For an airport dining spot, Calavera is actually pretty solid! I remember liking it when I tried it on a previous trip, and decided to stop by again. The staff is friendly and the dining area is very clean, I ended up sitting for a while and getting some work done. I also like that they have a kiosk option for ordering. I got the chicken tacos, which were warm and fresh. The chicken was flavorful and tender, and I enjoyed the quac on top of the tacos. The chips were a little stale, and I wasn't the biggest fan of the salsa that came on the side. It definitely is on the pricier side for 2 very small street tacos. I would definitely recommend if you have a shorter flight, as I can see someone getting hungry quickly after these. However, with limited options in the southwest terminal at Oakland I will continue to come back here! read more

Calavera - Chicken Tinga Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I had the chorizo breakfast burrito Is huge enough to feed three small people are too large a lot of bang for the buck I like it better if it wasn't stuff full of beans I like breakfast burrito was with less beans beans are for lunch and dinner not breakfast Personal opinion read more

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The bartender (Catherine) is amazingly talented and friendly. The presentation of food and drink is top notch here. The menu has tacos and burrito bowls as well as a truly excellent smash burger. The ambiance is clean and colorful and open. You can order food to go or sit down and eat. The carne asada tacos are delicious. They also are 9.22 in servings of 2 or $5 if you add them as an add on to any other dish. Great deal. read more

Calavera - Margarita de la casa (house marg). - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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I have been here so many times, I can't believe I had not posted a review. Calavera is located at the far end of terminal 2, between Gate 28 and 30. Open from 5am to 10pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this Mexican restaurant has plenty of table seating and a few available at the bar. Try the breakfast burritos, very filling. For lunch or a snack, the nachos are good. The burgers are a go to also. The Spicy Citrus Margarita is refreshing. The staff has been pleasant in my experience providing good service at the bar and tables. read more

Calavera - Margarita de la Casa - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I got a ton of protein in my breakfast burrito. I was impressed! And huge portion and loved getting the Cholula packets. Restaurant was clean and cute, and right by the southwest gates. I got my food very quickly as well and it was hot and fresh. Awesome! The meh: Disneyland prices, under seasoned Bottom line: For an airport, this was a very good and filling high protein breakfast read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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I found the counter staff to be dismissive, rude, and unprofessional. They saw me at their Oakland Airport restaurant....they did not acknowledge me so I proceeded to order via the kiosk. Food is not bad but this happened on 2 occasions. On my third visit the counter worker was rude....maybe using the kiosk is a better option. I'll skip them on my next Airport visit. read more

AIRPORT FOOD! Teeny weeny itty bitty mini nano TINY TACOS! Sweet Geezus! $15 for two tiny tacos and a fountain drink. Also $8 for Elotes, blandest elotes ever. Thank gawd! I was able to charge this on my corporate credit card since I was in a work trip. read more

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Maybe I was starving but this was the best airport meal I've ever had, hands down! I got the nachos with the vegan Al pastor. I really appreciate when a place has vegetarian protein options. The beer was tasty, and the service was very friendly (thank you Matthew R!). One of my new favorite reasons to fly out of OAK! read more

Calavera - Nachos with vegan Al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Came to OAK for an early morning flight. Was pretty hungry so we decided to have whatever was close to our gate. This place was open at 5am and had a breakfast menu. Ordering was easy as it was through the kiosk. You could also order through a QR code. Food was delicious, but a bit expensive. That's to be expected at the airport but dang is it expensive. The food came out hot and fresh. It could've been the first batch of the day, but the food was crispy and not soggy. I did notice they had burritos made and sitting on a warmer for grab and go. Ambiance was quiet and peaceful due to it being 5am. Your mileage at peak times may vary. read more

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I was surprised how low the ratings are. This is some of the fresh tasting well seasoned Mexican food that I have had in or out of an airport. The CARNE ASADA QUESATACOS was delicious. Everything was so fresh and the carne asada, tortilla with melted cheese was delicious. Also, the Margarita de la Casa was great. I gave it a 4 only because it was self pick up, although the bartender offered ice water. I will be back! read more

Cool name for a restaurant. After eating only Asian food on our trip I'm so happy to be in California where I can get a proper quesadilla. The elote was good too! My elote man is better though.... (Had to shout him out) (hi Jesus!!) I liked that there was a scan to order option and the kitchen just stayed cranking out orders! Great job. Also California people are just my people. All over nice and kind and welcoming to random strangers. Travel tip definitely stop here if you like Mexican food. read more

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The burrito bowl was yummy. The waiter at the bar made it for me without lettuce and it was the perfect pre flight meal! With plenty of space to charge my electronics and get a few things done for work in a pleasant environment! Highly recommend for those traveling through Oakland airport! read more

