Not you typical Mexican restaurant menu, but pretty unique in its own way. No enchiladas or fajitas, but the flavors are so how can I say villagy if that's a word. I had the rib eye and I must say it had a very unique flavor that you wouldn't get from your average restaurant. It comes alacart and the sides are very accommodating. I was surprised to see a turkey black bean side dish. As for the service Alexia and Yesenia were on point. Over all the ambiance was great as well. Check out mi pics and rare video. read more

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Leña serves food that feels genuinely special. The dishes were delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and noticeably different from what you'd find at a typical Mexican restaurant. The food alone is enough that I would return. Unfortunately, the service left a lot to be desired. Multiple members of our party experienced interactions that felt dismissive and unnecessarily defensive. At one point, we were seated directly next to a very loud speaker, and when I politely asked whether it could be turned down, the response was abrupt and dismissive rather than helpful. That interaction seemed to reflect the overall tone we encountered throughout the evening. There were several moments where requests felt like an inconvenience, and the staff came across as impatient rather than welcoming. It was disappointing because the quality of the food deserves a customer experience that matches it. Overall, I would absolutely return for the food, which was outstanding. I just hope the customer service improves because it currently doesn't reflect the quality and care that clearly goes into the kitchen. read more

The atmosphere was okay, although it was very loud. The tables are placed extremely close together, which made the space feel crowded. The hostess, who wasn't particularly welcoming, was difficult to hear, making the initial experience less inviting. Being escorted to our table required us to walk across the stage, which felt a bit unusual. Our waitstaff was pleasant and provided good service throughout the meal. One suggestion would be to make the entrance instructions clearer. The sign on the front door directing guests to use the back entrance should be more noticeable or communicated before guests walk up the stairs to the front door. read more

Came here for brunch on a Sunday. Not busy at 10am. The music was just a hair too loud for it being before 11am but our food came out quickly and hot. I got the mole chilaquiles and they were nice and crispy and plenty of sauce. I also tried the conchata toast and it was good but didn't get a lot of horchata flavor but it hit the spot for just being something sweet. read more

Leña Restaurant - Conchata Toast - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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Tonight I gathered with a friend for dinner. We both had a cocktail, salsa, guacamole appetizer, dinner and dessert! Pork belly salsa verde for her and ribs for me with corn and green beans. Cooked tender and lots of flavor . Dessert was mango sorbet topped on cinnamon torts cup :-) read more

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Date: 5/3/2026 Time:12:15 PM 60° Partly sunny Leña Restaurant was a recommendation by BoozieBrunch on Facebook. My daughter asked via text where I wanted to celebrate Mother's Day before next Sunday. Answer: Leña in Alameda! It is my first time having their brunch. Wow! I am totally impressed with the food and ambiance. Thanks to BoozieBrunch's blog. Shout out to her for the recommendation. Eats: Chilaquiles (tortilla chips with two eggs, mole sauce, queso fresco, crema and pickled onion, carnitas) for me. My daughter had the churraffle, which is a churro waffle, tossed in cinnamon sugar, topped with pastry cream, seasonal fruit and guava syrup; guava pancakes,topped with house-made vanilla pastry cream, fresh seasonal fruit and piloncillo syrup. For my beverage, it was Mexican coffee with mocha and cinnamon, topped with whipped cream. I usually don't drink coffee, and the last time I had a Mexican coffee was at Chevy's in the late 80's. Ooh, my chilaquiles was bomb-diggity excellent. I had chilaquiles at another Mexican restaurant in East Oakland, which was okay. However, Leña's chilaquiles is on point with their mole sauce. Tasted so so good, that figuratively speaking, I gotta slap the chef and the mama for preparing it. LOL. That chef knew how to burn. Damn! It got me grinning from ear to ear. Service was a tad slow and the wait time for the food was about 35 minutes. Yes, it was long. However, delicious food does take time for preparation and presentation. What is worth waiting is worth getting. Besides patience is a virtue. Our waitress was attentive and indeed pleasant, engaging my daughter and me in conversation. Return visit? YES! I want to have the Costillas, the pozole rojo, agua frescas. I know to ask about the nopales and if they serve poblano rice as a side dish. I also will consider this restaurant for a birthday dinner in June. I know someone special who loves rib eye steak. Finally, thanks to BoozieBrunch for speaking highly of Leña. read more

