First time here, came with a group who had been here previously. They have a nice parking lot across 39th from the restaurant, and the ambience is very nice and colorful, with plenty of sunlight. The service was good, and the menu offers a large variety of options. I opted for a dish I have not had before, anywhere: the chile relleno burrito! It was fresh and delicious, with lots of fillers around the chile relleno hiding inside. Also, lots of salsas to have with the complimentary chips - some nice and smoky, others just on fire! Try them all - if you dare! The value here is certainly good, and the quality and taste of the food are good as well. If I am in the area again, I would not mind another visit - saw some other items on the menu I would like to try! read more

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Hadn't been in a long long time, but this used to be a favorite dinner spot. It has certainly changed some in the decade I've been away. The service which used to be kind of mediocre was really good. The menu is smaller though, which I wouldn't have cared about except the combination I used to order was missing and meals don't come with a green salad to start. Sadness. The food came up pretty quickly, but the portions were not as big as I remember, and the food (crispy tacos) were only okay. The rice was still good though. But I'm not driving over the bridge for rice. Also...sadly... the neighborhood is sketchier. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Shrimp cocktail - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Delicious food, generous portions, moderately priced. The drinks are good too! We had whole fried fish, chicken enchiladas, molcajete mariscos, chicken sopes and children's plate of chicken quesadillas which was also generous. We enjoyed every bite and everyone had leftovers. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Molcajete Mariscos - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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I ordered Caldo de res today and it was delicious! The broth was rich and delicious. The vegetables cooked just right and the meat was nice and tender. It comes with the side of rice and tortillas. It was amazing. I will be ordering it again. So good! read more

El Otaez let me down today. I had not been here in a long time, but it was part of my childhood. I was excited when we ordered the aguas frescas because they were really good. I tried the cantaloupe and the mango, both were a 10/10. The service started off good, because although it was a busy weekend, our server kept circling back asking if we were ready to order. The problem was that once we ordered it took about 40 minutes to start getting plates on our table and then they did not come all together. About 25 to 30 minutes later we were still missing 3 orders and we had to cancel those orders because we were ready to leave. Everyone else had finished their meals and we didn't want to keep waiting for 2 plain steak tacos, 1 steak quesadilla, and 1 chicken stew. The waiter was nice about it but we also didn't see him pressuring the cooks in the rest of the orders until we said something about the wait time. There were others getting orders that had just arrived within 10 minutes so it was a terrible experience. The set up is nice and the aguas frescas are good but the food was a miss. I had the chicken nachos, which contain nacho cheese and it was not listed on the menu. I don't like nacho cheese on my Mexican style nachos, they stated to be made with monterrey jack cheese, beans, meat, and toppings. My party ordered cheese red enchiladas, wings, 2 burritos (chicken, steak). I had asked for the shredded chicken and the burrito came with grilled, we didn't want to send it back considering the time it took to get the order, but the food overall was a 4/10. Our waiter did state the manager was willing to still serve us the chicken stew as it was plated already, but we never saw the manager himself, and by that time we were walking out already. The waiter also offered us guacamole and chips as a comp item, but again that's when we had already asked for the check and started packing up. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

In a neighborhood full of great Mexican food, this place is dog food. Everything tastes like it's microwaved. Don't give this place your money. read more

Having loved Otaez for many years, yesterday I was surprised to notice on the check: they charged for the take-out boxes! Also, the charges for some items were quite a bit more than given on the current online menu. Of course this has nothing to do with their cooking. It's still great. read more

My go-to Mexican place used to be Penca Azul in Alamade for a long time. But after having a kid, the cocktails are not my no. 1 criterium for a good Mexican place anymore. Well... Otaez is very family friendly, always filled with natives and serves a mean Molcajete among other things. Prices are ok, service is always friendly and the ambience is... colorful ;-) Depending on the staff and the guests, the music can be too loud. But it is what it is. A solid Mexican option with nice folks. read more

Their caldo Tlapeno is fantastic!!! Just what you want if you're getting sick. Mole enchiladas great , taco salad great. Hue is a la Mexicana excellent. They can really make some awesome refried beans.... read more

On short notice, Socorro was able to accommodate my daughter's Flag Football Team luncheon (25 people). The food, environment, and service were great. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - 6th Grade Flag Football Luncheon - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

It's been at least 10 years since I was here last. I'm glad to be back in the bay for all the different foods. The tacos dorado were excellent rice and beans were also good. Be back soon read more

