- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Baja Taqueria
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
4070 Piedmont Ave(between 41st St & Glen Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
Neighborhood: North Oakland
(510) 547-2252
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
228 reviews for Baja Taqueria
Review Highlights
"Their fish tacos are to die for, a new fav of mine."
(in 64 reviews)
"The lobster burrito is delicious."
(in 17 reviews)
"Also enjoyed some great beer and salsa."
(in 64 reviews)
Loading...
228 reviews in English
-
Review from Sergio G.
Updated - 12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
So here I am craving a burrito again.; I just had one the day,,
So today on my lunch hour I decided to try this place again. The cashier was very friendly. I ordered my Carne asada regular burrito and i was digging in it. I really enjoyed my lunch. The burrito is pretty big and juicy and I was munching it down llike there was no tomorrow. The soda helped me just make a fool out of every body because I didn't care who was looking but I had manners.
So for $10.00 plus drink made me think about the high prices.
Will I be back....... Og damm right I willListed in: Favorite places to eat
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/11/2010
I am very pick about eating Mexican food because that's all I normally eat at home so it's rare I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ed U.
I had not been to Baja Taqueria in almost a decade, not since I used to live in the Piedmont Avenue area back in the day. The place still looks the same, which is not a bad thing, since they've been able to maintain the beachcomber look reasonably well over the years. But the one thing I forgot that I was immediately reminded of when I ate there was this simple fact - just order the fish tacos and don't bother with anything else. Sad to say it was true years ago, and it's still true now. A bout of amnesia, however, must have infected what was left of my mind when I came back last week since I carelessly ordered the $8.95 Two Taco Combo (see photo). Or schizophrenia perhaps.
As it turned out, one was a fresh fish taco, which they describe in the menu as a "San Felipe-style filet" placed on overlapping corn tortillas. It was slight but delicious as it was served with salsa fresca, sour cream, and shredded cabbage. The other taco was chicken (at least theoretically), and it was a dreadfully dry pile of poultry offset a bit by the same salsa fresca. The contrast between the two tacos was striking, and I felt like striking someone for that awful chicken. The rice and pinto beans were pure filler. There's definitely a reason I haven't been back here in ten years. It just ain't destination dining. It's for the undemanding locals who need an undemanding bite. Nothing more.
FOOD - 3 stars...a one-star chicken taco offset by a four-and-a-half-star fish taco...let's split the difference, shall we?
AMBIANCE - 3 stars...still in good shape as a taco shack
SERVICE - 2 stars...they've lost that loving feeling
TOTAL - 3 stars...now you know what to order, you've been warned -
Review from Jacque R.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
My go-to place for cajun spice fish taco plate....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Awesome salsas and pickled carrots....yum. -
Review from Charles Montgomery B.
Springfield, MA
2/3/2012
Excellent!
-
Review from amy c.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2012
The only good thing I've had there is the machos nachos! Everything else is gross! Really sweet staff though!
-
Review from Chris W.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2012
Does it get any better? I'm sitting here eating a fish taco and drinking a Mexi coke. as I have so many times in the 10 plus years I've been coming here. Crispy fried fish, cabbage, creama of some sort, salsa lime and Tapatio sauce from the bottle. These are the simple things done well over and over that like the sun rising bring a smile to the lips and warmth to the heart.
-
Review from Christina C.
Oakland, CA
10/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Great location, friendly staff (seriously always nice and upbeat).
They have a pretty good beer selection, a few on tap and bottled standard cerveza as well as sangria.
Get the chichen enchiladas roja with mole. So yummy!
Their chicken or steak fajitas are also pretty good, but not as consistantly good as the enchiladas.
The fish tacos, are said to be the best. However, I have to admit, I do not all that much care for them.
Altogether, great place for beer and yummy food.
On some nights they also have live music. I think usually, Mondays, but I am not certain about this.
Tip: Skip the sangria and get a beer instead. The sangria is good, but I think it's mostly juice. -
Review from meshell c.
