This review is for the parents out there: La Penca Azul is an incredible hidden gem for families. It's a genuinely family-friendly place with a great kids' menu featuring burritos, quesadillas, grilled cheese, burgers, and more. The outdoor seating overlooks a big plaza, so while you wait for food (and enjoy a margarita), your kids can run and play without bothering anyone. They offer a $10 happy hour menu Monday through Thursday, with smaller portions that are perfect for lighter meals. After your meal, stroll through the mall by the UPS store to find a lovely walking path along the canal where you can spot ducks and geese. You can also walk or bike to two playgrounds: one smaller playground is further along the path on the same side, and a larger playground is across the bridge a few blocks into the neighborhood. There's plenty of parking. You can swing by Safeway next door if you need to grab a few groceries before heading home. Penca Azul makes for a wonderful and easy outing. Our whole family always enjoys ourselves and leaves happy! read more

See all

Updates 4/4/26: Today was a catastrophic experience. We came here about 12pm or so. Just FYI We have come to this restaurant several times because we really enjoy their food and drinks. It is like "Our Best Mexican" spot to go to. My wife and I decided to eat outside today. Our table was dirty upon sitting down. Like you could clearly see that it needed ti be wiped down. The hostess did not. We requested lemon with our water when she asked if we wanted something to drink. She brought water and no lemons. I didn't understand the slackness because it was only 2 tables of ppl outside. No one was inside at the time. I ordered my usual which was the red snapper plate with hot sauce and garlic oil on the side. My wife ordered the shrimp/octopus entree. The food came and her's was great. My rice was cold and hard. I had to send it back. My snapper was a bit on the light crispy side. Sure also brought it big bowls of the hot sauce and garlic oil. I was a little in disbelief because normally both of them look like a oil type of sauce. Today they were both clumped because it was served cold. When I begun to eat my snapper, it was a bit wet on the inside and not as cooked as I am used to. I became nauseous because of it. It took a lil min for the waitress to come back and honestly.. I had to speak to another waitress to get it recooked. When my original waitress brought it back out.. it was so much better. She even brought the hot sauce that it normally comes with... it in the texture it normally is and the size. She took back the rice and beans again because at that point.. they were both beyond cold. When they were brought back out, they were both hot.. but the rice was a bit crunchy in certain areas. I was too hungry to complain again.. so I ate around those parts. Now for the drinks (This part pissed me off the most). So, I always order the $20 marg.. which is supposed to have Sieste Langua Blanco, host citrus blend, Grand Mariner float and a shot of Don Julio 1942. That 1sr round of drinks was so watered down. There also was salt/tajin around the part that you hold the glass AND the salt part looked like it was melted on.. no ruin at all was seen. We did not feel anything after drinking it and we should have because of what liquors were supposed to be used. So I went and spoke to the bartender about the weakness of the drinks because I did not feel that my waitress would do a good enough job. He decided to put the next round in smaller glasses with less ice (Originally, he wants me to add another shot for strength.. but I did not feel that I should of they made it right this time). When that drink came, it was light in color and the taste was like a regular marg. The color was not orange, the presentation looked bad. So I took myself back up and questioned the bartender with the hostess standing there. She did not support me at all. At first the bartender acknowledged that he did not put any Grand Marnier in it. Then I questioned the color, so he decided to make it on front of me. He put Pueblo ...resposado, triple sec and a shot of grand mariner (It should have been a floater). Nothing other than the Grand Mariner was correct. Today was when I found out that they do not put the alcohols listed on the menu on the actual drink!!! I was pissed. I asked for the manager because today we have an issue with everything. I got the runaround from the hostess because she agreed like she was getting the manager and she was not and I do believe the bartender knew he messed up to. It took the fake manager over 10 miss to meet me at the bar. The hostess, the bartender and the ways/manager a are all shady!! Only one employee ensured to get the real manager and update me on his ETA because he was not in the building. I spoke with him and he made things right. He even got behind the bar and made the drink as it shouod be presented and taste. I told him that I really love this restaurant and will return.. but i will be going to the bar to get my drinks made in my face. Thank you to him! read more

