Casa Latina Bakery
Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Mexican [Edit]
1805 San Pablo Ave(between Delaware St & Hearst Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 558-7177
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: None
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: None
177 reviews
Neighborhood: South Berkeley
"******ATTENTION FELLOW CRIXA-CRACK HEADS***** DANGER!!! DANGER!!! DANGER!!! Crixa Cakes is CLOSING....*collective gasp*....for two…" read more »
63 Reviews for Casa Latina Bakery
This is one of the best panaderias I have been to ever! Friendly staff and a lot of vegetarian items on the menu. I wish I had stayed in Berkeley longer so that I could try more of their pastries.
I've been wanting to come here for a breakfast burrito ever since I stopped by during the north berkeley international foods festival, where I tried Casa Latina's really delicious tres leches cake. The breakfast burrito was not so good. First, it was $8.75, for a breakfast burrito? Yes it was big, too big even. I ordered it with carne asada, which had a wierd texture, more like shredded beef, and no flavor. The service was nice, a little slow, a couple mistakes while I was there. I wouldn't go back, except maybe for the cake.
Since it's been almost two years since I've been coming here, I should update my review. They now take credit cards. The bakery items are good. The breakfast burritos are fantastic. The meats are baked and everything is made on a press griddle. Though some items seem slightly greasy, it's usually because of the olive oil they use rather than melted fat. And since olive oil is the food of the gods and is healthy, these things taste even better than before.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/06/2006
It's a bakery, but I've never had any of the baked stuff. Well, except for the bread they use for… Read more »
So here is my thing for Mexican places, if they know how to make a decent torta then I'm a fan. I checked out Yelp and was convinced to check it out. Went by and wasn't disappointed. Not the best torta I've had but definitely a good one!
There's something very sweet and very admirable about two women manning an entire taqueria and panaderia by themselves. Who needs penii when these women ROCK the Mexican food?
Perhaps it was the 10 mimosas I had earlier in the day, but I haven't had such an awesome quesadilla in ages. $7 got me a carne asada quesadilla with heaping portions of gaucamole, salsa verde, and sour cream. As each of us vacuumed up every last lick and taste of cheese and spice, we noticed the saying written on the chalkboard on the wall:
"La mentira es la verdad esperando salir."
Lying is the truth hoping to escape.
With the urge to toss out a cliche becoming overwhelming, I can only say that the East Bay is so very lucky to have such a fantastic Mexican stop within a stone's throw of some wicked pubs, and that I sincerely hope that it isn't ruined by a sudden spike in popularity.
So go away. Walk on by. This place really blows. It completely sucks. I've never had worse Mexican food. Honestly.
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firstly, thank you Yelpers for helping me find decent food in the world!
I'd been craving mexican food for like 2 weeks and didn't really want to go to a greasy taqueria (although I'm still craving that) so decided to check this place out - especially since it's run by 2 women.
I was pleasantly surprised! the women behind the counter are sweet and efficient and the place is cozy with warm lighting.
we got the chorizo burritos - yummy! the ingredients were very fresh and the burritos were a good size - I do wish there was a little more chorizo in it, though... most of the meat in mine was concentrated in one section and well, I guess that happens, but I missed it for the rest of my burrito! we asked for the HOT salsa - but in the burrito it wasn't noticeable. if you like it hot, get extra hot salsa on the side with the nachos to pour on the burrito as you eat it... that did the trick for me!
I do wish there were labels or at least a menu of all the pastries in there - they looked so good and I was looking at all of them but had no clue what they were or how they would potentially taste. I saw a kid come in and fill up a tray with some of the stuff and was tempted to follow suit, but I just wanted burrito that night. I will go back for the pastries for sure!
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I checked this spot out the other morning before heading out to watch some softball games. I was excited about some pan dulce but the ones I got all struck me as a little stale and bland. They were a little understaffed but totally pleasant and I am both willing and eager to go back, because I believe there is more to this place than my quick visit revealed.
Great Mexican Food and the Most Fabulous Panaderia ever!
I have driven by this place dozens of times and wondered about it.
