This was the best Mexican food I had this year. Fresh, tasty and authentic. Although it was busy the service was great. Guservo (hope I spelled it right) was so nice. My drink was superb! Ambiance is colorful and cozy. I suggest making a reservation they get busy! Definitely will be back! read more

I'll start with the most important part of the whole experience: the nicuatole. The whole reason I even went in there was because I was craving some flan. I asked the server and he said they don't have regular flan. It's either chocolate flan or something called Nicuatole which is very similar, so I thought I'd try something new, take a risk. It was easily the worst dessert I've ever had, and tasted absolutely nothing like flan. The texture, the taste, the toppings, everything about it sucked. Even the appearance and gray color was unappetizing! Other than that - Nice ambiance/vibes. Everyone was super nice. Finding parking was a bit difficult. Service was good, I especially enjoyed talking to the friendly bartender when I asked him what the name means. The menu is pretty limited though. After staring at it for a while I ended up getting shrimp tacos which were kinda small for the price, but not that crazy by Bay Area standards I suppose. All delicious, but I think my favorite was the side of rice, which is strange cuz that was definitely not the main attraction, but it's one of the most deliciously prepared rice I've had in a while. The tamarind margarita was tasty but not sure how strong it was - we got a pitcher between the 2 of us and left with just a light buzz. read more

Mesa Maguey - Drink Menu 3/18/25 - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

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Came here for dinner as a party of 4 on a Saturday night: truly a great experience. The place had a wonderful atmosphere and really nice and welcoming service! There was no wait- and the food was extremely delicious. We started with the guacamole plate, and we finished it incredibly quickly, a testament to how great it was. I ordered the two taco plate, one with the beef barbacoa and one with the pork carnitas. The carnitas were delicious, but the barbacoa was definitely my favorite. It was incredibly flavorful and topped with delicious pickled onions. A friend of mine ordered the Plato De Tasajo and raved about it- so I recommend that dish as well! Great place to try if you're looking for Mexican food in the area. read more

Mesa Maguey - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

My partner and I visited from El Cerrito, first timers and will definitely be coming back. The cocktails were perfect through and through, I highly recommend the Paloma. Though I only ordered the Tinga tostadas and didn't get to explore the menu as much as I would've wanted, they were also a hit. Beautifully garnished. And we loved the gentleman that was singing music tonight, his voice was beautiful, a delight to listen to. Service was well rounded, every server was warm and friendly. Some downsides were that the happy hour prices weren't impressive, at an average being 2 dollars cheaper than the original price- so might as well try what you want on the original menu. Also, the choco flan did not impress. I'll order a different dessert next time. read more

First time here and I am becoming a regular. Not only is the space welcoming and spacious the ambiance and food is extraordinary. From the greeting to getting our drinks and food the service was exceptional. We ordered a variety of items and cocktails and the SASON, I personally ordered the fish tacos and their sauce and taste was delicious. Even though I thought I wouldn't get full these tacos were very filling. I also tried my friends carnitas plate and I am definitely getting that next the flavor and seasoning was amazing, it was plated with rice and beans and salad it was a top pick at the table. Overall EVERYTHING was on point the drinks were delicious and overall I would highly recommend this new gem in Oakland! We also tried their desserts and they were the cherry on the top to our first experience of Mesa Maguey. Definitely visit and try their variety of food and drinks you will not regret it. If you have an event they also cater. Leo is awesome! When you visit make sure to take a mezcal shot with him! read more

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This place gets ALL the stars and I can't figure out why this place isn't always packed. Excellent Oaxacan food, well stocked tequila/mezcal bar, reasonable prices, 2pm happy hour, even the desserts are amazing. Highly recommended! My neighborhood goto, especially for happy hour! read more

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The food is excellent. I appreciate the variety of menu items not always available elsewhere.

