Airport Location Review Finding decent food on the road can be a gamble, but Centro Cocina Mexicana in Terminal A is a reliable spot for a pre-flight meal. I ordered two tacos and a side of black beans. The pollo (chicken) taco was just okay. It comes with pineapple, which wasn't really my thing, though that is on me for not reading the menu description closely. Even putting the pineapple aside, the chicken itself wasn't super impressive. The birria taco, however, was very good--especially on the airport food scale. It had great flavor, and I definitely wished I had just ordered two of those instead of the chicken. The black beans were also tasty (note that if you see green in the photo, that's just the hot sauce I added myself). Service isn't lightning-fast, but it's actually a good sign because everything tastes fresh and prepared to order rather than sitting under a heat lamp. Pro Tip: If you want a drink, order it at the neighboring Bar New Helvetia--they allow you to bring your food from Centro over to the bar to eat! read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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My favorite Mexican restaurant in Sacramento. Perfect for an intimate dinner date. It's not often you run into a tequila infusion bar. The margaritas are delicious compared to other restaurants. You definitely have to try the anniversary marg. It's a blend of mango, pineapple, strawberry, and kiwi infused tequila. The fresh guac, and grilled shrimp appetizers are to die for. The manager Jorge was attentive and provided the best recommendations. Thank you! read more

I just saw I had rated them only 2 stars, which is too low. So adding this to be more fair.

Went to the location in the airport and got the camarones burrito which came with chips. It needed a little tapatío but it was pretty good. I'm not sure if I would spend $25 for that little food again. read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Perfect blend of spices..loved the food . Enchiladas have coconut sauce amazing taste. Guacamole is fresh. read more

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What a vibe! Not cheap but worth it. Guacamole is a must order. Chicken enchilada was fresh and simple but FIRE! Margarita was perfect, service down to earth and friendly. We will definitely return! Took me 17 years to find this place. Beats the hell out of either Zocalo location. Just sayin' read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Recently brought in a group of 10 for dinner before a show down the street at Harlow's and the fine folks at Centro couldn't have been more accommodating and lovely. There were several changes made to my reservation before our arrival, which caused some confusion, but that was all cleared up with one quick call. We were seated centrally (at Centro, ha ha) and our server, Liz took good care of us ~ and was super patient with our rowdiness, too. It took a while for us to place our orders but the food came out quickly thereafter. And everything was so DELICIOUS! The general vibe of the place is very festive with fun decor and lights, although we all found it to be too dark to read the menu (and we noticed we weren't the only ones). But overall, a delightful experience! read more

Great service, great food and fantastic happy hour! We arrived at 530pm on a Friday and sat at the bar. We ordered a couple drinks and apps right before HH ended at 530pm. We had carnitas tacos, quesadillas and taquitos. Food came out quick and was DELISH! The service was great and our drinks were good (marg on HH and a vodka tonic that tasted better after they changed out the tonic!). We had been here before, years ago, and it was quite expensive but its well worth it for HH! Will recommend! read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - HH menu - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This was my 2nd time here. The staff was friendly and greeted us right away upon entering. My friend and I were seated right away at the bar. The ambiance was inviting with great music and lighting. It wasn't to dark or bright. We ordered their small plates, the chicken enchiladas and chicken taquitos with a margarita and a Paloma. I enjoyed my taquitos as it was not dry and flavorful. I just added the hot salsa as I love my food spicy! Happy Hour started at 9pm so we ordered the infusion margaritas drink with mango flavors. Next time will have to come during happy hour for the food. Definitely a great place to hang out with friends. Great company and food all around. read more

Wow! First time in, and I absolutely loved this place! Food was outstanding! I had the mole enchiladas and I am in love! Sooo good! We also slip a tamale which was perfect! Chips and salsa! And a side of plantains! This is now hands down my fav Mexican food in Sacramento. Staff was super friendly and helpful! We will be back! read more

