The service is amazing. They constantly checked on you. Today we came for my son's 14th birthday. I love this place. I Been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years. The homemade chips are addictive don't get full on them before your meal comes. They also have an extra spicy sauce for the chips but I warn you now, it is really really spicy but good. The food is always amazing. Today we switched it up and got the Super Burritos. One shredded beef and the other shredded chicken. The beef was way better. But, our normal food item is the Pescado Especial for $63.79. It feeds 2-4 adults. The ambiance is very cultural. I love the variety of alcohol that they have and yes empty it's for decorations. The few television's that they do have came in handy because the World Cup was on, Panama vs Ghana. read more

Date: 6/5/2026. Time: 9:30 PM This is an updated review. It has been almost eight years ago since I wrote a review of La Penca Azul. The review was for the Taco Bar. My male companion and I came here for late dinner. He ordered the Pescado entree with rice and a salad. The only salad dressing the restaurant had was ranch. I would think the restaurant would have an oil/vinegar dressing. Nope! I decided to have the two items combo (beef enchilada and pork tamale) with rice and refried beans. Of course, my eyes got bigger than my stomach. I ate half of my dinner. Yep, I had leftover tamale and rice in a box to take home. Beverage: no Jamaica agua fresca, so the waitress suggested either a mango/passion fruit or pineapple/lime agua fresca. I opted for the former over the latter. My meal and beverage were good, but I believe my taste bud has changed over the years to the point that I had dined at two different Mexican restaurants recently where the food tasted better. Inasmuch as I like to leave my 5 star rating intact with La Penca Azul, I can't. At best, it is a 3.5 stars rounded up to a four star. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Two item combo with rice and refried beans. - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

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I haven't been here in at least 6 years . Unfortunately, for me anyway .. the changes since La Piñata didn't agree with me. So I took a break .. Today, I arrived to a busy environment .. there were empty seats .. no line but it was a rather crowded environment... a lot of activity. I was seated quickly... I was happy ... I expected to wait a lil bit. After about 12 minutes, waiting for someone to take my order.. I didn't rush ... I could have gotten a hold of someone... but I understood the situation & I wasn't in a rush anyway. A couple sat at the table next to me .. I now have been here about 20 mins? A waiter came and took their order .. as they were having their order taken .. someone came to take mine. 28 mins to a half hour has oast? So when my food arrived... the appetizer & the main course ... at the same time? The wing bones were cold... I sat here wondering why? Why did I bother? The change in the food .. I can accept.. it's a preference thing .. But today ... the quality of what I paid for was just so subpar... and the service, for me anyway... not the couple who sat next to me lol was simply horrible. I will never come back here again. This place had so many memories... I came here as a kid with my mom & dad. Brought my family here .. It's just not the same anymore.. but it's worse than simply changing the menu .. the service was simply intolerable read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - I was shocked when I saw the children wings .... really? Almost $20 for bones! - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

La Penca Azul in Alameda was a letdown overall. The atmosphere feels very dated - dim lighting, old furnishings, and a general sense that the place hasn't been refreshed in years. It didn't add charm, just made the experience feel a bit tired. Although the variety of booze in the glass windows gave an interesting design touch. The food was overly heavy, and not in a satisfying way. I struggled to finish my breakfast, light order meal, and my stomach felt weighed down for hours afterward. That lingering discomfort was enough for me to leave the leftovers behind, which I tent not to. Service started off well, with friendly attention at the beginning, but unfortunately, it dropped off sharply. Toward the end of the meal, it was hard to get anyone's attention, and the checkout process was a mess. They completely forgot about us, which was especially frustrating during a lunch break with limited time. There were a couple of okay moments, but overall, not a place I'd be quick to return to. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Wall art. - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

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We visited on a school night, not anticipating a full house. While it wasn't completely packed, there was a good number of locals present. The tacos were delicious, and the service had the warm, personal touch you'd expect from a family-owned restaurant. We've been on the lookout for a new Mexican spot in the area, and it looks like we found one. BB read more

