Carnitas burrito - good size, good taste, rice perhaps was a bit oily or maybe something else, carnitas decent.

This is a walk up across from the mall, with a few inside seats and a couple tables outside. On this visit the two people behind the counter service were extremely slow to the point we were just about to leave before they got to us. One said there was no carne asada meat, yet the bin in front of me was full with it. The pastor meat was too greasy and had inedible pieces of fat in it. Plain and simple the food was not good and the service was ridiculously slow... not going back. read more

Cinco TacoBar - El pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Came here right when it opened and two people were holding it down. Little bit of a wait but definitely worth it. Tortilla was freshly made to order and meats were good. All the meats were ready except shrimp but that's okay. They were friendly and for two people working it was quick. read more

Cinco TacoBar - Al Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

Great little hole in the wall taco bar!! Alex our server was friendly and helpful. I tried the Taco Salad with the Salpicón (Beef Brisket) The meat was so tasty and juicy. The salad was loaded with rice, beans, lettuce, meat, cheese, guac and their Chipotle sauce. Their hard tacos are crunchy and delicious too. There is seating inside for about18 and 3 tables outside. I will definitely be back to try more items. read more

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Somebody said it's better than chipotle no, it kicks chipotle's butt and leaves it down in the sewer

I ate here with my sister after not coming for years & food was still great & they have lots of new food items. The service I received from SUZY was exceptional! She was working all alone due to construction & she handled everything amazingly. Her customer service is great especially under pressure & she still had a smile on her face. That girl deserves a raise! read more

Food was good. I asked for a small Horchata. The ice was to the top of the lid Some of the ice melted by the time I took the pictures. Do half a cup of ice, not a full cup. read more

Cinco TacoBar - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

I am writing to formally address the unprofessional treatment my sister experienced during her recent employment at your business. Throughout her time there, she was subjected to a hostile work environment. Specifically, the owner's mother treated her poorly from her first day, set unrealistic expectations for a new hire, and targeted her with persistent criticism that negatively impacted her mental health. Furthermore, the manager, Antonio, failed to provide necessary training or communication, avoided accountability, and engaged in workplace gossip regarding her appearance and performance. We also encountered significant issues regarding her compensation and scheduling. Despite being informed during the application process that she is a high school student, her pay rate was unilaterally lowered on the claim that she was initially thought to be 18. Additionally, she was the only employee to have her hours consistently reduced. It is disappointing that my sister's first work experience was defined by a lack of professional standards and harassment. I hope you take this feedback seriously to improve the environment for your current and future staff. read more

My co-workers took me here, and the food and service are really good. The setup is like Chipotle style, where you tell them what you want and they make it in front of you. I ordered a taco salad with pastor. They brought the meal to the table, and it came with chips and salsa. The taco salad was delicious, and the shell of the taco bowl was light and crispy. The chips and salsa were not bad either. A big plus is that they have orange sauce. I'm a sucker for orange sauce since I lived in San Jose and love La Vics orange sauce. read more

Cinco TacoBar - Taco salad w/pastor - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

New to the area and I saw this restaurant about a year ago when I went to set up internet for the new spot. I had never thought about trying it since there were so many taquerias in the area already and this one looked a little "gentrified" to me. I do prefer the hole-in-the-wall spots. HOWEVER...... fast forward about a year later and it was the weekend and we were looking to try something to eat. There is a huge dia de los muertios/calavera mural on the wall saying "Tacos Before Vatos" with a neon sign, which I agree with. Chipotle-style ordering, you tell them exactly what you want in your order. I got a burrito, my partner got a dutch crunch torta (this is actually why I wanted to stop by, I had never seen a torta with dutch crunch), and our son a bean and cheese burrito. Everything was bomb. The burrito was so big it served as as a second meal for me. We added chips and salsa and the one critique I have is that they could give some more chips -- seemed like barely a handful. BUT as al pastor fans, it was sooooo delicious and juicy.......... our son also enjoyed the burrito and he's a picky eater. My partner inhaled the torta completely. Thank you and we will definitely be back! read more

