With reviews all over the map, let's just say that Baja Taqueria has stood the test of time (30+ years). It's surely not the best Mexican fare you've ever had but if you live nearby it's likely the place you head for your weekly taco/burrito fix. But if you don't live nearby and find yourself on Piedmont Avenue, a street with an embarrassment of gastronomic riches, you're probably not opting for Baja Taqueria. But is it Saturday and do you like live music? Then head directly here. At no extra charge (happy hour actually runs until 6pm) from 5:30-7:30pm on Saturdays, Baja Taqueria features live bluegrass music. I went because I happen to know at least one of those who was playing (there were 5-6 at all times) and folks, this is a concert. These guys/gals play for a meal, the passing of a tip jar, and for the fun of it but that's just because musicians like to play. This is some world class excellence, especially if bluegrass is your jam. Four of us enjoyed ourselves. A food writer amongst us was on a return visit and had high praise as a repeat consumer of a Hole Mole Burrito (an award-winner for "best vegetarian burrito"). I stuck to chips, salsa, guacamole, and a margarita until I could hold out no longer then opted to share a Cajun Fish Salad ($16.95). Everything I sampled was good and satisfying though I noted that the "Cajun" fish wasn't at all spicy. The salsa accompaniments easily solve this issue. Baja Taqueria is a very casual, order-at-the-register taqueria at which a solo diner won't feel out of place. Come for the music and stay for a drink and dinner and you've got yourself a fully satisfying, very well-priced evening. read more

I have been a fan of Baja Taqueria for many years now. They have the best fish tacos in town! Staff is really nice and all of the food and drinks are very fresh (great horchata). I really like the outside patio. It's small and quaint, but is a nice way to just have a little bit of peace and enjoy some delicious tacos outside. read more

Baja Taqueria - The best fish tacos in Oakland - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

This taqueria serves quite a bit more than just tacos and has some pretty good seafood to stuff in those corn tortillas, Baja style! Baja Taqueria packs a lot in their menu and occasionally offers specials off menu. Despite the variety, it's pretty much the same stuff just packed in different forms and served with different sides. Tacos, burritos, wraps, quesadillas, and combo plates are the main offerings and you'll have a variety of meats (or meat alternatives) to go with them. The shop seems small from the front where you order, but they have a whole area in the back for dine-in and it's quite spacious. The tables and chairs are easily moved and the room can probably accommodate a few small to medium sized parties or a large party. They have a relatively clean bathroom that is accessible as well. After we ordered, we went to seat ourselves in the back as we waited for our food. They'll call your name when the food is ready and you'll need to pick it up from the counter. There isn't much service aside from taking the order and cooking it; there is a self-service bus station but we didn't see staff members coming to clean the tables too often. We came in on a weekday afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner and it was pretty quiet. There were a few patrons getting takeout and a couple others who dined in. With the music playing and the artwork decorating the walls, the experience was peaceful and pleasant. I ended up ordering the Cajun fish taco platter. This plate was beautifully crafted to highlight the delicious white fish seasoned and grilled to perfection wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The fish melts in your mouth and is flavorful with each bite. They're not very big so they'll be gobbled up quick but the healthy helping of rice and beans as sides were fillers for the meal. The price point seemed relatively high by a little compared to other taquerias in the area however they do have happy hour every day between 3-6 for their beer and sangria. Perfect combo to go with your meal! Parking can be rough as it's mostly street parking with meters or permits required. You may get lucky in the surrounding residential neighborhoods with some free spots but they're few and far in between. Overall, Baja Taqueria is solid when it comes to Mexican food with some Baja flare. You won't get much service during your meal but the staff here will make sure your food comes out clean, delicious and presentable. You may be spending a bit more given that you're in a nicer area of Oakland but the difference isn't by too much compared to other cities. If you're in the area and happen to be hankering for some tacos or burritos, perhaps considering stopping by for a quick bite or a drink if it's happy hour time! read more

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This place USED to be great, The grilled fish tacos I got in 2025 were a full piece of tilapia, seasoned and delicious, today I go there for grilled fish tacos, and I get a 1 inch unseasoned piece of fish on a 3 inch taco, mostly cabbage, a dollar more than last year. Sad. read more