Let's be real. This is a solid 2 stars. Got the queso tacos and burger. Queso taco was better than expected but when given to me my first thought was "that's it?". The chips were stale and the salsa sucked. The burger, like everything else, lacked seasoning. Thank goodness for salt on the table. If I were back in this airport, I would try the draft house across from here. read more

Calavera - Smash burger - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Decent enough for an airport venue. I ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon, which was decent, and a Chicken Tinga Burrito Bowl, which was extremely bland but somewhat rehabilitated by 2 packets of Cholula hot sauce. Tables were clean, the space was attractive enough, and service was fine but unremarkable. Note to self for future that you can order by scanning a QR code at a table instead of standing on line. read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Got sick from the breakfast burrito. Also it was drippy and too runny. Should've checked the reviews before going. Woke up two times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. read more

Really, truly don't. Seriously, walk another 30 yards and eat at Southie. The Calavera Mexican Kitchen has some of the worst tasting, unpleasantly prepared food I've ever actually paid to eat. Watery chicken tinga tacos, with meat that managed to both be underseasoned and gross tasting - in all seriousness, if I'd prepared something this bad at home, I wouldn't eat it (and I'm not one to waste food, as a look at my silhouette is sure to reveal). The guacamole had unripe avocados making it woody and strings of improperly removed peel throughout it. The salsa and chips that came with the tacos were the stars of the experience - and I'd give them a grade of about C . . . on a scale of "Airport Food," too. Service was pretty pleasant and efficient. The room was chaotic and loud. I think most of the appeal of this place comes from the fact that one can get an alcoholic drink here as well. If you go, be sure to drink a lot before you start eating. But seriously, walk another 30 yards and eat a sandwich or salad at Southie. read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Had a 3 hours layover so had to eat before my flight. This restaurant is located by Gate 29 inside Terminal 2 of Oakland International AirPort! Luckily no line when I decided to try this eatery! Not too friendly cashier Marilu. I dined in so I can enjoy meal ! I ordered the Carnitas Quesadilla which was served in a nice square deep dish black plate with handles. I am not a fan of goat cheese and seems like that's what they used in my quesadillas... it smelled and tasted like it !! The carnitas meat didn't taste like the usual carnitas I have. This also has a bar so that counter was pretty busy with a jolly bartender conversing with customers! I just wished they used a different cheese! Wow ! So strong smell just seating here I could smell goat cheese for sure!!! read more

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It's... fine. Stopped by Calavera during a layover and left pretty underwhelmed. The food was bland--definitely not the flavor punch you'd expect from a Mexican spot. On the bright side, the seating was decent and spaced out enough to relax before a flight. The staff was super friendly and helpful, which honestly bumped it up from a 2-star to a 3-star experience. If you're starving, it'll do--but don't expect to be wowed. read more

Calavera - Burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

While waiting for a morning flight on 2/27, I ordered a mimosa from the QR code on the flyer on our table. After waiting for about 10 minutes, I walked up to the bar to see if it was coming out. It took a moment to flag her down, which was fine as she was busy with other orders, and when she did come over, she looked confused at first and was about to investigate but got distracted talking to a coworker. Then she continued to deliever food and fill orders, leaving me standing there, so i waited for her to come back. After getting her attention again, she said a ticket never printed out and that she can't fill an alcohol order without the ticket. I understand that completely, and never once pushed her to fill the order. She said she would need to grab a manager, so I said okay and waited. She then continued to fill orders for others, but never once made a motion to get a manager. No phone call, no talking to other employees, just kept going about her business. This is in an airport, mind you, so time is important as we do have a flight to catch. I politely got her attention one more time, and she just repeated that she can't make the drink without the ticket and would have to call a manager. Then walked off again and kept filling orders, making no motion to contact one. So I tried talking to the other employees behind the counter, asking for a manager, and they weren't able to help and said the bartender would take care of it. The bartender walked back over and repeated the same line of not being able to make the drink and would need to call the manager. At this point, I was feeling frustrated and admittedly was a bit snippy when I asked her "okay, I get that, but can you actually call the manager". The bartender pulled MAJOR attitude at this point and dramatically threw her arms open declaring "OH YES, I'll stop literally everything I'm doing JUST TO HELP YOU!" And stormed off. I sarcastically responded "yeah okay that would be great thanks". When she comes back, she is aggressive and is in my face telling me she can't find a manager, and that I can't come in there speaking to people that way (what way?!?! All I had done was patiently wait until she snapped an attitude!!). I tried descalating her and asking calming if we could just calmly talk the situation over. She kept interrupting me and not letting me get a word in, and then dramatically says "you know what? I'll make your drink, even though I'll probably get in trouble for it, but next time order from a HUMAN and NOT an app!!" I admit I lost my temper at this point. They have QR codes on the tables that pull up the menu, and alcohol is available to order off that menu. If customers are not supposed to do it that way, there should be signs or notes posted. Or, better yet, don't put the alcohol on the online menu to begin with. Being treated like I was the idiot for doing that, was incredibly upsetting and I snapped "then why is there a fucking QR code on the table?!" After that she totally freaked out on me, told me if I cussed again she was calling the sheriff. I wasn't cussing anymore but she literally would not let me get a word in without threatening to call the sheriff and trying to make me leave. She told me to go find a manager (myself) and leave. So I asked her where to go to find them and she just kept saying "go find one! Go find one!" And told me to just go to any other food establishment in the airport (wtf?!?!) So I walked away to try to find a customer service person to talk to. Mind you, I had not even gotten a refund at this point, so they were essentially stealing from me. After walking back and forth a bit, I see her talking to what appeared to be a manager so I started to walk up to speak with her. The bartender was pointing at me and immediately started telling me to leave because I was cussing at her. I ignored her and calmly addressed the manager and asked for a refund. The manager shushed the bartender and sent her back to the bar and when to the register to work on the refund. I asked her if I could calmly and politely speak to her about what happened. First I apologized for losing my temper and dropping an F bomb. Though I was frustrated and upset, it was uncalled for and I acknowledge and take responsibility for it. I then told her the whole story of what happened. She explained they sometimes had an issue with where the tickets print out in the wrong areas. We understood and explained that we had no way of knowing not to order through the QR code. The manager was calm and reasonable and I felt like we were heard and understood better, and were able to properly apologize. I was able to get a refund and we were on our way. That bartender NEEDS to be fired. If she can't handle basic communication and goes straight to escalation and insulting the customer, she needs a job where she's not working with the public. read more

