The service is amazing. They constantly checked on you. Today we came for my son's 14th birthday. I love this place. I Been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years. The homemade chips are addictive don't get full on them before your meal comes. They also have an extra spicy sauce for the chips but I warn you now, it is really really spicy but good. The food is always amazing. Today we switched it up and got the Super Burritos. One shredded beef and the other shredded chicken. The beef was way better. But, our normal food item is the Pescado Especial for $63.79. It feeds 2-4 adults. The ambiance is very cultural. I love the variety of alcohol that they have and yes empty it's for decorations. The few television's that they do have came in handy because the World Cup was on, Panama vs Ghana. read more

La Penca Azul - Always amazing food inside this menu. - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

We have eaten here on and off over the past 15 years. And I have never experienced any issues until now. This past Friday evening we picked up dinner. I had ordered the 2 Quesabirria with Consome. Unfortunately, the consome sauce was missing. But that was the least of my problems. I found a large Rubber Band in my taco! Yes a rubber band. I bit into my taco and was chewing on it and had a weird taste so I spit out my food and found a large rubber band. I immediately called the restaurant. I spoke with the owner/manager, and he was extremely apologetic and sincere. Even though I accept his apology and appreciate him trying to make things right. Unfortunately, I am too disgusted and grossed out to see myself returning anytime soon. I appreciate the professionalism of handling this issue and I was hesitant to write this review and post this picture. The attached picture is the taco and a picture of the rubber band. Per my call with the owner/manager he thinks the rubber band came from the bundle of cilantro. Regardless of where the rubber band came from, I still feel completely disgusted and grossed out. read more

La Penca Azul - Quesabirria Taco with large Rubber Band - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

I came to this spot late at night, and it was very crowded, which is always a good sign! I ordered two tacos--one al pastor and one pork--and they were packed with meat and full of flavor. The salsa was very spicy but delicious, and the chips and salsa are amazing. I also ordered a Horchata and asked the server if there were free refills; she said yes, but when I got my bill, I was charged for three. There may have been a language barrier. The atmosphere is fantastic--the decorations are nice, and I love the large windows where you can watch the street outside. Overall, the food is flavorful and satisfying, just double-check drinks and charges. read more

La Penca Azul - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Their service was really good. Brought chips, salsa and water upon seating. Prompt and friendly with taking our order. Nachos were filled with toppings and plenty of chips. Salsas were super tasty. Mixed flautas were crunchy and tasty! 3 varieties with guacamole and sour cream. We were filled up and brought home leftovers. read more

La Penca Azul - Carnitas nachos - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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Really inviting and authentic-feeling Mexican restaurant. I was surprised the bar was tucked in the back instead of the front, but it worked well for the space. The chips and salsa were delicious and overall I really enjoyed my meal, even the leftovers the next day! The staff were attentive and friendly. If you like spice, definitely ask for the habanero salsa or a roasted jalapeño on the side. read more

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My family has enjoyed La Pinata - Penca Azul for 30 years. Alas, it has stopped shredding meat for mole, taco salads, and who knows what else, and replaced it with large chunks instead. It's lazy and doesn't taste anywhere near as good, because the sauce doesn't mix with the meat anymore. Also, it's become VERY LOUD. I hate the changes and am giving up on a family favorite. Very sad. read more

Great hole in da wall Kine of local Mexican Establishment with fresh had made & rolled corn taco shells. Service friendly & bilingual. Seating at bar type along wall and additional seating in room at back entrance. Food was freshly made and very tasty. I also tried a side of their beer battered fish. Good but a bit salty. No tartar sauce. Their guacamole was a great addition to their house made mild salsa & chips, for my gringo tastes. Four Fabulous Stars for their local vibe and quality ingredients. I'll be back! read more

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I ordered the half size chicken sope. I wanted to like it, but the sope was falling apart. I feel like it could have been more deeply fried. I make these at home and they are crisp and not falling apart. The rest was okay. read more

