If this Yelp review was solely based on the ladies running this little Torta spot, I give them five stars. Their customer service and making sure customers enjoy their food was excellent. But like with all food spots, it comes down to the food. So how was it? Torta Loca: this is a combination of Milanesa, ham, hot dog, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and jalapeños on the side. The combination of flavors was decent. This is a giant Torta which is meant to be consumed by at least two people. The Torta bread was extremely thick, so my biggest knock would be that this Torta could use more meat. If I were to order another Torta from here, I'd ask for double meat and pay whatever that cost would be. The eating area is for minimalist. Just a table for a quick bite, not meant dining in. Overall I love the ladies working here, and the Torta was standard fare. read more

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I and my son are vegan. The proprietress at La Torta Loca went of her way to accommodate us. She prepared a delicious plate with mushrooms, cactus, rice, beans, salad, and warm corn tortillas, along with two of the freshest, most flavorful salsas I've had in a long time. She told us most things on the menu could be made vegan, as well, and offered us samples of the jamaica agua fresca, which was not overly sweet. It can be hard to find anything vegan in East Oakland late at night, other than maybe a bean burrito, so the kindness and flexibility of the two women at La Torta Loca was greatly appreciated! read more

The food is absolutely amazing. Especially the chorizo tacos. It was sooo fresh and hot. Every time I'm in the area I for sure get me some tacos from here. And it really feels like she made it with love because those tacos were probably the best chorizo tacos I've had ever. read more

This place has been here for as long as I can remember for the past 20 years at least. La torta de carne asada is a must try. Its so delicious. The service us so friendly, they have a lot of different choices of authentic mexican food. El hurache dw carne asada is also another one of my favorite. read more

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A good friend of mine told me about this place and told me they have the best tortas in town, I was like ok let me try it out and let me tell you it didn't disappoint when I come here I always get the famous Torta it's about $16.00 but it's worth it ..you could eat half and take the rest home for dinner or a late-night snack read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - The Famous Torta - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is legit. Delicados (prissy people) need not apply. You roll up to this place and order your tortas off the street (International Blvd). First thing you'll notice is the weapons behind the cashier. Knives, swords, guns, metal bats, wood bats etc. I ordered a chorizo torta with pineapple and went next door to eat at the laundromat. Officially, this place has no seating but they set up tables in the laundromat next door to eat at. AWESOME. My kind of place. read more

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Tortas are 12 dollars each but definitely worth the price because they're big and delicious!!

What can I say every time I show up to this lil spot I am met with great customer service from this small little business from all there staff they have 10/10 amazing tacos Tortas and other great food I highly recommended this spot it's a must try read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I love the fact that Torta Loca is located in a laundromat. Haven't done my laundry there but it's good to know there's options. I'm usually an al pastor fan but their milanesa is very yummy. Not only that, I enjoy the bread which is flat and softer than other taquerias. Tortas are quality size. I feel safe when I'm at this place given all the knives, swords, guns, and metal bats hung up at the counter. I have a feeling folks wouldn't try to start anything there. read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - milanesa torta - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Asked for Pambazo with Chicharron. Drove 15 miles home. Zero chicharron. Why make it wrong if you want repeat business? Beyond disappointed. Other restaurants in Fruitvale defend their reputation for food quality. My son who passed away recently recommended your restaurant by way of his widow, who told me of the meal that they ate. I invite the owner to get on touch with me. read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - The menu - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Solid authentic Mexican food at a little storefront in the Fruitvale. Fair prices and friendly service! Bring cash, because they don't take card. We tried a mango agua fresca, beef torta, tostada de tinga, and chicken taco and they were all great. The mango agua fresca really hit the spot on a sunny day. Not overly sweet and tasted just like drinking a mango. It was the perfect compliment to the tinga, which was perfectly spicy and tangy and everything a tinga should be. Of all of the delicious things we ate though, I thought the best one was the chicken taco. Every bite on top of that little corn tortilla was bursting with flavor. Top with salsa verde and lime for an extra enjoyable experience. You can order everything to go at their window and never have to leave the street, or take it inside to their seating area with three or four sets of chairs and tables. The seating area is (sort of) connected to a laundromat, so if multitasking is your thing, seems like a convenient way to do lunch. read more