I wasn't expecting to leave an airport meal raving, but Calavera Mexican Kitchen at the Oakland Airport seriously delivered. Located right across from Oakland Dash House, this spot surprised me in the best way possible. I ordered the Smash burger (around $22 pre-tax, $25+ after), and it was incredible. Grilled onions, melted cheese, chipotle aioli, and a perfectly toasted brioche bun--it was angelic. I'm pretty sure they grilled the cheese on the flattop so it had those golden, crispy edges. That cooked cheese flavor was next-level and absolutely addictive. I didn't want the burger to end. The burger also came with a side of fresh tortilla chips and salsa that reminded me of my dad's homemade salsa. It had a perfect spicy kick, garlicky depth, and just the right hit of tomato--it was seriously good and paired perfectly with the crunchy chips. It was such a nostalgic and delicious bonus. Ambience-wise, for an airport spot, it's pretty great. There's music playing at a noticeable volume, but it's not overwhelming or uncomfortable--just enough to give the space some energy and vibe. Even though you're in an airport, the service was fast and friendly. They even brought my food over to me when I missed hearing my number called. Next time I'm flying through OAK, I'll be making sure I have enough time to come back for another Smashburger. This was hands-down one of the best airport meals I've ever had. read more

Calavera - Smash burger - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Airport services at its best. Love the organization, it was quick to order and service was fast. Yes, there were a number of customers. My chicken tinga was superb- generous serving and very rich in flavor ! My berries smoothie was fantastic. I am glad I tried Calveras today! I was craving for something filling:) read more

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Had some time to kill and this was the perfect work spot. Myles and Adrian are the best and were super friendly, made the best drinks and made my little work office here the perfect spot! Thanks you fellas for the great drinks and hospitality! read more

Passed up several other bars looking for a place that might produce an old fashioned that passes. This one does. read more

Calavera - Old fashioned. Makers. Orange bitters. Cherry liqueur. - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

It was a Saturday, bartender, Kimberly- one word....AMAZING When you rate a place it's not 100% food The food was good the service outstanding This has become my go to earlier this year at OAK - because of the people and the tequila selection read more

5 stars when compared to every other airport food offering. Every time I've come here the Mezcal cocktails are excellent. The bartenders are super friendly. I had the smashburger and it was better than some other brick and mortar smash burgers. Surprising for a Mexican restaurant. Been here multiple times for cocktails before my flight and they never disappoint. I won't get cocktails at any other Oakland airport bar. There are tables and chairs and also a bar top area. read more

Food was ok, and service was fine, but my breakfast burrito was $26.80 with tip, and they forgot to add the chorizo (which was an extra $4). The restaurant business is hard, but I'm sure it's nearly impossible to provide a good value when operating out of OAK airport. read more

This restaurant is definitely a vibe for any type of occasion food was excellent I will definitely go back just a suggestion for the music can make it for all type of nationality read more