I checked it out on Yelp and "YES!" they've gotten good reviews.
So far we've eaten here three times and have been very satisfied with our food! I had the veggie torta and hubby has had the veggie burrito.
The torta roll was toasted perfectly and the veggie filling was yummy.
Hubby loved his burrito.
They have tamales, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos with many kinds of fillings. Something for Vegans and Omnivores.
They have the most amazing selection of pan dulce I have ever seen since my childhood in East LA. They have a bakery on the premises.
Everything from churros, cookies, turnovers, buns, tarts and many, many other yummy items. They must have at lest 2-3 dozen different items!
Lots of regulars.
Friendly staff.
Only downside is that the dining area is small. Room for 20 or less.
There are a couple of tables outside on noisy San Pablo AVE.
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The taqueria/panderia combo with a Berkeley twist. EVOO on your meats and an vanilla latte on the side with organic milk if you please. The pan dulce looks amazing here, but I'm unavailable to comment. I'm not big on Mexican pastry, it always looks better than it tastes. Ive been here a handful of times to pick up burritos and the like. The concept is great, but the food doesn't really stand out very much, and its pricier than the average taq. Its convenient for me, so i keep on going, but it is nothing compared the glory that is the El Farolito burrito.
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Utterly delightful place!
A tiny Bakery - Taqueria combo brimming with a host of festive Mexican pastries in an amazing array of shapes and colors, like hand-held edible pinatas that greet you from both sides in huge glass cases as you enter the front door. Most of the space is devoted to baking and cooking and the 10 or so tables are scattered among three spaces - mostly in a small back dining area, and 1 just inside the front door and about 3 tables on the front sidewalk.
Everything was quite fresh. I was looking for something between a snack and a meal and the 2 tacos with barbacoa (slow-cooked shredded beef) in a fresh and tasty salsa verde with a side of guacamole were very satisfying. The meat was tender and flavorful. Prices are quite reasonable as well.
Wonderful selection of menu options and variety of meats. A wide assortment of beverages including Mexican Hot Cocoa, Jarritos Mexican sodas and a variety of organic coffees, horchata, Jamaica and aguas frescas.
Yes, you have to buy chips if you want them (not unusual for a taqueria). I don't find this a problem, and would rather not be "tempted" with them anyway- though I do enjoy them when they are provided- and, yes, sometimes I will buy them too. Also, be aware that if an "off" time they do get busy with the baking and sometimes fall behind on cleaning the tables and, once they realize it, will apologetically clean one up for you.
Tip for Newbies:
Order at the register. Just wait there patiently and someone WILL come to take your order- with a SMILE! (Beware of possible delirium from being surrounded by so many fantastic-looking pastries while feeling rather peckish!) Actually, there is a bell there if you need it.
On my first visit, the ordering procedure seemed a bit unclear (drink menu is on the wall behind the register, but the food menu is on the wall at the far end from the register) and the early afternoon hours made for a touch of scatteredness behind the counter - obviously re-grouping from the lunch rush.
Seeing how hard they were working and how much they cared about each person there and each order that was prepared made the momentary confusion a very minor snag.
The warmth and cheerfulness of the lady that took my order plus the food itself and sidewalk dining under the shade of an old Sycamore tree made the overall experience very lovely.
I will be back again, and again- with friends!
4.5 STARS
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Very delicious. $24 got us 1 nachos (HUGE!), 1 burrito, 2 taco's, large horchata and a diet coke. The amount of food was crazy... we didn't finish the nachos or eat any of the burrito. Really delicious food.
I only had two complaints... they didn't give us our drinks. By the time we finished the meal, the place was PACKED, and it didn't seem worth it to get a refund. #2. I was RUNNING to the bathroom about 20 minutes after eating. But, my boyfriend was fine (we ate exactly the same stuff), so I'm not sure if this was due to the food.
Things of note: this place is TINY. There are only 3 tables inside (and 3 outside, but it's cold and loud with lots of traffic). They do take plastic... I paid with an ATM card (referencing an earlier review that said the place was cash only).