East bay burrito #46 Initial taste 5/7 Meet 5/7 Beans 4/7 Cheese 5/7 Rice 4/7 Salsa 4/7 Tortilla 6/7 Overall 5/7 rounded up. Pretty big burrito. Couldn't finish it all. Liked the al pastor. Everything was either good or pretty good. read more

Worst customer service ever!!!!! 245pm today, Monday, 11/04/24 I tried calling to let Otaez restaurant know they messed up my order, yesterday, on Dias de los Muertos!!!! The girl kept hanging up on me today when I asked for a manager as she said we are too busy!!! 245pm on a Monday???? Now I have to dispute the transaction as she hung up on me FOUR times!!!!!! Never again! Bad service and wrong order!!!!!!!!!!! Not today Satan! read more

My friend and I wanted to take place in the Fruitvale Restaurant Week and try some specials. 16 restaurants were participating and we landed here. The specials included Pozole, Menudo and Birria. We opted to try the whole fried Red snapper instead though. The fish was deep fried and served with limes, refried beans, rice and salad. We also had chips salsa and guacamole. The fish was good - not seasoned but we added the lime juice and salsa to the perfect tortillas they served and it was delicious! The guacamole was just ok. No flavor really - but very fresh. Our waitress was so awesome. She was friendly and accommodating. The beers were cold too! Lots of activity outside - but plenty of parking in front. And once inside it's super clean and spacious. Try this place out! The menu is vast and food is fresh and good. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Whole fried Red Snapper plate - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Waitress handed us our menus & immediately walked away without taking our drink orders. We wait. 5 mins pass, look around - eyes lock with what looked like a busboy, I wave: he looks away & leaves. 5 more mins, nothing. Finally waitress is in my area: I order coffees, she looks away says, "coming" - proceeds to cut limes (?) . Got up & walked out. Foods not great anyways. Service is regularly hit or miss here. People on their cell phones disrupting your paid jukebox request. read more

Great beans and rice and what tastes like homemade corn tortillas with the queso. I ordered a chile verde super burrito, and it was pretty good. The flour tortilla wasn't my favorite but the fillings were excellent. Huge chunks of tender pork in a spicy green sauce, yum :) I also got the Queso Fundido con Chorizo because i thought it was a semi-liquid state of melty cheese, but it's actually more of a solid block of melted yummy cheese. It's definitely hard to dip and if it's not keep on heat, it solidifies super fast. Still delicious. Also, everything was ready super fast! I'm looking forward to trying more things on the menu, because they make my favorite base of all dishes: beans and rice, just perfect. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Side of Rice and Beans - YUM!! - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

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Everyone is nice, I like this place, I've been three times in the last week, they have the best chicken enchiladas in the Fruitvale district, if not all of Oakland! The enchilada plate comes with two but you can order another Al La cart, trust me you'll want three, they are that good. Their rice is full of flavor, just like the refried beans. The flautas are also tasty. You can order on the phone, online, or at the counter for to go. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Chicken enchiladas with red sauce, kinda skimped on the cheese on this order. Still satisfied though. - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Im really torn about this review because I appreciate what they do, but working in the food business, there are some things you just cannot forgive. I'll do a three star today and head back in hopes of it was just a bad day. Firstly, the restaurant was spacious, clean and well lit. It has a bodega up from for take away and a seated area for table service. Second, the dish I ordered was simple enough. Carne Asada Torta.. We'll it was after the new year and maybe they were not 100% back on work mode yet. The meat was bone dry. Seemed like it was pre-cooked and kept too long. The grill marks were there, but not juiciness that I would expect. Even if you warm this, I would have expected it on the flattop then covered and a bit of steam to bring it back. Again, hoping it was an anomaly. The rest of it was fine. Served on dutch crunch with a coating of quacamole, onions, creme and cilantro. Toasted with crispy on the outside and tender inside. But their papas were on fire!!!! Seriously cooked to perfection, nice crunch to the exterior and creamy core. Most places will do the items ala carte, but glad to see this combo. Now the best part. The lunch was $6.95, so can I really complain? I give places at least 3 tries before they get the strikeout. Will def try the torta once again and sure to try ceviche that my friend got. That looked amazing!!! read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Torta de Carne y Papas? Loco!!!! And it's $6.95. - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Alright so .... location is on international and can get congested at times so parking can be tight . First impression: inside was beautiful! So many bright colors ! Big and spacious ( me and 7 people came no reservation and they had a big table ) and they play music ! I was satisfied with my food . I got the steak and shrimp wet burrito . Shrimp was big and juicy and the steak was well seasoned and cooked right ! Not dry ! The oysters I was a little disappointed. They were good oysters I just feel like they weren't kept in the best cold place or on ice ( I'm used to raw oysters out the shell to be fresh and COLD / CHILLED ) But besides that I'd definitely come back again . read more

