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    Leña Restaurant

    4.0 (62 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    mini tacos sampler
    Irena S.

    Tried this place for the first time this past week on a Wednesday, around 6pm ish, party of 2. We each got the 7 taco sampler ($32 ish each) and the halibut ceviche. (funny story, we were actually trying to order this appetizer that had a sampler of the ceviche and 2 other items, but there was a miscommunication - it ended up being totally fine). There's paid 2 hr parking in the vicinity if you arrive before 6pm, free after 6pm Pros: - I really liked the 7 taco sampler because you get to kind of taste everything? it had a variety of meats including chicken and fish taco with lots of different seasonings, and some of the meat was super tender and delicious - the ambiance - feels very authentic, lots of seating, open space indoor and outdoor. Music playing in the background - really clean bathroom - food came out at a decent speed - overall very clean feel inside Cons: - The service was very authentically spotty in my opinion. I think there was a bit of a language barrier between my friends and the server who was taking our order (she was covering our server who was on break). I felt like the questions we were asking were pretty typical to ask in a restaurant (like if we ordered a certain 3 items would that be too much for 2 people, if ordering all of that would fit on our very small 2 person table, what she recommended, etc), and she low key kind of sounded like she was really irritated with us for asking? But that might be the authenticity coming out lol. I think that contributed to the miscommunication I mentioned earlier. She also told us that the 7 taco sampler was pretty large and that we would get full after eating 4, but I'm really glad we didn't listen to her because one person could definitely eat the 7, they're pretty small. - the tortillas that came with the ceviche felt like they were overbaked and burnt and did not taste good at all - and when we mentioned it to the same server, she told us that "that's how it's supposed to be, but okay I'll get you different ones." And then she brought back ones that were less burnt. I'm not sure if the originals were "how they're supposed to be" if there were less burnt ones readily available? I noticed another review mentioned this same complaint as well - There were lots of larger tables and booths available on Wednesday night (it was not crowded at all) but we still got seated at the tiniest 2 person table that was between the booths and other larger tables, which I didn't mind, but the table did feel really crowded with the size of our dishes. Overall - the taco sampler did win me over and it was quite delicious. I'm not sure if I just ordered wrong when it came to the ceviche. I think service could be a little tighter and ironed out but this place has potential

    Pork belly with salsa verde with guacamole and black beans
    Christine M.

    Tonight I gathered with a friend for dinner. We both had a cocktail, salsa, guacamole appetizer, dinner and dessert! Pork belly salsa verde for her and ribs for me with corn and green beans. Cooked tender and lots of flavor . Dessert was mango sorbet topped on cinnamon torts cup :-)

    Sink in bathroom
    Mari B.

    10/10!!! From start to finish. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners and business managers, Yesenia. Leña is a family owned restaurant that is not an ordinary Mexican restaurant. It is elevated with a modern twist. Yes, it is pricy but you are getting a full experience not just fast food from a taco truck, no hate, but don't come to Leña expecting a cheap meal. Think more of an intimate classy restaurant, good for anniversaries, and special occasion gatherings. In regards to the food, I had the Tetelas with a side of papas bravas and green rice. My family had the Ribeye asado, Costillas, and Camaron a la Parrilla with sides of esquite and potatoes. The steak was super tender and the salsas that came with it were perfection. Everything was beautifully seasoned and brought out together. The drinks are also delicious! The Batido de Platano was my favorite, but I only tried sips of 2 others (I am a lightweight drinker) because they are strong in a good way. I had a great time talking to the staff and asking questions about the menu, cooks, and decor. I found out the tables were hand made by the family themselves. I felt so honored stepping in to this place at it is beautiful inside and out. From the murals to the bathroom decor, everything has a special touch and amazing attention to detail.

    Carol C.