La Penca Azul - Sope with chicken, half size - was okay - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

We visited on a school night, not anticipating a full house. While it wasn't completely packed, there was a good number of locals present. The tacos were delicious, and the service had the warm, personal touch you'd expect from a family-owned restaurant. We've been on the lookout for a new Mexican spot in the area, and it looks like we found one. BB read more

This is become one of my favorites when I travel to Alameda for work. Nestled just off the water is the friendliest Mexican restaurant. I start my dining experience with a skinny margarita. Note that they have a ton of tequilas/mezcals to choose from. They also offer complementary chips and salsa. For my entrees, I've gotten the steak burrito and flautas. The entrees are packed with flavor and are served as hearty portions, so you definitely get a good bang for your buck! The staff is very friendly and continually check on you throughout your entire meal. The restaurant is usually pretty busy around 7:00pm, so expected a louder environment at that time. read more

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I went to this restaurant/bar last week and it is really nice. Inside had plenty of seats and a nice bar. A pleasant atmosphere with a family friendly vibe. We decided to sit outside and were served fast. Delicious free chips and salsa to start with a glass of water. I ordered a pina colada in a tall glass. Very tasty! My guest had a Jalisco in a cute copper mug. I wasn't super hungry so I just ordered the nacho French fries from the appetizer section. Omg they were huge! I ate 3 days worth of lunch from them! Soooo good! And they were only $17 ! Not bad for a total of 4 meals! My guest had a whole red snapper with beans and rice. In all 3 drinks, and the food $100. I was happy. read more

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We came here for my sista friend's surprise 60th birthday party. For starters, the top shelf margarita was delicious. Chips & salsa also delicious as well. I couldn't stop eating them. The salsa is addictive. I got the veggie burrito and he got the enchilada plate. Beans & rice were both decent. I'd like to go back and try them again outside of a birthday party & when we go back soon, I'll be getting that top shelf margarita again read more

It was really crowded, granted it was lunch time, but still. We waited way too long to get our food, and the restaurant seemed very dirty, and the food was undercooked. Never coming here again. read more

So we live about 25 miles away now from here. But we will travel to get their enchiladas that's for sure. I don't know of a place that has such great cheese enchiladas the sauce is pretty tasty. Local hangout and they do have a taco bar connected to the place it's worth going to.. read more

La Penca Azul - Combination plate the taco is of lengua. delicious - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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I wanted to love this place, but... It wasn't terrible. It wasn't spectacular. It was just. I ordered the combination (steak and chicken) fajitas and while they were presented beautifully on the hot plate, the dish lacked in flavor and the steak was extremely tough. Fighting through every bit was a bit more of a workout than I expected which may have added to the slight disappointment. While the inside of the location is clean, getting to the bathrooms-which is located in the hallway (but kind of outside) of the restaurant is a tell-tell sign that things are tough here. :) I didn't have a drink so, I can't speak for that. I absolutely love (authentic) Mexican food and look forward to always sharing the finds with family and friends, but I'll probably keep this one to myself as there's not much to spark about. There's street parking-which requires you to pay (like most cities). I'm usually eager to pay parking fees when the flavors make my tongue tap dance, but unfortunately that didn't happen this time. Would I go back? Auh.... read more

Guacamole con Camaron. I love this guacamole con Cameron & always order at the restaurant. But when I ordered & picked up I was do disappointed. It was not good at all. It didn't taste like the one they serve. They skimped on avocados (I didn't see or taste any chunk of avocados like the usual at the restaurant) & it's so liquidy. I get it avocados are expensive but they freakin' charged $20 for this small container of guacamole!! & it supposed to have tomatoes but didn't see tomatoes. Sorry but I would not recommend this place & I'm not ordering food there again. read more

La Penca Azul - Guacamole con Cameron - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Absolutely love there food. Often order and drive from Oakland to pick up! Food is consistently good, staff friendly and welcoming and I've never had an issue with my order!! Reminds me of my neighborhood favorite in ELA!!! read more