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We brought a big group here on Monday night, and the staff were very accommodating. We called about an hour ahead of time to let them know there would be 12 of us. When we arrived there was a high top table set for us in the bar area. The chips and salsa are $3 each, and we ordered a few for the table. They have margaritas and other cocktails available. The margaritas here were just ok. The chips and salsa were good. The chips are thin and light. They brought out salsa roja and verde, and those were both tasty. The roja has just a little more kick than the verde. I ordered the two taco plate with refried black beans and 1 carnitas taco and 1 Camarones taco. The shrimp was breaded and complimented with a cabbage slaw and mango salsa. The carnitas were a little crispy and had great flavor. The side of rice was steamed and seasoned white rice. The refried black beans were pretty good. Overall he food was good, but the timing for all the dishes to come out was a little off. The last dish for our last person waiting took significantly longer than the other food even though it wasn't a particularly complicated order. Other than that, everything seemed to be prepared well and tasted nice. It's a good, casual Mexican spot, and I would eat here again. I would definitely want the carnitas again. read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Two taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This use to be our favorite Mexican restaurant in all of Sacramento, we used to come all the time but hadn't been in maybe a year and came on a whim on a Wednesday night. 3 of the 4 of us were disappointed with our food. The guacamole was too spicy for any of us, inedible. They changed their chips and they are now just mediocre. All three burritos we tried were overpoweringly spicy. One persons order came incorrectly. Ambience remains the same, always pleasant and nicely decorated. We were so excited to come here and eat our favorites...we're seriously let down and not sure we will return. Per my dad who has been coming since opening day, "it breaks my heart" read more

Centro has a loyal following and for good reason. The food is always great quality, the drinks are for real and the service is consistently friendly and attentive. Muy bueno! read more

Came in to celebrate my birthday and was not disappointed with my choice. The atmosphere was great and it immediately smelled incredible. Their infusions were highly recommended so I had an anniversary margarita that was delicious, very refreshing. We started with gooey, delicious queso fundido and then our server recommended the asada de puerco which was INCREDIBLE. Our server was attentive and helpful and answered all our questions. Giving 4 stars instead of 5 because it was VERY hot in the restaurant, I think their air was just broken that day though. read more

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We love this place the chicken is amazing recommend 100% service is always amazing and drinks are delicious

We love Centro. The Exclusiva marg is my fav, and I love the Ensalada de Pequeñas Gemas with chicken. I also love the market fish, but wish they'd bring back the coconut rice which was so amazing. Chips and green salsa are also amazing. read more

Centro continues to be in our Midtown rotation, particularly if we'll be seeing a show at Harlow's. Last night, I had the butternut squash tacos, which were delicious- I always appreciate having vegetarian options that are not just bean tacos. Service was a little slow but it was busy, so that was expected. read more

I was very hesitant to leave this review, but I was in here on a Saturday night a couple weeks ago with a couple of my buddies and our visit was really disappointing. Ou server was the Asian girl with short hair, and she barely acknowledged us and seemed uninterested during our whole visit. Her tone was very dry, and monotone and her facial expression didn't feel very welcoming almost as if she wanted us out the second we sat down. She never really checked on us, and we barely got any refills on chips or soda. Then once our food was dropped off I don't think we saw her again until she dropped off the bill... As much I love the food from here, it can't make up for service this poor, and I don't know if I'll give it another chance read more

As someone who is Mexican, when you usually come into these kind of restaurants you think to yourself, "this might be bad or it might be pretty good". For Centro, they have my trust in coming to eat Mexican food late at night and any other time of the day. They are usually open with a fuller menu which is also really good but we usually come for their late night happy hour (9pm-12am). That menu consists of many small Mexican dishes which are honestly pretty filling. They also have a variety of cocktails and some very delicious infused tequila shots. The setting is always nice at night, with good music playing in the background that honestly makes you feel really comfortable while being there. Service is also always really good, with everyone being attentive to everything around the restaurant. Definitely check them out next time you have late night cravings for REAL Mexican food. read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Gorditas - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Service was ok. Had to ask for help for everything. They never checked in once. Secondly.., food was wildly overpriced and just ok. Like a non cook did it at home quality. Really unprofessional looking food. 2 beers, and a carnitas burrito was $44. read more

I've only been here a handful of times in the last 15 years, and the most recent time was earlier this month for my brother's birthday. The customer service was excellent. The food took a very long time to come out, but they kept refilling our water and chips and salsa while we waited. The food was extremely flavorful. I took too long to post this review, so I don't remember the exact name of my fish. However, it was pork with a sweet potato tamale (phenomenal) and it had chunks of pineapple. It was a very unique dish -- inspired by Yucatán I believe. Everyone was happy with their food. Their margarita pitcher was decently priced. The ceviche was so refreshing and the chips and salsa were fresh and addicting. I liked that they had a fall specials menu too (photographed). I will be back soon! read more

