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    Jalisco Restaurant

    4.4 (116 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Latin American
    Closed Closed

    Jalisco Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    JALISCO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Jalisco Restaurant

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    The carnitas tacos were delightful, the service outstanding, and prices very reasonable.
    Irene M.

    The food and service were excellent. I will definitely return. If you're craving carnitas, I recommend this restaurant.

    You can expect a line to form before the doors open.
    Jeremi W.

    OMMMGGGG where do I even begin with this place?!? This absolute treasure in my heart. Growing up in Oakland, Jalisco's has always been a part of my life. I remember frequent visits when I was a kid. Fast forward a couple decades, and it's like nothing has changed. Two things that haven't changed over years and years are Tony, the awesome guy taking all the phone orders and managing social distancing and regulation for in person customers, and the GREEN SALSA!! So, they have tons of items on the menu but if you know anything about anything, you come for the carnitas. PRO TIP: If you know what you're getting, call ahead early and schedule a pickup....best piece of info I've gotten all 2021. Typically when I go, I get a pound or two of carnitas (all meat) but you can also do mixed which has some of the other fats/skin. All delicious but it is a bit rich for my tummy. I also grab some rice and beans. Their rice is SO fluffy and the beans are so creamy and flavorful. I pick up tortillas too just because I'm already there and don't need to make another stop. And finally, I grab some of that unbelievable salsa. Dear newborn 8 pound lil ol baby Jesus that is EPIC. Do not skip on it! I only order the large container now that my daughter has uncovered it's deliciousness. THEY DO NOT TAKE CARD! CASH ONLY! Do not roll up and get your feelings hurts cuz ATMs are scarce in the are and the line for this place goes down the street if you don't call ahead. IMPORTANT: They are only open Friday - Sunday. So be ready and get there early. But that being said, do you know how good the food has to be to sustain this business for more than 20 years, also during a pandemic and sell out of everything EVERY WEEKEND?!? If you need some carnitas, call Tony and tell him Rae sent you! Thank me later.

    My husband who was born in Jalisco!
    Monica G.

    I'm so happy this place is open, and is making it through COVID! The first time I visited this establishment was in August to bring my pregnant friend a mixto burrito. I had only ever eaten carnitas, never a mixed pork burrito...I was intrigued. Mixto is carnitas, cueritos and buche...hmmm. Let me be the one to tell you...HOW FLAVORFUL AND WONDERFUL that burrito was! Omg! By the time I made it back SoCal I was like man...I should've purchased 3. Fast forward to October, I had the chance to bring my husband who is originally from Jalisco. He LOVEEEED this restaurant! I think he talked about the burrito for the whole 7 hours we were in the car. I am so proud that he got a really good taste of my hometown, OAKLAND! Everytime I'm in town, I will definitely be stopping here! PURO CALIDAD!!!

    Menu as of 1/6/24
    Audrey A.

    They do not skimp on the meat portions. They are only open on the weekends; Friday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. The staff are friendly, and the interior is clean and neat. They used to have indoor seating and possibly used to have outdoor seating; but now has been closed off. Seems it's only take out. Their tacos are big at $4.58 a piece and the horchata (Agua Fresca) is a good size for $4.25. Will be back to try more of their menu. Their carnitas was tasty.

    A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A whole lot of f'ing deliciousness. #surtido
    Alex F.

    Iykyk. Hidden gem in Oakland for the best carnitas! Order it surtidos or mixtas and you'll get a chopped up mixture of deliciousness.

    Andrew C.

    Jalisco specializes in Carnitas and is open only Friday through Sunday and even then only through lunch (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=9As82UO5KoitDrU2jzuG3w). They've been around for 50+ years, as their menu states (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=XZB04dp3XSut7fHFuDe7PA) offering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and plates as well as some soups (menudo on weekends) and meat by the pound. For the carnitas averse, there's a couple of vegetarian options and chicken, beef, and chile verde for alternative proteins . . . but if you're coming here, it should be for the carnitas! Tacos are $3.50 and packed with meat (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=qoEm6zKmPUKslbdDtCbCAA), but I like to get the plate and make my own tacos (Orden Completa https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=qaGIaMSJIVE0EoYGxpPiyg). You can choose Meat only or Mixed, which has pork skin / chicharones. Crunchy skin fans, be forewarned that the skin is cooked and flavorful, but not crisp like most places (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=3AKZ9QG-WJvfsreh_fexmA). Likewise, the carnitas is tender and flavorful, but doesn't have a lot of crunchy bits either. I'm pretty sure that they don't make the tortillas in house (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=U7fr0DhL-Nl29tM1j0Rjkw), but the chips tasted lard-y and the salsa verde is excellent (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=It18BwR52ZhAncY1SkAFHw) ** Cash Only ** https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=6joKDYRlHtAITYzWaRqSBg