Grabbed a pambazo here and thought it was great. I still haven't eaten nearly enough pambazos in my life (to my enduring shame) so I'm still working out my feelings about them but this was a pleasing fork and knife potato chorizo party and I'll be back to try a different torta next time. read more

Too much SAND and not enough WICH. Too much TOR and not enough TA. Too much BREAD and not enough MEAT. For the damage of $6.50 per Torta, A.) Id expect it to be at least one of the best in town. B.) Or at least come with fries C.) Or at least come with a drink. but nope, i got D.) NONE OF THE ABOVE Almost every Taco Truck in Oakland has tortas for around $4.00 and they taste decent. For 6.50, i expected better. Yes, the size of the torta is huge but the bread and meat ratio doesnt balance out at all. its a 5 for the bread and 1 for the meat which is a No-Can-Do in my book. I really wanted to like this place but thats the way the cookie crumbles. Basically, The only thing loco about La Torta Loca is the "Dude". The dude and his unexplained 50 war weapons showcased in the front display. http://media1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/__9YOiC5p9vkl0DB9Dhz1w/l read more

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La Torta Loca is just a literal hole in the side of a building that also houses a laudromat. the menu is in spanish: sopas, tortas, huaraches, burritos, jogos. eats: beef burrito (5.5) -sour cream, beef, lettuce, rice, beans, etc, the works -good tasting, just one size\ -made to order, 10 minutes frijoles refritos: -no seating available -wait for food standing on the sidewalk, just people watching. read more

Kind of randomly came in here since it was close to the bart station and was in the mood for a sandwich. You can order outside at the window which is kind of set up like a bar (how cool is that?) but they also have tables inside. I got the combo with asada and pollo with everything on it. They made it fresh and my combo was out within about 10mins. It was really good! Both meats were very tender and flavorful. The bread was pretty thin and very soft; Everything just blended together perfectly! She also gives you pickled jalapenos and carrots on the side which really helps complete it (need that acidity). Combo was $8.25 ($7.25 for one choice of protein) which was not bad but I felt they could have stuffed the sandwich a little more at that price (in comparison towards other shops). Was still filling and delicious though. My sister had ate earlier and was accompanying me; I had her take a bite since she's never had a torta before and seemed surprised at how good it was :D The lady helping me was super sweet! She wrapped my leftovers for me and even gave both my sister and I a strawberry lolipop even though she didn't order anything. Prices aren't bad, service is hospitable, food is delicious and filling, it's right near the bart station..and is semi conjoined with a laundromat! What's not to love? read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - Combo with asada y pollo, delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

The best Torta I've had in awhile!! Even better that it's walking distance!! Also had a quesadilla which was pretty good! read more

La Torta Loca No 1 - Steak torta - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

I can't believe it took me over a year to give this establishment a try, my palette has truly been deprived of real flavor and top notch cuisine; please forgive me tongue and tummy. This tiny eatery is awesome, the employees are friendly, the prices won't kill your pocket, and the food will put a smile on your face and make you feel like a baby at nap time. Everything that they serve here is delicious, but I always suggest that new customers try their tacos, the chorizo and asada are always my favorites. Their chorizo is never too greasy to consume and the asada is well trimmed of excess fat, and both are cooked to a point where the outside has a nice crunch while the inside remains tender. I love watching the taco preparation here, you can see that the young chef is proud of his work, every movement is in sync with the next ingredient, he lightly dusts each taco with cheese and uses the sour cream like an artist. read more

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This place makes a pretty good authentic Torta. This place is half inside a Laundromat and half a street seated venue. The street side that has 3 stools you can sit at, and eat at the counter. Behind the counter is a lovely selection of machetes, knives, stun gun and other jailhouse type of weaponry (Check my photos) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kXr4OrFFupPt69muMpdFzw?select=Oher2y0y_or3X2WV5cPzsQ Very festive!!! It really set the mood for my Torta. It was a tad on the pricey side, considering the venue but i'd go back if I was craving a Torta. read more

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LA TORTA LOCA makes the best tacos hands down anywhere in the world. My fave are steak with everything except SIN cilantro Get Some! read more

So good and so fast! There is a small seating area inside and a surprisingly big menu. I'm so glad I accidentally walked past this place!