Came in only 3 weeks after opening, and I can't wait to see this place blossom! We sat at the bar on a Monday for HH (2pm-6pm) and got margaritas, nachos, and flautas. Drinks: 9/10. Super fresh, nice and strong, and bartender was really nice and attentive. I got the Watermelon Margarita and it was so refreshing on an 80 degree weather day. I loved that they used fresh watermelon that they pureed, however I was choking a bit on the seeds lol. If they can find a way to still get that fresh watermelon in there with less seeds, they'd get my 10/10. Flautas were pretty ok: 7/10. I really liked the crunch, but there was something that tasted like Mayonnaise (not sure if it was the chicken or the cabbage slaw underneath), and it was slightly off putting. Nachos had such GOOD flavor! 8/10. I think it was the beans and the guacamole. Almost wanted them to box up a side of both for me to take home. My only weird thing about the nachos were the carne asada pieces. They looked like beef jerky and there were only about 5 pieces on it. Found it a little bit bizarre.... But I would just recommend them to cut them thinner/smaller so it looks like there's more. Overall though, I definitely want to come back and try more things! read more

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Great experience, we ordered the ceviche habanero wings and carnita/chorizo tlyuda. We were welcomed in with great hospitality, which meant a lot since we do have a service animal. 10/10 food, service and overall experience. we will be back. :) read more

Mesa Maguey - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

We love a great Mexican dining experience (and an occasional taco-truck burrito) so finding this place was like divine inspiration and it lived up to our expectations: * very adventurous but not too offputting menu selections * GREAT ambience (a bit noisy, but they accomodated our request to be seated in the quieter back room, which was helpful for our group of elders with hearing issues) * genuinely friendly and helpful wait staff * delish cocktails and DAILY HAPPY HOUR * healthy/generous portions without skimping on the FLAVOR! we will definitely be coming back - maybe even weekly! Strongly recommended. read more

I really enjoyed this space. The food and drinks were excellent. The service was skibd. All in all I'll be back again for sure but I was very impressed especially by the food. read more

Mesa Maguey - Memelitas - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

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We loved our first visit to Mesa Maguey! The margaritas and mezcalitas were wonderful and well priced; I had a jalapeño one that had a nice kick. Guac and chips (both excellent) came with a trio of tasty salsas. After reading about the mole we had to try it, I got the enmoladas and friend tried the regular chicken mole. Wonderful, warm and sweet with awesome black beans (refried?) and a nice pickled veg that the dish needed for balance. S these two dishes were very similar; I think the chicken mole on the bone had more meat than enmoladas, but it was a generous portion on both. We tried our friend's Cochinita pibil which was outstanding. Best of all the waiter was so sweet and enthusiastic with his recommendations- offered when asked- we chose his faves and they didn't disappoint! Service quick. Cute decor, casual but festive. I rarely give 5 stars on first visit, but the quality, quantity, good prices & cheerful service deserves them. I'll be back SOON! read more

Happy hour options were A1! Great atmosphere with quality, authentic food and nice service.

Fast service, great flavor, nice bar, ambiance is casual and fun. Took my wife here on a date, we enjoyed tacos and beef barbacoa, both very on point with traditional seasoning and preparation. read more

I was visiting and came across this gem for happy hour. The food was so fresh, the bartender was very friendly. The space was very inviting and bright. Decor was nice. I would definitely come back when I'm in town read more

Mesa Maguey - Strawberry lychee margarita - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

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What a wonderful restaurant, they hit it out of the park on food and service. We sat at the bar and the bartender was so friendly and the drinks were amazing. We had the mezcalrita and the flor silvestra, both drinks were very well balanced and beautiful. For dinner we had the special which was the mole negro with pork ribs and the memelas. The mole was hands down the best I have ever had. It was so rich and the depth of flavor was incredible and they had a nice a nice hit of spice. The pork ribs were so tender and very meaty. The memelas are very similar to sopes but they are not quite as thick. I had them with barbacoa which was lovely, tender and rich in flavor. I felt the quality of their ingredients in the food and drinks was really good. We will definitely be returning and we are thrilled to have this establishment in our neighborhood. P.S. check out their happy hour Mondays thru Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm read more

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Delicious and authentic food! The only micheladas I actually like The service is great and Leo is the best host. I've tried many nice Mezcales thanks to him. I love the experience with their good music too. read more

Mesa Maguey - Michelada from heaven and delicious fresh ginger beer. Home away from home - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

Amazing from the moment we walked in. The service was exceptional. The margarita flights were perfect. The food was phenomenal in presentation and taste! I can't wait to return. I highly recommend. read more

