Dined in with my family of 6 on a Sunday. We were seated promptly and taken care of by Laura. We ordered family style to share; large plate of rice, beans, 2 lbs surtido, guacamole and the best salsa verde in the bay! The best carnitas too...perfectly cooked. I can not eat carnitas at other places because their either salty, too dry or oily. Jalisco carnitas have been around for decades for a reason! read more

Jalisco Restaurant - Surtido - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Ripping off your customer is wrong. Regular burrito plus a 6 dollar soda pop. The food was okay I was hoping top notch like the reviews showed. read more

Jalisco Restaurant - First time trying this place out to get ripped off - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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

Excellent Carnitas!!! Excellent service!! For over 50yrs + Salsa, Rice and Beans are excellent as well! read more

Jalisco Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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

Jalisco Restaurant - Carnitas plate - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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

Jalisco Restaurant - The carnitas tacos were delightful, the service outstanding, and prices very reasonable. - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

The food is always a 10/10 flavorful and good I been. Coming here since a little boy . The service here is amazing it does get very busy Sunday's and usually sell out fast. Inside looks very welcoming and like your grandmas house feeling love eating here read more

I hadn't been to Jaliscos since Covid, but once I arrived it was like old home week. Tony greeted me like a long lost friend. The Carnitas was tender and delicious, and the cold breen hot sauce was bubling great read more

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. read more

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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!!! read more

Jalisco Restaurant - My husband who was born in Jalisco! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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. read more

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

Jalisco Restaurant - A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A whole lot of f'ing deliciousness. #surtido - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I love the carnitas! Especially the super burrito surtido!The best in the Town! 10/10 recommended! Must pay with cash as it is a cash only place. Must go! Don't miss out! Tony is very nice! Friendly, great service. read more

The bf has been a bit obsessed with carnitas lately. He heard about this place and ended up going twice one weekend. I hear people have been lining up as they run out early on the weekends so don't be surprised if there is a line by 10AM. I actually really liked their salsa, go figure. I thought it was the cilantro/avocado salsa since it was green but it was just really tangy and spicy. We had some beans and rice on the side, which I'd skip. Just order the goods (mixed carnitas by the pound). I love finding local gems like this place! read more

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 read more

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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!!! read more

Jalisco Restaurant - mixed super regular burrito and chorizo quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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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 read more

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It's all about the carnitas. No one does it better than Jalisco's - no one! Our family has been coming here for decades, and the food is always been fantastic. read more

They specialize in carnitas and their carnitas is indeed excellent. Great mix of moist and crisp (ie no dry bits) which is the mark of great carnitas. I had mine in a super burrito and it was a great (though not particularly well wrapped) package. It was a bit leaky in the bag so be careful where you leave it in your car if you don't want a little bit of a grease stain or something (which hopefully won't be an issue once we're all allowed to eat indoors again). I will say that it's a bit pricy for a super burrito but the taste justifies it. read more

Right in the heart of Oakland's Red Light District. Next to some of the seediest motels you can find. Is a place I always want to hit the skins. Pork skins that is. Jalisco is a simple Mexican restaurant that specializes in Carnitas. Sometimes I get that craving for some savory pork. The Chicharrones are the best. The mixed pork that contains pig skin, pig ear, and Carnitas is a great combination. My meal leaves me wanting more. While the burritos are on the smaller side, it is still very tasty. If you like Carnitas, if you like Mexican food, Jalisco is the best destination for this cherished meat in Mexican Cusine. read more

This restaurant has been here since 1967 and serves authentic Mexican carnitas. The carnitas can be ordered all meat for the non adventurous or mixed with comes with all the other pieces of the pig. I typically order by the pound and get 50/50 and ask for boronitas which is the small pieces that fall to the side and are crunchy. The salsa is a perfect addition, very tasty and not too hot. The also have fresh chicharones and nopales. For those just wanting taco or burritos you can just order that also. A tip is to get there before noon as they run out quickly. Simply the best since I was a kid. read more

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I come here on Sundays for the carnitas mixto. Come before 11am, otherwise they will run out of the chicharrones, and that's my favorite. My friend buys the salsa to take home. He says it's his favorite. read more

Jalisco's has the best carnitas in Oakland. You can get a combo plate or you can order the carnitas by the pound (good for family style dinner or a group of friends). I personally like the "mezclada" the mix meat. It's Sooo good!!! They also have good beans and rice but the tortillas are ok. I love the green salsa it's amazing. I highly recommend being at Jalisco's no later than noon for prime cuts and bring CASH. No ATM or Credit cards. The Chile Relleno is also good. It has a savory red sauce to go along with the Mexican cheese. You can also have it with chicken but I prefer the cheese filling. The order also comes with beans, rice and torillas. Parking sucks, they only have street parking. It's all good. Enjoy!! read more

Best place in California for some cueritos, patitas, buche ,or carnitas. My family has been coming here since before I had kids and this is the only place my kids eat from. Old school family spots we never give up on. And they don't give up on us. Can't wait on them Friday,Saturday or Sunday's read more