Oakland, CA
10/29/2011
Went there after a co-worker had recommended it to me. I've walked by this place several times, but I was never intrigued to go in, because it was off Piedmont Avenue (not a spot that would scream out "authentic" in terms of ethnic food). Now burgers and fries - OK.
Well, as expected, the super carne asada burrito wasn't that tasty. I dosed it in their salsa and lime. I mixed the hot with the medium and added cilantro to make it my own concoction. I wasn't impressed with the burrito, although it was gigantic! I should have gone with a fish taco or something since they heavily market that there.
The atmosphere was nice and spacious. They have an open patio in the back.
Bottom line: $9 bucks for a super burrito isn't exactly cheap especially when it wasn't even that great. I shoulda stuck with the taco truck near my work instead! -
Review from Maxelope L.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2011
5 points:
* their horchata is great (& they don't load it with ice)
* they have Grateful Dead-inspired art stuff
* extra cheese no charge
* just the right amount of salt
* seriously yummy veggie burrito -
Review from Leah B.
Oakland, CA
11/6/2011
BEST veggie burrito...along with gordos!
The people that work here are always really nice, and super fast...nice and fast something I gotta say is hard to do.
Their veggie is always loaded, you can get it with other veggies or just bean and cheese (but they have sour cream in it too something cactus would charge you for extra...I however always ask them to switch it out for the guacamole, most of the time I don't get too though would be nice if yo had the choice).
They have great chips...salty! And their vinegar carrots in the salsa bar that are sooo good. Plus you can sit out back if you want, I mostly just grab to go but they do have lost of seating with great food! -
Review from Nick S.
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic taco place!
I don't get fish tacos that often, and when I do I'm usually disappointed and thrown off them for several months. I took a chance here and got the Cajun Fish Taco Platter, and man it was GOOD!
The fish was the highlight, both spicy and flavorful, but the whole presentation was top-notch. Definitely worth $9. -
Review from Veni W.
Emeryville, CA
12/10/2011
Okay. I'm a vegan for healthy reasons so I cheat sometimes and a fish taco had my name on it so I'm game to respond. I decided on the cajun fish salad which seemed to honor the vegan groove a bit more and, a girl needs her roughage. The salad was truly wonderful and I definitely will go back for another cheat sometime in the not too distant future. I didn't use the viniagrette that comes with the salad because there were so many goodies on the salad : shredded cabbage, black beans, corn and that perfect seasoned and cooked Cajun fish. A definite 5 star taqueria dish. I have to give the place only 4 stars though because, and I am being a bit picky here, the customer service was just a touch off. Read my tragic saga below.
The bin for metal forks at the salsa bar was empty and I like to eat my salads with a fork. Sonia ask at the counter for a fork. The young woman pulls out a drawer full of forks and simultaneously says "There are forks right there" pointing to the plastic forks just beside me. She doesn't give me a metal fork until I say, I am eating in. Can I get one of those?". I got what I needed but come on: don't make a gal beg for a metal fork when you have tons right there. Signed "Ain't too proud to beg" -
Review from George W.
Oakland, CA
12/15/2011
I hate to slam Baja,because it's such a staple of my beloved piedmont ave,but the last time i went in there,will probably be the last time. The people are great,nice,attentive,but it's the FLAVOR thats missing. Everything just tastes kinda' bland. The tortilla my burrito was in,was kinda' rubbery. Everytime i took a bite i had to pull the taffy-like tortilla till it tore. The guacamole seemed runny/watery,not thick stick-to-an-upsidedown-spoon consistancy that i enjoy. I do recognize their great business ethic though!! No lard,no msg,green buisiness,deadhead owner...great stuff. But it's the food that doesn't do it for me. The chips are usually hot & fresh!!
