Playa Azul -- Where Food Meets Genuine Human Connection As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and friendliness by Mauricio while we bobbed our heads to Hall and Oates' "Maneater" playing in the background -- followed by "Funky Little Beat" by Connie. We knew immediately this was our vibe. We sat down and read through the menu. A lot of dishes I wasn't familiar with, so naturally I defaulted to what I knew -- quesadilla de camarón. My wife did the smart thing and asked for recommendations. Mauricio suggested three dishes and she chose the last one- I think it was because something about tequila . When it was my turn, I proudly placed my order. Without missing a beat, Mauricio looked at me and said, "Bro, you can get that anywhere -- you should try this." He began describing the dish, then pointed to his dad sitting patiently at a corner table. "That's his invention." No more words needed. I said sold. Our dishes arrived and we immediately moved them to the center of the table so we could share both. I had the seafood fajitas -- shrimp, fish, fajita vegetables, and the most tender, flavorful pulpo I've ever had. All the seafood was cooked perfectly: tender but not falling apart. But the octopus and the sauce were something special. Chef Jose came to check on us and I told him about the pulpo. His eyes lit up as he began describing his preparation process -- then he said, "You want to see?" He walked me right into his kitchen and showed me the octopus being prepared. That moment alone was worth the visit. By the time we returned to our table, the restaurant had started to fill up. We continued enjoying our food, including the handmade soft tortillas that came with my dish -- don't sleep on those. Chef Jose stopped by again, sharing more stories, more passion, more of himself. Before we even finished eating, we were already planning our next visit for happy hour and dinner with the family. This is a perfect example of what Will Guidara calls Unreasonable Hospitality -- unexpected, personalized, and genuinely human. Mauricio and Chef Jose aren't just running a restaurant. They're sharing something they love, and you feel it in every bite and every interaction. Thank you, Mauricio and Jose. We'll be back. read more

Playa Azul - Seafood Fajita - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

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A neat family-owned spot with authentic tasting Mexican seafood dishes! My mom and I shared two dishes and a free chips and salsa. The Fajitas de Mariscos came with tons of seafood in a savory sauce. It came with rice w/corn and beans. We also had the Camarones Costa Azul which was jumbo shrimp wrapped with bacon in a savory tomato sauce + cheese. Definitely a heavy dish but pretty tasty! I really liked the homemade tortillas here; they were so soft and went well with the shrimp and fajitas. Prices are in the higher end but portions are also huge! There seemed to be just a husband and wife when we dined. They were very welcoming and helpful with explaining the menu. Place was very spacious with lots of seating. read more

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You NEED to go to La Playa Azul!!! It was so good, I went there twice in a week! I was in town doing an install and accidentally stumbled across this gem. When I showed up I was energetically greeted by the owner Jose. He and his son own and operate the restaurant. He was funny and suggested some great selections. Of course I went to one of my favorites, tacos Al Pastor. I was surprised when it came out as it was served on hand made corn tortillas and was delicious! The Al Pastor had great flavor, texture and wasn't too sweet. The Jamaica was equally delicious with a semi sweet, mildly bitter flavor. It was perfect and wasn't too sweet unlike some other restaurants. So we had a business partner come into town later in the week and we instantly offered to go to La Playa Azul again. She is vegan and Jose made her a custom vegetable fajita plate. It was so cool how he engaged her and offered a custom dish for her needs. When it came out I kinda had order envy. I ended up going with the chicken Mole based upon the son's recommendation and it was super good. Really nice mole sauce which wasn't too sweet and chocolate-y. The environment is nice as well. If you want great Latin cuisine and a great family owned experience, look no further than La Playa Azul! read more

Playa Azul - Chicken mole - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

One of the top Mexican food places in U.C. Their specialties are seafood dishes along with other traditional plates. The staff makes you feel like you are part of the family. After several visits, every dish that I've ordered has been cooked to perfection. From the floutas to the fried fish they taste great. Ice cold beverages to quench your thirst. Plenty of seating with a music playlist that creates a cool vibe. read more