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I was hesitant to leave this review because I really do enjoy Centro and usually have a great experience here. That said, one of my biggest frustrations is when a business doesn't follow their posted hours. Last weekend, I came by for brunch only to find them closed. I realized they no longer serve brunch, which is on me for not double-checking. No biggie. But when I came again on Wednesday around 8:45, the doors were locked and the restaurant was empty even though hours say they close at 9. I'm not sure if they had a reason for closing early but it's disappointing for one of my favorite places to do this. read more

I was craving some fish and chips and heard this place had some of the best. I discovered a new fish and it's called Totoaba! It's absolutely amazing. I will say the batter was a little heavy but interesting. I ended up leaving quite a bit of the batter on the plate.The service was so friendly and they were so knowledgeable. This restaurant is beautiful and semi elegant but still very approachable, Maintaining a very comfy space. A cold cerveza was all I needed to finish. read more

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Recently went in to Centro Cocina and it did not disappoint! I don't write many reviews but this place definitely deserved a shoutout. By far the best Mexican food. From the delicious food to the inviting atmosphere, I could really tell this restaurant prides itself on making you feel right at home. The staff was attentive, service was quick, food was excellent and vibes were at 100%. Bartenders were lively and a good time, everyone seemed to be on top of it and in a good mood. The manager even came by to check on us and told us how they use fresh ingredients in every dish which is a huge plus. I could definitely tell by the quality of everything I had. The energy was there for sure. Definitely recommend the Anniversary Infusion Margarita. Straight fire and such a great concept to add a spin on the traditional cocktail. Chicken Enchiladas were to die for. Same with the Camarones a la Parrilla. Honestly, all around amazing, even down to the chips and salsa, especially the green one. This place is absolutely to die for. I will be back...and I'm bringing everyone I know! Can't wait to try some other items on their menu next time. Thank you Centro! read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Enchiladas de Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Omg had the best food and drink I forgot to take a picture lol. I had the tacos de pollo and burritos de carnitas with a margarita. Omg everything was perfect. The beans and rice were amazing and service was great. The ambiance is nice a bit busy but not bad. The girls and I had a good time read more

Met up with friends for dinner. The food was great we all enjoyed what we had and drinks tasty. The restaurant wasn't loud so we were able to visit and enjoy each other. Great spot to meet up! Service was wonderful too! read more

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I came here with my friend. bartender was so nice and food was so good! I had the Tostaditas Yucatecas and it was BOMB! my friend loved her tacos- food quality was amazing. great service as well read more

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The seating areas are both inside and outside, the specials are worth looking at! The service was a little slow and not incredibly attentive, but we were sitting outside at a busier hour. I had the birria tacos (one of the specials) and they were pretty good, i do feel the portions could have been a little more generous for the price but the food was good. the rice is fabulous. read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - quesabirrira and condone, rice, refried black beans - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

This place was amazing. i was able to get in and the service was fast, friendly and attentive. The food is super healthy and wonderfully prepared. The blue quesadillas and the chicken taquitos were a perfect pairing. Their salsa verde is sooo good. read more

Top notch guacamole and service. Jorge, Maya and Maria took great care of me! Will go back! read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Service was decent, except for a few things here and there. We ran out of both salsas, but our server didn't notice. She broght more chips and then said she would bring more red salsa only. Also, my friend had bit of a wait on his michelada. My crab enchiladas, which were on special, were alright. The recommended pork dish was alright as well. The pibil cochinita was the most flavorful of all. I would rate this all as a solid three stars. I have to subtract a star because I ordered a Chardonnay off the menu. It was $9. The waitress asked if the Navarro was okay, because that's all they had. I has no idea what that meant, but it was a Chardonnay so I said it was fine. I thought it was merely a different brand. However, when the bill came, it was $4 more expensive. I had two glasses, so it was a total of $8 more. When I contested this, she asked her manager who said he couldn't do anything because I agreed to the wine. However, I was never told about the upcharge. How was I to know that it was more expensive? It was not listed on the menu. The fact that this was put on me, instead of the server for not asking, is disappointing. If I wasn't with a group, I would have made a bigger deal, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. To me, this is terrible customer service and bad business practices. read more

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I have been a customer for about thirty years. I was disappointed at the change in a few menu items. Guac they changed. It was perfect my favorite, now it's just another try at guacamole. The salmon tacos are horrible or whatever they are passing off as a fish taco now. Apparently they took the original off the menu. I get changing with times, I don't get changing for the worst. I also don't get this thing of opening at. 4. Sloppy changes. Just so sad an iconic restaurant changing for the worse. read more