I recommend La Calaca Loca on the corner of tele. and 51st. It's tucked away behind the check cashing store,and IT'S THE BEST!!!!! -
Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
7/8/2011
After having the usual coffee at Caffe Trieste, we walked the avenue looking for a place to eat, and after covering half of Piedmont, ended up at Baja. I had fish tacos and got a small order of guac on the side. The guac wasn't very good but the fish in the tacos was quite tasty. Very warm & friendly service! Honestly, it was standout good service.
Besides the food, there were two out of control children using the dining room as a playroom, and along with the adults with them, managed to break off a coat rack. What is up with parents letting their kids run free, disturbing other people? Should I start filming each episode I see and put it on YouTube?
Four stars for the service and fish. -
Review from linden d.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
I'm tired of this place. I live around this area, and every time I come here I'm disappointed. Everything from the extremely mediocre guac, to the freaking store-bought-and-grated cheese that they use in their food.
The worst thing you can possibly order is the grilled vegetable burrito, which has a half of a bottle of oil in it for the "grilled veggies", which they don't grill, they sautée. They cut the veggies super thin, which means that every single vegetable soaks up all that oil.
Why act like you're saving the world by not using lard, when you can't figure out how to cook a decent meal? It's really not that complicated, people.
Granted, they have 3 decent salsas and their chips are good. But what does that have to do with what I'm paying money for? Not much. IMHO, I wish they would go out of business so that a real Taqueria could move in. -
Review from Nate B.
Oakland, CA
7/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chicken Enchiladas Mole Rojas are delicious... That is all
Everyone who says they are known for their fish tacos are crazy!
If they do not have the Mole Chicken Enchiladas, the next best thing would be their fajitas!Listed in: My most frequented hangouts!
-
Review from Ray W.
Alameda, CA
6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What I can't stand about Baja the most, are their stupid tiny as hell salsa cups!! There is no way I can dip a chip inside that small of an opening, unless I split my chip into fractions. And I'm sure it's a pain the ass for the staff to clean so many salsa cups as a result of me trying to compensate. There is a great disproportion between chip size and cup volume.
I never foresaw this being a problem in any Mexican place I went to, honestly.
What I like about Baja is that it is fast and relatively cheap (for Piedmont Ave.). The staff is friendly and the decor is eclectic and colorful.
What I'm indifferent about is their quality food. I've had better. For me, it doesn't taste authentic enough, like they tried really hard to cater towards a more American customer base. Just look at their menu, and you'll know what I mean. I ordered a Chicken burrito, which was seasoned with salt and pepper. It tasted lighter and healthier, but also more bland. I wouldn't put Baja at the top of my list, but it'll continue to have my patronage as long as I'm on Piedmont Ave. and craving something pseudo-Mexican. -
Review from Isabelle L.
Oakland, CA
8/29/2011
Chicken burrito ( super size it) is really yummy..... :-) I love the pinto beans, rice , lettuce and chicken inside of the burrito... Also, they have all you can eat chips and love the salsa.... Every Saturday night from 6 to 10, they have fish taco special for 2.52... I probably going to go try it this Saturday...
Baja Taqueria--- YUMMY -
Review from Lizz W.
7/29/2011
This place is really good. They say they only use farm fed beef and free range chicken so that is a plus to any restaurant!
The couple burritos I have tried from here have been great! They also have great salsa here (which any worth while taqueria better). I tried the chicken and the beef... the beef was much better. The chicken was a bit dry both times I tried it, thats why only 3 stars. -
Review from Pam S.
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're Canadian, the first thing you want to do when you come to the States is eat Mexican food. It's only natural that once you cross the border, taco places will just magically swarm around you.
On the west coast, anyway. I had a miserable time finding good places in Boston.
In any case, when the BF came to visit, he wanted Mexican food. Had to have it. I tried to oblige one night at Tamarindo (whose name reminds us of Costa Rica), but they were closed. Time was running out.
After a nice soak and a massage at Piedmont Springs, we were hungry. We sauntered up to the place on the left that has Meximerican food...and I put the kibosh on it.
Then we came here. Yum yum yum.