The chicken in my enchiladas were burnt tasting, you can taste the burnt pan taste. I asked for spicy salsa (salsa picante) because the house salsa is very mild. The waitress brought heated green salsa, meaning temperature hot, not spicy hot. Buddy ordered a lemonade and got a margarita. (They are the same color and the waitress was confused). The margarita was good, so I drank it. Beans and rice were ok. read more

We've been to La Penca Azul a couple times now. They have huge portions, the food is delicious (shoutout to the guac). They've got great service and the ambience is fantastic in their restaurant. Only downside that I'm removing a star for is the burrito I got last night. It's about 95% rice which is disappointing for a massive burrito apart from that the rest of our order was amazing. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

I had come here since I was a kid. Then I brought my family here. Than the change came ... I understand different tastes for different people... The only thing that got me to stop coming, was changing ... with no notification .. Yes,had I liked the changes . . it wouldn't have bothered me. However, there I was ... what I did order .. but now being made completely different.. different ingredients, different quality... So, I just stopped going. Never complained.. they had the right to change things ... So, yesterday (05/22/26) ..was my first time back in 6 years ..since COVID & my father passing away. Wasn't really busy .. some empty tables, no line ... I was seated quickly.. well. . everything went down hill after that. I waited about 15 min before a couple was seated at the next table. Their waiter came almost immediately.. took drink orders .. Another 10mins and their waiter took their order ... I'm still waiting. It's been 25 mins (approximately). Finally my waiter came, quickly took my order ... as he spoke to other people in Spanish .. as he kept walking away ... engrossed in whatever they were saying to each other ... I kept adding to my order .. as he seemed frustrated that I added drinks & appetizer. Poof .. he was gone .. I waited approximately 15 to 20 mins when everything showed up at the same time. Main meal, long Island ice tea and hot wings. The meal was very good. The drink was very good. Unfortunately, the hot wings were approximately $20 for bone & skin .. so cheap .. don't order them for sure. After finishing, I waited for my check... the couple had their's brought to them ... I watched them leaving... after finishing my meal .. I ended asking for the check 8 to 12 mins after the couple left. So take what you will from my experience.. Others seemed to have reasonable service, given the crowd ... it certainly was a different experience then mine ... so perhaps others will have their experience, rather than mine .. The Cimmie Chunga was delicious. The drink was awesome... I most certainly wouldn't order their chicken wings .. The only thing I will add... perhaps it matters? Perhaps it doesn't? I was the only white person in the place.. Iono if that was a factor in the service or not? But whatever the reason was .. I won't be going back. . Bottom line .. there's good food in a lot of different restaurants.. You go back because of the service. read more

The reviews were definitely not exaggerating when they mentioned the portions were HUGE. Surprisingly, this is one of the best takeout orders I've received via Uber Eats. I can't wait to dine in and experience the full menu next time. I ordered the fajitas combo plate with flour tortillas, and honestly, it was amazing! Everything was seasoned to perfection. I usually don't care for refried beans, but theirs were really good. My least favorite item was the flour tortillas; they were too soft for my liking. However, the tortilla chips were excellent. I'm not sure if I got lucky with a fresh batch, but they were hot and fresh. My boyfriend ordered the fried pork tacos, which were also good. I love that they kindly included pickled vegetables and radishes! I go crazy for the pink radishes. read more

La Penca Azul - Fried pork Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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Xochitl, Marie, and the entire staff are so lovely and accommodating. I was here for a birthday party and even though more people showed up they made it happen. I would recommend the restaurant to anyone read more

La Penca Azul - The best Mexican food ever!! - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