This has been my go to place for years and years. They have never let me down. The food is always good, they are open late, they have plenty of space for all kinds of party's. I had the birria tacos this time they were excellent. Azul is a stable for Alameda abd surrounding areas. read more

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First time trying this place after work & it was loud & lively on a friday night. The servers kept checking in on us, but we felt rushed. They served chips and salsa when we got seated. We ended up just sharing a meal and a combo fajita plate which worked for two people. It was yummy and had lots of flavor, even the rice and beans. We wanted to get a pitcher of margarita and had the option of a small or large, but wasn't aware how huge the large one for two people haha. I'd say that could be shared by 3-4 ppl. The bathroom was okay, needed a bit more cleaning but i understood since they were so busy. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - chips and salsa, large margarita pitcher - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

Ok this place has taken over as my favorite local Mexican restaurant. They make the best chicken tamales anywhere. They always are well staffed with excellent service and there is always good energy in the building. I mean it's a good vibe and positive environment here. Needless to say you can't make a better margarita than they do here, trust me I've tried. Absolutely the best margaritas anywhere on the planet. You can't go wrong with their taco, tamale or enchilada. read more

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Food is always fresh and packed with flavor the service is always great and i love the setting of the dinning room!

Ducking into Azul Taco Bar for a late lunch, I was immediately drawn to their taco bar setup--there's something satisfying about watching your meal come together right before your eyes. The fresh tortilla game here is undeniably strong. Watching the masa transform into warm, pliable tortillas as soon as you place your order creates that authentic taqueria anticipation. I went with two carne asada and two al pastor, and appreciated the extensive salsa bar where you can customize to your heart's content (yes, even rice if that's your thing). The horchata deserves special mention--creamy, well-spiced, and the perfect complement to the meal. The back patio offers a pleasant escape from the midday rush with ample seating. While the tortillas are made fresh, they lack the structural integrity needed for a proper taco experience. The soft texture crumbles under the weight of juicy meats, turning what should be handheld perfection into a messy affair. The execution is decent and the atmosphere works, but at these prices, I expect more authentic flavors and better value. The fresh tortillas are a nice touch, but they can't justify the premium pricing when the overall experience feels more upscale-casual than genuine street food. Worth a try if you're in the neighborhood, but I'll be seeking out more authentic options that deliver better bang for your buck.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

An Alameda gem! This taco bar is authentic delicious, fresh, at a good price and great customer service. I only have ever gotten tacos here. And I was delighted to see the guy at the taco bar wash his hands immediately before he started making my tacos.. thank you! read more

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Service 5/5 the staff is super nice Food 4.5 - the birria tacos were absolutely delicious and the fish and carnitas tacos had ample portions of meat. You can choose your own toppings. Drinks - 4.5/5 great price for a margarita as they share a bar with the restaurant next door. I squeezed extra lime into it Ambiance 4/5 it's a fast casual taco spot. Spacious seating in the back. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Birria tacos - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

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y'all this was gross. One star for the chips and salsa. I ordered a taco salad and asked for black beans instead of the refried. It was also the vegetarian version, which one would assume cooked veggies. Nope. Some large chopped up carrots, lettuce, no cheese or sour cream and refried beans. I let the server know and he came back with the same salad but added sour cream and crumbly cheese. Y'all this was inedible. I had a few bites and just figured I donated almost $20 to this restaurant because it was so gross. The waiter dis not care and didn't ask why the food wasn't eaten. I don't know what's up, I guess people are too drunk to care the food isn't good? Please avoid at all costs! read more