    mixed super regular burrito and chorizo quesadilla
    Bryanna C.

    Best authentic mexican food in oakland!!! The carnitas are bomb! New menu item, the chorizo (quesadilla) is to die for. Reminds me of Mexico. I love to mix the green sauce with a side of guacamole. Super friendly staff. Do your tastebuds a favor and treat yourself to authentic mexican food!!!

    Montage of images from Jalisco Cafe
    Ed U.

    Menudo, menudo. The hunt continues, and I find myself on a crisp Saturday morning in a not-so-gentrified part of Oakland on a stretch of International Blvd I have never stopped along before. And for good reason, no doubt. This ain't Fruitvale where all the popular Mexican places are like El Huarache Azteca (review: http://bit.ly/19j2n25) or Taco Grill (review: http://bit.ly/1eKgYvo). No, this is East Oakland, baby. Deal. Right along 880 but there are no convenient on-ramps, so you have to drive quite a ways on International to find the place. It's probably no surprise that's it's surrounded by auto parts and body shops with some pretty sparkly hubcaps for sale. But Jalisco Cafe is a quiet enclave on the block where the owner was dishing out some chicharrones for a couple of regulars (photo: http://bit.ly/1hEB0cQ). I found this spot on my Yelp app when I looked for menudo after my East Bay haircut and noticed the exalted ratings. This I had to try despite the neighborhood. I ordered simply. An $8.90 bowl of Grande Menudo please. And it definitely had that homemade flavor that was rich in red chili pepper flavor and stocked with plenty of shank bones and tripe (photo: http://bit.ly/19j24nW). On my persnickety menudo scale, it wasn't quite off the charts, but it was sure satisfying in a neighborhood where I was looking for a little warmth. But the real surprise was the $2.55 Mixta Carnitas Soft Taco, which was a rather paltry serving on a big melamine plate (photo: http://bit.ly/1aoulNH). But the carnitas were so ridiculously tender that I wish I ordered a half-dozen. I heard they sell it by the pound. I should drive here in my pick-up next time. OK, like I have a pick-up. FOOD - 4 stars...good, homey menudo but that carnitas was so good I named it Pedro AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...a clean place and conveniently located if you need rhinestone-encrusted hubcaps SERVICE - 4 stars...quietly attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...definitely worth a stop...in broad daylight

    You got to try the carnitas here

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    3 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Best best best best best best carnitas in the Bay Area. Go here. Give them your money

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    4 years ago

    If your looking for some good carnitas this is the spot and there green salsa is so good too!

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    Does anyone know if i can buy a large amount for a party?

    Yes. They can provide large amounts for parties. Just need to call in advance.

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    Taqueria El Paisa - Tacos!

    Taqueria El Paisa

    4.4(551 reviews)
    2.1 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.

    This is certainly one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Each taco is $4.50 and…read morethey load each up with meat. The meats are all juicy and cooked perfectly. The pina colada drink was perfect to balance out the salty/savory flavor of the tacos. You self serve cucumbers, carrots, and radishes which is always cool. Finally, there's live Mexican music playing and the overall vibes are fantastic. 4.9/5

    Photos
    Taqueria El Paisa
    Taqueria El Paisa - Torta de asada!

    Torta de asada!

