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    COOL!NARIA

    3.9 (47 reviews)
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    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos - COOL!NARIA

    Small, very little filling.
    Nicole J.

    I encountered them while visiting the area and they had a truck at the Saturday Oakland farmers market. So of course this jersey girl had to experience as many tacos as she could while on the West Coast. These were just OK. I wasn't wowed, the tortilla was dry, it was very little filling and the flavor was just mediocre. I can't say that I highly recommend this. Also, the Agua Fresca was not sweet or flavorful. It's definitely a different taco experience but not to my liking.

    Chicken Pibil Taco, Pork Carnitas Taco and 3 Pieces Shrimp Costra tacos.
    Jeanette L.

    I had the opportunity to try this place tonight because they were a part of the Oakland Turkey Trot 2021 bib pick up event. I have to say I did not expect much and did not expect to be impressed. I was completely blown away! The salsa was spicy just the way I like it. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and very plump the meat was great. Everything was a little bit smaller than what I'm used to for tacos with this may have been due to this event. I will definitely come back here and try to find this location just because of those shrimp tacos.

    Oct 2020 menu
    Kay D.

    I've been eyeing this Elote taco trunk by lake merritt for a while. I finally stopped by to order some Mexican corn elotes. The food truck is mask and social distance enforced. I went on a Friday afternoon, it wasn't busy at all. Their menu is right on the truck. It was easy to order, service was great, price is a bit pricy considering it is a bougie taco truck by the lake, the food was delicious overall. I ordered Mexican corn, and it was ready within 5min. The order process was simple, and the truck takes Apple Pay, credit card over $5.

    Blue Corn Huarache w/ Beef Tinga
    Adam B.

    Like a taco truck 2.0. Fancier presentation, more nuanced ingredients, smaller portions and a steeper price tag. It was fun to try, but I may just hit up a Tacos San Buena truck next time I get the lunchtime craving. Blue Corn Huarache w/ Beef Tinga: First things first, there was a lot of great taste going on. The beef tinga was tender and nicely spiced. Tons of thinly sliced veggies and herbs to add some great texture and flavor contrasts. And like three types of sauces. The actual huarache itself was bit of a letdown, kinda like the texture of a store bought tortilla. They might have made it fresh on the griddle, but it didn't come across that way. Also, this seemed pricey at $14. Definitely higher priced than a meal from other Mexican food trucks around town. Fresh Mango Agua Fresca: Was a tad disappointed. I'm used to agua frescas being real sweet, either by virtue of lots of fruit juice or lots of sugar to make up for the lack thereof. This was quite watery, almost as if La Croix got into the business of selling agua frescas. Also, they served it in an awkward plastic bag as an homage to Mexico City or something. Could have really benefited from some ice in the bag since it was bordering on room temperature.

    Baja Shrimp tacos with spicy salsa
    Parisa Z.

    Incredibly friendly staff working at the truck during Pridefest! Those Baja shrimp tacos with the spicy salsa were absolutely incredible! Spicy, flavorful, juicy, tangy, and fresh!

    Chicken and pork sandwich
    Erick P.

    The food truck was parked outside the Walt Disney Family Museum so we decided to try it. We purchased the Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwich, but if I had to choose, the sandwich is more filling. The Chicken is the healthier option and it came with potato and beans on the side but whichever you choose, it's one of the few places to eat at this site. My only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the price. Although the pulled pork sandwich is flavorful and has an abundance of meat, it is high in price.

    Cocina Del C.

    ¡DELICIOSO! I enjoyed everything about the experience. From the cool rustic truck, to the wonderful customer service to the promising menu. This duo is passionate about what they do, and it shows. We got to enjoy our meal while social distancing at Lake Merritt and it was truly the highlight of our week. The shrimp was juicy and plump, the carnitas were perfectly crispy. You can't go wrong checking them out!

    "Gringas" pastor tacos from COOL!NARIA and Gravity Chai from Smoothie Operator
    Jason V.

    I tried their "gringas" pastor tacos they were super tasty/delicious; highly recommended for sure. They're usually located off Grand Ave near the Pergola @ Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA

    Shrimp tacos two ways
    Gravity W.