This is the best torta de milanesa! The size and flavor were perfect. Very good customer service as well. Definitely check them out if you're ever hungry for a delicious torta and in the area! read more

BEST tortas I've ever hand hands down!! And it's decently price! The lady who runs this place is so kind and helps me out everytime. Love coming here and supporting her! She speaks Spanish and English! read more

This restaurant refused to refund my order that was never filled. I am out $32 as a result. No legitimate business should operate this way. read more

I'm happy that my first torta came from a place with a stun gun, a spiked club, and various bats and knives within arm's reach of the cashier. That kind of ambience tamped down that urge to ask if the "loca" in their name referred to the torta or the people behind the counter. But that aside, I enjoyed my combinado with carnitas and al pastor quite thoroughly. It was huge and well put together, even with some language difficulties -- I don't speak Spanish, and the woman behind the counter could not tell me the English name for the "suizo" cheese (it's Swiss, I learned later from the take-home English menu). This seemingly minor issue could have been a huge problem -- I almost asked for the queso de puerco ("pork cheese"), which sure sounded like a winner, but it's head cheese. Who knew? This also means that f you're worried about a food allergy and don't speak fluent Spanish, don't go. What little I could see of the kitchen (over the machete) looked clean enough, but you know how it is trying to see over weapons. Tortas come with lettuce, onions, tomato, avocado, beans, and cheese (no mayo for me). And no lettuce next time - it has no place in a hot sandwich. I might ask for extra avocado just to step out. Next time, I'm going to try the torta tinga (spicy beef). Their take-home menu also details such exotic dishes as cow feet tostadas, but I might have to try the stun gun first. Seriously, I have tried a stun gun, and those cows step in all kinds of shit. I recommend going during daylight hours. You'll wait a bit for your torta, and the neighborhood doesn't seem like the best place to watch the world go by. Unless you have one of those spiked clubs. read more

I wanted to love this place, I really, really did. And La Torta Loca has a lot going for it. The bread they use for their tortas is tasty: huge, round, and flat in shape, with a nice crunch on the outside. The service is friendly and helpful, and I'm all about supporting family owned, mom and pop kinda businesses. But the honest truth is that this place doesn't hold a candle to my favorite torta in existence: El Farolito. I keep hoping to find a spot that can come close, and so far, my efforts are all in vain. The reason La Torta Loca fails in comparison has to do with the topping-to-bread ratio. There's too much bread and not enough filling. I think I got one skimpy piece of avocado, and the sandwich just seemed kinda dry. And I ordered a torta al pastor, which should mean that the pork is juicy, moist, even greasy. But although the pork had good flavor, it wasn't what I was expecting. Bottom line is that this torta wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I personally am a fan of Fruitvale... the neighborhood doesn't seem particularly scary to me. There are lots of street vendors selling interesting things (cream-filled churros, pupusas, fruit, etc). And I'll probably give La Torta Loca another shot, but I'll order something else next time and leave the tortas to El Farolito. read more

Just went here for a Torta .....what ?! That was the worst al pastor I've ever had.Absolutely no flavor with limp ingredients to top it off.Al pastor should be spicy and you can always tell a good latino food restaurant by the pastor on hand. Just go down international a couple of miles and try Tacos Sinaloa's (taco truck)pastor as well as their other meats....not even close."If I'm gonna go to the hood it better be good" Yuk read more