Been coming here on and off since I was a kid and it is VERY different than what it once was... I ordered the enchiladas and the street tacos. The enchiladas were bland. Not bad but nothing to ride home about. However, the tacos were so disappointing. This is the Bay Area - home of fresh Mexican food or so I always thought... The tortillas were very hard. No steamed in any way. The meat was tough. The rice and beans were very bland and the rice may have been pre-made? The prices are the nail in the coffin. $20 for three small tacos and container sized rice and beans? The taste and size of the dishes just doesn't justify the price. Would I return? Unfortunately no Would I recommend it to a friend? Nope read more

Am disappointed by the burritos which used to be fantastic. They're weak on flavor, chips are ok, and tiny. Literally the burrito was mostly tortilla, yet was over $16. Not a value, and not worth going back. I will stick with Gordo or other spots that give you fantastic taste and value. read more

Staff is friendly, but I just ate the most flavorless burrito of my life. I work close by. It keeps getting worse. I won't go back.

I was craving a fish burrito and after walking past Baja a couple times (a small storefront, easy to miss) and literally tripping over the signboard out front, I decided this was the place. I think the item called "fish burrito" uses a fried fish, which could be tasty but I was seeking specifically grilled fish. So the cashier pointed me to the Cajun fish "wrap," which indeed had grilled fish and some good fillings and by all accounts looked like a burrito to me. They gave me some complimentary tortilla chips and a small thing of salsa. The food tasted good and while I wasn't stuffed after eating, I'd say it addressed my hunger and delivered the taste I was craving. read more

Tiny soup for $11. Tacos packed with meat, steak had good flavor. Tortillas SUPER oily. read more

Baja Taqueria - Street Tacos Steak (Choose 2 or 3) - 2 Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Food is always good! Love the variety. Lobster burritos! Lots of veggie choices and their fish tacos are FANTASTIC!

My mom and I came here after running some errands in the area and wanted tacos. I had the lobster tacos and she had shrimp and fish tacos. Not only were the lobster tacos themselves bomb but I was SO happy to finally find somewhere in the bay that serves them! The chips were crispy and not oily. Loved the green salsa that came with the chips. The person who took our order was friendly and brought our order out quickly. Even though we came around lunch, it wasn't crowded. They have a lot of tasty options, both Mexican and fusion wraps. I look forward to returning and exploring the menu more! read more

Baja Taqueria - 2 Lobster Tacos are bomb! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

They can do better but the expectations are not there, the calamari taste fishy and the sauces are not the best taste.

Not enough portion size for you the money you pay. Service is slow. Vibe is boring. I went there, but didn't like it. The flavor of food is average read more

Got the fish taco lunch special - huge piece of fish, perfectly fried, plus beans and rice for like $13. Good deal, great service and a nice little seating area out back! read more

Was walking down Piedmont for something good for a late lunch being that it was an odd time (3pm) most places were closed, but seeing Baja I could imagine delicious fish dishes since Baja is known for their fish. Im really glad we came across this place and they were open! Our orders: Plantain Plate - delicious! Came with black beans and rice. The plantains were a perfect ripeness not too soft and crisped nicely on the outside soft on the inside. Loved this dish Baja Sampler - came with carne asada, pollo asado, rice and pinto beans. The chicken had such a good smoke taste and carne asada nice and tender i liked how it was chopped. Cheese enchiladas - my picky sister ordered this and finished the whole plate! She loved it Fish tacos - this is a must! Sooo juicy and crispy, cooked real baja style had cabbage on top too. All the food was great, the portions are generous, food is fresh. Also loved all the salsa's they had. The salsa verde flavor is amazing. read more

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I see a lot of poor reviews for Baja Taqueria but I had a different experience. I ordered the vegetarian burrito with rice, beans, sour cream, cheese, and salsa and thought it tasted great! The only thing I did not like was that the tortilla had little or no filling at both ends of the burrito, but I think that's just par for the course for all burritos. Overall, I liked the flavors and the fast and friendly service, and even the $12.00 charge did not upset me too much. Although i have to watch my budget, I am getting use to the exorbitant prices of eating out these days, so $12.00, while high, is bearable. read more

I have gone here for decades, but they are failing hard. I ordered, paid and verified my order in person but they fucked it up.

