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Jalisco Restaurant

4.4 (118 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican, Latin American
Closed • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jalisco Restaurant Photos

Business Info

JALISCO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Jalisco Restaurant

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Reviews With Photos

Carnitas plate
Keo Z.

Carnitas is their specialty and they did not disappoint. Very flavorful and authentic. Will try the chili verde next time.

The carnitas tacos were delightful, the service outstanding, and prices very reasonable.
Irene M.

The food and service were excellent. I will definitely return. If you're craving carnitas, I recommend this restaurant.

You can expect a line to form before the doors open.
Jeremi W.

OMMMGGGG where do I even begin with this place?!? This absolute treasure in my heart. Growing up in Oakland, Jalisco's has always been a part of my life. I remember frequent visits when I was a kid. Fast forward a couple decades, and it's like nothing has changed. Two things that haven't changed over years and years are Tony, the awesome guy taking all the phone orders and managing social distancing and regulation for in person customers, and the GREEN SALSA!! So, they have tons of items on the menu but if you know anything about anything, you come for the carnitas. PRO TIP: If you know what you're getting, call ahead early and schedule a pickup....best piece of info I've gotten all 2021. Typically when I go, I get a pound or two of carnitas (all meat) but you can also do mixed which has some of the other fats/skin. All delicious but it is a bit rich for my tummy. I also grab some rice and beans. Their rice is SO fluffy and the beans are so creamy and flavorful. I pick up tortillas too just because I'm already there and don't need to make another stop. And finally, I grab some of that unbelievable salsa. Dear newborn 8 pound lil ol baby Jesus that is EPIC. Do not skip on it! I only order the large container now that my daughter has uncovered it's deliciousness. THEY DO NOT TAKE CARD! CASH ONLY! Do not roll up and get your feelings hurts cuz ATMs are scarce in the are and the line for this place goes down the street if you don't call ahead. IMPORTANT: They are only open Friday - Sunday. So be ready and get there early. But that being said, do you know how good the food has to be to sustain this business for more than 20 years, also during a pandemic and sell out of everything EVERY WEEKEND?!? If you need some carnitas, call Tony and tell him Rae sent you! Thank me later.

My husband who was born in Jalisco!
Monica G.

I'm so happy this place is open, and is making it through COVID! The first time I visited this establishment was in August to bring my pregnant friend a mixto burrito. I had only ever eaten carnitas, never a mixed pork burrito...I was intrigued. Mixto is carnitas, cueritos and buche...hmmm. Let me be the one to tell you...HOW FLAVORFUL AND WONDERFUL that burrito was! Omg! By the time I made it back SoCal I was like man...I should've purchased 3. Fast forward to October, I had the chance to bring my husband who is originally from Jalisco. He LOVEEEED this restaurant! I think he talked about the burrito for the whole 7 hours we were in the car. I am so proud that he got a really good taste of my hometown, OAKLAND! Everytime I'm in town, I will definitely be stopping here! PURO CALIDAD!!!

Menu as of 1/6/24
Audrey A.

They do not skimp on the meat portions. They are only open on the weekends; Friday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. The staff are friendly, and the interior is clean and neat. They used to have indoor seating and possibly used to have outdoor seating; but now has been closed off. Seems it's only take out. Their tacos are big at $4.58 a piece and the horchata (Agua Fresca) is a good size for $4.25. Will be back to try more of their menu. Their carnitas was tasty.

A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A whole lot of f'ing deliciousness. #surtido
Alex F.

Iykyk. Hidden gem in Oakland for the best carnitas! Order it surtidos or mixtas and you'll get a chopped up mixture of deliciousness.

Andrew C.

Jalisco specializes in Carnitas and is open only Friday through Sunday and even then only through lunch (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=9As82UO5KoitDrU2jzuG3w). They've been around for 50+ years, as their menu states (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=XZB04dp3XSut7fHFuDe7PA) offering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and plates as well as some soups (menudo on weekends) and meat by the pound. For the carnitas averse, there's a couple of vegetarian options and chicken, beef, and chile verde for alternative proteins . . . but if you're coming here, it should be for the carnitas! Tacos are $3.50 and packed with meat (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=qoEm6zKmPUKslbdDtCbCAA), but I like to get the plate and make my own tacos (Orden Completa https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=qaGIaMSJIVE0EoYGxpPiyg). You can choose Meat only or Mixed, which has pork skin / chicharones. Crunchy skin fans, be forewarned that the skin is cooked and flavorful, but not crisp like most places (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=3AKZ9QG-WJvfsreh_fexmA). Likewise, the carnitas is tender and flavorful, but doesn't have a lot of crunchy bits either. I'm pretty sure that they don't make the tortillas in house (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=U7fr0DhL-Nl29tM1j0Rjkw), but the chips tasted lard-y and the salsa verde is excellent (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=It18BwR52ZhAncY1SkAFHw) ** Cash Only ** https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jalisco-restaurant-oakland?select=6joKDYRlHtAITYzWaRqSBg