I'd go back. I love that it's so close to home.
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Nom nom nom nom nom nom.
Giant Burrito. Awesome selection of baked goods.
Burrito was delicious, carnitas are a-typical but worth trying. Vegetarian selection as well. Very cute and tables outside if you want to ingest the smog of San Pablo.
If you come with a friend, split the burrito and treat yourself to some very reasonably priced sweets.
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I love this place!
Some of the best Mexican food I've found in the Bay Area! It's a bit greasy, but it's still yummy and a very good price.
The Nachos are delicious and enough to split (and my boyfriend doesn't usually like splitting food). I'd recommend getting this with chicken, because it's all so rich that the not-too-greasy chicken is a nice compliment.
The carne asada tacos are also awesome. Best with guacamole and a squeeze of lime. mmm
Finally- the ladies of Casa Latina are super-nice. :)
Live down the street from it, and its a nice place to stop by when you're cruising down San Pablo.
Sometimes i feel like i'm out of place here when the regulars give me strange looks, but eh, whatever.
the tacos i've had there were pretty yummy, with some finger lickin' sauce and meat. a really nice meat snack. the pastries are not really my thing--pretty dry and sugary (not in a good snappy way), but I don't know Mexican pastries too well.
Mexican Hot Chocolate and Horchata are relatively average. But, i like the place, the convenience, and the tacos really are pretty tasty.
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So I was stuck on San Pablo looking for lunch while my car got looked at by the insurance dude. I spotted Casa Latina which ive driven by 100 times and decided to pop-in. I felt like I was in small town Mexico with the baked goods lining the walls.
But, imsaving that for my next visit, this time I had a killer Chicken Taco and got a chicken quesa' to go for the fam. Good stuff, fresh ingredients and super nice folks. The taqueria debates rage-on but this place is the closest ive scene to the usually pretty plain but fresh and good fare youll find in Mexico (So.of Cancun at least).
They also get Berkeley cred for use of Organics, fairtrade etc....
I will be back, i will go out of my way to go there.
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They now take credit cards! This place gets better and better.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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01/17/2008
I love Casa Latina. It helps that it is less than 3 blocks from my house, but that is only a… Read more »
5 stars for the torta alone! I havent had anything else on the menu but the carnitas torta is awesome! I was a little skeptical about Casa Latina after reading a review in the CC Times, but thought I would try it anyways since I was in the area. From what I understand the meat is slow cooked in an oven and was probably the best cooked pork I have ever had in a torta. It is not your typical carnitas, in the traditional sense, but very tender and flavorful. The torta is served on a large fresh baked roll with guac., red onion, tomato, peppers, lettuce and some kind of awsome gooey cheese. I am used to paying $4 for really good tortas down on the Richmond parkway, but at $6.50 you cant beat Casa Latina. And you wont have to eat for the rest of the day.
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This place is a couple of blocks away from the hotel at which I work. Housekeeping had brought some stuff in from there one day, and offered me a $2.00 taco. They told me (they're mostly Mexican) THAT's what a real taco is like back home. I ate it up and brightened at the thought of having good affordable food nearby (because you know no one really wants to spend a lot of money on a lunch break from work, do they?)
I don't know what all this is about the place being run by two women. I've seen up to THREE and even FOUR women, and I've seen men. Anyway, the rest of the menu made me MUCH happier than the taco. My favorite is the tostada for $4.00, and the torta is creamy and delicious too. This is some of the only Mexican food I end up CRAVING. I love this place. As mentioned before, they boast the use of the best olive oil in all their cooking, and a great selection of ingredients.
Also found in their bakery is the sweet sweet pasteles de pia, or pineapple pastries. Awesome. The only reason I don't go there more is because I found myself puttin' on the pounds after giving in to the urge to TRY EVERYTHING!
I think this is a cute, "cozy" (aka really freaking small) place but come on - paying more than $8 for a burrito is not cool. Go to a taco truck in Oakland and get a a real burrito for $4. I don't care if it's gigantic, paying more than $5 - let alone $8 something - for a goddamn burrito is lame, period.