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I updated my view only because I tried something different this time lol. I come here at least once a month and the food is ALWAYS delicious,I have no complaints or criticisms because everything tastes perfect in my opinion. The food is very authentic and the owners and staff treats EVERYONE like family when they come in . I thought I was their favorite customer lol, but I see they show love to everyone that comes in their restaurant . Today we ordered ..... Super Steak and shrimp burrito 10/10 the flavor was so good and the shrimps were hella big . Super pastor burrito 10/10 , the pastor was nice and tender Steak torta 10/10, we took this Togo so I didn't get to try it when it was fresh & hot but it was really delicious the steak is always so tender and seasoned to perfection . I should have ordered two lol Guacamole 10/10 , this is literally my favorite place to order chips and Guacamole ( I don't even want to try other restaurants guacamole after eating it at this restaurant) Chicken, steak and pastor enchiladas plate with the green sauce 10/10 . The green sauce has so much flavor and I love how you can taste a little lemon/lime in the sauce . Overall all it's always a great experience and I am probably bias now because this has become my favorite restaurant. But don't take my word for it , try it for yourselves .. I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

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I finally got to visit them in person! My family doesn't like seafood, so it's hard for me to go to Mexican seafood places with the whole family. My dad was in town, and we wanted a treat. When we walked in, a young woman greeted us and got a table ready. There weren't many people in the restaurant, and it looked like she was the only server working most of the tables. She brought us menus, took the kids' orders, and got our drinks. She was busy serving other tables, so it took her a little while to get back to us, but that wasn't a problem. I ordered the Playa Azul Mar y Tierra. It wasn't exactly what I expected -- it was steak cut into pieces with shrimp in sauce, served with rice, beans, and homemade tortillas. Everything was a little bland, but the handmade tortillas were the STAR of the show. Absolutely delicious! My dad ordered the Campechana, and he really liked the octopus -- it wasn't gummy or chewy like at other places. He also had the Michelada, which came with two shrimp and cucumber. It was pretty good, though we wanted a different beer they didn't carry. My kids had the kids' cheeseburger, which was good, but my 6-year-old thought the patty was too thick. My husband is pickier, so he had two asada tacos, but they were actually just ground beef tacos -- not real asada, which was disappointing. Still, the handmade tortillas were the star of the show. We'd try coming back since we live nearby, but honestly, we're in no rush -- which sucks, because I love to support family-owned shops. Service was great -- no problems there. read more

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Plaza Azul opened where Parilya by Isla once was. P. A. Is a transplant from Oaktown's Fruitvale district. Owner describes himself as the original O.G. of Mexican eats in "The Town". Obviously refurbished, decor is a mix of mirrors, flatscreens, and Mexican artifacts. Offerings (traditional Michoacan, central Mexico): Camorones (shrimp), Caldos (soups), Peacados (fish), Botanas (snacks, appetizers), Mariscos (seafood), fajitas, entrees, combos... Ordered at table. Food came in 15ish minutes. Had to be reconstituted .. Bites: Menudo (stew with tripe, beef feet, 18.95) -this version has falling off the bone beef skin, other regional versions has pig feet. -usually served on weekends as a "cure" for hangovers. I eat it cuz i love it not as a cure. -hot soup also has tender honeycomb beef tripe, hominy (corn), beef stock, onions, cumin, garlic. Flavors all subtly present. None dominant. Hot spiciness not default. Must be added via garnishes. -garnishes: mexican oregano, cilantro, white onions, jalepenos, guajillo pepper. Latter 2 too hot so didn't add. Lotsa housemade tortilla chips with mild salsa. Ate 1/3. Not a superfan of chips. Firm crunch. Housemade corn tortillas had a certain coarseness due to special masa harina utilized. Loved it. read more

Playa Azul - Decoration in background. Lotsa comped housemade chips.. - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