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Have visited Lena for dinner and really wanted to try their brunch. Got there a little before 1 and it was still pretty busy. We got seated and ordered the cafe de Olla which was a sweetened spiced coffee, in beautiful mugs, for brunch we ordered Conchata sweet toast and pombazo, which was a chorizo soaked egg sandwich with potatoes, guacamole, peppers, and a really yummy green verde sauce. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and as the brunch-ended we got to have some friendly chit-chat. Did I mention that the food was so delicious! Really recommend their brunch, and want to come back and try more dishes! read more

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10/10!!! From start to finish. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners and business managers, Yesenia. Leña is a family owned restaurant that is not an ordinary Mexican restaurant. It is elevated with a modern twist. Yes, it is pricy but you are getting a full experience not just fast food from a taco truck, no hate, but don't come to Leña expecting a cheap meal. Think more of an intimate classy restaurant, good for anniversaries, and special occasion gatherings. In regards to the food, I had the Tetelas with a side of papas bravas and green rice. My family had the Ribeye asado, Costillas, and Camaron a la Parrilla with sides of esquite and potatoes. The steak was super tender and the salsas that came with it were perfection. Everything was beautifully seasoned and brought out together. The drinks are also delicious! The Batido de Platano was my favorite, but I only tried sips of 2 others (I am a lightweight drinker) because they are strong in a good way. I had a great time talking to the staff and asking questions about the menu, cooks, and decor. I found out the tables were hand made by the family themselves. I felt so honored stepping in to this place at it is beautiful inside and out. From the murals to the bathroom decor, everything has a special touch and amazing attention to detail. read more

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I've been wanting to try Leña since it opened and we finally got to check it out last week! We went on Friday at 8 pm and it was pretty busy, which I think is a good sign. While there was a little bit of a wait, it was not bad at all. The space itself is really beautiful. I love the decor, with the murals, back patio, asymmetrical wood tables, and comfy chairs. We decided to go all out with drinks, apps, and plates since Friday deserves a treat. Also, we are a fun drinks household and love our appetizers. For drinks, I got a sombra de cafe, which had coffee and mezcal, while the bf got the leña cantarito, with tequila, grapefruit, orange, and lime. I love both mezcal and coffee, but together it was a bit too bitter and too much drink for me. The leña cantarito was nice and refreshing though, and the chamoy(?) rim was a nice touch. For an appetizer, we got the raw oysters, which came with a chimichurri sauce and a salsa macha. Def was not expecting to get oysters at a Mexican spot, but the sauces sounded really good. I tried them both when they first came out and the salsa macha hottt! I love spicy food, and especially chili oil, but wow I was not expecting that level of of spice! It was good though, and flavorful, my mouth was just on fire for a bit hahaha. For the mains, we got the ribeye asada and the oxtail and shortrib birria. For the sides, we got the slaw, the corn, rice, and potatoes. The ribeye was a bit thinner and more cooked than expected for medium rare. But it was still really good. Because it was asada, you could really taste the slight char from the grill, giving it some extra flavor. I especially loved the birria. Both the oxtail and shortrib were sooo tender, basically fall off the bone, and the birria itself had nice flavor. Both dishes also came with fresh tortilla, which was nice and warm, with a nice corn flavor. Overall, I really loved everything we got. The prices are a bit high, but I thought the quality and flavors were top notch. I especially loved how it appears to be a lot of family recipes. Service was great as well. Nice to have a fancy new spot in Alameda! read more