    This is a truly artisan food truck! You can taste the fresh ingredients and practiced care that goes into their creations. I was blown away by both of their variations on the shrimp tacos, and returned to try the carnitas, al pastor and tinga tacos. What a mouth party! I am looking forward to trying their house made mole on my next visit. They are often parked on lake Merritt on Grand Avenue. Do yourself a favor and check then out

    Gorgeous ceviche in coconut shells for my wedding cocktail hour at Reinstein Ranch in Livermore, CA.

    Coolinaria brought their beautiful truck to our ranch-style wedding and served up the classiest food for cocktail hour: ceviche in gorgeous coconut shells, three types of tacos (including delicious vegan tacos - purple potato with a kale slaw), guacamole/chips and they were thoughtful enough to think of making cheese quesadillas for the kids! Everyone was in love with the food and Beth and Beto are so easy to work with and just very kind, warm people. We met with them a couple times at their pop-up spot at Federation Brewery and they always took the time to sit down with us and talk through details and ideas. I feel like there aren't many high-end options for mexican food trucks, so Coolinaria is who you want for a stylish event. You get restaurant quality food with the fun atmosphere of having a truck. I can't recommend them highly enough!

    Bring a blanket, enjoy your meal on the grass by the lake!

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    Colonial Donuts

    Colonial Donuts

    4.1
    (676 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    I really do love a good donut shop. This laid back spot is the perfect place to grab a donut…read morepick-me-up at any time of the day. Not only are there so many donuts to choose from, but I am convinced that you cannot go wrong with any of them. The staff was super nice and welcoming, too! I tried the: crème filled maple bar, the coconut cake donut, and the ube crumb cake donut. Let me tell you, they were all delicious. Even though I bought them at 5pm, they all tasted so fresh. I was super excited to try the ube crumb donut because I had seen so many yelp reviews mention it, and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect sweet treat, and was so nice and fluffy. I think it could use a touch more ube flavoring, but I'm biased as a huge ube lover. Needless to say, I will be back! :)

    Went here yesterday and bought 2 donuts…read more Ube Donut: Ordered this donut because I love Ube in general and I had to try it. It did meet my expectations. Not too sweet, super moist and you can taste the Ube for sure. If you are an Ube fan like myself, I would recommend this donut with a nice cup of joe. Blueberry Donut: I love Blueberry everything so I had to get this donut again. It was always a special request when I my brother would ask me to house sit and watch his pup during his travel plans. He would ask me what I needed before he travelled and it would always be A (meaning 1) blueberry donut, but he would practically get me dozen. 1 or a dozen... either way...Yummm!!!! Check this place out if you are a donut lover like myself! :) No photos available because I devoured both donuts before I remembered to take a photo. I will take some next time!

    Photos
    Colonial Donuts
    Pastries and donuts
    Pastries and donuts
    10/2022

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    10/2022
    Parche

    Parche

    4.4
    (631 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    As a passionate foodie always searching for memorable dining experiences, Parche in Oakland…read moredelivered on every level. From the moment I sat down, the warm glow of the dining room, lively energy, and inviting aromas drifting from the kitchen set the tone for an exceptional evening. The cocktails were outstanding. The Ojos Así was beautifully balanced, with bright, refreshing notes layered over deeper, more complex flavors that unfolded with each sip. Its vibrant presentation and fragrant aroma made it as enjoyable to admire as it was to drink. Equally impressive was the Y El Hombre Caimán, a bold and expertly crafted cocktail bursting with character, combining rich flavors and a silky texture while remaining remarkably approachable. Both were the kind of cocktails that make you slow down, savor every sip, and appreciate the artistry behind them. For the main course, the Costilla Negra was the star of the table. Perfectly cooked and incredibly juicy, the short rib featured a beautifully caramelized exterior that gave way to tender, flavorful meat. Each bite delivered a satisfying balance of richness and refinement, while the thoughtfully plated accompaniments added contrasting textures and complementary flavors that elevated the dish even further. What truly elevated the experience was the service. Rhi, tending bar, was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the cocktail program. Her recommendations were spot on and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. She is a true master at her craft. Jackie, our server, was equally fantastic--warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel like valued guests throughout the meal. Parche combines exceptional Colombian cuisine, creative cocktails, and hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Between the vibrant atmosphere, beautifully presented dishes, and memorable flavors, it's the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can be such a joy. I will absolutely be returning. One of my most memorable experiences in Oakland.