Also there is no salsa bar. That made me sad. However, if you do request salsa, the people behind the counter are super nice and will give you some weird Chipotle salsa that doesn't taste very good. I ordered a Carne Asada torta and a Horchata. The meat was delicious, but like I said - I'd be just as happy paying $4 for it at a taco truck. The Horchata was delicious too. I have no complaints about that.
I know that the meat is super seasoned and delicious and the workers are super nice, but the prices are not right and therefore it only gets 3 stars.
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Casa Latina is one of those places that you eat there once, and then you're hooked. I eat there about two times a week on average, always going in for pan dulce, and ending up with an entire meal. Usually, they have these pastries called "cacahuates," Spanish for peanuts. These delicious little cookie sandwiches are great when dipped in Mexican hot chocolate. Casa Latina has the best mexican food I have found north of San Luis Obispo. Their meats are slow-cooked to perfection, and their selection is great. For a great meal, get a barbacoa super burrito with a Coke. The Coke is Mexican, which means its made with sugar and not corn syrup. Makes all the difference. Oh, and bring back a cacahuate for me!
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Friendly but slow service. Went after reading the many great reviews on Yelp only to be disappointed. The nachos were massive, which they should have been for $8. Food had ZERO spice despite requesting "hot" salsa. The carne asada burrito was bland. The baked goods are not that great, but better than those you can get in the supermarket. The churros look great, but unfortunately I did not have the chance to try one.
As far as neighborhood bakeries/taquerias are concerned, this one takes the cake (pun intended). I came across this place after a recommendation from my roommate. No more than 7 minutes walking distance from my house, Casa Latina has excelled in providing me (a) quality, home-made (and well portioned) Mexican food-fare, (b) consistent service and (c) everything at a very modest price.
The lunch menu is somewhat Spartan (and I love it just for that reason). If one is desperately in need of a recommendation, try the tamales (hopefully you will arrive on a day in which they have decided to make them!-this is the sole reason why I didn't give them 5 stars).
Nota Bene: The place is somewhat small and during lunch time can fill up. There are few seating accommodations-although this is relatively speaking in part due to its small size.
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Ok, I went into this joint for dinner last night and maybe i ordered the wrong thing. i had the chicken tacos and they really didn't do it for me. personally i felt they were kinda bland.
But in defense of case latina, before i walked into the restaurant i stepped in a big puddle and also spilled soda on myself like ten minutes earlier, I was hoping casa latina would make me feel better, i put them to a difficult task.
I also tried the vegetarian burrito, disappointed. it had a very large portion, however just kinda bland.
I did try the churro, and it was probably the best churro i have ever had. it tasted like a marshmallow, but in churro form.
also cash only is kinda annoying
ill give it another shot, maybe stick to the baked goods.
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I thank The great Sock S. for turning me onto this place...
Everything i've had is well-flavored, the pollo asado included - though I've had it twice and it was just a little too dry. I think i'll stick with the carne asada.
Best panaderia i've ever been to - I've never been a great fan of Mexican pastries...but their breads are really nice and some of their pastries are quite tempting...
they don't do kid-sized items (although they have some breads that are the actual size of a child) so be prepared to lug home 3/4 of your little tike's burrito if your of the family persuasion. They upside of it is that my children didn't have room for any of the pastries (or "pasties" according to Joe B) they were so insistent that they would want after lunch.
I'd love it if Casa Latina would expand their seating a bit - it seems like they could reorganize their kitchen area a bit to make the dining area bigger...technically, they have outdoor seating if you consider two little wrought-iron tables on San Pablo Ave. "outdoor seating." Personally I'd rather eat in a JiffyLube waiting room.
Oh - and it's cash only!