This is not a place for ambiance or a dining experience or anything like that. It's a food stand, and if you want to sit to eat, there's a small counter outside and a table in the laundromat it's adjacent to. But the quesadillas are wonderful, with authentic, unexpected fillings like flor de calabaza (squash flowers), hongo (mushroom), and papa (potato). (Sorry! Showing off my Spanish!) The quesadillas are deep-fried, but they're served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and dry cheese, so they don't feel oily. They also have aguas frescas (I got mango) and horchata for drinks. The man who runs the stand is very nice, and he and my uncle (who introduced me to Torta Loca) had an interesting conversation about ingredients in Mexican food. My uncle was trying to remember what a dish he once had in Mexico City -- it was mole but not meat -- and the man said it was probably a type of fungus that grows on corn! Interesting. The man said he used to try to put more vegetable-based items on the menu but people want "carne, carne, carne." But I'm happy with the quesadillas. Torta Loca is near the Fruitvale BART stations, so sometime when I'm heading up to Berkeley or San Francisco, I might just stop here and get a meal again! read more

So devastated I didn't get a torta, but my tacos were still good. Ordered carne asada tacos. Ordered the ones with everything on it, cheese, crema, onions, etc. Wish they gave carrots on the side with the jalapeños. Horchata was good too. Food was really fresh!! Really friendly service also read more

I pass this place most mornings riding the 54 bus up 35th to the Fruitvale Bart. After seeing the great reviews on Yelp, I had to check it out. Upon walking up to the restaurant, I was a little intimidated trying to read the posted menu en espanol. Luckily, the friendly guy in the window handed me a laminated yellow menu in english. I was pleasantly surpised to see many vegetarian sandwich options including: huevo (egg), hongo (mushrooms), aguacate (avocado), nopales (cactus), squash blossoms and more. I tried two vegetarian tortas, one with egg and mushrooms and the other with nopales. The sandwiches costed between $5-6 each. Their size is quite substantial and flavors delicious. My only complaint about the place is the cheap cups they serve the drinks in. First, the lid wouldn't stay on. Later when I got the mango agua fresca home, the cup ended up collapsing from the top due to the way I was holding it. I had to clean up t he spill before digging into the excellent tortas. 7/7/2007 Update: Went back again. This time, I got a torta with squash blossoms and another with the egg/mushroom (again). Both were excellent. TIP: While you're waiting, stop by the mexican pharmacy a few doors down and pick up some mexican coke in the glass bottles, made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. It's a good beverage combo for the torta... read more

I decided to try this place because of the Yelp reviews. Once again, thanks for l letting me down Yelpers. I also figured, damn, if your name is Torta Loca, then you must have some bomb tortas. Again, I was horribly wrong. I spent $10 on a torta de asada and horchata. They were both subpar and I wouldn't come out of my way to buy them again. The torta was cold, limp, flattened down to almost pancake form, and it was tasteless. Inside the torta there were tiny flat iron pieces of carne asada, they didn't have flavor, unsalted refried beans, hard American cheese, and tomato, avocado. I asked for salsa to spice things up. Well their red salsa had too much kick and not enough flavor. Tried their green salsa and it was just bland and watery. Definitely stay away from this place Yelpers! read more

La Torta Loca is one of my favorite $6 meals in Oakland. I first went on the advice of a Mexican coworker. The place is literally a hole-in-the-wall in the thick of International Blvd. It looks iffy, for sure. Last time I went, they had hung a bunch of weapons on the wall, machetes, knives, a billy club, and a stun gun. Not terribly welcoming, but I don't know what kind of crazies they have to deal with. The tortas are gigantic, maybe 8 or 9 inches in diameter, totally loca. The bread is exceptionally fresh and delicious - tender and mild, sweetly yeasty. The tortas generally include beans, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes that I kick to the side, and a side of pickled peppers. They are grilled on a press, as far as I can tell. There are about a dozen options, from your standard meats to some interesting specialties. My favorites so far are the panela - slices of fresh white cheese and avocado, and tinga - chicken braised in a rich smokey chipotle sauce until shredding - almost confit-like in texture. My friend is a fan of the milanese, beef thinly sliced, dredged and fried. It's a bit tough and bland for my taste. I can eat half a torta for lunch, and the other half for dinner. Delicious and satisfying. read more

One must significantly lower their expectations to enjoy this place. Hey cocinero, when you grill a sandwich with iceberg lettuce the water comes out and makes the bread all soggy. If i had no teeth I might appreciate the gesture but until then I will have to go to La Piñata truck for an above average torta. Maybe the huaraches are better but I don't think I will be investigating that option, or anything else from this place any time soon. read more