Was excited to see there was Oaxacan food down the street. I wanted to like it and ordered their mole rojo and costillas en salsa verde. The mole def had spices that made it taste more like curry than mole rojo, the consistency was more liquidy than I hoped for. I know we have a diversity of moles in Oaxaca but this was def a no for me. The costillas were a bit dry and the salsa flavor was not seeped into them. Portions were great, and the best thing was the beans. The delivery driver was fast to arrive, but the food was def cold before they picked it up. read more

Mesa Maguey - Mole Rojo De La Casa - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

Enjoyed this spot - the happy hour specials were great and Saturday was included. The margs with mezcal were really tasty, as were the nachos and also the queso. Servers were really friendly and a fun energy throughout the restaurant. Bonus - they had a mezcal tasting the evening we were there! Highly recommend this spot read more

Always delicious, excellent service. Can get busy during happy hour, for good reason. Great happy hour specials, best margaritas in town (especially the tamarind mezcalrita). read more

This is the best sit down Mexican place in Oakland. They have an amazing Happy Hour, and the staff is really friendly. I find their prices very reasonable, especially for this area. They also have a room in the back for private events. If you can make it for Cinco de Mayo, they have special events. read more

We have been here probably 6x now. Perfect for a midweek family dinner, evening out with friends before a show at The Fox or our favorite happy hour sitting at the bar. This is the best sit-down Mexican place in Oakland right now! I love the verde enchiladas and chicken mole, my wife loves the tlayuda and memelitas. Happy hour nachos are a great value too. The house margarita is really solid (a rarity) and our friends who are mezcal fans (im not) say their mezcal knowledge and drinks can't be beat. But the best thing about this place is the people. You really feel welcomed and that they are doing something they love. Please support these guys! Only thing that could improve it is a bit of decorating in the front room. Add some textures and maybe upgrade the tables/chairs. read more

We came here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Everyone was very welcoming. I love the decorations. The food was very delicious and felt so homemade, as in not too oily or too salty. You can taste the care and effort they put into the food. The mole was delicious and chocolatey. The homemade corn flour tortilla was so good. The mezcal drinks were very good and strong enough, as in not too watered down. Their chef is also from Oaxaca and there were plenty of clearly labeled vegetarian options on the menu. We ordered the Mixtec with mezcal, Mazoteco with mezcal, Ceviche, Mole Rojo De La Casa, and 2 Taco Plate with grilled chicken. This is a great and fun place for a date or to catch up with friends and family. There is parking in the neighborhood. Checking out was easy and fast. There is parking in the neighborhood and on the streets. I highly recommend. It is important to support these businesses especially during this time. read more

Delicious food and drink - had beef barbacoa that comes with warm fresh made tortillas, fish tacos, and chips and salsa. The service was great as well. read more

Mesa Maguey - Beef barbacoa - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

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Took my son here with high expectations based on reviews. Very disappointing outcome. First, giving credit where due, the service and the drinks were quite good. But the food. Ugh! My son had the shrimp tacos and couldn't finish the second bite. I tried them too and the flavor was terrible. Whatever sweet reddish sauce they poured over them (chile ancho aioli?) absolutely destroyed the meal. I ordered a barbacoa and carnitas tacos. Both disappointing. The barbacoa was bland and forgettable. Doña on Piedmont is my barometer for great barbacoa and these guys are miles from that standard. The carnitas was a flavorless wet mush. Come here for drinks, but don't waste your money on the overpriced and poor quality food. read more

Amazing spot with fantastic food drinks and service. The enmoladas and the memelas are especially good. I am excited to go back and try the tlayuda. The drinks are fantastic, particularly the Hierve El Agua and the Monte Alban. Fantastic mezcal selection too. The bartender is a master, the space is great, they even do comedy nights in the back. Overall a wonderful spot - worth a visit! read more

When I walked in, I was sat down with my group toward a better seat than the one I had initially chosen. The busser was very kind in helping me find the best seat at this moment. Waiters were extremely patient with our larger group of 7, and they answered our questions patiently as well. On top of this, the food was amazing. The enchiladas, the mole, and my mushroom-squash flower soup were all amazing (soup of the day). We chose to sit in the back, but the front has a more lively look if you choose that section. The back has an authentic Mexican restaurant (almost living room) vibe to it that you will appreciate if you understand the culture well. I recommend this place at least once to try, and then walk to Brenda's for a New Orleans-Style Beignet. read more

Amazing drinks, authentic dishes. Everything very beautiful and well made. Huge selection of mezcal and tequila

Although we don't live close by this is our go-to Mexican food location. Great selection of mezcal. Outstanding happy hour daily.