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I was searching for breakfast burrito, and this was one of the places that came up. The reviews were pretty good so I said what the heck. My sister and I went and got a super breakfast burrito to share as well as a pastry and coffee. She got the mocha which was absolutely to die for. I found myself going out of my way days later just to get one for myself. When we got the bag with the breakfast burrito, it felt as if there was a brick instead of a burrito. The burrito was wonderful and incredibly filling. I was 100% satisfied. A couple days ago I went back and got one of there regular burritos with carnitas, and I was once again satisfied. Despite being on San Pablo the place has a really small town feel to it, plus a really authentic menu as well as a variety of delicious looking pastries. Next time I go I am going to try there tongue (that is next time I go without my boyfriend, because he just thinks that that is weird). Great Place!
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For a bakery this place makes some pretty darn good Mexican food. The bakery/cafe is simple, clean and the staff is very accommodating. I have had lunch here about three times and I have never been disappointed with the food. Just recently, I ordered the "regular burrito" with tongue. This was my first time trying tongue and it was delicious. I am relatively conservative when I eat at any small caf ealong San Pablo Avenue, but based on my previous visits to this bakery, I had no reservation about ordering such a unique item. As usual the food was served quickly and exceeded my expectations. I agree with the previous reviewers that the seating is limited (approximately four tables) but at least the size of the place prevents families from the Berkeley Hills from swarming the bakery during the weekends. For those of you with young kids, please go or continue to visit Picante.
I also had the pleasure of trying their flan at a birthday party. The flan was approximately 8" to 12" in diameter and was out-of-this-world delicious. I am not a flan expert, in fact the only comparison I can draw from is the flan made by my wife, and I now realize she was clearly serving me something other than authentic flan. Anyhow, I highly recommend ordering this dessert during the weekend. I think you have to call in ahead of time and either reserve the flan for that day, or order it for the following day. In any event try the flan, and maybe you too will realize that your significant other was fooling you for many many years.
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After a recommendation from the bartender at the Albatross.... we crossed the street to this very quaint little Latina bakery. Fantastic baked goods, and the torta I ordered was on the most delicious bread.....moist, flavorful, I'm craving one right now. This place is a definite asset to the neighborhood. I wish this one was closer to enjoy more often. Also the two ladies working the other night, were very cheerful and welcoming.
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Excellent tacos.
Fajita plate is GIGANTIC, good, couldn't finish it.
I'm picky about meat: they have _excellent_ quality meat.
It's cheap.
OH yes, that's right, the best & fastest mexican food in berkeley or oakland.
The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is the salsa - it's just not bersalsa.
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*news flash*
AFRICA DOES NOT HAVE BURRITOS
If someone had told me this 6 months ago, I would've seriously reconsidered my whole trip. A really good friend of mine knew of my dire burrito deficiency and took me to Casa Latina this morning. At this point I would've S_cked A D_ck for a tortilla filled with beans and meat. (Hint for the extra slow: it rhymes with "Ducked a Brick").
Just walking in the place almost had me in tears and as the plate was coming up to me I actually yelled "JUST PUT IT IN ME ALREADY".
(I'm sorry burrito lady, that was not an advance.... or was it?!?)
I almost took that thing into my arms and cradled it with the same love and tenderness I held those orphans with... those same damn orphans that kept me away from this beautiful burrito.
MMM..... so delicious. So ridiculously delicious. And who says burritos do not go with mexican hot chocolate? Not I, good sir. There's also an array of really good cookies. I hit the jizzity jackpot. I may never leave the bay area again... that is, unless to go to Latin America/Mexico, where I heard the carnitas flows free like the mythical milk and honey of this country.
Wow, I said burrito a lot in this review. BURRITO BURRITO BURRITO! Ok, that should do it.
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Yum. It was a split-second decision to try this place, and I'm so glad we did. I had chorizo tacos, which were really good. The chorizo wasn't at all greasy, which is often a problem, and the presentation was great: double corn tortillas, chopped onions, and cilantro. I had guacamole added, which was also excellent (one of my top tests for taquerias). Both the mild and hot salsas were good, too.
My dashing dining partner had pollo asada tacos, which he also really liked, and we split a plate of beans and rice, which were superb. Muy authentico!
We also got a few of the bakery delights, and they were quite delightful. I'm actually snacking on this creme-filled soaked-cake number right now, and it's great -- tastes like a homemade twinky.