    Date: 5/3/2026 Time:12:15 PM 60° Partly sunny Leña Restaurant was a recommendation by BoozieBrunch on Facebook. My daughter asked via text where I wanted to celebrate Mother's Day before next Sunday. Answer: Leña in Alameda! It is my first time having their brunch. Wow! I am totally impressed with the food and ambiance. Thanks to BoozieBrunch's blog. Shout out to her for the recommendation. Eats: Chilaquiles (tortilla chips with two eggs, mole sauce, queso fresco, crema and pickled onion, carnitas) for me. My daughter had the churraffle, which is a churro waffle, tossed in cinnamon sugar, topped with pastry cream, seasonal fruit and guava syrup; guava pancakes,topped with house-made vanilla pastry cream, fresh seasonal fruit and piloncillo syrup. For my beverage, it was Mexican coffee with mocha and cinnamon, topped with whipped cream. I usually don't drink coffee, and the last time I had a Mexican coffee was at Chevy's in the late 80's. Ooh, my chilaquiles was bomb-diggity excellent. I had chilaquiles at another Mexican restaurant in East Oakland, which was okay. However, Leña's chilaquiles is on point with their mole sauce. Tasted so so good, that figuratively speaking, I gotta slap the chef and the mama for preparing it. LOL. That chef knew how to burn. Damn! It got me grinning from ear to ear. Service was a tad slow and the wait time for the food was about 35 minutes. Yes, it was long. However, delicious food does take time for preparation and presentation. What is worth waiting is worth getting. Besides patience is a virtue. Our waitress was attentive and indeed pleasant, engaging my daughter and me in conversation. Return visit? YES! I want to have the Costillas, the pozole rojo, agua frescas. I know to ask about the nopales and if they serve poblano rice as a side dish. I also will consider this restaurant for a birthday dinner in June. I know someone special who loves rib eye steak. Finally, thanks to BoozieBrunch for speaking highly of Leña.

    Conchata Toast
    Patty P.

    Have visited Lena for dinner and really wanted to try their brunch. Got there a little before 1 and it was still pretty busy. We got seated and ordered the cafe de Olla which was a sweetened spiced coffee, in beautiful mugs, for brunch we ordered Conchata sweet toast and pombazo, which was a chorizo soaked egg sandwich with potatoes, guacamole, peppers, and a really yummy green verde sauce. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and as the brunch-ended we got to have some friendly chit-chat. Did I mention that the food was so delicious! Really recommend their brunch, and want to come back and try more dishes!

    Oysters
    Winnie V.

    I've been wanting to try Leña since it opened and we finally got to check it out last week! We went on Friday at 8 pm and it was pretty busy, which I think is a good sign. While there was a little bit of a wait, it was not bad at all. The space itself is really beautiful. I love the decor, with the murals, back patio, asymmetrical wood tables, and comfy chairs. We decided to go all out with drinks, apps, and plates since Friday deserves a treat. Also, we are a fun drinks household and love our appetizers. For drinks, I got a sombra de cafe, which had coffee and mezcal, while the bf got the leña cantarito, with tequila, grapefruit, orange, and lime. I love both mezcal and coffee, but together it was a bit too bitter and too much drink for me. The leña cantarito was nice and refreshing though, and the chamoy(?) rim was a nice touch. For an appetizer, we got the raw oysters, which came with a chimichurri sauce and a salsa macha. Def was not expecting to get oysters at a Mexican spot, but the sauces sounded really good. I tried them both when they first came out and the salsa macha hottt! I love spicy food, and especially chili oil, but wow I was not expecting that level of of spice! It was good though, and flavorful, my mouth was just on fire for a bit hahaha. For the mains, we got the ribeye asada and the oxtail and shortrib birria. For the sides, we got the slaw, the corn, rice, and potatoes. The ribeye was a bit thinner and more cooked than expected for medium rare. But it was still really good. Because it was asada, you could really taste the slight char from the grill, giving it some extra flavor. I especially loved the birria. Both the oxtail and shortrib were sooo tender, basically fall off the bone, and the birria itself had nice flavor. Both dishes also came with fresh tortilla, which was nice and warm, with a nice corn flavor. Overall, I really loved everything we got. The prices are a bit high, but I thought the quality and flavors were top notch. I especially loved how it appears to be a lot of family recipes. Service was great as well. Nice to have a fancy new spot in Alameda!

    Lisa C.