See all

Le Penca Azul has been serving Mexican food to the Island forever, this location on Bay Farm is cool. They used to have breakfast buffet, and their mimosa special is always on point. They start you off with some spicy salsa and chips while you review the menu. We usually go for breakfast, their chilaquiles verdes are good. They serve them with a wedge of queso fresco. They make good cocktails, and you can sit on the patio to enjoy the sun. They have a friendly staff with good customer service. Pay them a visit if you're on Bay Farm island or near the Oakland airport. read more

See all

3.5 stars rounded up. Quality/Quantity - Currently my buddy's and I's lunch "go-to" place when we are too "lazy" to drive anywhere else. Consistent and a decent lunch menu, see pictures. Today we got the following: Complimentary Chips - Always good. Actually, the waitress brought us a second bowl when we finished the first one. Burrito Callejero (Street Style Burrito) - My buddy, who is also a light eater, could only finish half his burrito. He got two meals out of this. Shrimp Bowl - Lunch special. Better than expected. Generous amount of shrimp with good flavors. I was also able to take half of this home. Atmosphere - Indoor/outdoor seating. Good size place with the bar in the middle of the business. They even have upstairs seating for semi-private events. Plenty of mall parking. Open 7 days a week from 11am to 8pm. Service - Good, better than usual, thank you. We seem to ALWAYS get the same waitress. This is the most friendly I have seen her! Price - $30 + generous tip. Owner Comment - Sorry that you separated from your other locations. But congrats on your 28+ years of continued success with your two locations and your Oakland Taco Truck. I used to frequent all 8+ of your locations; I think you were up to 11 locations at one time. Your happy hour gone...? Back in the day, this was my happy hour place. I would come here every Tuesday during HH and do my "paperwork." HH was from 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday. Late night HH from 9pm to 10pm. They now have a $5 menu for their HH also, see their website. We used to also go to their location on Park Street because they were one of the few businesses open late. But they do NOT seem to be open late any more?!?! read more

See all

We came here for their bottomless mimosas $16 deal on a Sunday for 12-2pm. However once we got seated, they mentioned they were out of champagne. A couple minutes later, another waitress came over and said they did have the bottomless available. Nevertheless we decided to stay and ordered food as well. It was a bit difficult to get refills on our mimosas however, the super famoso burrito portions were enormous! The complimentary chips and salsa were a hit too. read more

La Penca Azul - Super Famoso Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

La Penca Azul has a impressive menu. Lots to offer. This location has been here for decades. Always popular. Recently, I had a small surprise bday dinner for my husband. Service was on point. No additional charge for bringing my own bday cake which is nice! One place locally charged $3 per person, even when I provide my own cake!! Outrageous!!!! Tasty well portion meals. Good presentation. read more

La Penca Azul - My pork mole dish with beans and rice dinner - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Food is great. Service not so great. Ambiance ok, can use improvement Cocktails are wonderful. I've been coming here for years and over the years I've seen a decline in service. My last experience was not so good. I ordered the fajitas, enough for two people and was only given two corn tortillas. When I asked for more, they said there would be an extra charge. Which is fine. I ended up paying for the extra cost, but thought it was a little bit nickling-n-diming to charge extra after with two small complimentary tortillas. read more

If you're looking for a quick, tasty lunch without burning a hole in your wallet, this is THE spot. The prices are super reasonable, and the service is faster than you can say "I'm on a lunch break!" You'll be back at work on time, guaranteed. The lunch menu has a little something for everyone - from salads to plates and their Famoso burrito (which is basically the size of your dreams). Bonus: they throw in complimentary chips and salsa. And these aren't just any chips - they're fresh and crispy, like, "I might need to order more" level of amazing. Definitely a lunch win! Great for a solo or team lunch too, they have plenty of room! read more