10/13/2024 Time: 12:35 PM 72° Sunny I have dined at the taco bar at this restaurant over six years ago. I forgot that La Penca Azul has a tequila bar. I did my check in for La Penca Azul Taco Bar, which was a mistake on my part. I was invited to join a male friend (actually a Tech alumni) for lunch. Since he was treating me, why not? The last time I had any contact with him was at a picnic at Mosswood Park over eight years ago. La Penca Azul has quite an extensive menu. So many choices and so little time to decide what I wanted to eat. After perusing the menu, I ordered the chicken chimachangas platter. Wow! Two huge chimachangas with the usual sides of rice and refried beans, sour cream and guacamole. My beverage was an Arnold Palmer. Taste test - if the Palmer is to my liking, then the food has to be on point. Beverage and food passed the test. Yay! The portions are generous. The chicken chimachanga was delicious. Shredded chicken breast enclosed in a fried flour tortilla topped with a thin layer of tomato sauce. I should have asked for a small bowl of salsa rosa. Arroz y frijoles refritos were also delicious. I had leftovers, which was my dinner. Waitress was helpful and friendly. I noticed a free agua fresca for a yelp in. It did not apply to a check in at the tequila bar. It was for the taco bar. The next time I visit I will order the jamaica agua fresca. A solo act will allow me more time and an opportunity to review the menu selection thoroughly. read more

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Large and busy restaurant, but with very speedy service! I came on a Monday night and restaurant was buzzing with chatter and laughter from all the patrons. Aesthetically it isn't much, but it's clean. Service was fast and food came out so quickly that we were finished eating in an hour. The portion sizes are large with a reasonable price point. Everything we had was tasty. read more

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I always forget what their steak taco is like and order them. Although they are good, the meat tends to be overcooked. Hopefully I'll remember to get shrimp next time! LOL The meals were good and the service is always friendly. They do make the best pina coladas tho! read more

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La Penca Azul on Park St consistently delivers fresh food, excellent margaritas, and efficient service. The vibrant atmosphere and generous portions make it a 5-star staple in Alameda. Highly recommended! read more

Soft Lily white breakfast burrito on a plain white plate with non melted cheese on the inside. The most non appetizing looking dish ever. This is not hard. Squirt some creama and salsa on there and grill it for 30 seconds. Put it a nickels worth of lettuce. My God, it would be gourmet. This is why there's two people here at 10:00 Saturday morning. We have come far enough in Society to do better. There used to be a line out the door on weekends in the old days. Never again. read more

I have been ordering regularly from them. I ordered 4 entrees and they are stingy about giving out salsas. I received only 1 small container of salsa. They forgot to include napkins and utensils. When I called them, the guy was rude about it. One other time, I placed an order to go for 2 entrees and they gave me the wrong order. If I didn't check, I would have had the wrong order. I'm not ordering from this place again. Customer service is everything and there are plenty of choices out there. read more

We walked in and were immediately greeted and seated. The custome service was superb. I didn't catch our service providers name but he was friendly and made us feel welcome. The Paloma I got was awful. It quite literally tasted like soapy grapefruit juice. Steak quesadilla kid you not....smelled like dog food. My Husband ordered Carne Asada and it was tough as leather. I wouldn't recommend this place for food. I am giving 2 stars only for the excellent service and fun locale. read more

La Penca Azul - Steak quesadilla (half order!) - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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Octavio was the server and was excellent and funny! The margaritas were huge and exactly what we were looking for. I had the chicken verde enchiladas, and the others at my table had the chili relleno, and the chili verde dinner plates. No complaints from any of us. The women staff was also friendly and very attentive. We will definitely be returning customers whenever we want a margarita and dinner while stopping by Alameda, Ca. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

I went on Friday, 3/13/2026, ordered enchiladas and taco combo. The chicken had no flavor/seasoning. They did serve really good happy hour Margaritas read more

Uh-oh, not good. Conditional pass on the health inspection. This means basically you failed but we're going to let you stay open until you prove that you can fix the problems. It's too easy to pass the health inspection. read more

