I have been going to this spot for years. I'm talking La Piñata days. I've noticed a few things, their prices have spiked like crazy and their ingredients have declined in quality. This is especially noticeable with their chicken and steak. I've also noticed a change in service. Whenever I go, more than half of the time there is something wrong with the order. If you go there after 7pm, sit at the bar and watch as the employees allow some unsavory looking people just walk into the kitchen. They aren't employees and they are dressed in a manor that makes me question their intentions on being there. They enter the kitchen in regular street clothes and you can see they made no attempt to wash up or anything hygienic. Yet they are allowed to just walk back Into the kitchen. They come back out. Get free drinks. Then leave. I've seen this happen more than a few times. I really liked the spot but have seen it take a sharp turn for the worse. Please get your act together. read more

I actually think it's 3.5 stars, but I rounded up. Good Food, Great Service. I tend to always order a seafood dish, which always seems to be on the pricier side... The portions are huge, but so is the price. If you pack leftovers, as I always do, then I guess it comes to about $7/meal - which sounds like a better deal. I love the place cause it's loud and kid friendly. read more

I had the chicken mole enchilada with rice and beans and house margarita . The drink was good ,the food was not .Service was nonexistent ! read more

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I'd recommend going to the one on Park st. It's a lot faster service there. We waited for 30 mins to just order our food because we were behind a pillar. I asked the guy who gave us our drinks to let me know who our server is so I could get him for us myself. read more

La Penca Azul - Still waiting to order. - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

La Penca Azul chain has really gone down hill since the La Pinata days and it's unfortunate. I went in with my family for my mom's birthday and it was a quite a disappointing night. It took a long time to be seated even though the place was pretty empty. (I saw a lot of open tables but I understand that sometimes there aren't enough servers). The food and drinks were below sub-par. I got a chimichanga which I always get. As soon as they brought out my plate I knew just by looking at it that it was going to be disagreeable. It was. Most of our party was dissatisfied with the food. I had a stomach ache by the time we left. It was getting late and nearing closing time but a few other people were still in the restaurant. I went outside to take a call and when I tried to go back in they had locked me out of the restaurant. The entrance is right by the bar. I was outside rattling the doors to go back in while the bartender just stood there blatantly ignoring me. He would not even glance my way. Even if the restaurant was closed and he didn't recognize that I was previously in there, at least acknowledge a potential patron. Have enough respect to at least motion, "sorry, we're closed." I had to walk to the window where we were seated and have my sister come open the door. Besides that, the one star is for our server who was the silver lining of the night. read more

I have been a long time customer of the other La Pinata locations and have always been pleased. When they moved into this new location I was very happy and looked forward to a nice meal and a Margarita. This resturant is smaller than their other locations which makes it special. There is a real feeling of a neighborhood gathering place. The food is still excellent, the staff is very friendly, and the Margaritas are fabulous. Recently, we went in on a busy Saturday night. The service was still excellent and there was no delay in getting our drinks and food. It felt like a party and everyone was welcome. Welcome to Harbor Bay, La Pinata. read more

I didn't realize there's two La Pinata in Alameda until recently. This one was really hard to find. My friends and I took a few minutes to find this place. Parking is not hard to find since it's part of outdoor mall and you have a nice view of the Lagoon. This place is much smaller than the one at Park St and from what I saw, it's not as busy. It's the same great food and friendly staff. The only thing I didn't like about it was the atmosphere. I don't know why, but I prefer the bigger and busier one at Park St. read more

La Penca is wonderful! We come to the Bay Farm location all the time. The service is generally prompt and always friendly, and the food is amazing! Great burritos, street tacos, and anything that includes shrimp. (I'm sure all of the menu is great. These are just the things we get most!) Also the Mexican Cobb salad is delicious. You might want to share because it's big. The cocktail selection is very nice, and they have more tequilas than I have ever heard of! La Penca Azul has a wonderful friendly atmosphere. It's a great place for happy hour, to catch a game at the bar, and to bring the family. read more

I've been to this location several times for lunch and now for dinner twice. The service has always been spot-on: quick, but personable and efficient. The salsa is to die for! If they sold it for take-out, I'd scoop some up for sure. No matter what we've ordered, the food has always been fresh and tasty. The portions are large and the prices are very reasonable. This has quickly become our go-to Mexican restaurant in Alameda. So why not a 4-star rating? I know others have raved about the margaritas and other drinks, but they just haven't done it for us. I had to send back Friday night's margarita because it was just awful. The replacement was a little better, but I wouldn't go back for drinks only. And then second, the ladies' room is just hideous. It needs some clean-up, folks. Ugh! read more

My wife and I came here last Friday eve (7:30 pm) and sat at the bar. We enjoyed the chips and salsa, split a chicken salad, and a flight of reposado tequilas that the bartender selected. We only had about 45 minutes of free time, and it all really hit the spot. Service was timely and friendly, and the prices were really reasonable. Easy to recommend to anyone that wants a bite and drink in chill spot on Bay Farm. read more