Stopped in for Taco Tuesday during lunch. $10 for 3 street tacos. I was surprised and impressed that they press the corn tortillas and cook them fresh as you order. You get to choose a protein with various toppings and some pickled/fresh condiments, with salsa. I chose their marinated brisket, al pastor pork, and pork carnitas as my protein. Topped them with mango Pico de gallo, cilantro, cotija cheese cubes and their medium roja (red) salsa. Asked for fresh radish, cucumber, and pickled red onions too. Comes with a few tortilla chips and salsa dip. I liked all my tacos except the al pastor tasted overly salty to me. Regardless, I will be back to try their other protein choices. They have a grilled veggies one that looks really good for vegetarians too. Patio and indoor seating available. The venue is a quick order counter adjacent to the main restaurant and bar. They also have different food specials every day of the week. So I will definitely be back to try more. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - My $10 for 3, Taco Tuesday choice: marinated brisket, al pastor, carnitas. - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

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Every time I've visited the food has just been OK. Service is usually fine, but the food often doesn't have much flavor. This time, I ordered a burrito and an horchata off ubereats, and It was lacking. The horchata tasted off, never had one that sour, and the burrito was so flavorless, no spanish rice, solid guacamole even though theres seperate options for avocado slices, included corn when I didn't choose that option, and the beans were ok, but not that good. I had to add in the sauce from the chips to the burrito to just add something to the taste. For a traditional mexican restaurant, it doesn't taste very authentically mexican. read more

The best menudo I've had in my life. Delicious with generous portions of meat. Super friendly service. Great tacos too. Will go back next time I'm in Alameda. read more

This place is so so so so so damn good!!!!!! Everything they serve is fresh and super good. !!!!!!! Let them do they magic they go crazy!!!!!!!! Honestly ive never been to a Mexican restaurant that does it like them! I put that on GOD! read more

We were seated right away! Not a lot of smiles or welcoming atmosphere or attention we got. They seemed busy and in a rush throughout the meal. I personally, don't like that feeling when spending time with my family and friends over a meal! The drinks are well poured and plenty of ice! Every drink was refreshing. The food was authentic Mexican! No awkward flavors, just good old Mexican food!! The rice and beans were aplenty and tasty! My taco salad had a lot of grilled chicken! Yum! I will gladly go back, but will probably order to go. I enjoyed the decor! But there is no music, which is weird for a Mexican food restaurant. Semi clean restrooms. Parking lot in the back! read more

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Zero star on everything . Service was bad i would understand if it was busy but it was not busy at all . Food was bland salsa was basically tomatoe sauce also ordered a to go taco with just meat and tortilla as my nephew is allergic to onions . They put onions all in the taco . Had to ask for silverware twice . Just negligent in every aspect . So manny great Mexican food spots in the bay don't waist your money here read more

We order burritos and tacos from the taco bar regularly. Food is excellent, service is always with a smile, the prices are great. Done.

Amazing authentic Mexican food! They even make fresh tortillas right in front of you. Wonderful fresh ingredients and so many choices. Drinks are also very tasty read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

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Been coming here for years! Food is yummy. Service is good. Place is decent inside. You can never go wrong with any item on the menu.

always super good and convenient always staff on hand to service all the customers everything looks so fresh. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

I came here to travel with family. The food and service were good! We will definitely be coming here again!

Started off nice but then the server took our food order and all was well until they delivered our food and forgot the rest of my cousins food. When we brought it to his attention the server dismissed us and basically said "sorry I got confused". How do you get confused when he literally wrote it down? Anyways the food wasn't that good either. Chilaquiles were very mediocre and strong tasting. My cousin had a torta that had no cheese or sour cream, it was very dry. We had better tortas at a corner store. read more

La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - Chilakos (Chilaquiles) - Tacos Near Me - Alameda, California

My Chile relleno with just a little piece of cheese. Not flavor at all My husband regular burrito with just a little carne azada and regular taste. For this kind of food the price was not worth. We are not coming back read more

Food always good, chips and salsa are the best. Large menu selection. Street tacos are a fave.