For a taqueria, this is some good food. It's nothing fancy, just tasty Mexican goodness in a cute place with nice staff. These are all things you want in a restaurant. The little bonus is the area outside in the back where you can sit on a nice day.
It's certainly nothing fancy, but it's certainly good, eh? -
Review from Steph S.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2011
I love their shrimp burrito! To die for! Mmm their guacamole and chips are so on point!
-
Review from T. T.
Oakland, CA
8/29/2011
Baja is a small "local" spot with good vibes. I can tell they take care of their staff because it shows in the cheerful service I always get, and the delightfully consistent deliciousness. If how people treat their employees matters to you, you can feel good spending your money here. It's not the cheapest, but you feel good knowing the money goes towards taking care of a loyal staff that you will grow to appreciate.
I come here every chance I get. In addition to being delicious and fresh, the portions are huge. One burrito usually makes 2 meals for a smaller eater like me. If I go there, I am going to eat a burrito "today" not "for lunch".
The open kitchen is a nice touch, because I am interested in how the food is being prepared and frankly, I like olfactory foreplay.
Overall, the place is cozy, cheerful, and just a little dusty, but they have carryout so they are OCD friendly.
Be sure to go to blues night and enjoy what makes this place special. I guarantee you will feel cool, just by being there, and that the food and staff will make you smile. -
Review from Mikayla M.
Oakland, CA
11/5/2011
yummmmmm!
grew up in the area, and i always drive by the place never checked it out until today.
*fish tacos - nice size, taste great.
*fish burriott - my friend seemed to like it
theres plenty of seating. love the colors/decor. a few beer/drink options. I'd def come back here, its such a busy area with plently of food options, but this is def a great lil taqueria to check out. -
Review from Juan R.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2011
I've had their steak burrito on many occasions, and the flavors are good. They also have a band playing in the back sometimes.
Why three stars? Their prices are way too high. -
Review from Mark R.
Oakland, CA
10/25/2011
Delicious burritos, great hot salsa if you want it, I like the chips and the service is friendly. They've made me happy many times.
-
Review from Mary A.
Mill Valley, CA
10/29/2011
Not the best Mexican food I have ever had but I am giving it four stars for cleanliness and great service. So far, I have had the fish tacos, calamari cesar salad and calamari burrito on 3 different occasons. The breading is too thick for the fried stuff and I would have thought that was because of the lack of freshness from the seafood products but the calamari burritto is not deep fried and breaded and so far has been my favorite so far. But the soft corn tortillas taste fresh and authentic. The hot salsa is spicy enough but not too spicy. The beer has been cold. The wine not too old or stale.
I go to Piedmont Yoga close to here, a few times a week and for satisfying and inexpensive food this place is pretty reliable and this the 4 stars. -
Review from Rachel D.
4/2/2011
We were about to go to the place across the street, but my husband was lured by the "fish tacos" sign in the window. Once we got in, I was impressed by the choices offered. I tend to order enchilada plates. This place offers a mole or salsa verde option. I chose mole.
And I wish I didn't.
I've had mole which ranged from truly awful (Acapulco in Alameda) to truly exceptional (Taqueria Talavera in Berkeley). Baja's falls more toward the Acapulco end, I'm sad to say. I could taste the sweetness, but there was some flavor that was missing. I guess I was in a savory mood and this was tasting more like a dessert sauce. I hardly touched the chicken because it was so bland.
And the same blandness/missing flavor was prevalent in the salsa bar, as well. They didn't have any type of salsa cruda/pico de gallo, so I had their medium salsa (the thin, watery type of salsa), instead. I'm not a hot sauce type of person because I can't handle the heat. But because the medium salsa was disappointingly bland, I was so desperate for any kick at all that I tried the hot salsa: Even I could handle the "heat" that didn't seem to exist. Probably the only thing I liked from their salsa bar were the pickled carrots.
My husband didn't care much for the fish taco.
I give the place one star for the food. An extra star for the recycling option. Otherwise, I would not come back here.
I've had plenty of good Americanized Mexican food before, but this is not one of them. -
Review from Markus N.