Ok I love pickled carrots and jalapeños......but theirs is not good at all. Taste like strong vinegar. I had chicken enchiladas, chili relleno rice and beans . Enchilada sauce had very little flavor :(. The rice ok, the beans great, the hot sauce great. The chili relleno was impressive looking but again almost no flavor and covered with those strong vinegar carrots and jalapeños instead of a silky sauce. Did I mention that there was no cheese in that relleno!! I'm giving 3 stars because I will go back and have beans with salsa and chips. The food is expensive and not great. read more

One of my favorite places to eat on Bay Farm (since there's not too many places you can eat on Bay Farm...) It's not what you would call an authentic Mexican place, but I love their chips and salsa. And their burritos are huge. Pricey to be sure, but you can order a Famoso and split it easily with one other person. Staff are really friendly and service is fast. When I have to decide between LaVal's (next door) or LaPenca, I almost always choose LP (I only choose LaVal's when I'm craving pizza. But should LP one day venture into the pizza industry, I will always come here) read more

Love this place! Good drinks and good food! Great for a quick lunch or late night. My favorite dish is the fried snapper! So good with the butter garlic sauce. The mojitos and margaritas are always good. Especially the pomegranate margarita. read more

The best mexican restaurant in alameda Nice bar the best margaritas in town !! I highly recomend it ! read more

La penca Azul is my place for food and drink. The staff's professional and courteous. The bartender's are the best. The manager that works almost everyday Junior is fantastic!!! What a job he does for La Penca. read more

Way overpriced - $5.95 for a side of beans?! Are you kidding?! Food is fine- definitely edible, but the restaurant smells strongly of cleaner and the service is just okay. Next time, I will just head to Oakland or a taqueria in town. read more

Went today chicken mole awesome my wife had mex. Ceasar salad with chicken giant plate, couldn't finish so she started dipping her chicken in my mole and liked it. Good service cold beer happy camper its to bad we have to go out of town to eat but there's really not much in s l. anytmore read more

I really want to love this place I do. The food is always great. But the micheladas which is what we usually come for are not worth the $9. They're never consistent in taste very hit or miss.. and I don't get why I have to pay for the beer & the michelada mix separately. the food is so expensive, $17 for a burrito de carne asada? Really?? Come on. I know this review will probably be ignored as the business does very well. But seriously.. read more

Bad customer service. No complaints about the food itself. Waited 10 minutes before someone would seat me. 15 minutes before someone would take an order. I kept making eye contact with the server but no one would come to our table. Finally, when we got a server, I said "I was waiting here for 15 minutes before someone would see me" Their response: "Yeah it's busy. What do you want to order" Bottom line: They act like they are doing you a favor. Rude staff. If you want to eat La Penca, go to main island on Park street read more

Had a great experience. The food, service & atmosphere was great. Margaritas were delish and the steak & shrimp fajitas was probably the best I've ever had. I'm from Vegas and was told this was a must visit and I will definitely be back!!! read more

Food was cold slow service on a slow morning the lady not nice.Didnt give us salsa and chips forgot our coffee no water not coming back

They margaritas helllaaaaaa goooooooooooooood.They just hella good because they strong. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Food is good first time there bartender charged me $10 for a Mitchell Lotta no beer all ice and tomato juice worst bartender ever watch out!!! read more

This place sucks!!! They take your money and smile. I Ordered a burrito with extra meat. When I got the burrito and made it home it was full of rice and beans with very little meat. I return to the restaurant and they told me that they couldn't help me I paid for something and did not receive it. Please don't go here they take your money and give you bullshit. This cook comes out and tells me that they don't put extra meat on this type of Burrito! Really? But my receipt says extra meat, which I paid for. So in reality they will let you pay for extra meat. But they will not put it in your burrito. Where I come from, that's stealing. read more

Came here to the Bay Island location, first time and it was a great time. 1) Any Mexican place has to have great salsa & chips to begin with, and this place has done them very well. Crisy, thin, with really good salsa (not to thick, not too thin). 2) Excellent menu choices, I went with the street tacos, and they tasted as good as in the Mission. They even chop up the shrimp so you get a little bit in each bite! 3) Excellent happy hours, great service, and friendly staff. I'll be back soon. read more

Drinks looked and tasted amazing but the food was a let down. Chicken fajitas was okay but the meat felt like it was premade and just reheated. Tacos al pastor tacos meat had no flavor as well. Atmosphere is great just wish the food was just as good. read more