I was craving chicken flautas as I was going to across the Union City BART Station. I was getting some pan dulce from a Mexican bakery, then went to Dollar Tree. And ate at Playa Azul to see how their food is. I heard good reviews serving pozole, seafood dishes but I opted to get my intense craving for chicken flautas. The server is a young lady and she was very attentive, hard working, very courteous and polite. They head chef and owner was circling talking to his regulars. Customer service is 5/5. Menu is diverse, and they sell everything. Prices are Bay Area plus T's inflation prices. I had to choose what felt on my budget and not overspend. Their specialized on seafood dishes, and the ambiance is cozy, casual vibe. Ambiance, cleanliness is 5/5. I ordered a Mexican coke, and a plate of 3 chicken flautas. The plate had 3 deep fried golden brown chicken flautas topped withcrema, shredded lettuce, queso fresco, pico de gallo, cotija and cilantro. Then a side of delicious and very flavorful Spanish rice, refried beans made with white Navy beans topped with queso fresco. Homemade corn tortilla chips were very good served with their mild house salsa Rojo. The salsa is made of fresh chunky tomatoes, onions, salt, cilantro mildly spiced with little jalapeno. Chips were freshly made and deep fried and paired well with the signature house salsa. It was delicious, warm. 4.7/5. The flautas tasted better than I expected. Crispy deep fried flautas paired well with everything on a plate. Then added some salsa to add more flavor. The one thing that needed improvement was the refried beans but I think it is not their fault or intention using a different beans like pinto beans. I didn't quite liked the semi chunky texture of refried beans either. The rest of the chicken flautas plate - 5/5. Refried beans us 3.5/5. It had a weird smell but it might cheese used on top of the beans. It smelled little gamey. And I didn't like the semi- chunky texture wasn't my preference. But needed some flavor because it was little bland. So opted for more salsa on the beans. But my cravings for chicken flautas was satisfied. After not eating at a Mexican restaurant for 3 years, I will come back to try their pozole or seafood dishes. Menu is diverse, and it is really good. This is probably a better Mexican restaurant on this area compared to Muchos Gustos next door. Right here you have a restaurant that moved to a more quiet and different location. Their old location was in Oakland. This is their new location now. I will be coming back for more. Again, thank you for choosing this location which is formerly a Filipino casual fast food restaurant which will be missed from my food memories. Their business didn't go well after the pandemic. Menu is diverse, but has a huge menu. They specialize on seafood dishes, but don't sway away and forget other Mexican cuisine favorites. I would say after looking on an 8-page menu which is huge. Food is 4.6/5. I will comeback for more! read more

Playa Azul - Chicken flautas served with Spanish rice, refried beans and pico de gallo. - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

I used to come in twice a month and had a lovely server named SMAY, who was very good. I saw her at the store and she said that this company did not pay her for overtime, kept her tips and owes her for two weeks work and have not paid her and another server, for their hours. I will never go into this establishment again, since they rip off their workers. read more

I've got a slight bias here, as for Mexican food, I prefer Mariscos (seafood) over any other. And this place seems to be transplanted from the hood of East Oakland to this suburban strip mall where I'm sure it is much safer from crime and drama. And as a small business owner where it is already hard to maintain a business, I can totally understand this move. So to have these vets enter my neighborhood is such a score for me. They took over an old Filipino joint that I didn't really care for. And I wasn't surprised that the older business closed down. I just wasn't aware that this place had replaced it. and took me about 2 years for me to realize it and give them a whirl. Caldo Siete Mares ($25/4*) This is a loaded seafood stew, I'd say close to Cioppino but not as tomato-y. It's supposed to have 7 different types of seafood and this actually did, except I only found 5 of them to be great/ideal. The crab, octopus, fish, shrimp and scallops were all money, perfectly cooked, fresh seafood taste in a delicious broth that wasn't too spicy. But the clams and mussels that were in their shells did taste a bit off, like not as fresh as they could have been. But 5 outa 7 ain't bad and there was so much seafood that it would stuff ya to the gills anyways. *pun rim shot* Whole Fried Snapper ($28/4.5*) Easily feeds 2. I love this dish and it reminds me of my own culture's love for most things ocean. Fried nice and crisp and seasoned quite lightly. I like to peel the crisp flesh off the bones and throw them in the thick homemade corn tortillas and eat it with salsa and the refried beans. I was told next time to get their 'Diabla' sauce on the side next time, which I will most certainly do next time. Seafood Fajitas ($25/4*) I tried this for take-out another time and it was decent. Same seafood mix with huge chunks of fish, shrimp, octopus and scallops. And when they toss it with that standard onion and bell pepper mix, they also add a good dose of garlic and butter as well so it is very wet and saucy, which works well with the seafood. I rarely try fajitas at other places but this one was a good rendition. Vuelve de la Vida -Mixed Seafood Coctele ($26/5*) This was a work of art and was as good, if not better than authentic places in SJ or Oakland. Huge goblet filled with their chunked seafood, again all poached perfectly, served with that seafood broth. They put a little ketchup on the bottom, maybe some crunchy vegetable garnish like tomato, cilantro and cucumbers and all that seafood and broth right over so it has a layered effect, and you have mix everything up to get that classic red cocktail flavor. And nice slices of fresh avocado on top, which lends well with chewy and briny seafood. They also give you these nicer, more upscale crackers when most other places just give you cheap saltine crackers. Again this was a work of art. *chef's kiss* And I love their hospitality here, same small family, love how they all work together. Dad and the founder from the Oakland location is mostly in the back but brings food out when he has to, the son who is fluent in English will serve and recommend anything. The dad once towards the end of the night was enjoying a post shift beer and serenaded me with a tune from their speakers. Lol. So super stoked to find out this is so close to me and for my area this is levels above most other Mexican places that try and do seafood. I can do this weekly and since finding out about it, I've pretty much lived to it. Trust. read more