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I really wanted to like Lena, but the customer service was some of the worst I've experienced in Alameda! The oysters Rockefeller and halibut ceviche were great, and the tortillas on the taco sampler were delicious -- but the tacos arrived lukewarm and the proteins were mostly bland. They also don't serve chips and salsa, and the "chips" for the ceviche were burnt baked tortillas. Definitely not what you expect from a Mexican restaurant. The real issue was the service. The restaurant was clearly understaffed, and our server disappeared after taking our order. I ordered a margarita with Mezcal, and no one bothered to mention that their Mezcal is $27 per drink. We didn't find out until the bill came -- which also included an extra drink we didn't order. Even worse, not a single employee apologized or tried to make it right. No manager came over, and the staff just looked confused. In the end, I spent $54 on two Mezcal margaritas in a place with no bar seating, no chips and salsa, and service that was chaotic from start to finish. Between the lack of communication, the overcharging, and the overall disorganization, I won't be returning. Alameda has plenty of other Mexican restaurants that actually value their customers. Do not recommend! Just NO read more

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It felt like I was back in Acambaro when I took a bite of my pambazo, It was perfect! The bread was soft and chorizo was so flavorful and the salsa was super fresh10/10! The ambiance is wonderful mariachi playing in the background I love it!!! I went for brunch but I can't wait to go back for the dinner. We also tried the rapado flight I definitely recommend it. The concha toast was a first for me and fell in love definitely ordering that next time again. The service was super friendly and welcoming. Im telling all my friends and family to come. read more

Leña Restaurant - Raspados flight - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Tried this place for the first time this past week on a Wednesday, around 6pm ish, party of 2. We each got the 7 taco sampler ($32 ish each) and the halibut ceviche. (funny story, we were actually trying to order this appetizer that had a sampler of the ceviche and 2 other items, but there was a miscommunication - it ended up being totally fine). There's paid 2 hr parking in the vicinity if you arrive before 6pm, free after 6pm Pros: - I really liked the 7 taco sampler because you get to kind of taste everything? it had a variety of meats including chicken and fish taco with lots of different seasonings, and some of the meat was super tender and delicious - the ambiance - feels very authentic, lots of seating, open space indoor and outdoor. Music playing in the background - really clean bathroom - food came out at a decent speed - overall very clean feel inside Cons: - The service was very authentically spotty in my opinion. I think there was a bit of a language barrier between my friends and the server who was taking our order (she was covering our server who was on break). I felt like the questions we were asking were pretty typical to ask in a restaurant (like if we ordered a certain 3 items would that be too much for 2 people, if ordering all of that would fit on our very small 2 person table, what she recommended, etc), and she low key kind of sounded like she was really irritated with us for asking? But that might be the authenticity coming out lol. I think that contributed to the miscommunication I mentioned earlier. She also told us that the 7 taco sampler was pretty large and that we would get full after eating 4, but I'm really glad we didn't listen to her because one person could definitely eat the 7, they're pretty small. - the tortillas that came with the ceviche felt like they were overbaked and burnt and did not taste good at all - and when we mentioned it to the same server, she told us that "that's how it's supposed to be, but okay I'll get you different ones." And then she brought back ones that were less burnt. I'm not sure if the originals were "how they're supposed to be" if there were less burnt ones readily available? I noticed another review mentioned this same complaint as well - There were lots of larger tables and booths available on Wednesday night (it was not crowded at all) but we still got seated at the tiniest 2 person table that was between the booths and other larger tables, which I didn't mind, but the table did feel really crowded with the size of our dishes. Overall - the taco sampler did win me over and it was quite delicious. I'm not sure if I just ordered wrong when it came to the ceviche. I think service could be a little tighter and ironed out but this place has potential read more

Leña Restaurant - mini tacos sampler - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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I had a feeling the ribeye asado was going to be my favorite thing we ordered, yet we wanted to try as much as possible and succumbed to our gluttony. We came on their grand opening event so it was very crowded with a great vibe and a mariachi band that made it even better. The space is also done so thoughtfully and curated a little getaway from the bay. For drinks I had a cantarito and it was amazing -- tasted like fresh squeezed juice from all the ripest fruits with a side of suddenly I know Spanish. Next I ordered the la veladora and wow that was decadent without being heavy at all. We started with the tatemaditas. Our favorite salsas were the verde and macha. The macha had a really good heat to it. My spice tolerance is pretty decent but that one definitely made me feel like I was on a hot ones challenge. Next is where our downfall happened. The 7 mini taco sampler did not have mini tacos. They were very-generously-almost-normal-sized tacos that my boyfriend and I split, didn't even finish 2, then we were already almost full. Yeah we could've taken smaller bites but they were all so good and different from each other that we couldn't help it. The ribeye asada and halibut were our favorites. Then finally came the ribeye asado... perfect cook on it, amazingly seasoned, so juicy and tender. Could we power through and give it the savoring it deserves? No. We did not finish it as you expected but we are so looking forward to eating it as leftovers and I WILL be coming back to give my full attention and empty stomach to this dish. read more