I had high hopes for this spot after reading so many consistently positive reviews on Yelp so I decided to give it a try. The decor was eye-catching and reminded me a bit of Mr. Tempo in San Diego with its vibrant wall art, which initially gave me a good impression. However, things quickly went downhill when I approached the counter. I noticed that the ingredients didn't look fresh; the guac had a brownish tint, the lettuce was wilted, and several of the other veggies looked dry and unappetizing. I'm a stickler for freshness, esp when it comes to produce, and to me, this reflects directly on the quality and care of the business. I ordered a burrito bowl and asked if they had any fresher lettuce. The staff member pulled out a container from the fridge to show me but unfortunately, even that lettuce looked wilted and discolored. I ended up skipping both the lettuce and the guac. On a positive note, the carne asada was flavorful, which I appreciated. Still, I felt a bit slighted paying nearly $13 for a bowl that was missing key ingredients I usually enjoy in my protein burrito bowl and only a spoonful of carne asada and she didn't give me my salsa that I requested. Overall, I left disappointed and unsure if I'd return. Freshness matters, and unfortunately, this visit didn't meet the mark. read more

Wow. Stopped here on a whim after visiting my mom at her Sub Acute therapy. All I can say is wow. They really pack their Tacos. The Asada was cooked to perfection. Moist not dry and sooo good. And their Al Pastor was incredible. Definitely recommend. The olace is tiny. Not many places to sit. But its one of those small gems that you would miss out on if you floated by. So if you love mexican tacos. That are pure goodness. Stop here and enjoy. You wont regret it. Also their salsa is on point. Thats how you know the place is great. read more

We went to Bevmo next door on a friday night to get some booze and we saw this. I said to my husband let's try it and so we did. We just shared the El pastor burrito bit I forgot to take a pic. Anyways, it was really good but dor $13 it's pretty small compared to the other taquerias we always goto nearby around our area. I like supporting small businesses so It's okay. I asked for 2 extra sauces and we didn't get charged. The young man who was serving us was good and nice. It is just a small place but clean and has some cute decor. I recommend this place and maybe we'll go back to try their tacos too. read more

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The food was very good and the owners super nice. The place is small, but set up like a Chipotle's, where you pick your protein and toppings. Their vegetables are particularly good. With corn, zucchini, peppers, onions, etc. the toppings were also very good with a wider variety. A nice little gem with decent prices. read more

Updated review: Came back to give them another shot and I'm glad I did. The al pastor was juicy, packed with flavor, and exactly what I was hoping for the first time. The Dutch crunch torta had the perfect crunch and hit the spot. Service stepped up too, Antonio and the staff were friendly and attentive the whole time. Big improvement overall, really appreciate them making it right. I'll definitely be back. read more

They fell off. Don't know what happened. Waste of $30. Ordered a quesadilla de al pastor, and it was dry, lacked flavor. Also bought a Dutch crunch torta and it wasn't even crunchy. Had to throw it in the air fryer. They didn't even have horchata. And one of the girls had an attitude. Don't waste your money. Worth trying a new spot instead of waisting $30. Prices too high too. read more

I use to consider this place a 4 star spot for us locals. Things changed post pandemic. I wonder if they had a change in ownership or supplier. The employees are on one side with all the food. They roll fresh tortillas right in front of you and make your taco, burrito, or whatever you want. This is always a huge plus. They have like a crazy animal style type waffle fries. It's too much for me so I usually order regular seasoned waffle fries without the works. Delicious! Their tacos are good but were a lot better pre pandemic. Chips and salsa come with your order. Everything use to taste fresh but it has changed a bit now. I ordered a few tacos a couple of weeks ago. I ordered a shrimp, chicken, and steak taco. The proteins taste bland and there was so much liquid in the tacos. A shame really. If you have space for dessert... those damn churros w/ that chocolate dipping sauce is amazing. read more

They make fresh tortillas!!! It's so good! It's chipotle style where all the ingredients are added right in front and you let them know what you want in your tacos/burritos. Food is really flavorful It's on the pricier sides for sure. Shared parking lot, plenty of parking. Indoor and outdoor seating. Place is a bit small. Quick service. read more

My husband and I came to Cinco TacoBar on a Sunday afternoon. The work stations & restaurant are incredibly clean. It's casual seating inside. Great for takeout & or a quick bite. The tortillas are made to order and pressed fresh in front of you, truly tasted like it was made with love. It's chipotle style where you're asked what you'd like in the taco. The mango picco de gallo is delicious & can't be found at many taquerias. The protein was delicious! The beef brisket was so juicy, flavorful and tender. The steak (carne asada) was also really juicy. Don't get me started on the churros.... THEY ARE DELICIOUS. Made to order and came out hot and ready. The churros were stuff ed and presented so nice. The chips were also fresh and super delicious! Authentic Mexican tacos, chefs kiss! The staff were really kind. I 100% will be coming back and ordering take out & coming in person. read more

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Great food a bit pricey although very good taste and handmade tortillas.Is better than chipotle.