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Had the fajita de mariscosand my wife had the chicken milanesa. Both were very good and reasonably priced for the quantity of food. Especially enjoyed the home made tortillas which reminded my of some restaurants in southern California. The beans and rice also were very well executed and had good flavor and texture. The salsa was also spicy and legit. Would recommend and come back. read more

**This review is for their catering ONLY** I went to an event in July (La Raza Athletic Association League) where they catered the event. As much as it PAINS me to give anyone a one star, I was left no choice. To be brutally honest, I was supposed to receive the chicken plate and I saw literally no chicken on my plate. I literally had vegetables, which were cold by the way, and a red sauce over them. It also came with rice, pilaf and 3 shrimp on a skewer. I paid $130 to attend this event. And we had our choices between steak, which, by the way, looked absolutely horrible, and there was no way that that was steak And if it were, it had to be the lowest grade possible. We were also offered chicken, which was what I was supposed to receive. Not only could I not find the chicken, but the food on my plate was inedible. They also had a salmon plate, which is what I would typically get. However, I can't have salmon at the moment. There were 10 other people seated at my table who all felt the same way I did in terms of the food. I should have taken a picture but I literally I didn't eat anything but the vegetables off of my plate because I'm diabetic and had already taken my medication and needed to eat something. I also asked for more dinner rolls so that I could have at least something to fill my stomach. Everyone agreed that we would ask for who the caterer was so that we wouldn't make the mistake of ever ordering them for any event that we may have moving forward. I see that they have better ratings for their actual sit down restaurant and that's wonderful. While that may be the case, I would never again recommend or order them for a catering service. Thank you, but no, thank you. I actually feel bad for this review, but it's the absolute truth. And I would like to share that experience with other people because I know, just like myself, we all rely on Yelp, for honest reviews. read more

food is so freaking bomb, service was great! one of the guys (perhaps the owner?) was really cool! portions are pretty big so keep in mind. the most perfectly cooked fries just went in my tummy, delicious guac accompanied it. the juicy and flavorful beef and chicken was so good!! honestly great vibe in there, definitely reccomend! we also came about an hour before closing, but they were still so welcoming! PLEASE come here!!! read more

Playa Azul - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

My husband has been wanting to try this place for the longest time since we pass by it quite often. We came during lunch on Tuesday and it wasn't busy at all. We love a family owned restaurant, it always has a special kind of vibe. The menu was massive and to be honest, I didn't quite know how to read it properly hahaha so we ended up asking the owners for recommendations. They told us their most ordered dish was the seafood fajitas ($26) and the seafood sampler ($65), so we got those. Lots and lots of food for just my husband and I lol I enjoyed the seafood fajitas, delicious seasoning! It came with beans, rice, and tortilla (apparently their grandma's recipe). The seafood sampler was massive and I wasn't that big of a fan. Thought it was too pricey but in fairness, they cooked their seafood to perfection! read more