    An Unforgettable Father's Day Lunch at Parche! We celebrated…read moreFather's Day with a family lunch here alongside my wife and her parents, and Parche absolutely knocked it out of the park. The vibrant, welcoming energy of the space set the perfect tone for a celebratory family gathering, and the food was spectacular from start to finish. Every single dish we ordered hit the mark: The Ceviche: Incredibly fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced--the ultimate way to kick off the meal. The Plantains: Perfectly executed with that ideal contrast of texture and rich flavor. The Branzino Salad: A total standout. The fish was beautifully prepared, light, and paired wonderfully with the crisp, refreshing greens. The Comunitario Rice: Deeply flavorful, comforting, and perfect for sharing across the table. Celebrating a special occasion with family means you want great food, a lively atmosphere, and seamless hospitality, and Parche delivered on all fronts. It was a fantastic Father's Day meal, and we will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Plantains
    Plantains
    Mocktails - Dark N' Spicy in the long glasses. Short glass were complimentary so I'm not sure but delicious!

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    Mocktails - Dark N' Spicy in the long glasses. Short glass were complimentary so I'm not sure but delicious!
    Kitava

    Kitava

    4.4
    (269 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Delicious and flavorful, one of My favorite bowl places. I…read morelove the whole Folds, clean ingredients, low Processed foods. I especially love that they don't use dairy or seed oils in their dressings. I often get all veggie bowls and they are super filling. Much of the menu is also Daniel Fast- friendly

    Came here on the rec of a friend who told me she thought I'd like it. It's about a 24 min drive and…read moreI thought about ordering online for pick up, but it showed it'd only take 10 mins online and I wanted it fresh and crispy so I decided to order when I got there. I will say, if you have somewhere to be *ORDER ONLINE*. I got there and was told to order from the self serve tablet (I could have done this on my phone ahead of time), but I put in my order and sat down to wait for it. At the 22 min mark, the two groups of two behind me got their food before I did, so I went up to the worker behind the bar and asked if my order was ready and I was told mine would be next. All in all- took 32 mins. So again, if you have somewhere to be- order ahead! Food was good. Could definitely tell it was made fresh to order - not only because it took some time but because my friend cauliflower came out PIPING hot. Lots of oil drippings, so if that isn't your thing, may not be for you, but I will say that it was my fav bite. This was a good restaurant- I would say 4 stars for the food alone. BUT if you're in a pinch, either order online or maybe save this spot for when you have more time. Also- I know that good quality food is pricey, this place is no exception. But you pay for what you get and the quality is better than that of fast food.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Hummus w/ Soft Egg & Sesame Togarashi
    Hummus w/ Soft Egg & Sesame Togarashi
    Banana walnut pancakes

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    Banana walnut pancakes
    Arizmendi Bakery

    Arizmendi Bakery

    4.6
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $

    Fantastic bakery, I appreciate how they don't close in the early afternoon like many bakeries do. I…read moregot the pizza of the day which had Roma tomatoes, red onions, basil pesto, and mozzarella. I also got the pecan chocolate chip cookie. Prices are very affordable too! Pizza was delicious. The thin crispy sourdough was very tasty and the pizza was piping hot with lots of flavor. Pecan chocolate chip was good too, chewy with good balance of flavors. Would recommend.

    Arizmendi Bakery is a Bay Area institution and it absolutely earns the hype…read more The pizza alone is worth the trip -- they only do one flavor a day, but whatever's on the rotation is consistently incredible. Thick, chewy, perfectly charred crust with a sourdough tang that you just don't get from regular pizza dough. Toppings are fresh and generous without being overloaded. Grab a slice (or a whole pie) and you'll understand why people plan their day around what flavor is being served. The sourdough bread is just as good -- crackly crust, open airy crumb, and that deep tangy flavor that tells you it's been properly fermented. This isn't supermarket sourdough; it's the kind of loaf that makes plain butter taste like a gourmet experience. It's a worker-owned cooperative too, which makes supporting them feel even better. Expect a line, especially on weekends, but it moves quickly and is so worth the wait.

    Photos
    Case
    Case
    Delicious hot slice and a lemon ginger tonic mmm
    Delicious hot slice and a lemon ginger tonic mmm
    1 slice + bonus slivers: $3.75

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    1 slice + bonus slivers: $3.75

    COOL!NARIA - mexican - Updated July 2026

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