Definitely can say the best taco bars in San Leandro hands down! Come back after 3 years and I asked for a recommendations, Tony said get the fries burrito! Let's say you should try it one day. Appreciate the great service Tony given me from the start of walking in. read more

Came here on a weekday during the lunch rush hour. They seem to take much longer for the special dishes like the enchiladas and the flautas, and honestly the flautas that I ordered for the first time last week was disappointing. The flautas were small and also had pieces of chicken skin and tendons that were not even cooked thoroughly, since they were slimy and had a very wet moisture to them. The flautas were really wet inside and I was disappointed by that. I get that they are trying to make everything fresh, including the tortillas, but hopefully they are able to improve the dish since it was not appetizing to me. I do appreciate the fresh tortillas made in front of me and the fresh toppings but definitely need to plan/call ahead if you're not just eating a burrito, bowl, or tacos since the wait can be much longer otherwise. The chicken in the taco I got was also kind of dry. read more

Cinco TacoBar - Chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Cinco Taco Bar is like a local version of Chipotle, only better! The selection here went beyond tacos, burritos, and bowls and included other Mexican fare and snacks. Even their tacos were a step up, as they were made with freshly-griddled corn tortillas, served along with a huge selection of proteins and toppings. I tried the Carne Asada, Carnitas, and Salpicon (braised beef brisket), along with toppings of onion, cilantro, pico de gallo, guacamole, creamy slaw, pickled onions, cheese, and salsas (mild green, smoky red, spicy habanero, and chipotle mayo). I also got the Taco Salad, built on a crunchy tortilla bowl along with rice, beans, and all the fixings! Overall, the food here was tasty, and the chips and salsa even came for free. Because everything was prepared and served from a steam table, however, not everything was at peak freshness, but this still made for an affordable, tasty meal! read more

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Stopped by for a quick lunch and everything was delicious. Got the papa loca and it was so worth it. Fries were very hot and fuffly and all the fixins made it irresistible. Also got a fish taco and oh man that was a loaded taco that was as big as 2. If I lived nearby I'd definitely come back a lot Food: 7/10 Service: 6/10 Vibes: 6/10 Value: 7/10 read more

Cinco TacoBar - the taco bar - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Yummy agua fresca de piña, and taco bowl de pastor. Great flavor and good experience. Close to Bayfair mall read more

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Everything was bad. Pollo and Carne were both dry. They put the tacos in a plastic to go bowl even if you're dining in. The tacos immediately get soaked and soggy. Chips and salsa portion is pathetic. Just close your restaurant if this is the best you have to offer. read more

Beautiful place it was described to me from a Nike employee that it is a nicer chipotle. To my surprise she was right the tortillas were made fresh. She literally cook them right in front of us and we had got to dress the tacos however, we wanted. The nice touch Which a lot of restaurants don't do is they gave us free chips and salsa with our meals definitely was worth trying and if you're ever in the area you definitely need to try this out read more

Cinco TacoBar - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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*Open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout* Came here with a friend after a workout and pretty much inhaled my food. Service and staff: - More like a fast-food style (go up and order your food, staff makes the food, then you sit down) - Staff was friendly and efficient Food: - Ordered a carne asada burrito. Came with free chips and salsa. Burrito was tasty and filling. - Many drinks to choose from (they had run out of horchata at the time I went) Will come back here when in the area. read more

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*** 3.5 stars for carne asada tacos. Freshly made corn tortillas with charred beef (which I like) and variety of items to choose from: pico de gallo, pickled vegetable, cilantro, guacamole, lettuce with choice of hot sauce...simple and fresh. Enjoyed the tacos but nothing stood out in flavor that has me craving more. With so much competition in the area, I felt it comparable (in flavor) to so many other places. I'll definitely return as they have other items I'd like to try like the burritos and beef brisket meat option when in the area. Plenty of lot parking shared with Michaels and BevMo shopping center near Bayfair Mall read more