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's five star Mexican day. Also known as the day Elizabeth Edwards left John out of her will. The latter brings me almost as much pleasure as the former, but in a different, non gastronomical sad kind of way. You go E.
Baja is a pleasure. Many of the kitchen crew have worked there for years, an indicator either of a benevolent owner or indentured servitude. It would be an explanatory toss up but for all the Jerry Garcia memorabilia on the walls. Must be good love.
Their fare is worth the trip. The portions are sensibly sized (not the Mexican cheescake factory, which to me is good). The meats and fishes reliably good. The condiment bar well-stocked.
The bathroom key is fastened to a red plastic lobster. There's a patio to warm your outside in the summer, Red Hook on tap, a big window to sit and watch the Street Sheet lady ply her trade. Which she's been doing for ten years. Which blows my mind. But that's a different story,
Make Baja a stop on your next Piedmont Avenue crawl. -
Review from lauren d.
Oakland, CA
5/8/2011
Delicious burritos and a great salsa bar.A lot of variety and taco nights some days of the week. Great spot on Piedmont.
Went on a Monday night and had a live folk band playing. Bonus! -
Review from Rachel W.
Oakland, CA
12/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
This neighborhood spot is downright tasty! It's not taco truck tasty but good solid quality food with fresh veggies, fish, beef used. Taco salads, tacos,, burritos, nachos...you name it they have it. They also have interesting "plate" choices as well. Any place with plaintains on the menu, gets my vote.
I went recently with my sometime-vegan-brother-in-law who was disappointed in his order...as I was chowing down on my grilled fish tacos, he laments, "Ugh! There's zucchini and carrots and stuff in my burrito!" I replied, "You did order a veggie burrito, right?" He responds, "Yeah, but they never actually put veggies in the burrito."
That's what you get for being a lacto, ovo, pesco-tarian around these parts my man! Baja Taqueria, don't play! A mexican food spot that actually uses fresh veggies. Go figure.Listed in: My Hoodie Hood
-
Review from Michele O.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I lived down the street I would cruise down here to find some comfort in the nachos loaded with cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo... all kinds of badness. It had been a while since I had been here since I moved but last night my girls Yvette G and Melissa K decided we should meet up here for dinner to catch up on the latest gossip and such. They went straight for the fish tacos, because they are obsessed with them. I contemplated the nachos and deeply desired them but took the safe healthy alternative and had the chicken salad. Honestly I wasn't fascinated by the chicken but I'm wierd about my chicken so I skooted most of it aside. Between the lettuce, cheese, beans, corn, salsa and bits of chips it was tasty. Salsa here is great. Staff is nice.
I vote great place to grab a bite for lunch but not my top choice for dinner with the girls. -
Review from Lydia W.
12/19/2010
Good but expensive. I guess they have to pay rent somehow. I like their fish tacos but I would probably only ever get them again if I was majorly craving and in the area, or if I came on Saturday when they have a fish taco discount. Does that mean that's the day they need to get rid of the fish, though? Hmm..I am having second thoughts as I type this review.
Their menu is pretty vast for a typical taqueria so you're bound to find something that will suit your tastes. -
Review from Christine P.
Hercules, CA
11/1/2010 ROTD 2/19/2011
I'm a fan of their fish tacos. The fish is fresh, hot and crispy...yessss! One taco is served on two corn tortillas and they put enough fish that technically, you can separate the tortillas and make two tacos out of one order. I like mine sans cabbage...it's just filler.
I'm a fan of salsa verde and the one they serve has a mild flavor with big ol' hunks of onions and lots of cilantro. I just wish it had a bit of kick to it. The chips they serve are thin and crunchy, similar to the ones Chevy's serves.
I'm a fan of burritos that don't have oil oozing out the bottom and leave your hands oily. Who likes those last bites to be filled with oil? Not I, says Christine! Baja serves burritos in which oil is not a main ingredient.
