends.

    One of the best Mexican places in The Town - and it's a fiercely competitive landscape too! We've…read morebeen coming for a while now and this place never disappoints. The menu does change up seasonally. I've had countless mouth watering chile rellenos with their ever changing sauce and filling. And my to go to nowadays to ensure I get plenty of protein is ordering one of their bowls, usually with pescado frito (fried fish) with black beans. My husband enjoys their barbacoa shredded meat. The bowls are filling, nutritious and flavor bombs. I also love indulging in their agua frescas. Our personal favorites are the strawberry horchata (a MUST if it's available) and their coconut ice coffee. Refreshing beverages to help soothe your tongue because the sliced fresh chiles on fried fish bowl are indeed lethal. Overall consistently delicious. It does get packed but if you come early around 4-5pm you will beat the crowd.

    Photos
    Doña - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Doña - Pescado Frito Bowl. The cod was perfectly fried and tasty!b

    Pescado Frito Bowl. The cod was perfectly fried and tasty!b

    Doña - Margaritas for 2. This one is their passion fruit one. It's tasty!

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    Margaritas for 2. This one is their passion fruit one. It's tasty!

    Taqueria El Paisa - Tacos!

    Taqueria El Paisa

    4.4(561 reviews)
    2.0 miEast Oakland
    $$

    Came here for lunch on a Tuesday around noon and it was pretty busy. We finally lucked out and got…read morea parking spot in the parking lot. We tried coming here on a Sunday and couldn't find parking for 15+ minutes so we ended up leaving. There is some street parking but we prefer to park in the lot. Once you get inside you order at the counter. If you're getting tacos they're all the same price so the cashier will write the number of tacos you bought and you take that receipt and get in the line. Once you get called up you put your receipt in the basket that the worker hands you and tell them what kind of meat you want in your tacos. Today I tried the asada, carnitas, Al pastor, and tripa. They all were delicious, my favorite was the tripa. Portions are good ($4.50/taco) and they have a variety of salsas, jalapeños, limes, etc in the seating area once you exit. I also got a hibiscus (Jamaica) agua fresca that was good. They do accept credit card but they'll charge a $1 fee so try to bring cash if you can. Definitely recommend, this is now one of my top taco spots in Oakland.

    I was really excited when I arrived at Taquería El Paisa. It's a lively, energetic establishment,…read moreand even though there were at least 20 people ahead of me in line, the wait gave me a chance to observe the well-orchestrated kitchen operations. Everything looked authentic, fresh, and incredibly appetizing. When it was finally my turn to order, I was especially pleased to see the variety of meats available. The suadero immediately caught my attention. It appeared to be the proper cut of meat--a cut that surprisingly few places in the Bay Area use, and even fewer seem to know how to cook properly. I also noticed that they use a traditional "disco"--the large, deep, circular pan with a dome-shaped center--to cook the suadero. At that point, my mouth was watering. We ordered a burrito, three asada tacos, two suadero tacos, two cabeza tacos (meat from cow's head), one lengua (beef tongue), and one tripa (beef small intestine). I also asked for some of the salsa available behind the counter where they serve your tacos, which turned out to be a delicious house-made habanero salsa. Unfortunately, not all that glitters is gold. As appetizing as everything looked, the meats simply weren't executed as well as I had hoped. The asada was dry and overcooked. The suadero was dry, tough, and overcooked. I was particularly looking forward to the tripa, but instead of the crispy, rich, savory flavor I normally associate with a great tripa taco, these were soft, soggy, fatty, and somewhat bland. One of the biggest disappointments was that all of the different cuts seemed to taste almost exactly the same. Part of the appeal of ordering tacos like suadero, cabeza, lengua, and tripa is experiencing the distinct character of each cut. Unfortunately, those differences were largely lost here. By the end of the meal, the dominant flavor in my mouth was simply grease, which made it difficult for the individual meats to shine. That said, there is a lot to like about Taquería El Paisa. I absolutely loved the décor and overall ambience. The restaurant has a genuine feel of as if you were in a Mercado in Mexico City, and that atmosphere adds a lot to the experience. I also really enjoyed the salsa bar, which offers a great variety of traditional taco accompaniments. The house-made habanero salsa, in particular, is excellent--bright, flavorful, and seriously spicy. A few drops on each taco is more than enough. Seriously, resist the temptation to douse your taco in it! I think Taquería El Paisa has tremendous appeal and a potential for the best taqueria in the Bay Area. The atmosphere is authentic, the selection of meats is impressive, and the presentation initially builds a lot of anticipation. What I would love to see is a little more attention given to the cooking techniques and handling of each individual cut. Better control of the cooking time, texture, and perhaps work on mastering how  the suadero, tripa, lengua, and cabeza can each maintain their own distinctive flavor and character. There's definitely something special here waiting to come through. With some refinement in the execution of the meats, Taquería El Paisa could really elevate the taco experience and turn that first impression of excitement into an equally impressive meal. Side note, is there a bathroom at this restaurant? I couldn't find one.