The food was overpriced for what I got. $16 for two tacos and rice and beans. I will say I did love the rice though. The spot itself is cool. On the corner with a nice patio and attentive servers. Just not a great value when there are $2 tacos around Sac that are just as tasty if not better. read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Food was amazing! I had a Carnitas Burrito and it was both juicy and smoky. The salsas both had just a little heat and were tasty. My friend had the Carnitas Tacos and he raved about them. The service was friendly without being overbearing. One hint eat before 8:30! The upstairs bar has line dancing at 9 that starts then and the roof sounds like it is coming down. read more

The food is amazing! Ordered the salsa and chips, camarones a la parrillo and the enchiladas oaxaqueñas. The place was very busy so the service was a bit slow but we didn't mind it at all. We ordered a drink and enjoyed the ambience. I'll have to try something new next time but the enchiladas are delicious. read more

It's been years since I have been here and so glad I came back! I love their infused tequilas. I ordered the strawberry and hibiscus margarita and it was delicious! The drink came with a salt rim. Also ordered the Toro "Travesío" and that was delicious as well. I love pineapple flavored anything and a lot of their food and drinks are pineapple infused! The chips were nicely salted and the green salsa was my favorite! The red salsa was also good, you could tell they used fresh tomatoes. Came in about 40 minutes before closing and I never felt rushed! Shout out to our server for letting us know when the kitchen closed and we wouldn't be able to order anything else. There were plenty of people who were still there after we left. Only recommendation (and reason for not 5 stars) is to offer more vegetarian items! I would have loved to try the enchiladas, but the server mentioned the sauce was not vegetarian. However, both the elote and papas y rajas are amazing! I ordered those as my entree and it was delicious, and filled me up. I did have quite a bit of chips and salsa though read more

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My gf surprised me with a birthday dinner at Centro last night. I was super excited because I had never been there. The ambiance was adorable. One of the cutest places on J street. We were in the main room not near the bar. The drink selection was on point. So many great options and they also have infused tequila. I'm a tequila girl so this is right up my alley. The food was delish! I got a chicken burrito combo that came with a taco (meat of choice) and rice and beans. We also had a huge guacamole for the table. The service was great. I even got a free ice cream dessert for my birthday! Can't wait to back again! read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Chicken pollo burrito, carne asasa taco - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

This is a cute vibrant Mexican Restaurant walking distance from the Hyatt House Hotel. It's cute and colorful inside giving a vibe for any occasion from a casual dinner, business work dinner, or date night and the service was friendly. The food was REALLY good. First- their salsa is a verde salsa and it's the best "green" salsa I've ever had served with homemade chips. I usually don't care for verde salsa, but this Id eat all day. Full of flavor and not too spicey. I had the rib which came with their mole sauce which was amazing. Again something that I may not have thought was my favorite and it was delicious. Definitely try it!! The only downside was that my margarita wasn't amazing, but I think I had the premium one. Maybe next time I'll just try the regular one. Overall if you're in Sacramento, I highly recommend spending at least one of your evenings here. read more

Decided to meet a friend for dinner and we both wanted to try something new. So we came here. We were seated quickly, it wasn't too busy. Our server was ok. At first, a little creepy. Leaning into the table and on it... asking how old we were (before we ordered drinks...) just felt weird and creepy. Once we ordered our drinks, a margarita and a model beer. Which didn't come in the bottle and as a server you should probably share that with your customers and be more focused on that, than how old I am and how many drinks were getting... Food was Ok. Not that great, not terrible. We won't be trying this place again. Hopefully the server can learn to be a little more professional on selling the menu / drinks, and less of trying to get to know customers in their 20's. Best of luck read more

Centro Cocina Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Amazing place for my first time visit. I've been in Sacramento most of my life and I've never stopped at this place until today. I was walking around with my daughter and decided to grab a bite before her nap time. I let the waitress know I only have 45 minutes she was on it and also very playful with my daughter. I appreciate her energy, the food was amazing. I really thought the plain white rice wouldn't be delicious. It tasted like butter so delicious that I think that's how I want to make my rice from now on. All of the food I tried was delicious fresh and did not taste like it was warmed up. I stopped here before 11 AM. I know they have a great brunch menu. I did not explore that yet and I will be back to do so I highly recommend you check this place out. It is beautiful inside and very cozy inside and out. The staff is what makes this place worth coming back, they treat you really well. read more

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