Called to order pickup. Put on hold 2 times. 3rd person says hold on. Pretty frustrated not knowing if person on line so I say Can I order? He says: You don't have to yell! Decided to give my takeout and all future business elsewhere. read more

Absolute best tacos I've had in my life I will always go here as my go to place to eat aswell as the employees are the nicest people I've ever met at a restruant I 100% recommend you guys come here you won't regret it . read more

They have a nice clean place to eat and chill. It's quick to go in and order and leave. My go-to is usually the California Burrito and an horchata. Food is amazing and I love the Horchata. I'm always guaranteed to stay full from brunch/lunch to dinner or sometimes even split the burrito for dinner and lunch. It's worth coming by for a lunch bite. They also have deals on different days. Ex. Mondays they do $10 California burritos which is pretty worth. read more

This is the best Mexican food I've had in alameda for sure and the staff is sooo incredibly friendly and professional. What's more is the prices are great and the portions are big. I can't recommend this highly enough. I can take or leave Penca Azul's regular location next door, but the Taco Bar is excellent. Highly recommend the torta! read more

Hand made tortillas and all the toppings you could want. Excellent food. Great deals during the week like taco Tuesday.

The food was bland the service was ok and they weren't that busy but i was there a lil before clsoing so maybe they were tired perhaps but i did eat there years ago and didn't care for it either it was better when it was la pinata but good luck on your business i won't be back read more

Everything was very good as can be during this time of Covid. The only drawback was the Red Snapper which was very dry and over cooked. I had the Enchilada and Taco combination with beans and rice. My wife and sister-in-law shared the Calamari and the fish. The calamari was fine too. Food and drinks all come in plastic containers of sorts. Except for the fish. They do have outdoor seating, here so unless you live close by I recommend eating here.Reason the containers are very sturdy and air tight, keeping the hot in, however if your order is supposed to be crunchy it won't be after a 30 minute drive home. Would I come back certainly I would, it's too bad that were not able to really enjoy the total ambience, but we have to all stay safe during these trying times. Take - out is the new norm for now. read more

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Perfect place food great, service good, ambiance great,e and my sister love to come to this place read more

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I ordered for delivery via an app. The restaurant confirmed my order. Twenty minutes later they cancelled it. No reach out, no reason given, and no substitutions attempted (which is what my settings are set for in case an item is unavailable). This is extremely bad practice, and tells me all I need to know about what type of business this is. I'd never again consider them when trying to get my kids fed. read more

Good food, tasty and fresh! But it doesn't travel well as takeout. So, it's probably best enjoyed onsite at the restaurant. That's because they use large plastic containers, and the taco slides around. When you get them, don't be surprised that you need to reassemble your taco to enjoy it. I don't think that's intentional by the restaurant, so they don't lose points over that. ( Another Mexican restaurant didn't have this problem. They use paper fiber boxes, and lay the taco in a bed of lettuce so it doesn't slide around). I ordered a Beer Battered Fish Taco, Carne Asada Taco, and Tacos de Costra-Al Pastor. They were good, I think I overloaded the toppings. Maybe next time I will lighten up. Lots of sauces, and the free chips were excellent! This review is during the Covid-19 health situation that limits restaurants to takeout or delivery only. read more

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Great menu, great food, greats drinks! Friendly atmosphere & lively vibe. The chips don't stop coming!

La Penca's food is good enough albeit a little pricey but the drinks are bustin! They're open super late so when those late cravings come on, they'll be there for you. Not on their menu, is their creamy coconut mojito, which is so freaking good. I go there specifically for that beverage. Their salsa that comes with the chips is pretty good too. read more

One of our go-to spots on the Island! I love their Al Pastor tacos. The meat is very flavorful, not drenched in oil, and pretty lean. I love how customizable the bar is, you can load up as much as you want (though guacamole is extra $). Fresh corn tortillas that you can literally watch them press and cut out. Complementary tortilla chips and salsa with your dine-in orders (not sure about take-out, as we always eat there in the back room) and they always honor the Yelp check-in offer for a free drink. Tuesdays are great - 3 for $10 taco special and it's quite filling. The staff are always very friendly and service is good; it's always been clean when we go. Self-serve water and you can bus your dishes directly as well. read more