mixed super regular burrito and chorizo quesadilla
Bryanna C.

Best authentic mexican food in oakland!!! The carnitas are bomb! New menu item, the chorizo (quesadilla) is to die for. Reminds me of Mexico. I love to mix the green sauce with a side of guacamole. Super friendly staff. Do your tastebuds a favor and treat yourself to authentic mexican food!!!

Montage of images from Jalisco Cafe
Ed U.

Menudo, menudo. The hunt continues, and I find myself on a crisp Saturday morning in a not-so-gentrified part of Oakland on a stretch of International Blvd I have never stopped along before. And for good reason, no doubt. This ain't Fruitvale where all the popular Mexican places are like El Huarache Azteca (review: http://bit.ly/19j2n25) or Taco Grill (review: http://bit.ly/1eKgYvo). No, this is East Oakland, baby. Deal. Right along 880 but there are no convenient on-ramps, so you have to drive quite a ways on International to find the place. It's probably no surprise that's it's surrounded by auto parts and body shops with some pretty sparkly hubcaps for sale. But Jalisco Cafe is a quiet enclave on the block where the owner was dishing out some chicharrones for a couple of regulars (photo: http://bit.ly/1hEB0cQ). I found this spot on my Yelp app when I looked for menudo after my East Bay haircut and noticed the exalted ratings. This I had to try despite the neighborhood. I ordered simply. An $8.90 bowl of Grande Menudo please. And it definitely had that homemade flavor that was rich in red chili pepper flavor and stocked with plenty of shank bones and tripe (photo: http://bit.ly/19j24nW). On my persnickety menudo scale, it wasn't quite off the charts, but it was sure satisfying in a neighborhood where I was looking for a little warmth. But the real surprise was the $2.55 Mixta Carnitas Soft Taco, which was a rather paltry serving on a big melamine plate (photo: http://bit.ly/1aoulNH). But the carnitas were so ridiculously tender that I wish I ordered a half-dozen. I heard they sell it by the pound. I should drive here in my pick-up next time. OK, like I have a pick-up. FOOD - 4 stars...good, homey menudo but that carnitas was so good I named it Pedro AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...a clean place and conveniently located if you need rhinestone-encrusted hubcaps SERVICE - 4 stars...quietly attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...definitely worth a stop...in broad daylight

You got to try the carnitas here

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Photo of Drew W.
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1 month ago

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2 months ago

Good carnitas, buche, cueritos, la salsa,las patas,las costillas,los duros todo muy bueno.

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6 months ago

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8 months ago

Best best best best best best carnitas in the Bay Area. Go here. Give them your money

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16 years ago

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4 years ago

If your looking for some good carnitas this is the spot and there green salsa is so good too!

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Ask the Community - Jalisco Restaurant

Does anyone know if i can buy a large amount for a party?

Yes. They can provide large amounts for parties. Just need to call in advance.

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Molcajete Cocina Mexicana

Molcajete Cocina Mexicana

3.8
(758 reviews)
1.8 mi
•$$

Super quick service and good food! The pricing is a little on the higher end, but maybe it's worth…read moreit! I ordered for pickup and they gave me a 20-minute estimated time. I got there sooner than I expected and my food was ready!! I got it to go, so I didn't get to enjoy it fresh or in the establishment, but when I got home the food was still hot and enjoyable! They did a great job, and this is definitely my go-to spot in Oakland now!