Incredible Mezcal collection! impeccably balance cocktails. The food is delicious.. Highly recommend the mole.. read more

Service was lacking a bit however the ambiance was great. The food was good! We went during their happy hour which was amazing! The whole table ordered the passion fruit mojito 8/10 & I had the chicken flautas 10/10. I'd definitely recommend and come back to try another delicious authentic dish & cocktail . read more

Mesa Maguey - Passion fruit mojitos for the whole table - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

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Amazing dining experience, and some of the best fine Mexican food you can find! Leo is the do-everything part owner of the restaurant, and he will guide you to a wonderful experience. The memelas are a must try! And the queso fundido is a flavor explosion. A bargain of a price too read more

Mesa Maguey - Memelas (carne and carnitas) and the queso fundido - Tacos Near Me - Oakland, California

Burrito was very plain and lack of flavor also the chicken mole was way too sweet and the side of rice was super small. Service was pretty slow. The chicken was cold as well. Ambiance was nice but won't be coming back read more

[Review of service, not food] Service can make or break a restaurant experience, and Mesa Magey is definitely lacking in it. We were walking on Piedmont Ave and saw a sidewalk sign for Mesa Maguey. We loved the vibe, looked it up and saw that it was on Broadway and had 5 stars. It doesn't have a website, which is kind of weird these days. But we were like, let's go! So we walked there at around 5:10 pm on a Friday. The menu looked good. Memelas, tlayudas and flautas - sold! Good cocktails. Perfect! The place is big and inviting, with an extraordinary selection of agaves. 4 men with front of the house clothing were outside. One walked in with us and went to the back of the restaurant where another staff member was, we thought to maybe get some menus and sit us. Nothing. There was a single table ordering. Nobody greeted us. Nobody said, "hold on," or "welcome we'll be with you in a moment." It seemed so odd for a restaurant promoting itself all over the area with sidewalk signs to not be "ready" to at least greet new customers. We stood there in an empty resultant with what was now 3 people outside and 3 people inside who did not acknowledge us in any way. 5 minutes passed so we decided to leave and got a delicious (and perfectly friendly and professional) meal at Brenda's. So next time you see one of Mesa Maguey's sidewalk signs, just know that they do not want your business and keep on walking. read more

great service ! great food! I loved the green enchiladas and cafe de olla is the best!!! I will recommend to family and friends

I chose this restaurant for my girlfriend's birthday after doing a lot of research, hoping for a special experience. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. We were seated at a small table in the corner of the medium sized restaurant. It was extremely cold in there, everyone had jackets on . Our drinks and appetizer came out quickly, but after that, the service went downhill. It took 15-20 minutes for our server to return, only to tell us that the one dish my girlfriend wanted wasn't available. She had to make another choice, and when we asked for a couple more minutes to decide, the server didn't come back for another 20 minutes--only after we flagged someone else down. When the food arrived, it was disappointing. My soup, described as having meat, beans, avocado, and radishes, was a watery green broth with floating avocados and what looked like scraps of meat and beans. My girlfriend's green chili enchiladas were so spicy they were inedible. We sat with these unsatisfying meals for nearly 20 minutes before anyone checked on us. When we finally voiced our concerns, the staff refunded our meals, which was appreciated, but the poor service and subpar food made the evening a disappointment. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this place and don't plan to return. This version is Yelp-appropriate, straight to the point, and conveys your experience professionally. read more

Growing up in SF, and living in Oakland the last 40 years, I've eaten Mexican food all my life. Trying Mesa Maguey yesterday for the first time was a delightful experience. Our Oaxacan meals (chili rellenos plate and chicken mole plate) were incredibly prepared, delicious, and utterly satisfying. Even the hibiscus agua fresca was fantastic! We told our server we would be back many times--and we will! read more

Service was horrible and Took forever! never brought chips and salsa. Took like 15 min just to get water. Food took forever and still came out cold and was very mediocre. Horrible experience overall. Can't believe they even have 4.5 stars. read more

Amazing food, fantastic service. Great mezcal selection. I wish I lived closer, this would be my regular spot. Leo is so knowledgeable about mezcal . This is the epitome of a spectacular local spot. Go support your neighborhood restaurant . You won't be sorry . read more