I went in here the other day for a quick bite and have to say I'll never go back. The price is insane, and the meat ratio is absurd. It's the size of a frozen 7/11 burritos for $16 bucks. Almost all tortilla. No thanks. read more

This was a really solid meal. Dropped in on a Friday afternoon for a late lunch and there were a few people eating in and a couple guys ahead of me waiting for their food. I was in the mood for tacos and their menu really talks up their fish tacos, so I went with their two-taco combo, which usually comes with a chicken and a fish. I asked the cashier if I could replace the chicken taco with a chili verde one and while she was initially hesitant, she said she'd do it for me. Wasn't too long of a wait for food after that, maybe 10 minutes. Everything was very delicious. I can't decide which taco I liked better but you won't go wrong with either. There was a very generous helping of chili verde on the taco and the piece of fish in the other one was pretty sizable. Not too much cabbage (in other words, it didn't feel like I was getting filler instead of the more expensive fish) and the combo of salsa fresca and sour cream was really nice with the fish. The breading on the fish was crispy and the fish was tender but not gummy or overcooked on the inside. Good rice and beans rounded out the meal. I'd definitely come back here again. Cashier was nice, the interior is bright and cheery, and there's a pretty decent amount of seating. read more

Located on Piedmont Avenue Parking can be hard to find at times Let me mention first that their salsa is good!! Authentic !! Called in my order Got a small tortilla soup Friend got Cajun fish salad ( his favorite) Soup was pretty tasty!! But a small is definitely a small!! I should have ordered a medium..... Cajun fish salad is also really good and well put together Ingredients are fresh Customer service is friendly Indoor/outdoor seating available Prices are reasonable Food is solid !! read more

The food is incredible!!! Service is super fast and very friendly! Cute atmosphere :) i absolutely LOVE the chicken burritos (the grilled chicken is so simple but sooooo yummy)!!! That is my go to! The hole mole wrap is also delicious. The medium salsa is the absolute best! It makes the chicken burrito even better! read more

I have been here 100+ times. Amazing staff and yes, the fish tacos are great. Give this place your business. I know it can get pricy but they're just trying to survive in a very expensive environment. Great steak street taco & the holy mole is fire. read more

great fast friendly service with really really good affordable food! I recommend steak tacos and tortilla soup, nachos and burritos! they treat youngsters with a lot of respect so my grandchildren can go in on their own and order and pay with great service! while I wait outside! love eating there too. especially fish tacos!!! read more

$8 tacos...... Food wasn't as good as I thought it was for the price. Service was alright, I asked the cashier why the tacos were so expensive and couldn't even explain why. It was $14 extra for cheese and sour cream. Highway robbery on there part most likely because of the area and the customers they're trying to get. Ambiance non-existent. read more

Solid. After waiting over an hour for prescriptions at Kaiser, I just wanted some fast local takeout to chow down on at home. I've wanted to try Baja Taqueria for a while now, so I bopped in. Ordered the steak and prawn burrito deluxe (crema, salsa, & guacamole), and an order of the Baja Fries (steak cut fries). Chips and salsa came with the order as well. Order was made fresh, so frozen prawns were sautéed before joining the steak in the burrito. Likewise, fries dropped right after I ordered. About 8-10 min later I was walking out with a bag of joy. Prior to pandemic I would have eaten-in right then and there. But our new reality meant waiting another 10 min to drive home. Was not disappointed when I finally opened the bag. Burrito was still warm and each bite was simply delicious. Prawns were well seasoned and cooked beautifully ... not rubbery. Steak was tasty and moist. Everything worked super well together. I selected the hot salsa, and it spiked every bite with flavor without blowing my head off. Baja fries would have been better without the 10 min drive home. But they were still warm and a few had some crunch remaining. Next time I'd like the fries inside the burrito. Good food and pleasant service make for a win in my book. I'll be back! read more

Came here for lunch and ordered the Chile Verde burritos to go. What i got was a bean and cheese burrito. Completely pork free and a waste of money. Dont know how you make a burrito and don't include the main ingredient, but I recommend not trying this place out. Rice and beans weren't even good. read more