I'm honestly annoyed I spent money here. Molcajete Cocina Mexicana was a huge letdown from start to…read morefinish. The menudo was completely bland and tasted like it came straight out of a can definitely not fresh and absolutely not worth ordering. The chips and guacamole were just "okay," but even that's being generous since the chips were clearly old and stale. The steak nachos were the final straw. They were straight-up gross. I ordered steak nachos and somehow got nachos covered in rice, barely any meat (if any at all), and a laughably small portion for the price. On top of that, they were made with the same stale chips. For what they charge, this level of food quality is unacceptable. I won't be coming back. The server was rude and short didn't care to answer any questions. Sinceramente me molesta haber gastado dinero aquí. Molcajete Cocina Mexicana fue una gran decepción de principio a fin. El menudo estaba totalmente desabrido y sabía como si saliera directo de una lata, nada fresco y definitivamente no valía la pena. Las papas fritas con el guacamole estaban "más o menos", y eso siendo generoso, porque las totopos estaban viejas y rancias. Los nachos de carne fueron la gota que colmó el vaso. Estaban horribles. Pedí nachos de asada y me los sirvieron llenos de arroz, casi sin carne (si es que tenía algo), y con una porción ridículamente pequeña para el precio. Para colmo, los hicieron con los mismos totopos viejos. Por lo que cobran, la calidad de la comida es inaceptable. No regresaré.

Photos
Molcajete Cocina Mexicana
Guacamole, chips & salsa trio
Guacamole, chips & salsa trio
Sopes Plate

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Sopes Plate
Taqueria El Paisa

Taqueria El Paisa

4.4
(556 reviews)
2.1 mi
•$$

Came here for lunch on a Tuesday around noon and it was pretty busy. We finally lucked out and got…read morea parking spot in the parking lot. We tried coming here on a Sunday and couldn't find parking for 15+ minutes so we ended up leaving. There is some street parking but we prefer to park in the lot. Once you get inside you order at the counter. If you're getting tacos they're all the same price so the cashier will write the number of tacos you bought and you take that receipt and get in the line. Once you get called up you put your receipt in the basket that the worker hands you and tell them what kind of meat you want in your tacos. Today I tried the asada, carnitas, Al pastor, and tripa. They all were delicious, my favorite was the tripa. Portions are good ($4.50/taco) and they have a variety of salsas, jalapeños, limes, etc in the seating area once you exit. I also got a hibiscus (Jamaica) agua fresca that was good. They do accept credit card but they'll charge a $1 fee so try to bring cash if you can. Definitely recommend, this is now one of my top taco spots in Oakland.

This is certainly one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Each taco is $4.50 and…read morethey load each up with meat. The meats are all juicy and cooked perfectly. The pina colada drink was perfect to balance out the salty/savory flavor of the tacos. You self serve cucumbers, carrots, and radishes which is always cool. Finally, there's live Mexican music playing and the overall vibes are fantastic. 4.9/5

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Taqueria El Paisa
Torta de asada!
Torta de asada!
Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)

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Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)
Mesa Maguey

Mesa Maguey

4.6
(207 reviews)
2.9 mi
•$$

I was here last night(Thursday night) for the Comedy show! The comedy, the crowd, the cocktails,…read moreand the host made the drive worth it! Order dinner 30 minutes before the show starts and get their margarita flight; that should last you the entire show. The comedy happens in the very back of the restaurant.

Came here for dinner and a comedy show Monday night. First impression, it's a really cute spot. I…read morelove the decor, the colors, the ambiance, and the artwork in the back where the comedy show was held. Even the bathroom is so cute!! And that is saying something because I never take pictures of bathrooms for reviews lol. The food is just as pretty as the decor. Every plate we ordered came out looking beautiful. The 4 stars is really because although the food looks pretty, I would say everything tastes okay, nothing really stood out particularly in taste. If this review was based on food tastes alone, and not looks, vibes, and the great show, it would've been 3 stars. The flautas were a bit too hard for me. Ive had way better flautas at El Torito's in San Leandro. Although there were only like 6 of us total in the audience for the show, it was still really enjoyable. The host, Tony Parker has great energy, and a lot of the comics (I think were like 5 or 6) had us laughing throughout. No one was safe lol. All in all, a really cute place for date night and comedy show. Apparently they have them Sunday-Thursday nights, and they're free!