    Taqueria El Paisa - Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)

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    Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)

    Tacos Oscar - chips & salsa morita

    Tacos Oscar

    4.4(296 reviews)
    3.0 miTemescal, North Oakland

    Amazing. Purely delicious, cuuute ambiance…read more They make their own tortillas, which is always a plus. The flavors of each taco were outstanding. I ordered everything on their current menu. Tostada beans gigante, the pork shoulder, barbacoa, charred broccoli, mushroom, and chicken tinga. Just a lil lime on top, and enjoy! I didn't even need to add more salsa, which I would usually add to my tacos at other places. Tostada vegan was my fave. All the meat tacos were also fantastic, all were tender and juicy. Your taste buds bout to be blown away. They have patio style seating in the front and the back. cute for a lil date night without breaking the bank, or to go out and entertain friends outta town, or just to treat yo'self real good. so happy.

    I have been wanting to try Tacos Oscar for a while, and finally got to try it. It was Sunday around…read more11am and there was already a line, but it moved fast. They have outdoor seating both in front and in their back patio, the front being sunnier while the back was cooler and shaded. It does seem like it can get crowded there due to the amount of customers who may choose to eat here instead of takeout, though. The food came out within 5 minutes. They also have a self-service water pitcher, and pitchers of half-and-half and oat milk next to it, which I assume is provided for those who get coffee (I didn't read through the entire drink menu). I got the vegan breakfast burrito, which has pan fried potatoes, roasted peppers and onions, mayocoba beans, chile morita mayonesa, avocado, corn, cilantro in a flour tortilla and it contains soy. It was savory, just a little bit spicy but tolerable for someone who can handle just mild level so I felt it was a good addition for providing more flavor given vegetarian burritos can otherwise often end up very plain. Quite a bit of avocado. I liked the potatoes and beans, and the insides didn't feel too mushy texture-wise. Admittedly not the hugest quantity for a burrito of this price ($15 before tax/tip) but I appreciate that they have several vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. I also ordered the strawberry agua fresca - listed as agua de fresca on the menu and this is the only flavor available, for $6. It was pretty good, fruity and sweet but not overwhelmingly so. I tried some of the chips and salsa morita that a friend shared with me, and thought it was decent - they give a massive quantity of chips (it would be good for sharing with a group) which are crispy and lightly salted, and the salsa is tasty and very mild in spice level.

    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 - Pozole: comforting and tasty

    Bombera

    4.1(527 reviews)
    1.7 miDimond District, Lower Hills
    $$$

    From the moment you walk into Oakland California's Bombera, you feel the magic. The owner / Chef…read moreDominica Rice-Cisneros always smiles and waves from behind the kitchen, and that simple gesture sets the tone, warm, festive, and genuinely welcoming. The whole team carries that same energy; they're always happy to receive you like you're family. Let's talk FOOD. Where the culinary ways of Mexico and California intersect. Exquisite!!!! Thoughtful!!! Beautifully presented!!! The flavors are layered, the spices are intentional, and the details in every dish keep me coming back. I honestly haven't made it past ordering the roasted chicken, the signature salad with seasonal fruit, and those carrots! Listen, you may think, "Carrots? Really?" YES. Really. These carrots come surrounded by black beans in a chili sauce, topped with toasted almonds. I've never tasted anything like it. It's one of those dishes you think about later. Perfect for everything: Girls' night (like we did this past Friday), birthdays, graduations, date nights, I've even come solo. The food and service are that good. And I have to give a huge shout-out to Estilo, one of my favorite servers! He always welcomes every guest like they're his favorite person in the room. He talked us into getting the beets, and they were ON POINT. He checked on us throughout the night, joked with us, and honestly enjoyed our table just as much as we enjoyed having him. He even said, "You all look so great, let me take a picture of you!" and captured such a sweet moment. They've got indoor and outdoor seating, great vibes all around, and THE BEST tortilla chips you will ever have. I recommend making a reservation, however, they do take walk-ins. If you're in the San Francisco Bay area, it's a must! You'll definitely thank me!

    Summary: Delicious food with explosive flavors…read more 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.

    Photos
    Bombera - Inside main room

    Inside main room

    Bombera - Carnitas: tender flavorful, added spicy carrots secret sauce made it even better

    Carnitas: tender flavorful, added spicy carrots secret sauce made it even better

    Bombera - Interior looking out

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    Interior looking out

    Jalisco Restaurant - mexican - Updated May 2026

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