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Date: 10/29/2017 Time: 12:45 PM 55° Cloudy It's the Dia De Los Muertos Festival in the Fruitvale District and a group of us seven señoras are hungry for lunch. Obelisco and Taqueria El Farolito are two places I want to try, but I am outvoted by my amigas/commadres. A walk down E. 14th Street (International Blvd. for those who are still wet behind the ears) about four blocks from Fruitvale BART results in a visit to the Otaez Restaurant. Even my sister wants their menudo for lunch. There are two sections to the Otaez. One is the taqueria/delicatessen for fast service; the other is the restaurant with waitresses serving the diners. I have been to the Otaez Restaurant in Alameda on Webster Street numerous times in the past. I always enjoy the food and the ambiance of outdoor dining during the summer. However, it's my first time at this Otaez and I must say the restaurant's furnishings and wall murals are beautiful. I could not help but admire the painted designs on the tables and chairs. The altar in honor of the owner who sadly and tragically passed away complements the rest of the restaurant in a memorable way on Dia De Los Muertos. The menu is very extensive - so many selections and they all must be delicious. Our waitress is nice, attentive and pleasant. She is also accommodating. At our request, bowls of hominy is brought out to go with the menudo. Service is not too fast nor is it slow. After perusing the menu, it took me a little while to decide what I wanted for lunch. Huevos rancheros, huevos con nopales, chilaquiles or beef enchiladas? Since I haven't had nopales (cactus) in a long time, I opted for the huevos con nopales. It was delicious and quite filling. I couldn't finish my lunch, so there was leftover for dinner. Return visits: Yes, for the posole, quesadillas, chilaquiles and everything else that is appealing. read more

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Absolutely delicious chilaquiles! I recommended throwing chicken in there too. Also, the margarita is huge and strong. There's a little outdoor seating too, so you don't just have to get it to go. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Came here after a morning workout and run. Loved it had the Machaca and Huevos con Nopales. Both had been a while since I had these in a restaurant. Lucky for me, I brought my aunt, and we shared. Because the portions are just straight, big, and delicious read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Machaca and Huevos Con Nopales - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Hands down, they have the best chili relents. I have been to many Mexican restaurants and the chili relents are hit or miss but these are the best anywhere. read more

Today, I was reminded why I consider Otaez to be one of the best if not the best Mexican restaurant in Oakland. Generally my go-to dish is enchiladas verdes. I was going to try a variation on that theme and order.Chilaquiles Verdes when the Chilaquiles Mexicanos caught my eye. They sounded just like my mom used to make! They did not disappoint! The authenticity of the sauce and the use of Cotija cheese make this now one of my favorite dishes! I should tell you that it's a little spicy and the onions are raw. If you're into that sort of thing, you'll love this dish too! Lastly, I tend to judge a Mexican restaurant by their beans and rice because if they can't manage these basics dishe, it's not worth the visit. The beans and rice are excellent! PS: this was not my first visit here. I've actually been here many times before, but it had been a while. Service is great too.! I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Chilaquiles Mexicanos - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

This is the real pueblo Mexico experience. Food is usually great, but not consistent. Service is usually good, but not consistent. Look around, and you can see it's mostly people from Mexico and central america dining there. Brush up on your Spanish, because lots of the servers speak no English. It's the real experience. If you are looking for something else, try chipotle. We love the food, and the place -always with tempered expectations. read more

My husband and I went to the website for Otaez Mexican Restaurant, found the Alameda, CA location (where we use to live and had visited this restaurant many times in the past). My husband made a reservation for Valentine's Day 2025, using the phone number provided on the site. Once we had traveled 45 minutes from San Rafael, CA (where we live and work now) we found the name had changed on the building to Ceron. But, once we stepped into the old Alameda location, we found that it was not only the name that had changed but the restaurant itself. I guess you would classify it now as American, French & Italian cuisine. BUT NO MEXICAN FOOD!! Otaez is only at one location now - Oakland, CA. We would greatly appreciate it if Otaez and Ceron straightened out the telephone number and address issues, as we just wasted our time and money trying to have a nice Mexican dinner for this Valentine's Day. read more