Cinco TacoBar - 2 carne asada tacos to go - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

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The food quality and flavor is delicious!! Their salsas are delicious and their meat variety is huge. They serve great quantity and quality !! -Salsas: not spicy, mild, spicy and chipotle mayo -Meats: Al pastor, asada, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, carnitas, barbacoa (I'm sure I'm missing some) -Rice and beans The torta is a must!!!! It's my ultimate favorite! The tacos are made with FRESH tortillas and the drinks are authentic too!! The service is so welcoming! The ladies here are so kind and hard working. Every time I'm here the ladies are so kind to every customer that walks in. Definitely great service here. The ambiance is fun and enjoyable. They play authentic music and pop music at the right volume. read more

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The food bowls were very well equipped with food and the lady named Margarita did very good service, food tasted great and I'll be sure to come in a lot more now read more

Tacos were cold and lady said bathroom was broken five minutes before she let another customer in. (I did not look homeless in case you were wondering) read more

Whyyyy!!!! I love this spot still, BUT why did you take out frozen bread and serve it when it was not thawed out? WHY!? Please tell me as I could not understand why this place with amazing food would get lazy when it comes to hiding the fact the bread is frozen for one and two the fact you serve it frozen. The tortas (as multiple were this way) was a flat hard plank of bread with toppings inside. One thing that has always sold me was the amazing bread and now they messed that up. The tacos were great, but I was let down by the torta. Hopefully, if there is a next time, they have remembered to thaw and hide the bread. read more

Food was decent but the price/cashier was not honest. We ordered two burritos and one kid quesadillas. The menu clearly shows burritos for $12.95 each and kids quesadillas for $4.95. I noticed the cashier rang up quesadillas for $7.90 so I questioned it and he updated to $5 some odd dollars. That's when I also noticed the burritos were over $13 each. It's not much but when I asked his response was that it includes taxes. The receipt clearly shows taxes are on top of these incorrect prices. I would not go back to this place. Please check your bill before you pay. We did not want to argue over a few dollars... read more

Easy online ordering and friendly service however when I ordered my food online, I received a confirmation that the meal would be ready 55 mins later, which was a bit longer than I would of liked but figured they were busy so I walked around the mall to pass time. I arrived 15 mins earlier in hopes it would be done and it was however it looked like my Dutch Crunch Torta was ready much sooner because when I unwrapped it the bread was soggy from all the sauce and meat was cold. I could not eat it. I'm sure it would of tasted great based on all the other reviews however suggest that their online ordering timing be improved. read more

Cinco TacoBar - Order confirmation, ready 55 mins later. - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California

The food never disappoints. Fresh waffle cut fries made to order. Just beware at the register. Make sure to get a receipt. They up charge 20% if you pay using a card even though the register says they charge 4% for using a card. My total was $52 but when they saw I was paying cash they said they charge less for cash payments. My total dropped to $44 using cash. Also, on another occasion upon payment the total didn't add up. Always check your total here. read more

This restaurant was a disappointment. I ordered two chicken tacos which were flavorless. The shell was cut in half and the ingredients were placed on top of the cut shell placed at the bottom of the container. The shell was soggy from the placement at the bottom of the container. No flavor and no authenticity. My first and last visit. Couldn't wait to brush my teeth; horrible taste in my mouth. read more

Always good food and great customer service! Fish tacos, burritos and churros! The bathroom says out of order but it works for customers. If u want some margaritas go to the Livermore one. read more

Great Tacos Get you full! Great customer service great location. Food quality is suppressed. read more

I stubbed on this place by accident and now I will probably stop anytime I am in San Leandro! WOW!! The Tacos are Legit!! Fresh Made Corn Tortillas. All the toppings are Fresh! All the Meats are well prepared and taken care of properly. This Place is an ace in my book! The guy serving me with the mask Wes very helpful! Customer service goes a long way these days. Coming from a restaurant owners perspective I love it when people are very friendly, Inviting, informative and knowledgeable about what they are serving and I got all of those here! I tried the El Pastor and the Carnitas Tacos. We so excited I started eating before my picture. If you are anywhere near here definitely stop in. He said they have one in Livermore too. I will be back for sure!! read more

Cinco TacoBar - El Pastor Taco and Carnitas Tacos in the back. - Mexican Near Me - San Leandro, California