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10/10 recommend! First, Hand made corn tortillas. That should tell you everything you need to know. Then I saw the menu.. ‍ extensive, but not tiring. House made micheladas mix also 10/10. Had a mixed plate: shrimp, steak, chicken. All perfectly cooked. Rest of the table had caldos (soups): Menudo & Beef Also amazing. Chef came out to greet us. Wonderful staff. They had games on the TVs and light music playing. Really chill, happy vibe for a weekend brunch. They're new and I wish I would've came here sooner. They've found a new regular. Check them out! read more

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Delicious authentic Mexican food. Family owned and operated. The people couldn't be friendlier, and the food is outstanding. Recommend: Chile Verde Feature: freshly made corn tortillas read more

Playa Azul - Signage - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

The customer service was amazing. Staff are very attentive. The food was good. The tostada de ceviche con pescado was on fire.

Chicken and Fish tacos a must try. We ordered for a large group and the tacos burritos chips and salsa came out hot and tasty. We have already gone back. I haven't eaten on site so no info about that. read more

Good authentic Mexican food . Service was excellent . Owner chef was very friendly. Would definitely recommend and revisit.

The food and the service are over the top. We had the Camarones Al Arriero, which are sautéed jumbo shrimp in tequila and mushrooms. This came with rice, beans and handmade corn tortillas. This plate was heaven on earth! Amazing! We also had the combination beef and cheese Enchiladas which were delicious. The ambiance was fun and inviting. read more

Playa Azul - Cheese and Beef Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

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We ordered margaritas when we first got there, which were absolutely massive! Service was great, everyone was super friendly and kind. Food was delicicious! Portion sizes were generous but not oversized, I had the chili relleno and hubby had some steak fajitas whick were delicous. The beef was so tender! And the handmade corn tortillas are not to be missed. read more

I've never been here before and my daughter was really craving tostadas de ceviche de Cameron. As we walked in, we were greeted and seated. Beautiful and clean establishment. The food was delicious! My daughter had the tostadas and I had the mix fajitas. They had the right amount of seasoning! Definitely would come again and bring the familia! read more

Playa Azul - Tostadas and fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

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This restaurant is awesome. We searched authentic Mexican food in Google and they popped up! I am glad it did! Mauricio was very welcoming from the moment we stepped through the door. We met the owner, Jose, who is the cutest and most friendly soul! The food was awesome and tasted exactly how I wanted and expected. You can tell that everything is fresh. The salsa is bomb and the pico is just as good. This is the second time we've come in three days. We will definitely be coming back over and over again! read more

Playa Azul - Enchiladas verdes - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

Hands down the BEST shrimp quesadillas on freshly made tortillas & the beans tasted straight out of my Tia's kitchen in Mexico. The music is good, not too loud, friendly service. All around 10/10 read more

Playa Azul - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

I went to Playa Azul as a guest of a friend and had high hopes for the experience, my first time visiting. The setting is very nice, not alot of bright fluorescent lighting which is a plus! I ordered a shrimp enchilada but was fairly disappointed by the lack of seasoning in the dish. The red sauce was bland. The enchildada itself was nice, the shrimp flavorful, but the lack of a nicely seasoned sauce was a disappoinment. My companion was happy with her plate and wants to return so I am willing to return to try another entree hoping that my first experience was just an unfortunate one. Unrelated to food, I notice that the front door contains alot of signs/posts that start with 'NO'. I realize that business must get many folks trying to find a bathroom, and/or bring in their own drink and/or food, so notification that this is not acceptable is necessary but the presence of so many NO messages is a little off putting, when directly there on the door as one enters. Just my personal take on the situation. read more

Sis got a Pacifico and I got a virgin Michelada! Presentation was great. And tasted even better!! read more

Playa Azul - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

Great food. The posole is so full of meat the guacamole is fantastic!!!! I always order it on door dash while I'm working. So satisfying read more

The food was super fresh and full of flavor you can really taste the quality. The service was friendly and fast, and the place was clean and welcoming. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the portions were perfect. Definitely coming back again. Highly recommend! read more

The poco loco michelada was a 10/10. Forgot to take a picture of the food which was amazing. Great service. read more