This place is not what it used to some years back their food is not worth the price is not as tasty as before and their plates are way smaller than Years back unfortunately is not the Restaurant we remember and came back at least 2 times per week their service is not so good either people that ate there for years know the quality of food they used to have was one of the best now is sad to say but it became one of the worst places to eat read more

For Dia de Los Muertos we ate here for lunch. Got the food from the Taqueria side of Otaez. They also have a sit-down area in the next room. Ordered at the cashier: 2 lengua taco $1.25 and Lg strawberry drink (too huge, stick w/ small) - Total $4.94, sat inside. Small salsa bar nearby. The guac. sauce one is spicy & way too salty. Sliced lime & radishes available too. They have separate men/women's bathroom. One toilet/sink in the women's. read more

Came here on a lazy Sunday BFF said they had the best Menudo! The place was really busy probably all those late night party people who need to get some quick recovery hang over cure=menudo. She ordered: large order of Menudo, she absolutely loves it, the broth does have a real good taste. side of tortillas. Me: tacos, carne asada and pastor, it was just OK they did not have as much flavor as I hoped it would. The salsa served was absolutely delicious!! What can I say I like it Spicy! read more

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The pozole was amazing !!! It is pork but definitely great tasting . Helped me a lot overcome a sore throat and a runny nose !!! Ordered take out of course! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for traditional pozole especially during this time of year ! read more

This restaurant on International in Oakland is not closed. I had lunch there on Dia de los Muertos 2021 and dinner there last night, 5/5/2022. Both times my party all really enjoyed their food. Excellent drinks and kind service also. The food is seasoned well, so no need for us to add anything to it. We love their decor- it is such a pleasant atmosphere. This is definitely our go to spot in the neighborhood now. read more

Great food and adult beverage. A hidden Oakland Jewel. Great service, and my food was everything read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Delicious - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is amazing .. the food is great and people that works there even better. I celebrate on the second floor my son 1st birthday. And Socorro and her crew support us the whole time. Since we signed the contract until the party was over. All my guest loved the food and drinks. Highly recommend for family or business parties in the Bay Area. Thank so much. read more

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If you want to sit somewhere else than in your car to eat tacos this restaurant is the place to go. There's two sides, a restaurant with a full menu and then a taco side. My review is regarding the taco side. They have a wide selection of meats to choose from. From carne asada to cabeza. They top the taco off with cilantro and fresh cebolla and give you a side of caramelized onions and jalapeños asados. There's a salsa bar with pickled carrots, rábanos, and of course salsa :) they also have an holla filled with frijoles to add on the side or on top of your tacos. Really recommend coming here for tacos. They're good and the beans just fill you up even more. read more

Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Buche on the left. Lengua in the middle. Al pastor to the right. You top it off with beans and salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Oakland, California

Terrible food! Meat is super chewy, tasteless and hard. Salsas are watered down and again flavorless. read more

I love La Mexicana because they have the fat corn tortillas that are the best in the world! However, their food is ok. I'd stay away from the tamales, which always disappoint. The carnitas are good if you take them to go, but if you eat them in the restaurant, not so much. But they have decent tacos and enchiladas and their food isn't packed in a sauce that is thickened with wheat flour. The salad is quite sad, but most salads in Mexican restaurants are, so I just pass them to my husband. But all in all, I like coming here and we enjoy the food. read more

My food was so Good;even though it was a bit empty, it was fast service and nice staff

This restaurant is disgusting. The alameda one I used to go to once a week was treated great food was always amazing drinks were always great the service was on point. But this place was the most unprofessional place with the nastiest food. We were not greeted. A dog was in there barking the whole time. The food was disgusting and super greasy and the Margarita tasted like there was nothing but lime juice in it. Then when we left we had to walk thru the back door because they already closed the front. We were not checked on by the server. I had no idea who our server was either. Like I said it was the worst don't go there read more

The one of best place to eat in Oakland food taste great and you get real fullcheck them out 4 sure next u in town

My friend and I stumbled upon this gem in Oakland while searching for a place to eat. Needless to say, we were very impressed and satisfied with the delicious food we were served at Otaez restaurant. As soon as we stepped inside we were greeted by the wonderful, vibrant colors that covered the room. We ordered a quesadilla to share as an appetizer, which was a great start to our lunch. We accompanied this with some horchata while we listened to live music. Our kind waitress then brought out our main meal which consisted of a tostada de camaron and a plate of breaded fish served with fries, rice, beans, and salad. This was all fantastic and the quality exceeded our expectations. The food was fresh and savory. As a way to end our meal, we ordered a fruit bowl for dessert. Overall, we were super happy with our meals and the staff. read more