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The good: hostess greeted me with a nice and warm smile. The decor and ambiance is nice and clean. I went there for brunch Saturday late morning. Parking wasn't too difficult. The not so good: I ordered chilaquiles with green sauce and a side of carnitas with over medium eggs. The carnitas are delicious, and the over medium eggs they nailed perfectly. The green sauce was a let down unfortunately. Very acidic, and the chilaquiles were drowning in the sauce. They put so much sauce it was about to overflow from the plate. They also don't offered beans on the brunch menu. The orange juice was fresh and sweet! I would probably given them a second chance, I like to support new and local businesses, perhaps I will visit for dinner. But the chilaquiles verdes were a disappointment! read more

Leña Restaurant - Chilaquiles verdes (green) - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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Our first time eating here, they've been open for about a month according to the server. The service was friendly and attentive. Because it was a Saturday afternoon before 1:30pm, which is also their closing time until they reopen for dinner, you can only order off the brunch menu. We were both happy with our meals and will return again to try their dinner menu! read more

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Wow. Just wow. This is the kind of Mexican spot Ceron kitchen wishes it were. Upscale Mexican that is worth the spend. Super flavorful food across the board that is well executed. Not your generic stuff that you can find at any Mexican restaurant. I didnt think I'd be getting saint Louis ribs at a Mexican place, but they killed it. Cocktails are unique and well balanced. Service is quick and friendly. This spot took over the old Alameda Comedy club space, so super open on the inside. Welcoming vibe. Definitely worth a trip if you're in the mood for some elevated Mexican food. read more

Love love love the atmosphere!!!!! Such a pretty restaurant! We came here for a wedding and let me tell you the service and the food is amazing! From the homemade tortillas for tacos to the whiskey business drink.....YAASSSSSSSS! The food was so flavorful and so filling. We had rice, beans, and carnita tacos. So yummy! Don't sleep on this restaurant! Definitely coming back when I visit Alameda. read more

This is the first time I've been here. I'm both a Mexican and a chef. Do not come here if you're somebody who's gonna ask for nachos. They serve sophisticated and innovative, but also traditional Mexican food from various regions. A lot of their recipes are very complex and unique. I had a pork shank that was delicious. It was in achiote and pineapple. The range of salsa they have is also quite wonderful and the drinks are very innovative. Also nice is they have a lot of small dishes. There's an old prejudice that says that Mexican restaurants have to be cheap. That's nonsense. This one is not so expect that. read more

Leña Restaurant - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

I've seen this space go through a few transformations, and this is easily my favorite yet. It's a clear step up from other Mexican spots on the island--perfect for a date night, but I can already picture booking the outdoor space for family parties too. Beyond the decor, vibe, and genuinely friendly staff, the real star is the food. We tried the Sombra De Café, Tatemaditas Guac & Salsa (love that you can pick four!), Jefitas Mole, and Costillas. The presentation alone was stunning--but honestly, when it looks and smells that good, I have no problem eating the art. Also, being able to pick two sides with your entrée? Elite move. My husband and I fully strategized to maximize variety--and it paid off. The esquite was hands-down our favorite. We came hungry, we conquered, and the portions definitely delivered--no room for dessert this time, but that just means we'll be back soon. I'm even planning to walk over next time. Quick note: my husband mentioned the men's bathroom stalls are a bit tight, though very clean. I'll report back on the women's side next visit! read more

