We stopped by Calavera to grab a pre-flight snack. There were no tables available, but the person behind the counter, Charlene, said she'd go double check. She found two seats at a table that had other customers, but she wiped things down and let us know there were seats. My significant other did the ordering, and I went to the table. Right as I did, another table opened and I grabbed it. Charlene was so kind to come and clean the second table and helped back at the counter taking our order. We got three chicken tinga tacos that came with some tortilla chips. The tacos were very small...about three bites each. At $13.50 for two, plus $5 for the third, I didn't think the value was great. Also the chips were stale. The seating is pretty cramped, but what do you expect at an airport? There is a full bar, though we didn't get any drinks. There are also large TVs to watch...the US Open was playing on one while we were there. The food was okay, but the service from Charlene is what really stood out. She was friendly and extremely helpful. That made the experience standout. read more

Calavera - QR code to scan for online ordering - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Stopped at Calavera while at the airport and overall, the food was actually pretty good! Everything tasted fresh, had good flavor, and definitely hit the spot before a flight. That being said... the prices were a little painful. I know airport food is almost always overpriced, but this felt especially expensive for what you're getting. The food was enjoyable, but not quite good enough to justify the price tag. Overall, a solid option if you're hungry and already at the airport, but I'm giving it 3 stars because the value just wasn't there for me. Good food, airport prices on steroids. read more

The food was decent - we both had quesadillas, but I took the $10 special (look under "deals" on the electronic menu) and Beloved wanted the "regular" quesadilla. My cheese deal came with a drink, sour cream and salsa verde. The $14 regular had onions (opted out, blech) and opted into $4 of carnitas. It too came with sour cream and salsa. For an extra $8, got a bit of pork, and no drink. Check the "deals" when you order. :) read more

This is by far the worst establishment we have experienced in Oakland. We will be calling ICE on Monday. Ordered some lunch ( will not comment on their food offerings at this time) and went back up to the main counter to ask a question about some of their side dishes which we wanted to order. I left a napkin i was carrying on the counter and asked if she could toss it in their rubbish for me as i didn't not see a rubbish can during our conversation. The Order Taker said to me " i don't do garbage... go somewhere else with it". I was speechless and went back to our table and my partner and i discussed her " i don't do garbage" comment at this restaurant. We decided to request a refund on our very generous Tip we had left with the order ( when we placed the order and paid for our meals). They were shocked ... i asked for a Manager but i don't believe they had one at the time. I asked the EE where she is from as i wanted to train her in American ways and hospitality ( although i never had the opportunity to say so). They both hustled back to the Kitchen.... and never returned. All of the tables were filthy and not cleaned after customers left ( presumably with their rubbish). Tomorrow I will call ICE in Oakland: we can be better than this. I still can't believe the comment/attitude from a restaurant at the Oakland Airport. read more

Calavera - Employee in statement: Calavera Restaurant Oakland Airport 10/11/26 10 am - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Miles was amazing, also super friendly. We enjoyed our tacos and burritos. Great customer service. Ambiance is nice, lots of seating. We're glad we tried this place. Definitely recommended. read more

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I did not take a pic of my tacos but we had an extended layover here and I was able to eat the chicken Tinga street tacos on corn tortilla with guacamole and cilantro with rice and they were surprisingly decent. I never expect much from airport food. The lady was so nice as well. I ordered and sat across the way where my husband ordered a burger and she delivered my food to me which was very kind. read more

Self service kiosk or order at bar. 8am -Early a.m. flight and restaurant is open for Service with all menu items available unlike other restaurants. QR codes available for menu. Good portion for quesadilla, all sauce on side. Chips separate. Drinks separate. Bar guy seemed very personal-able with His patrons as he was serving them with a smile. Other staff can be more friendlier but it's Oakland. Loved the music play list. read more

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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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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

Highly Recommend! Burger was awesome!!! Great service sitting at the bar and friendly staff. I'll come back here every time. Great service and the restaurant was very nice and organized with good ambiance. Service was excellent. Staff were very nice and helpful. Food was excellent. Everything we had was fresh. read more

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

One of the best restaurants at OAK Airport. Burrito bowl was delicious Portions were good Interior is great to eat /wait/work in read more

Calavera - Carnitas burrito bowl - 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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Had some time before our flight and wanted to pick up some lunch that was not a typical chain (e.g. Subway). Calavera was perfect - a sit down, order through QR code/pick up at window, no nonsense meal with plenty of televisions to kill some time. You can wait in line and order at a kiosk, but much preferred sitting and ordering at the table through my phone. The quesadilla was pretty large portioned and came with a tasty side of pickled red onions, green salsa and sour cream on the side. The burrito + carnitas was filling and just what we wanted. The ambiance was casual and easy going. 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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Wasnt expecting much at a small airport but was delighted with my lunch and two tasty margaritas. I had the carne Asad a burrito bowl and it was wonderful. Wanted to give a shout out to the lovely bar gal but didnt catch her name. She is absolutely wonderful (management, take note!). read more

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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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've been traveling to Oakland twice a month for the last 4 years and this is the best spot in the airport. Service is exceptional every single time. Kimberly, thank you for always being an absolute pleasure. The other gentleman who works here is also amazing. Cheers to another 4 years! Thank you again Kimberly! read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I enjoyed a pre-flight breakfast at Calavera in OAK Terminal 2. Had scrambled eggs and bacon, plus orange juice . The food quality and service was better than at most airports. 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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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

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

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

It's kind of meh. It fed me but presentation was lacking, the portions were small, and it was pricey. read more

Calavera - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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

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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Terrible service, extremely high prices. I will never be back. They went out of their way to not take care of the patrons.

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

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

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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The worst! I sat at the bar and wasn't even acknowledged. Not even a "I'll be right with you". Mind you, I'm African American. This just happened @ 1pm on 6/31. read more

Calavera - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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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As a Latina, this was subpar Mexican food. Kid's quesadillas was basically melted cheese onto a cold taco, not melted together or flattened. Burrito bowl rice nit fully cooked and steak not seasoned. Only sodas was good. read more

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

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

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

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