Baja has always been one of my top spots for fish tacos in the area. I usually get the fish tacos when I come here, but do like the salad with fried calamari! More recently, I have been coming here for some nachos to compliment the fish tacos. Also recently ordered the grilled steak tacos that were very tasty. During this pandemic, it's been nice to know that they are open for quick takeout orders. They have social distance stickers on the floor, a hand sanitizer for customers. Never had their alcohol until last week, and I enjoyed their margarita for takeout. I came back a few days later for more food, but really for the margaritas. Their Sangria looked really good, their staff told me it includes brandy and you can see lots of fresh fruit! I came back for a third time this week just now, and ordered the Sangria with nachos again. The dinner was delicious, my only regret was not having a second Sangria. Baja has other items like Thai wraps, calamari burritos, cajun fish that make me want to branch out to other dishes. They have nice staff, and very good food. I recommend you stop by for some great fish tacos and a Margarita when you're near the Mosswood/Temescal area of Oakland. read more

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Great burritos, nachos are amazing. Chips are nice and crunchy, and birria is good. They have a big variety of stuff, not just tacos.

While I don't have a punch line statement for Baja, I think it says something when I consider it to be one of my go-tos for Mexican food. I think they set themselves apart from their counterparts with a focus on seafood offerings. I can enjoy any of their calamari variations (fried appetizer, spicy burrito, etc) and since calamari isn't always available at other Mexican restaurants, they have this advantage when I am choosing between the spectrum of vendors. While the salsa bar is no longer self-service, back when during the pre-pandemic days, they had a generous policy - both cups and salsa were all up for grabs at the customer's discretion. One minor mishap personally - I did have a failed attempt to enjoy their fish burrito (fish tasted bland). I am probably back to sticking to my calamari options. read more

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This place is still good. Seems as 'Authentic' as it is, always been fresh, and ,Staff always helpful and nice answered my oil?= Canola for frying,(can't have soy ). Back in the area for a visit and remembered Baja?! It's been years! Same decor -Sweet! I get either Fish or Chicken Taco and Baja Fries. Was a tad nervous when I heard no oil boiling or chicken smoking on the grill. Everything was perfect though.Chicken-juicy,tender.The Fries were even good later on read more

Baja has been a solid choice for my usual shrimp and steak burrito near my place and has been on Piedmont Ave for a long time. Their food has always been fresh and flavorful, they use organic rice and non-GMO corn, and provide complimentary chips and a variety of fresh salsas. It's not your usual taco truck fare but I appreciate that they use high quality ingredients. When I used to work in Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Baja was a popular choice for when we ordered lunches for the teams. Their menu boasts something for everyone- tacos, burritos, wraps, salads, nachos, even vegan and gluten-free options. Prices are decent but may have slightly increased due to Covid and the area. Come support your local businesses! read more

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Great Spot, but if you have any insecurities, theyll definitely stare at it and gossip about It in your face. ‍ be careful consumer they think we dont know spanish. read more

I'm a vegetarian and been eating their veggie friendly food since soon after they opened thirty years ago (happy 30th bday btw!). My mom has too put always get their fish tacos. We love their food including free chips and salsa, the workers, some of whom have worked there for a few decades, and the bright warm spacious seating area... never too crowded and there's a lil patio out back. Sweet lil enclave of musical instruments above the front entryway. Prices are reasonable. Just wish the veggie burritos had plátano inside and didn't sell it as a $6 side. The clientele are regular working class folks and feels like the pre-dot com bust days of the Bay. read more

Baja Taqueria - Cute and peaceful patio out back - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Haven't come here in years. Stopped by with a friend just before Covid and got a burrito. Pretty unremarkable. Well, gave it another shot today. Went in at about 1130. Ordered a chicken burrito... which came with a basic mix of: beans, rice, salsa and chicken for about $12. Good news!! For an extra $2.50 you can add sour cream, cheese and avo. Ok... a little pricy but why not. But for $14.50 (plus tip), you're looking at $15 or $16.... hoped it would be awesome. What I got was a crappy, garbage-burrito that was so cold, the tortilla felt cold to my hand. The cheese inside was not only sparse but wasn't melted (because it was dead-ass cold). The beans were lukewarm, the chicken was lukewarm. It was not at all fresh or hot. The avo was also just a small blop and can't really see it in the picture. Didn't taste very good, wasn't "bad"... just really bland and not at all worth it. Won't ever come here again, complete waste of money. You are better off going to the bottom of the block and just eating at Doña. Some of the best real Mexican food I've ever had for WAY less. This place is garbage and doesn't seem to have any pride in what they serve. In one very short summary: this place sucks. read more

Baja Taqueria - My $15 basic Grilled Chicken Burrito delux. Cold, small, tasteless - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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I love getting their fish tacos! Nice crispy chips - get the red salsa to pair. Pretty good portion of fish, can't go wrong with this spot!