    I really wanted to like Lena, but the customer service was some of the worst I've experienced in Alameda! The oysters Rockefeller and halibut ceviche were great, and the tortillas on the taco sampler were delicious -- but the tacos arrived lukewarm and the proteins were mostly bland. They also don't serve chips and salsa, and the "chips" for the ceviche were burnt baked tortillas. Definitely not what you expect from a Mexican restaurant. The real issue was the service. The restaurant was clearly understaffed, and our server disappeared after taking our order. I ordered a margarita with Mezcal, and no one bothered to mention that their Mezcal is $27 per drink. We didn't find out until the bill came -- which also included an extra drink we didn't order. Even worse, not a single employee apologized or tried to make it right. No manager came over, and the staff just looked confused. In the end, I spent $54 on two Mezcal margaritas in a place with no bar seating, no chips and salsa, and service that was chaotic from start to finish. Between the lack of communication, the overcharging, and the overall disorganization, I won't be returning. Alameda has plenty of other Mexican restaurants that actually value their customers. Do not recommend! Just NO

    Raspados flight
    Karina J.

    It felt like I was back in Acambaro when I took a bite of my pambazo, It was perfect! The bread was soft and chorizo was so flavorful and the salsa was super fresh10/10! The ambiance is wonderful mariachi playing in the background I love it!!! I went for brunch but I can't wait to go back for the dinner. We also tried the rapado flight I definitely recommend it. The concha toast was a first for me and fell in love definitely ordering that next time again. The service was super friendly and welcoming. Im telling all my friends and family to come.

    Drink menu
    Amanda L.

    I had a feeling the ribeye asado was going to be my favorite thing we ordered, yet we wanted to try as much as possible and succumbed to our gluttony. We came on their grand opening event so it was very crowded with a great vibe and a mariachi band that made it even better. The space is also done so thoughtfully and curated a little getaway from the bay. For drinks I had a cantarito and it was amazing -- tasted like fresh squeezed juice from all the ripest fruits with a side of suddenly I know Spanish. Next I ordered the la veladora and wow that was decadent without being heavy at all. We started with the tatemaditas. Our favorite salsas were the verde and macha. The macha had a really good heat to it. My spice tolerance is pretty decent but that one definitely made me feel like I was on a hot ones challenge. Next is where our downfall happened. The 7 mini taco sampler did not have mini tacos. They were very-generously-almost-normal-sized tacos that my boyfriend and I split, didn't even finish 2, then we were already almost full. Yeah we could've taken smaller bites but they were all so good and different from each other that we couldn't help it. The ribeye asada and halibut were our favorites. Then finally came the ribeye asado... perfect cook on it, amazingly seasoned, so juicy and tender. Could we power through and give it the savoring it deserves? No. We did not finish it as you expected but we are so looking forward to eating it as leftovers and I WILL be coming back to give my full attention and empty stomach to this dish.

    Churro waffle and chiliquiles
    Diane L.

    Our first time eating here, they've been open for about a month according to the server. The service was friendly and attentive. Because it was a Saturday afternoon before 1:30pm, which is also their closing time until they reopen for dinner, you can only order off the brunch menu. We were both happy with our meals and will return again to try their dinner menu!

    Armando Z.

    This is the first time I've been here. I'm both a Mexican and a chef. Do not come here if you're somebody who's gonna ask for nachos. They serve sophisticated and innovative, but also traditional Mexican food from various regions. A lot of their recipes are very complex and unique. I had a pork shank that was delicious. It was in achiote and pineapple. The range of salsa they have is also quite wonderful and the drinks are very innovative. Also nice is they have a lot of small dishes. There's an old prejudice that says that Mexican restaurants have to be cheap. That's nonsense. This one is not so expect that.

    Sombra De Café, Tatemaditas Guac & Salsa (love that you can pick four!), Jefitas Mole, and Costillas
    jocelyn s.

    I've seen this space go through a few transformations, and this is easily my favorite yet. It's a clear step up from other Mexican spots on the island--perfect for a date night, but I can already picture booking the outdoor space for family parties too. Beyond the decor, vibe, and genuinely friendly staff, the real star is the food. We tried the Sombra De Café, Tatemaditas Guac & Salsa (love that you can pick four!), Jefitas Mole, and Costillas. The presentation alone was stunning--but honestly, when it looks and smells that good, I have no problem eating the art. Also, being able to pick two sides with your entrée? Elite move. My husband and I fully strategized to maximize variety--and it paid off. The esquite was hands-down our favorite. We came hungry, we conquered, and the portions definitely delivered--no room for dessert this time, but that just means we'll be back soon. I'm even planning to walk over next time. Quick note: my husband mentioned the men's bathroom stalls are a bit tight, though very clean. I'll report back on the women's side next visit!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Leña Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Leña Restaurant

    Do you need reservations?