Writing this review for those with celiac and/or intolerance to gluten. Their corn chips are not cooked in a dedicated fryer and therefore have cross-contamination with their other breaded/gluten containing menu items. Rice, beans, meats, veggies appear safe to eat. read more

Great location but mediocre inside. Appetizers weren't good but the entree portions were very large. Food service a bit slow for parties but staff were friendly. Flies because the front door was left open (probably to save on AC). I won't be returning. read more

The place to go in Alameda for tequila, tacos and beer. You vodka and scotch drinkers can come also. This is the Bay Farm location. Back in the day we would hit Park Street but it got toi dicey. This location is a lot more mellow. First and foremost the bartenders are great. Shout out to Carlos and Lalo and the others. So I'm pretty easy to please, just give me a tequila and some lime and I'm good. My partner goes with the house margarita, less sweet, and blended peach. Both excellent. Chips and salsa arrive before we can sit down and get settled. Usually we get street tacos, regular tacos, burritos, and quesadillas either chicken, shrimp, steak, etc. All excellent. Prolly one of the best tequila selections on the island. (Well technically Bay Farm is not an island even though it once was but it's part of Alameda property which is an island and at one time it wasnt) Back to the good stuff. Great place. Service, food and drinks are always spot on and a chill vibe. One of our go to places. read more

See all

It'd been a very long time since I've been here. Our 19th hole was here yesterday party of eleven. We were seated in the overflow room. As our party drifted in two servers began to take our drink orders. Then our entrees. Chips and salsa dip were brought to us. Chips were warm and snappy. The dip had a little fire. My draft beer was nice and cold. However hubby's and my regular carne asada burritos were a major disappointment. Nice serving size but filled mostly with rice. Hardly any meat, cheese, or beans. And no guacamole or sour cream to speak of. Might have been pay extra for? We had to lace our burritos with the dip that came with the chips else the burrito very dry. I'd avoid ordering this again. No separate checks and automatic 18% gratuity. read more

See all

Always wonderful service, good food here. At this location there is a sunny area to wait if needed. Today we came in at a late breakfast for Mexican food but they also have American breakfasts too. I enjoy the background music. read more

See all

Came here after the Tequila Expo. I love their annual Tequila Expo but this was the first time trying their food. I had their burrito with pastor. It was very tasty and the price was pretty affordable for the Bay Area. Unfortunately, my partner ordered a quesadilla with chicken and it was very dry. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Huge shout out to the amazing bartender, Serag. If you want the best margaritas made on the planet, you will find them here! I am always delighted when Lupita serves us with such wonderful customer service. She feels like family. As always, the food is wonderful. read more

Great place for local, authentic Mexican food! The portions are really big and the crispy thin chips/red salsa is really good. Kids meals are great for your picky eaters as the restaurant will separate the items onto another plate if you need. The to-go spot next door off Park is great too for burritos and quesadillas to go! read more

We decided to give La Penca another shot this week. In the past, it seemed as though no one who worked there cared if the restaurant succeeded or not. And it almost seemed as though they were trying to drive their customers away. I have herd this from others as well. It could be that with the planned renovation of the landing, they are putting as little into the place as possible. Also things were pretty bad for them during COVID. This visit was better. They did a good job of accommodating us and our server was very nice. In addition, I asked for a special combination and was told that it wouldn't be a problem. That's the way it should be done. The food was pretty good. I had a Tostada and an Enchilada. My wife had the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. We thought everything was alright, but are used to a little better. Still, we got what we came for. It was a warm sunny day. It was good to see the restaurant so full of people and all of the people enjoying dinner on the patio. I hope things continue to improve for them. With the landing in a state of decay, La Penca is one of only a couple of options left in Bay Farm. I hope they stick around. read more