La Penca Azul - Conditional pass means failed pending reinspection - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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I have visited this place several times in the past. While in Alameda, my dining buddy and I were trying to figure a mutual enjoyable place for our Black Friday lunch. The wait persons were friendly and personable. Of course, chips and salsa were served, complimentary. I had ordered the 2 item combo of cheese enchilada and chile rellano with ice tea (bottled, not house brewed) whereas my friend had the 2 tacos combo. The combos come with rice and refried beans which I am a big fan. I had enjoyed the cheese enchilada but the chile rellano had extraneous toppings I could do without. Overall, a pleasant dining experience. I probably would try other dishes or combinations on my next visit. read more

La Penca Azul - Two item combo cheese enchilada and chile rellano - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Great options for Mexican food! They give you free chips and salsa, food is really good. The service is fast and helpful with great ambiance. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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Went here last night, and the Drink i ordered all the time was Watered down however haven't been here in maybe 2 yrs and my Fajitas were not as good. read more

To my surprise, I've never written a review for this La Penca Azul location. Been here a few times in the past, and each visit has been pleasant. The most recent trip to La Penca Azul was another good experience. Our group of 7 had an early Saturday dinner so we were able to beat the crowds. Service was fast and friendly. Everyone was pleased with their entree choices. For the first time ever, I ordered their French Fries Nachos without beans plus al pastor. Definitely delicious! Portion size was gigantic!! Had plenty of leftovers which I thoroughly enjoyed the following day. Having a meal at La Penca Azul has always been a treat. Good service plus delicious food plus fair prices equals return visits. read more

La Penca Azul - French Fries Nachos are pretty darn delicious. - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

This place is always packed n you Can't book a reservation! Kinda fast to be seated though. The space is huge. If you're alone you can eat at the bar, as it's comfortable! The menu is very extensive, which includes the drink menu. The service is very very very fast. Your drinks come fast, and so do refills. The food is delicious and totally garnished with Mexican flare. The staff Is super friendly however you will get the feeling of being rushed, but no worries they're not rushing you they're rushing themselves! Huge parking lot in the back. Kind of dingy restrooms. read more

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I haven't been here in years and I WILL NOT be back. This place has really changed and not for the better. I should've walked out the moment I walked in and smelled something a little off, almost old and damp like. Mom ordered combo plate with 2 enchiladas (cheese & carnitas) and 1 chile relleno. Mom said flavors were lacking and she would not want to come back either. Like me, she reminisced of how good the food use to taste and how we no longer have good Mexican spots like MexiCali Rose that never disappointed when you wanted a nice enchilada dinner. I don't eat meat so I figured how can you mess up a cheese enchilada, well you can. I ordered a 1/2 cheese enchilada meal and as shown in the photo, left more than half. The rice lacked flavor and overall the food was just okay, they tell you to watch out because the plates are hot but that's just about it, your food is cool in less than 5 mins. Like everywhere else, the prices have really increased but for the quality of food or should I say lack thereof, they should be shame. I will say literally EVERY table around us was drinking so perhaps their meals tasted good enough for them but I cannot stress how much of a disappointment the entire experience was and for almost $50, I wish I would've just drove and picked up a sandwich. I will say our server Angelica was pleasant but I really hate I didn't check Yelp before wasting my time and money on the place. I rely on my Yelp community but in this instance, I relied on past times, HUGE MISTAKE! read more

La Penca Azul - 1/2 order cheese enchilada - lacks flavor - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Decent food and great service. I went with a large group everyone had a good time. I had the carnitas plate that was huge. Enough to bring some home. The meat was a little dry but everything else was tasty. They have excellent salsas and a very hot and spicy sauce if you ask for it. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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Pretty good experience. Quick service Fresh salsa and chips. My fish tostada was filling and tasty. My daughter's salmon plate was delicious. I would go back for that as it came with a Side of fresh roasted vegetables- mushrooms, zucchini, onions, peppers, just yum! The lemon drop was sent back- 22222 sweet. Overall, good, attentive customer service and quality food. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

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