Excellent food at the best price in Oakland. I love their carne asada and horchata. The woman who runs (or owns) the place has that old school sense of hospitality. She supports her customers as if they were family. read more

I had the pombaso. It was super tasty and I felt very safe next to all of the weapons that say, "do not try to rob us oakland or we will chop your head off and club your body" the torta was good, although it ended up being close to $7 with a drink $10, which is a little steep for a sando, on a bun. But it was good. a solid 3 stars. read more

I'm glad someone already gave this joint 5 stars. I usually don't like torta's, but I found myself down in the 'hood last weekend after hitting the wrecking yards on San Leandro and I had already maxxed out on Burritos for the week. My friend from Guadalajara spoke highly of the place in the past so I gave it a go. I had a torta with the grilled chicken and was pleasantly surprised by the bread they use. Now, I've traveled to Mexico City maybe 3 times and I'm embarrassed that I don't know the bread that they use is called, but its a firm grilled bread about 1/2" thick.... not like the usual fluffy pan most torta joints use. Also check out the huaraches and the sopes. The cooks are kinda slow and its definitely hectic waiting on e.14th for your food, but its worth it. read more

Best Tortas in the Bay Area! They also use very unique ingredients that prove just how authentic this place really is. It is inside of a laundry mat, however don't let that fool you. Everything I have ever had has been delicious, and the people that work there are very pleasant. read more

I tried 6 torta places around SF/Oakland in search of the best torta, and basically, these guys won. I've tried the chicken tinga and the panela tortas, and they were so good they made me want to brush up on my Spanish and make 8 more trips here to sample the others. I like how their tortas are really flat and served on a very soft yet crusty bread compared to other places, whose buns have more of a resemblance to your traditional sandwich buns. Combine that with really good fillings and you have one of the best tortas around. If you go, be sure to combine your meal with (1) the ice-cream place in the Fruitvale Public Market, (2) the filled churros from the stand parked right outside that place, or (3) a trip to your cardiologist. read more

As with most Latin people in Oakland, the service is very friendly, this was actually my second time in 2 yrs that I had bought a Burrito from them and with all the extra stuff I asked for you'd think they would charge me extra, if they did it was so minimal, my pocket didnt feel a thing. And as I remember, well worth the awesome price which was small. I ordered a burrito with carnitas y carne asada mixed together, no frijoles, extra savoia (onions) extra crema and extra aguacate (avocado) with an ice cold can of Pepsi, my order totalled $9.09...very good. when I got home and feasted on my wonderfully delicious burrito, I felt they undercharged me because this burrito was amazing. Luckily I had not eaten any solid food at all today so I was able to finish it. (All I had earlier was a Frappuccino and a Rockstar...I highly recommend them to you if you're in the Fruitvale .. read more

Really great. What's not to love about a super authentic Torta stand inside a laundromat with a collection of machetes and knives right behind the cashier? The pastor torta was totally delicious. Perfect bread, crammed with meat, and a jalapeno and pickled carrot on the side. Don't get more authentic than this. read more

La Torta Loca is back! A few years back, I lived in the Fruitvale area and got to know many of its' eateries. La Torta was a favorite, and I was sad to see it close. I moved away after that (for different reasons) and returned yesterday to see if it had reopened. To my surprise, La Torta Loca is back in business. The ownership has changed--gone is the tall man with his arsenal of baseball bats, clubs, stun guns and swords. Instead, two friendly and helpful women run the place. The tortas are not especially cheap here but are filling. I ordered the tinga, which is shredded beef stewed with chipotle for those who aren't familiar, and it was delicious. The bread is as good as ever, and the torta came with the usual lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and mayonnaise. I washed it down with a mango agua fresca which was good but not superb. I am happy to see La Torta Loca open again and will be back next time I'm in Fruitvale. One more thing, there is no longer seating in the laundromat, so now it's just the four shaky stools at the counter. A good place to take in the street scene in Fruitvale while you eat. read more