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    Taqueria El Paisa
    Taqueria El Paisa - Torta de asada!

    Torta de asada!

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    La Esquinita - Tacos

    La Esquinita

    4.3(108 reviews)
    3.4 miNorth Oakland
    $$

    Super fun little spot on the corner. Bright pink building. We ordered one chilaquiles verde. Huge…read moreplate, steaming hot, delicious!!!! Great value. Thank you!

    La Esquinita has seriously become one of my favorite lunch spots because the food is AMAZING…read more Unfortunately, my issue is specifically with the two girls with black hair who are usually working the front register. Every single time I've come in and those two are working, the customer service has been disappointing. Neither of them ever seems welcoming. No "hi," no "welcome in," no smile, and sometimes barely even an acknowledgment that you're standing there waiting to order. When they do take your order, both come across short and irritated, almost like you're inconveniencing them by being there. Then you pay and there's usually no "thank you" or anything. The whole interaction gives off a "why are you here?" I'm not asking these girls to throw me a welcome party, but damn basic hospitality shouldn't be this difficult. When you're the first people customers interact with, your attitude represents the restaurant. At this point, the food has more warmth and personality than the two people standing at the register. And I want to make it clear that I'm specifically talking about my experiences with these two cashiers, because the food itself is DELICIOUS. Whoever is cooking in the back deserves their flowers. It's honestly unfortunate that such good food is being paired with front-counter service that repeatedly makes me reconsider coming back. Hopefully management addresses the issue because I genuinely enjoy eating here. Customers shouldn't feel like they're bothering the employees just for walking in and placing an order.

    Photos
    La Esquinita
    La Esquinita - Carne Asada Taco

    Carne Asada Taco

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    Tacos Oscar - chips & salsa morita

    Tacos Oscar

    4.4(317 reviews)
    3.2 miTemescal, North Oakland

    Ohhh baby we got a winner!!!…read more I had high expectations when I saw the Michilin Bib hanging over the kitchen, and boy did it live up to it. Not only was the food great but it also has a very cozy and unique vibe inside (well I guess technically it's outside.) there was no line and we got our food quick, I can't think of one thing to complain about. I got three tacos, all costing a mere 5$; Pork: absolutely blew me away. The first taco I started with and set the bar very high. I tried the first bite with all my friends and we instantly locked eyes because we knew we found something special 9.7/10 Pollo: nearly on the same level as the pork. The red onions on top gave it great texture and a unique flavor profile 9.2/10 Barbacoa: on its own it was solid! But when compared to its counterparts it wasn't quite as jaw dropping. 8.1/10 Overall: 9.4/10

    Decent tacos with original and fun takes on classics and vegan friendly options. But it left me…read morewanting more in terms of genuine flavor, textura and coziness that I would get from other taco spots in Oakland. It's a fun space to hang out and I admire their contribution to the community, but I'd still recommend folks to go to Fruitvale for more diversity and genuine flavors. The presentation and hand made tortillas were great though

    Photos
    Tacos Oscar - Side seating entrance

    Side seating entrance

    Tacos Oscar - Don't be like me. provide your tostada with a strong support system

    Don't be like me. provide your tostada with a strong support system

    Tacos Oscar - Outdoor seating

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    Outdoor seating

    Bombera - mexican - Updated September 2026

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