I haven't been to la penca in a while and esp not to the bayfarm location. We went here instead of the main island because it was a weekend and we didnt want to wait so long. Ended up taking a while to get our order in so we played card games...my little cousin always brings his pokemon cards around and pulls them out at every opportunity. His rules makes no sense but it is what it is. It wasn't too busy when we got there and the tables next to us got their orders first? The food itself was standard and what we expected. It's located in the plaza next to the water so we went for a stroll afterwards. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Obviously everyone has heard of this place and probably been at some point or regularly. Of the many choices we are lucky enough to have available in the East Bay La Penca is hands down my Favorite Mexican food from their delicious chips & salsa (so tasty and made there) to the friendly/familiar/fast-paced service with a smile! No matter if it's been a while and it's dinner or early morning taco hankering they greet me with a smile and I leave pleasantly full often to get home to the recliner and nap until dinner. The satellite establishments/trucks are great too! read more

I had the vegan super burrito awhile back...it was so gooddddddd. I keep missing it. I need to go back soon

Food was ok , taco soggy, chili rellenos cheese not melted, rice and beans good, service was terrible! 30 minutes to take our order ( now crowded) maybe 7 tables, 3 waitstaff, didn't refill chips , our food arrived as people who entered same were leaving , worst service ever! read more

La pinca Azul is hit and miss with 70% hit and 30% miss. A few things on their menu are consistently tasty. The street tacos, the chicken tortilla soup, the Chipotle chicken soup, the horchata, the chips and salsa, all these things are very good almost all the time. Service is usually fast and friendly. The 30% when the service is not a hit, but instead a miss, is usually when I order something that I've never had. For example the fried calamari is absolutely awful. They are now serving their diet Coke from a can instead of from a fountain. I don't like this because this means no more refills. read more

La Penca Azul - Kyle - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

I only review restaurants that I go to that deserve the highest ratings. I will not review a place that is not excellent so if you read any of my other reviews, you will think that I just give a high rating wherever I go. Not true. I just will not write anything to harm a business that is in the toughest industry to work and succeed in. I had the mechaca, and the rest of my family had tacos. My order was huge and so perfectly seasoned served with piping hot flour tortillas. We all had spicy margaritas that were off the charts hot but oh so tasty! Including in the margarita was a sugar cane stick that was a nice sweet treat. Service was super fast, attentive and just very friendly. The restaurant was very comfortable and both the manager and hostess dropped by to make sure everything was to our liking. The restaurant was very busy but we were at a comfortable table and the place just had a warm, welcoming atmosphere! I'll be back! read more

We had a group of 3 dozen folks for lunch and were given the side room which comfortably seats that amount of people. They wanted our group to run a single tab, but we negotiated to have the tables divided to have 3 tabs. The complimentary chips were warm and crispy and we had our bowls replenished a few times while our group socialized. After our orders were placed, food came out fairly quickly and most people at the table received their meals close to the same time (which is always appreciated!). Most everyone we spoke to enjoyed their meal. The portions were generous and tasty. Our only complaint is how hard it was to find the restaurant. Knowing the address was helpful, but we had no idea that you can't see any portion of La Penca Azul from the parking lot. We luckily saw the 891 number and figured we were close!! I will do the restaurant a favor with this Yelp! review: Hey everybody, La Penca Azul is behind La Val's restaurant. read more

See all

Hands down best Bar service in the game!!!! The bartender Seraj is absolutely amazing! Very attentive to guests, made sure we always had a full drink, and makes amazing Micheladas! I have gone a few times and this time was the most memorable! Great place to watch Sunday football and grab a great bite to eat! Thank you Seraj for your amazing service. Will be coming back! read more

Long time Alameda/bay farm resident, so I've been to LA Penca many times over the years. We came here after a walk this weekend. It was so good, we came back again two days later! I don't know if there has been a major transformation, a new chef, or new ownership, but the food here is upgraded and updated in the best possible way! The menu is all new, everything we ordered was so fresh, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. The service was also perfect. So attentive and kind. Don't skip the guac. read more

See all

I like how kind the waiter was to us and how understanding he was to us. I also love how upbeat the place is at dinner! I would come back again indifferently!!!! read more