I've been eating here for years, and keep going back. Not only does this business have the RARE accomplishment of being a single-owner restaurant for over 30 years! (WOW! Don't see many of those these days!), the food is delicious, consistent, and has non-gmo/ organic ingredients. A real community staple. They also have live music every Saturday, which is hard to find in the neighborhood. Half of the customers who come in, have apparently have been patronizing this establishment for years! They serve real margaritas and have beer on tap. Sometimes the line can get long but be patient, the food is worth it. The guy at the counter recommended tacos that were, hands down, one of the best I've had. It can get a little loud with the music and talking, but overall a pleasant environment. A real gem! read more

Came to get a quick bite during lunch break. The fish taco lives up to its fame - very delicious. Perhaps a little too much sour cream but still very good. I also ordered the calamari burrito - do not get it. It was a giant mush of rice and sauce. I opened the burrito up to see where the calamari was - it was in there but very little of it. The calamari was also no bigger then a dime or nickel size ( whole) The staff is very nice. Parking is tough. And the wait time - specially if you are in a hurry - just know that it will be a minimum 15 min sometimes 20 min. Call in your order if you can. Vibe: fast food / mostly take out. The restaurant - sit down area is cold and not welcoming. read more

For some reason I never went here until just now - I love fish tacos, and this place is called Baja, so one would think it'd be a natural fit. Well I finally tried it and it's awesome. The eponymous Baja fish tacos are indeed good, but even better are the prawn tacos, which look expensive on the menu but they really load them up so it's worth it. The real +1 star is that they double-tortilla the tacos. IMHO fish tacos should always be double-tortilla, a single one just doesn't cut it. Great outdoor seating too. read more

Honestly, Baja is pretty damn solid when it comes to their burritos. I've always felt like this part of Oakland was lacking in the Mexican food department, but Baja definitely holds its' own. Is it the best and most "authentic" Mexican food spot in this area? I'd be lying if I said it was. But when you're craving for a thick, meaty burrito that actually tastes good, Baja shows up and shows out. Me and burritos are a rare occasion. I really have to be craving for a burrito to go out of my way for it. On this particular day, I was having one of those cravings. I was hanging near Piedmont Ave and eyeballed this place in the distance. Thought, "Why not?" And ran down the street. I would describe it as one step up from a hole in the wall, but not quite a taqueria. Not authentic and a bit pricey but super convenient. Sometimes that's all that really matters. I ordered their steak and shrimp burrito and was so surprised with the size. At first I was like "$13 for a f*cking burrito?". But after I saw how big it was, I realized that it was really two meals in one. And it really WAS two meals for me. Ate one half that night and the next half the next day for lunch. Also, steak and shrimp always tend to be the most expensive anyways. It's pretty much a fancy ass burrito, and ya girl was feel quite fancy. The burrito itself was very flavorful. All of the wonderful components that you'd normally expect were there, and it was actually packed full of meat and not just rice and beans. It was super filling and very good. That SALSA was friggin' baaaangin'!!! Spent waaaay too much damn time at the salsa bar, but it was all for a good cause. And homeboy hooked ya girl up with an EXTRA bag of chips... ooohhh it was on! I tore that sh*t UP! Excuse my French... I did have to wait a long time. Like a REALLY long time. And unusually long time. I think that's why I got hooked up with the extra chips. I think they felt bad, but it worked in my favor. It was pretty busy that night. If you're in a rush, this may not be the spot for you. You gotta be patient and let them perfect the burrito first!!! So anyways... can't really comment on anything else here because I haven't tried anything else... YET. Oh, there's definitely another visit coming in the future. If you're a burrito fan, I would highly recommend the steak and shrimp burrito. It's hits the spot like whoooaaa! read more

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Called on 6 July around 11:30 am. Was put on hold for over 10 minutes. During that 10 minutes the lady that answered the phone took at least 3 more orders from people at the counter as we could hear everything she said. At minute 8 I said excuse me maam but she never replied. Tried that for 2 minutes. Finally hung up. I live in the neighborhood but will not be eating there anymore. read more