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We went to Lena this past weekend to celebrate our anniversary. We arrived around 5:45 and were promptly seated. The restaurant is pretty spacious. My wife, kids and I shared the siete tacos appetizer and three tamales which came out quick. Both appetizers were great. Definitely a cut above the other Mexican restaurants in town. For the entrees, my wife shared the ribeye with the kids and I had the Cornish hen. We enjoyed the entrees as they were grilled to perfection. The sides were pretty good too. Everyone enjoyed the creamed corn in particular. We found the potatoes a little bit too spicy but everything else was great. It took quite awhile to get the entrees as the restaurant was busy by this point. Given the recent opening and amount of people I can understand. Hopefully it'll be a bit quicker in the future. The food was worth the wait at least. For dessert we tried the bunelo which was great. Overall, the restaurant is a unique addition to Alameda. read more

I wanted to try something new and the reviews were stellar for this new Mexican restaurant at the former Alameda Comedy Club. As you walk up to the entrance the murals and decor are very Inviting. We did not have a reservation but were quickly seated by the very nice hostess. We ordered cocktails which came out promptly and then ordered our dinner: ceviche trio and ribeye. It took some time to get our meal. Our waiter apologized to us and said that our ticket got lost. It took him a minute but I was happy he honestly informed us of what happened. The ceviche was fresh and bright. I asked for the ribeye steak to be cooked medium rear + and it came out perfect. The sides were also tasty, although the corn came out cool and not hot. We enjoyed our whole meal and even said we want to come back again. read more

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earned a star for: 1. delicious food and drinks 2. friendly servers 3. clean bathroom 4. indoor and outdoor seating 5. authentic vibe 6. reservations available lost a star for: 1. no baby changing table in the bathroom 2. long wait time for food read more

The vibes were off today. I really like this place, but today's energy was not welcoming at all. We came to celebrate Father's Day and, although we were initially told the restaurant was fully reserved, we were seated right away. As soon we walked in I went to use the restroom. There was a wet floor sign in the hallway, but nothing indicating that the restroom itself was being cleaned. I opened the door and found a woman cleaning inside. Feeling awkward, I asked if I should come back later. Instead of a simple yes or no, I was told that if I came in and got hurt, it would be my responsibility. Maybe that wasn't the intention, but I felt scolded and embarrassed. The interaction was so awkward that we got up and left. read more

We tried their brunch for the first time recently. Our server was very nice and took the time to answer all of our questions, which we appreciated. We ordered both types of pancakes from the menu, the fried hen and waffles, and I ordered the chilaquiles with no dairy, so no cheese or crema. Everyone at our table was served, but my food never came out. We asked a few times about it and were eventually told that another server had accidentally delivered my dish to a different table, which was a little odd and disappointing. That said, they did comp my meal, which was very appreciated and handled professionally. The food everyone else received was good, and overall the experience was still positive enough that we would go back. We're just hoping next time we all get our meals together so we can actually eat as a group. read more

Food here is high-quality--honestly, "amazing" is the best way to describe it. It's family-friendly but also perfect for a date night. OMFG... this has got to be the Mex-Food in the Bay Area, hands down. Nothing beats it--and I was born and raised here, eating Mexican food my whole life. The staff greeted me right when I walked in and seated us almost immediately. Our waiter made sure my guest and I were taken care of throughout the entire meal. At one point, I heard a nearby customer complain about the lighting being too bright (it really wasn't), but I let the waiter know, and they dimmed it almost right away. We ordered the fish and the birria. The side of potatoes was a 10/10--holy smokes, I've never had anything like it. The fish tasted like it was cooked over a wood fire, straight out of someone's mom's kitchen in Mexico--absolutely finger-licking good. My guest had the birria plate and didn't even bother to share, so I can only imagine how incredible it was. The mechiladas were amazing too. The vibe, decor, and overall experience aren't a hole-in-the-wall or boujee--it's that perfect in-between: a legit mom-and-pop spot that's leveling up fast. They also have a bar area, which I can't wait to swing by for. Plus, they've got outdoor seating too, which is a nice bonus as I often organize outings with friends and looking to pregame. read more

Leña Restaurant - Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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The chilaquiles de mole were amazing. Not to sweet, but definitely savory!! They had live dancers from Vallejo come and perform national dances from Mexico. It was a blessing to hear and feel the music. The ambiance is also very traditional, with plates and cups all being made of barro. Water was refilled constantly, and the servers were exceptional. I'm not too fond of hipster/gentrified Mexican restaurants that cater to non Mexicans but this space definitely feels like it caters to all. read more