This restaurant was just okay. Parking was plentiful and didn't have a wait. The wait staff was the best part of the restaurant. They were constantly checking in to see if I needed anything. Food was mediocre at best. Not a ton of flavor with the price tag that it comes with. Also, when it comes to the chips and salsa, chips were stale and salsa was bland and too watery. Unfortunately will not be returning. read more

Now that another variant has us considering the possibly dire consequences of socializing, I've come back to taking long walks alone or with Jamie W. One particular path I've taken multiple times is the Bay Farm Island Loop Trail because it manages to be scenic and desolate at the same time. Taking a detour into the somewhat nondescript Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center, I had no idea there was a trio of restaurants behind the main stores. One was this offshoot of a popular Mexican taco bar on Park Street (review: https://bit.ly/3JW2WJ0). Jamie and I had such a good experience there that it was good to see this familiar operation here. I was alone on my first visit in early December and actually tried their indoor dining. Even as a solitary diner, I was immediately served a mound of tortilla chips fit for a small family with a tasty salsa to match (photo: https://bit.ly/3f5d1VX). I had ordered the hearty $14.59 Grilled Chicken Salad which was quite a large green salad almost buried with marinated grilled chicken strips. It also had seasoned croutons and tomato slices with a ranch dressing on the side (photo: https://bit.ly/3HHXEio). Now had I known how big it was going to be, I probably would have bypassed the $4.99 Salmon Taco, which was particularly tasty with smoked salmon chunks mixed with chopped red onion, tomato, and cilantro with pinto beans, salsa, and pickled vegetables on the side (photo: https://bit.ly/3zGbJdB). Needless to say, I was pretty full even though I left quite a bit of food on my plate. Those chips really filled me up. Flash forward a few weeks later, and Jamie and I just took a similar walk over yesterday. Afraid of indoor dining, we took advantage of their terrace tables. This time I ordered the $17.99 Grilled Shrimp Salad which was a similar green salad to the chicken one I had before but with quite a few grilled jumbo shrimp, all charred quite nicely (photo: https://bit.ly/3HRULvL). I was smart enough not to order anything else because as I expected, we were filling up on that huge mound of tortilla chips again. On the other hand, Jamie went for the $14.89 Famoso Shredded Beef Burrito, which was a ridiculously monstrous burrito topped with enchilada sauce, cotija cheese, and shredded lettuce. It was stuffed with rice, beans, and more cheese inside along with the savory shards of beef (photo: https://bit.ly/3qXs35P). It was beyond satisfying. It was pure gluttony, so we took most of it home and shared it for dinner. Good thing we were walking all over Bay Farm Island, but we'll have to do at least a dozen circuits to make up for the calories. FOOD - 4 stars...gargantuan portions of solid Mexican dishes with the salads a standout AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a nice set-up inside and out on the fringe of the Bay Farm lagoon SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly and attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...glad this mini-chain landed in this area, a convenient place for hearty Mexican eats RELATED - Exploring Alameda? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Ik8mky read more

See all

We came for Happy Hour last week and had a fantastic meal. We were so excited to return. We ordered the same thing as the previous week and were charged double. The restaurant changed the Happy Hour and claimed it put 1 new Happy Hour menu on the table... none of us saw it. There was no communication that anything changed even though we repeatedly said "Happy Hour" during our order. Nothing was in each menu. The server never mentioned any Happy Hour changes and surprised us with a bill that was double what we expected - with gratuity added of course. The server "couldn't reach" the manager and refused to give a phone number to contact a manager. The only apology was offered when we already paid... once he received his gratuity. So very disappointing and frustrating. read more

I came here with coworkers for lunchtime on a Tuesday and we were seated immediately upon arrival. We were served free chips and salsa. I really liked the salsa they had, it had a nice kick to it. We were only given the regular menu and my coworker had to ask for the lunch menu. I ordered the One Pork Tamale from the lunch menu, and it comes with a salad with your choice of dressing. My tamale meal came with beans and rice on the side. The tamale was topped with I think pickled carrots, pico de gallo, cheese, and a red spicy sauce. I liked the tamale but felt it was lacking in the filling, there was more masa than pork. But otherwise, I think it's not bad for an $11 meal. read more