I'm a fan of their customer service because it is ALWAYS nice and friendly. Despite the lunchtime crowds, the staff is always pleasant.
I'll tell you what I'm not a fan of...I'm not a fan of the big lobster that's attached to the bathroom key. I know that lobster has been in the bathroom but I shudder at the thought of where EXACTLY it's been. -
Review from Barbara K.
Oakland, CA
6/1/2011
Always really nice service at the counter. Always tasty. Lots of choices for vegetarians. Good basic salsa bar. Good seasoning. Fresh fish and fresh vegies. My whole family likes the food.
I had the Cajun-style salad with blackened fish for dinner tonight. I don't think I tasted any spices, but the fish was still tasty.
Prices are in line with other burrito restaurants in the area. -
Review from Matt D.
Oakland, CA
10/3/2011
I liked this place when I first moved into the area, but it has gotten steadily worse over time. They have several good items on the menu including the steak burrito, the fish burrito, the fish tacos, and their nachos.
However, they also have some odd ball combinations that look better on paper than they do in your stomach. Cheese and lobster do not mix well, but this place puts them both in a tortilla and calls it a lobster burrito. It made my stomach turn. They also have a Wasabi burrito, which granted, I have never tried, and I think I will pass on it.
I gave up on this place when I was waiting to place an order and the only hostess manning the cash register carried on a conversation with a customer in Spanish for 5-10 minutes while watching the line grow.
In my opinion, there are better taquerias in the area. -
Review from Luke B.
Oakland, CA
10/20/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This is a hard one, I actually like the food at Baja Taqueria, they are easily a three almost four star restaurant, but last time I went I saw something really disturbing that has me questioning whether I'll ever go again.
Personally, I'm all for helping out homeless, especially if they are willing to try to help themselves, but at the same time this is a restaurant and I expect a certain level of cleanliness. I came in right before closing to place a order since this was my first time at Baja and I had my girl with me I figured I would order a few dishes and maybe post a quick review on yelp later. At first everything was great, the staff was friendly, restaurant seemed clean and all the customers looked happy.
Everything was all good until I needed to use the restroom! I asked one of the employees where the restroom was and she informed me that it was around the corner but in uses, so 5 mins I waited, 10 mins I waited, 15 mins I waited before asking was she sure that anyone was in there. So she checked and said yes it's still in uses so I waited another 5 mins and then a homeless man came out from the looks and smell of the restroom he must of been in there bathing so I decided to wait until I got home to use the restroom, strike one.
After the homeless left the restroom he quickly chatted with the cashier went to their thrash cans and grabbed all of their recyclables, then took a nasty a-- (sorry only way to describe it) one litter Sprite bottle walked over to the soda fountain put the openning where he drank from directly against the spout and began to refill his bottle. Sh-t was disguisting (once again sorry but it suits the sitiuation) automatic three strikes for that.
I took my food to go and at first I thought about just giving it to my dog, because it had been a while since she had a burrito and she loves them, but I decided since the kitchen was somewhat in plain view and the restaurant appeared clean to give them a try. For the most part everything was pretty good. (Now my dog she probably would of ate the buritto but she definately wouldn't had been a fan of all the rice that they pile inside of it). Honestly, everything taste wise was pretty OK. -
Review from E A.
Oakland, CA
5/14/2011
One of the best Taqueria's in the area! The steak burritos are awesome, add some chips, homemade salsa and a Jarritos' and life is very good.
I would say more, buuut I'd rather eat, Yum! -
Review from Chris O.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite place in the world to get fish tacos. They are huge and the verde salsa on the bar is excellent. Yumm!! Oh and the nachos are good too, burritos so-so.
-
Review from Leah L.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
Stopped here with friends for a quick dinner. It was fast and delicious. My favorite were the shrimp tacos! Definitely good for a casual dinner.
-
Review from Susan G.
Berkeley, CA
4/22/2011
The burritos are exceptional. They food is made fast and still tastes fresh. Additionally the service is always friendly, always :)
This place makes the world a little better!