This place is the BEST in the entire airport. I was served by Kimberly and assisted by Floraberto. These 2 employees are invaluable! Not only was the food phenomenal, and at a GREAT price, but the employees here are the BEST. Every time I come through the Oakland airport I will be stopping here. Great job Calavera's read more

We would have never eaten here if our stop over flight wasn't delayed. But....... This is the one time when I wasn't mad about a delayed flight. 3.5 Stars +. 5 for the Pliny on draft. Calavera Mexican Kitchen is near Southwest Airlines Gate 27. You can order from your phone with a scan from the qr on the tables, order from the person at the register or order from the two large pads at the entrance. What actually brought me here was the advertisement board near the restaurant. That has Pliny the Elder on draft, served in 13.5oz nice craft beer glass, no plastic cup for this beer. I also ordered the carnitas tacos which were braised pork on soft tortillas, it came with chips and salsa. My first thought was.. Why don't we have a place like this in our airport! The taco filling was generous and added white and pickled onions made it a great bite. Along side a great craft beer made this quick stop off a good choice. read more

Best bar at the airport! Thanks Dylan! Wonderful service and fantastic drinks! You won't regret stopping here read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Got the chicken sandwich. It was tasty but I thought it looked undercooked and sure enough, the next day I had to stick nearby the toilet all day. Beware! I know it was Calavera's fault because the only thing I had to eat that day was a bowl of cereal. read more

Good place for a quick bite to eat during my layover. I ordered the burrito bowl with chicken tingas. The bowl was fairly decent; however, my main complaint is that a lot of my rice was underdone. I found myself chewing hard pieces a lot of the time which prevented me from fully enjoying my bowl. The meat was very flavorful! read more

Calavera - Chicken tingas burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Ordered small quesadilla which I can only Describe as a fried string cheese. Asked for side salsa for my chips and they said that will cost another $1.15. They offered me a packet of hoDefinitely not worth $10 and service is poor. read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

chicken tinga burrito bowl, carne asada burrito bowl, chicken quesadillas - all very, very good. long grain rice perfectly seasoned, meats tender and perfectly charred bits. DRINKS. the mezcal margarita was amazing as was the taste of mezcal after - thank you Miles!! You are an awesome bartender/server/guy! read more

FYI- I'd rate this as 3.5 stars. Grabbed a quick bite before our flight. Good food and liquor options. We opted for the Deal of the Day- 2 tacos (carnitas and tahin pork?) and a kids quesadilla. Both came with a fountain soda. Tacos were pretty good and the quesadilla had lots of gooey cheese. Price was decent considering it was at the airport. Good place for a quick bite while waiting for your flight. read more

Calavera - Kids quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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This place was pretty decent. Cute restaurant vibe, in a nice part of the Oakland airport. I had the Calavara plate, which was pretty good. The meat was cooked well, though I had a large chunk of fat that I couldn't eat. The rice and beans were good, the crema and pickled onions with a nice touch. For $22, it was decent. More than I would want to pay normally, but it is an airport after all... pretty nice choice for an airport meal! read more

Calavera - Calavara Plate - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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My convo with them when I needed help at the soda fountain: Me: "Excuse me, when I press lemonade, only water comes out." Him: "We are out of lemonade, you can get the water." Me: "But my meal comes with a lemonade (which I paid for)." Him: "You can get something else. What do you want me to do?" Me; "I want you to be more courteous." (walked away pretending he didn't hear me) Also, kids' meal. $10. Two of the tiniest corn tortillas with a tiny bit of cheese, and the rest chips. Some orange slices to round it out. Thrill. read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Apologize I didn't take pics of my food and drink but I was pretty blown away by my experience at Calavera at the Oakland airport. What made this extra special was the bartender working this night in question my wife and I had a layover here. His name was Miles and what an amazing person her was. After a long day of flying all we wanted was some decent food and some adult beverages as we waited for our next flight. Walking in we were pleasantly greeted and waited upon by Miles and made our whole experience awesome. We ended up spending our whole layover there just chatting it up like old friends based on how welcoming he made us feel. Great spot to stop in, open concept Mexican food, very clean and modern ambiance. I would for sure stop in again and hope that my new friend Miles would be here and for sure make the time go by all that much faster! read more

So grateful that calavera was open at 5 am today. I got a breakfast burrito that was delicious. Staff was courteous and helpful and my day is significantly better for it! Today is Monday 12/22/2025. read more

Restaurant was empty (Wed at 2:30pm) Sat down (self seating) waited 15 mins while 5 employees stood around laughing and making small talk but no one so much as acknowledged our existence. So we left and walked across the way to Draft house where we were immediately acknowledged and has food in less than 10 mins. Do yourself a favor- pay a little more and go where they appreciate your business. read more