Super fresh. The meat was so moist and delicious. I had tacos with chicken and asked if they could make them super - beans, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. Yum. It's a little hole in the wall that's cash only. read more

Boy did I want to Love this spot. No can do. The reviews raved about the food but you can't tell by my experience. I appreciate and frequent family restaurants but I don't like being ignored when I'm trying to give you money. I smiled and waited as family played with and took pictures of the littlest family members. Eventual grandpa could tear himself away to take my order. I ordered carnitas mixta taco. All gone at a little after 1. Asked for buche instead and the fried pork skin people rave over. The piece I got was old, dry and the couldn't be bothered to make it into chips. The buche was tender but the taco had beans which is kinda unusual. Half way through the first one I got a queasy feeling and didn't finish the rest. Pass on the food; there's better and friendlier Mexican food around DWB 1 read more

My family like many returning customers are disappointed in the service. Tony/Owner is really cool. I cant say the same about the "butcher-server". I went to buy a few pounds of carnitas to take home. The butcher gave me some of the dry/stringy parts of the pork. When I asked him to substitute some meat for some of the not so dry meat he said, its all the same! He is the rudest of all! I dont think they hurt for business because they are only open on weekends. They have increased the food price dramatically. Yes there are better and finer restaurants than Jalisco. I am always annoyed at the people they allow on restaurant property to sell illegal Movies, pirating! I should call the FBI! Not so say the least they ONLY accept cash, wonder how a business can account to the IRS... profits! Im so happy that I do not "crave" carnitas as much. People should know that the beans and rice are most likely fried in the carnitas lard. Though it tastes so good its not healthy. When I microwave the beans or rice they smell like im warming up carnitas. read more

Jalisco Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I paid $3.49 (about) for just chicken and tortilla when I could have gone elsewhere for about the same price and with a lot more on it, complete sham. Everyone else eating there had cilantro and onions and salsa but mine had nothing else other than chicken and a tortilla wrap. read more

Jalisco Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

This restaurant continues to excel in its preparation of carnitas. At present, it is only open for take out from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Arrive early as sometimes the restaurant runs out of carnitas. read more

Came on the weekend, super clean nice people, but the super burrito was $12 and was super long, but pretty thin. Nothing special taste wise, I wish I would have tried something else, but eh, just super underwhelming experience, thought this place would be better considering the reviews. Maybe their other food is better though. read more

The best carnitas & buche you will ever have guaranteed! If you decide to stop in here (only open Friday- Sunday) get the carnitas (mix) with buche just tell them you want the mix they will know and try to go early maybe before 11am or they might run out! read more

Nostalgia! Not mine, but for most Oaklanders. I have been meat (any mamal/bird type) free for almost 4 years but it's hard to stay away from the rice and beans. Good hard working people come here. Not good for the body, but great for the soul. read more

I too come to Jalisco's on the weekends, for the carnitas. The owner learned it from his father, who's been roasting the whole pig for three decades, or something like that. The burrito is slender, compared to the "super burrito" style you see so many other places. Just meat a smear of refried beans, and wonderful salsa. but the carnitas!!! wow, you can get meat, skin, and offal, or any combination (I usually ask for mixed). The skin is silky tender, and juicy, and flavorful, not fatty, more like tripe. I love it. For pork lovers, you can sometimes get a pig trotter (pig's foot) too, for a couple bucks. Check if they have any, they are so good to gnaw on with a beer, if you like gristly, tasty stuff. By the way, if you're eating in, the carnitas plate is a good way to go, since you get all the fixings, including some tortillas, and you can make at least our burritos from a single helping. Sunday Brunch and after church is when you get the families; really festive and local. read more

Jalisco restaurant is a family owned business since the 1960's, Just that alone should tell anyone that there food is great. Jalisco is only opened on the weekends fri, sat & Sunday! Come early because they do sell out, especially on Sundays. Don't leave with out buying there famous carnitas & green salsa. read more

Still full 2 hours later Best carnitas I've had in a restaurant. The meat was nice and succulent, the skin was amazing. the salsa verde on the tables is also great, when I grabbed some to go the guy was very friendly. Quick service too. The loss of 1 star is because they are open only Friday-Sunday. It got crowded after we got seated. Man, I'm craving some more pig. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow and risk the heart attack... read more

I been coming to this restaurant for years. They had the best beans and rice in the burritos and don't forget they also have chili Verde on certain days. I wish they was open seven days a week but they're only open three days of the week you got a try it best, Mexican Carnitas burrito. read more

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

The food here is great but the current hour arrangement is unstable. This restaurant is open only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday closing at 3 pm these three days. When I arrived Sunday, December 20 at 12:45 pm, the restaurante had run out of their signature carnitas and my 5 mile trip came to naught. read more

One of the best carnitas spots around. They been doing carnitas for a very long time! And it's still great! The ceuritos are on point the buche is great. Good tortillas and the green salsa is off the hook! I'm never disappointed going here and the owner and his son are cool peeps! Never hesitate to go here! One of the best! read more