I really wish I got to taste your food. After 15 minutes of no one greeting us and barely got any acknowledgment, we left. Too bad. The few dishes that I saw coming by looked really good. Instead, Homeskillet down the street got our business and they were FABULOUS!!!!! read more

We stood at the entrance for quite a long time before being welcomed in. The hostess was somewhere else. I'm okay with that but no apology for the wait which was a bad sign. The restaurant was extremely loud and my gut told me we should bail and go somewhere else. I should have listened to my gut. Service was slow and the wait too long. The menu seemed a bit odd like it was trying too hard. My Spanish coincides a brush up but when you're tired after a long day your patience run thin. Food was just okay but nothing that told me to come back. We may give it another chance but not anytime soon. I wish them well but was over underwhelming. read more

Our 1st time. We enjoyed the chilaquiles with carnitas. And it was brought to us very quickly. The decor is modern yet steeped in Mexican culture. We'll be back soon to try the mole. read more

Amazing food and amazing vibes. Came from the soccer game and it was the best choice. From the chips and salsa and guacamole to the Chamorro al pastor with soo many choices as sides. Everything I tried its was amazing.! Full bar and great staff. Friendly and fast. Teresa and Jocelyn are the best. Alameda needed this place..! Thank you so much for bringing this to our neighborhood. read more

The chilaquiles with mole were delicious! Service was great too! Love the decor and definitely will be back for dinner and to celebrate special occasions. read more

Great service Food's amazing and I don't drink but my friend does. She said that the drinks were 10 out of 10 read more

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We were looking forward to trying this restaurant. We went early, about 6 pm. But even then the live music being played was incredibly loud. I mean super loud, to the point where we couldn't even hear the person seated next to us at the table. So we left without ordering. The decor was pretty. Maybe I'll go back someday and try the food - if they cut the noise. read more

What a beautiful, carefully curated restaurant! The food is beautifully prepared with quality ingredients. The drink menu is fun- one comes with a tiny lollipop- so fun! Welcome to Alameda!!! read more

Love this place. Everything we've had has been great, except the "chips". I know they are supposed to be traditional and not actual chips but they are so hard and burnt. Hope they listen to the reviews and change them or just add some regular chips. read more

Went for a birthday celebration-my husband ordered the steak, my son the pork and I a veg meal. All of the favors were balanced, full and very filling. So filling that I'd suggest ordering family style with one less dish for a party of four. Margaritas were wonderful. And to top it off birthday dessert with a candle and a song. Just enough to properly embarrass the birthday boy. read more

I'll start by saying it has a nice atmosphere and the drinks look good. Service was average nothing extraordinary. The thing that jumps out at you first and foremost are the prices! Outrageous!! BUT after the sticker shock I kept it to myself and wanted the food to warrant those prices. We ordered the Pork belly, Ox tail birria, appetizer and 2 kids tacos plates. Pork belly was drenched in oil and made my mom sick, Ox tail was good but def not worth what they are asking for. Kids tacos were good. So for 2 entrees, app and 2 kids plates we ended up spending $200!!! They tacked on a 20% "large group" for me, my wife, mom and 3 young kids. The food was decent but forgettable. If the prices were lowered we might consider going back. We really wanted to like this place because we live around the corner but safe to say we won't be coming back. read more

I had an amazing experience here! This was my second visit, and once again, everything was excellent. The service was outstanding, and one of the owners was especially kind and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious 10/10 and the margaritas were incredible. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming back! read more

Just finished our meal and we are already planning our next night out. From the tamales, to the, drinks, sauces, and sides everything was on point. You could tell that the food was made with a lot of love and served with pride. This is truly a new gem for Alameda read more

Well - that was amazing. Two of us walked in on a Saturday evening at 7:30 and we were seated right away. The food blew our minds. It was really delicious. AND out server Theresa was so attentive, friendly and considerate. All of the staff was pleasant to be around. You should go, it's worth it! We shared the Jefitas Mole and we still had to take some home. We'll be back. Also I enjoyed the unique and authentic decor. read more