    Hello, you do not need a reservation but it is recommended, especially Friday-Sunday

    Is there a patio area suitable to bring dogs?

    Hello, it soon will be! Patio is closed at the moment, hoping to open it up in the summer!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    $$

    This review is for the parents out there: La Penca Azul is an incredible hidden gem for families…read more 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!

    Updates 4/4/26: Today was a catastrophic experience. We came here about 12pm or so. Just FYI…read more 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!

    Photos
    La Penca Azul - Stairs to the upper level.

    Stairs to the upper level.

    La Penca Azul - Tostada de Ceviche

    Tostada de Ceviche

    La Penca Azul - 4/3/24 FYI. new decor

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    4/3/24 FYI. new decor

    La Penca Azul - Santa Clara

    La Penca Azul - Santa Clara

    4.0(225 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

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

    I haven't been here in at least 6 years …read more 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

    Photos
    La Penca Azul - Santa Clara - If it's too chilly to eat outside, you can always eat in the back area.

    If it's too chilly to eat outside, you can always eat in the back area.

    La Penca Azul - Santa Clara
    La Penca Azul - Santa Clara

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    Taqueria Viva México - Quesabirrias

    Taqueria Viva México

    3.7(271 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Stopped in for a quick snack and decided to just get 1 quesabirria ($5). Noticed they no longer…read morehave a taco condiments bar setup by the counter. Still under the same owners/management after all these years. They have a bunch of combo specials with a fountain drink, and weekend specials menu too. No specials for Taco Tuesday though. Street tacos are now $3.75. The quesabirria was good. They have a 3 quesabirria with consomme and fountain drink for $15.50 which I would get next time when I have a bigger appetite.

    Been years since I last stepped foot in this spot. Used to live in Alameda and recall coming here…read moreonce or twice probably for a burrito. Fast forward to today, my son and his friend frequent this place. After a Sunday full of errands, hunger kicked in, and we were craving Mexican food. My 13 year old suggested we come here. At that moment, I had a choice...drive out to Oakland and find a solid spot or trust my teenager's restaurant recommendation. Risky move, I know lol. Walking in, the place looked just like it did years ago clean, welcoming, and with a friendly staff. The menu? Way bigger than I remember. It had so many options, I started wondering if I needed a strategy guide to order. I just wanted everything cause I was hangry lol. My son swears by their quesabirria, so I took a bite. It was... alright. Wish the shell had that extra crisp or even a cheese crust. The beef? Decent, but could've used more spice and flavor. Maybe dipping it in the consommé would've helped like a plot twist in a bad movie, it might've saved the whole thing just my opinion : ) I went for the steak fries. Now, these weren't your typical carne asada fries with thick-cut fries, sour cream, salsa, and all the toppings stacked on. These were more like shoestring fries, already seasoned, topped with cheese and steak pieces. Not bad, but let's be real I wouldn't have minded a bigger portion. And with shoestring fries, good luck trying to scoop up all the toppings without making a mess in that little food tray lol. Also grabbed a crispy ground beef taco. It was okay, but every time I took a bite, it completely fell apart like my plans to eat healthy. Could've used a bit more seasoning too (taco snob lol) Don't be shy with the flavor. I rather have it over seasoned than bland : ) Alameda doesn't have a ton of taquerias, which is probably why everyone drives out to Oakland to hit the food trucks on International Blvd (aka E-14th for the OG Bay Area folks) Yadadaimean! Would I come back? Yeah, I would. Food isn't bad, and the prices are decent like I'm not breaking the bank here. Solid 3 stars. It's good, but not quite at that 4-star level for me.....Just saying : )

    Photos
    Taqueria Viva México - Menu 1 of 6, as of March 2026. Daily combo specials on the bottom.

    Menu 1 of 6, as of March 2026. Daily combo specials on the bottom.

    Taqueria Viva México - HOT CHEETOS BURRITO

    HOT CHEETOS BURRITO

    Taqueria Viva México - Menu 4 of 6, as of March 2026

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    Menu 4 of 6, as of March 2026

    Leña Restaurant - bars - Updated June 2026

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