Playa Azul - Poco Loco Michelada 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

After seeing the restaurant and reading reviews I'm so glad I gave it a try. The chile colorado sauce was delicious, when I first saw it I could tell it was different from every other place. And it was sooo good. The enchilada trio is perfect if you can't decide- one beef, one chicken, and one cheese with either red or green sauce. I got the red which was tasty and will definitely try the green. The seem to specialize in seafood which we did not try, but the traditional entrees were delicious! Yummy, different, authentic, very tasty. Friendly fast service. Will definitely be back! read more

New Mexican restaurant, very friendly , margarita was good it's not water down . Guacamole chips and salsa was very good like homemade very authentic . Boneless fish for my two year old was great he like it as well . We will come back for sure read more

Super down to earth people who make you feel at home. Great location with plenty of parking. The restaurant is in Union City. Its spacious, clean and decorated for the holidays. We took my dad here for his birthday as he loves Menudo. This spot offers it on the weekends. We ordered several bowls of menudo with granito and the hubby ordered chicken mole which was dark/rich. Great portions, everything tasted fresh and seasoned just right. They bring you toppings to add heat and extra flavor. The best part is their handmade tortillas. They make all the difference so make sure you place an order or two of those!! Staff was attentive and we learned about their family business. We were full but because it was a bday celebration we ordered some pie and homemade flan which were both amazing. My dad was happy and we were all soooo full. The host/owner mentioned they sometimes have mariachi so will have to come back/inquire what days. Overall, we were very happy we checked them out and we will definitely be back to support this family owned business. read more

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La comida estuvo muy rica, excelente servicio. Mi esposo e hijo tuvieron una muy buena experiencia en su father, son bonding time :) The food was exceptional the service was excellent. My husband and son had a wonderful father son bonding time here. read more

Playa Azul - Camarones a la diabla con tocino. Tortillas hechas a mano! - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

The food tasted genuinely authentic, and the homemade tortillas were outstanding. The owner's charisma added to the experience, making the meal even more enjoyable. Great food and excellent service all around. read more

Really yummy food! Was sad when they closed their Oakland location but followed them over to Union City when they opened up here. Fish tacos are amazing! read more

Amazing flavor in the food and great portions. I got the shrimp tacos and my Dad got the shrimp ceviche tostado, super satisfying and delicious. Fast and good service. I would definitely come again with friends read more

Playa Azul - Shrimp tacos and shrimp ceviche tostado - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California

It's a place that feels like home, both because of the dishes served but also those who serve it. Their Parrillada is a nice sampler of all their dishes and their shrimp quesadilla is worth fighting for. I always appreciate the recommendations. I travel back home often, and this is always a stop during my trip. read more

My go to spot for Burrito! I have gone at lunch and at dinner.. The staff ( Mauricio) is efficient and friendly.. The restaurant was extremely clean and very spacious... I will be returning!!! read more

Good selection of Mexican food that won't break the bank. A very short walk from the BART station, we stopped here for dinner after the air show a couple weekends ago. We were greeted warmly and chips, salsa and waters were brought promptly. We ordered a ginormous burrito, enchiladas, flautas, a steak quesadilla and chicken nuggets with fries. The chicken nuggets were meh (but they're not Mexican food and the kids enjoyed them) but the rest of the dishes ranged from very good to excellent. I got spicy enchilada sauce which was a little too much for my palate (I'm no spice wuss; it was HOT). The rice and beans, which I normally don't eat, were delicious and obviously homemade. Everyone was so friendly I honestly didn't feel like I was eating at a restaurant. It's a little far for us to be frequent patrons, but we'll be back the next time we're in the area. read more

Ok. This is the best Mexican spot in Union City, probably in the Tri-Cities. All of the dishes are original creations from the owner, Chef Jose Espinoza. He makes his own tortillas and all of the ingredients are mainly locally sourced. They're know for their seafood dishes and I orders the Jaiba Rellena, a succulent and fresh seafood tomato based stew of scallop, shrimp, octopus and crabmeat, baked in a crab shell. A must try! read more

Playa Azul - Jaiba Rellena - Mexican Near Me - Union City, California