La Penca Azul - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Very disappointed with service here at the Bay Farm restaurant. I ordered a super vegetarian burrito to go and asked for the sour cream and guacamole (that they usually put on the sides of the hot burrito, which makes the burrito cold) on the side in containers. While on the phone, the employee clarified that I did indeed want the guacamole and sour cream on the side in separate containers. I confirmed that was correct. When I got home, I saw that they had totally excluded any sour cream and guacamole from my order which they actually CHARGE extra money for when you get a "super." They charged me the same amount but had no guacamole or sour cream anywhere at all. Also, I placed three meal orders and asked for 3 salsas in the bag. The employee told me that in order to get three salsas, I had to order an 8 oz. of salsa on the side. La Penca Azul is so stingy that they will not give one salsa for each meal order. You have to pay for a separate order of salsa. Really? So, La Penca Azul wants three dinner plates to share two small plastic containers of salsa. I have never encountered this problem at the Park Street La Penca Azul. Avoid the Bay Farm La Penca. The food is not as good as the Park Street location either! Super disappointed!! read more

Where do I start with this amazing restaurant. First, let me say how nicely decorated the place is. It has sort of like unique touch of modern decor with a rustic and vivid blend. Almost everything looks new and very clean. As to the food, it's pretty amazingly authentic Mexican considering they attempt to Americanize some dishes or even serve a straight up American dish. Portions are sizable, especially a Famoso burrito with Enchilada sauce. I can only eat half and be satisfied and save the rest for lunch tomorrow. read more

Nice place to have dinner or meet with friends. Good food and drinks! Nice vibe good music.

Last evening we celebrated a birthday at La Penca Azul Our party of ten was able to sit in the small room and that made it easy for everyone to hear our group conversations. Among the dishes we enjoyed were the burritos. I had a regular shrimp burrito that was large enough for two people. It was stuffed with delicious fat shrimp, creamy beans, onions, and rice-- quite a bargain at less than $10. It was accompanied by a mild salsa & shredded lettuce. Friends had shredded beef burritos and chicken burritos Also enjoyed was the chicken mole. I had the house margarita which was good but not great. Most present had One of the several Mexican beers on the menu. Parking was easy with a large, free lot just outside the restaurant. The wait staff was satisfactory and brought food and drinks quickly. read more

Please see any review of La Pinata on Park St. It's almost exactly the same. The service is a little....different. Where on Park St. you don't really know who your server is because the entire wait staff will all help you during one sitting, this one on Bay Farm actually has set servers. All the La Pinata and half the scene. read more

I have been to the location on Park many times and thought the food was exceptional. Today I tried this new location and it wasn't even close. The food was just ok....the Street Tacos; Shrimp, Al Pastor, and the Carne Asada were bland, and of low quality. I will stick to the original location and I recommend if you're looking for great food this isn't the location. Head to the Park location for sure. read more

Called in for my other. Didn't have it when I arrive. Had to wait. Got my order, gave me short of change, but whatever I was in a rush to go back to work. Worst nachos I've ever bought from a Mexican restaurant! The guac was freaking brown! Probably gave me leftover from the day before. And for what $16?!!?! CRAZY. yes, I was crazy to buy it. Nothing else around harbor so decided to try this place out. Never again! read more

La Penca Azul - Yep... $16 fucking nachos and this is what I get. Never again.. that's forsure. - Mexican Near Me - Alameda, California

Food was good and service was good. Got the #6 with ground beef taco and pork empanadas. Free salsa and chips were pretty good too. Restaurant was very clean and had a nice view of the bay. read more

This is my go-to in Alameda dining. My wife has diabetes and most places are using microwave stuff they bought pre-made from Cisco that sends her blood sugar into the stratosphere. Not La Penca. They must be using real ingredients. Maybe that makes the service a little slower - I mean I could go to Applebees and have them microwave carne asada and make my wife sick. I don't like the Park Street location because it's way more stressful. The Bay Farm location is a hidden gem. We're regulars and I hope it never changes. read more

The Alameda La Pinatas may have put on airs and change its name but it is still La Pinata. Meaning, good Mexican food but not necessarily gourmet. It does get a little annoying at times s they are trying to yuppify itself from its humble beginnings in Hayward, but what redeems this location, as well as the Park Street "flagship" is the house label tequila is awesome. Jose Cuervo is bad word at this place, as it should be. read more

Mini-Pinata. Same great taste, much smaller package.

The location is beautiful, the staff is personable and the food is wonderful. Need I say more? La Penca Azul is a family favorite of mine and has been for quite some time. The staff will listen to your requests about your food and it'll be done with no qualms! It's really a nice, atmospheric restaurant that anyone can enjoy. read more

A nice place to catch up with friends over drinks. I def prefer this Bayfarm location over Park St.--the seats are plentiful and service is attentive. I can actually sit down and enjoy my conversations, rather than shoving through crowds and getting beer spilled on my feet. Woo! Their complimentary chips and salsa are strangely addicting. Tons of margarita and mojito flavors, and each comes with sugarcane...yum! read more

Their Chicken soup is my go-to when I'm feeling under the weather. Also try their carne Asada fries!