Photos
Got mezcal?
Got mezcal?
Chicken Mole
Chicken Mole
Flautas

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Flautas
Tacos Oscar

Tacos Oscar

4.4
(307 reviews)
3.0 mi

Tacos Oscar, Temescal, shipping container taco spot with a Michelin Bib Gourmand and zero…read morepretension about it. Menu changes constantly, written in chalk on the container door, you get what they feel like making that night and thats actually fine because its always good. Charred broccoli taco sounds like a prank until you eat it. The handmade tortillas are the real thing, fresh pressed, you can smell them from the sidewalk. Got the pork chile verde too, braised and saucy, didnt last long. Order at the window, grab the back patio, dont skip the salsa macha. 5 stars, the taco truck ordering skills ive been cultivating for years finally got tested and this place passed

Tacos Oscar is relatively unassuming when you view the restaurant from the street. Oscar is a small…read morestand with a relatively clean menu that doles out tacos, beverages, and a a few more bites. Tacos Oscar offers up slightly more upscale Tacos with nuanced ingredients and intense flavors. During my latest outing I went with the mushroom, barbacoa, and chile verde tacos. Each of my tacos was great, but the mushroom one stood out. The mushrooms were cooked perfectly and had a slight crunch which gave them an excellent texture. They were also incredibly well seasoned. My barbacoa and Chile verde tacos were also solid with some nice topping variation that helped mix up the flavors and texture. Oscar's service is good and straightforward. Place your order up front and either grab a table there or walk to their back patio. I LOVE the back area on a sunny day and would highly recommend it. Each taco here will run you about 5-6 bucks so don't be too suprised by the sticker shock. I would say 3-4 tacos is the ideal range depending on how hungry you are. Give them a try if you're ever in the Mosswood/Temescal area.

Photos
Side seating entrance
Side seating entrance
Don't be like me. provide your tostada with a strong support system
Don't be like me. provide your tostada with a strong support system
Outdoor seating

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Outdoor seating
Bombera

Bombera

4.1
(540 reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$$

Upscale Mexican-by-way-of-California restaurant with rich and inventive flavors. There are three…read morelegs that hold up the stool here; the masa, the mole, and the celebration of each dish's main ingredient. We ordered the duck carnitas, summer tamales, and kids' quesadilla, along with the roasted beats and a strawberry agua fresca and horchata. I cannot enumerate all of the amazing elements and flavors in this meal, but I can say that the crispy outside of the duck and the ease with which it fell apart drew a connection between duck confit and carnitas that changed the way I will think about both. The hearty masa in the tamales had a the texture of hand ground corn and was substantial enough to warrant chewing though. The beet -- tender and flavorful in itself -- was paired with a nutty, spicy mole like a thick paste, bright with its herbs. The agua fresca was a summertime blast of fruit. Yes, yes. All of the food is delicious and amazing. But what takes the restaurant over the top is that the food is comforting and familiar in equal measure to its inventiveness and flawless execution. This is not just food for the tongue and stomach but food for the soul.

Arrived to no host so another worker had to assist and kept looking around for the hostess. We made…read morea reservation a month prior, the table wasn't ready, but we managed to get seated at a table with other diners. The woman who brought water was very welcoming. The prices on the menu are $5-10 more than the menu on their website. It's a nice dining room, but very loud and the piped-in music makes it worse: I couldn't hear what my date was saying across the table. We started with the smoked trout tostadas. This is kind of ceviche style, and they were delicious. These are "street taco" sized tostadas by the way. The portion was OK but for $20 it could've been a bit more substantial. The duck mole: the duck was nicely unctuous and cooked amazingly, but very salty. The mole had the consistency and taste of hummus. Needless to say it was thick, gloopy and tasted only of cumin. The little salad on the plate was plastered in it. The grilled swordfish Valencia style was just an overly sour salsa verde with a couple chopped green olives with the fish sitting in the watery liquid. The salsa had a kick, but tasted mostly of lime, it was also cold. The swordfish however was grilled perfectly and the portion was great--for $35 I'm glad it was. Beans and rice seemed an overly salty afterthought, and if you don't want beans, too bad, it's served in the same bowl as the rice. The service was almost non-existent--no one checked in on us or asked how things were; there seemed to be only one person taking orders in the dining room and three-four people running around. Our appetizer plates sat in front of us for 15 mins, so when the entrees arrived the runner had a hard time clearing the table and simultaneously putting down the entrees. We didn't see our server again until the end when she gave us the check. Suddenly the charm came on when the tip came up. I appreciate what they're doing, but for that price point there are far better options.

Photos
Inside main room
Inside main room
Carnitas: tender flavorful, added spicy carrots secret sauce made it even better
Carnitas: tender flavorful, added spicy carrots secret sauce made it even better
Interior looking out

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Interior looking out

Jalisco Restaurant - mexican - Updated July 2026

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