See all

Food was very disappointing: I ordered the Breakfast Burrito which claims to have "Two eggs scrambled with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers". I got mostly rice with minimal sign of egg and no sign of tomatoes. Service was also not so good: I walked in and the guy behind the counter looked at me, then looked away and answered the phone. I waited 5m before flagging someone down to ask for help. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Not Happy at all with the Quality of Food and certainly not happy the food being over-priced. One of our orders was nachos; the chicken tasted as if it was frozen, thawed, then micro-waved and tasted dry upon arrival to our tables. The other order was a chicken taco, and the chicken came from the same batch as the nachos. Ordered ice tea, instead of brewed tea we received a store bought bottle of "Pure Leaf" tea....really !!!! This is not even close to authentic Mexican food. read more

Ordered food off their website over Christmas. The website accepted the order, charged us, and gave us an ETA. Showed up and they were closed. Requested a refund on their website and a month later - nothing. Ripped us off. read more

What a sad ending. Be careful, belligerent bartender alert. Been a chef for 20 years, and times like this are a shame. Was having a nice dinner with my girlfriend, who's been going to this restaurant for decades. Realizing the restaurant was becoming empty, we asked what time they closed and we were told 9 PM. So, we continue to enjoy and even ordered dessert. As we were allowed to. At about 8:50 a gentleman came over and mentioned that it was time for them to clean up. Me being in the food industry, I felt a little misled and asked for clarification as to what time they closed. He nonchalantly told me that the waitress was wrong, and sometimes they close early, but regardless, it was "time to go, wrap it up". Yelling last call over and over although we were the only two patrons remaining, not even in the bar area. I went to go pay the bill, and the waitress confirmed they were indeed open until nine and didn't know what his problem was. He continued with an attitude, so I asked his name, and which he replied JC. I then asked for the managers name, and he refused to tell me . By now, even our waitress was baffled, and I explained that his behavior was pretty rude. At which point he explained to me how we were "just sitting there for too long "and even offered a boisterous "Jesus Christ! " My girlfriend asked me to let it go, and so I did, after politely finishing by mentioning to him that he was embarrassing the restaurant and his coworkers, and he began to sing at the top of his lungs, very obnoxiously, as even the waitresses stood by looking confused & intimidated. Decent dinner, nice evening, it's a shame how one person can ruin a whole occasion.. Definitely not going back while this guy is in the building. To the manager? You run your restaurant as you see fit. But tonight? Pretty unforgettable, and not in a good way. JC, hope you enjoy your night because you just costed your restaurant some customers. read more

Been going here for years to avoid the traffic of their other location. They have great food, drinks and service. traditional and worth the wait read more

Sex in the bathroom. Yes it happened It was loud. Drunk people at the bar. We tried to sit far away. But the noise was disruptive as be the employees didn't seem to know what to do about it. The bartender was liking it. He was flirting and getting on with a trashy looking woman. While slightly entertaining. ..., My wife said. Omg. They went to go fu(k in the bathroom. I bet her not. I went to the restroom and heard them fu(king. They came out disheveled. Food is always 5 stars. But you know. Really. Bartender poking a client in the restroom Has left a foul taste. read more

I was very pleasantly surprised that my shrimp enchiladas were very good along with their rice and beans. They need to leave off the fried tortilla strips with the lime salt as that wasn't good. But the outdoor seating and service was nice. read more

Happy hour margaritas are lovely, a must try! The view is lovely also for a lunch date. Great stores to also visit neighbor the establishment. Plenty of parking. Quiet beautiful little neighborhood. My sissy and boyfriend comes here so much they're also regulars. You can have your margarita blended or not. Depends on how you like it. Cadillac margaritas are our first order most of the time other times I enjoy the watermelon margarita. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

Good service, friendly people, yummy food The place could use an update, chairs and tables are looking overused. I'd visit again for sure. read more