Really good stuff. I can't wait to try more and will definitely be going back. I've been trying to find more great taquerias in the East Bay, and with Casa Latina I found a winner! Hooray! Very sweet and friendly service as well.
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Went here with a friend today and after the burrito, I just didn't have room for a pasty, though I really wanted to take something home. The veggie burrito was good, if not outstanding. Black beans were small and hard, though. The hot salsa is excellent here - don't order anything less, it's not really that spicy. (note the word PASTY above. I don't personally have room for a pasty, but my gf Jessica P. sure does - and a certain dessert here comes to mind. ;-) Thanks Tamiko J. for pointing out my Freudian typo.)
I was kind of hoping for huevos rancheros . . . I think next time I'll come for breakfast.
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What a great find, and, now that the weather is warming up, a really nice 10 minute walk from the office through North Berkeley's flowering gardens. C D. and I have been visiting one new area restaurant a week on our lunch hour, with intent to review. Last week it was my turn to choose the spot again and I selected Casa Latina based on my favorable drive-by opinion of it. (C D., turns out, had already been once, and was made an instant fan.)
This neighborhood panaderia and restaurant is cheerfully painted and adorned on the inside and out and is very tiny -- 3 small interior tables at best. But the counter service is exceptional, the wait not very long, the choices many and the food very tasty.
Reviewers give the place high marks for the meat entrees but I want to recommend the place for vegetarians. They use vegetable oil only in their dishes here (including their abundance of pastries) so order away without the usual skepticism that accompanies!
For lunch I suggest the veggie fajitas quesadilla served on a whole wheat tortilla. "Authentic" Mexican? Wouldn't say that, but delicious all the same. Their perfectly grilled strips of bell pepper (usually a bland and mushy mess which I avoid) even won me over. Your other tortilla options are regular wheat tortilla and spinach tortilla. Also, the vegetarian burrito is far better than most I've had lately.
Choose a pastry made with cornmeal. I recommend the little cornmeal thingy filled with a very fresh tasting apricot filling. Wash it down with a glass of tamarind agua fresca.
Nice and very invested owners/servers here who can really talk up the great food they have to offer.
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Dude, I love this place. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it before, I've been going here for years--the staff are always really sweet and totally attentive, and can I tell you how cheap it is? Their pastries aren't the best I"ve EVER had but they are definately up there for this sort of thing, they have a huge variety daily and their hot food is pretty good too, though really, really clean.
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A local friend took a bunch of us working in Emeryville to take a drive up to this place for lunch. What a great treat. The moment you walk in, you feel like you're in a little story book bakery, and my eyes just opened wide at the assortment of beautiful pastries in the cute glass cabinets.
I wanted something more substantial though, and my friend highly recommended the Tortas Carnitas, which was indeeeeed heavenly. The bread was soft, the carnitas juicy and tender... I don't know if ti's authentic or not but it sure was a slice of paradise. For $6, I was so full I coulnd't finish the thing, and my dream of finishing the meal with a pastry was out the window. My friend had 2 tacs + a pastry all for $5. Next time I'll save some room for you, you sweet sugary dreams.
The owner (or who I think he is anyway) came over and asked us if the food was good, and how we found the place. It was so nice. They have been there for 3 years and I'm glad quite a few yelpers have found them as well already!
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So, it's nice that they're not just a panaderia anymore, and it's also nice that they have a full menu. I also like that they have whole wheat tortillas. What's not to like? Well, their side of guacamole is small and isn't that good, they consider "salsa" a vegetarian option when they call things "veggie." All in all, it's reasonably priced nice place to get take-out.
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AWESOME Veggie Burro!!! It's a monster and super duper tasty. I will admit I haven't been in, someone brought it by for dinner for me...My friend (who is also a midwife if anyone is looking for one)
If I hadn't been starvin I would beable to give a more detailed review, but I inhaled it!!! The only thing I was missing was the beer and the burp! : P
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Yelper Daniel B. told me that his favorite carnitas came out of the kitchen at Casa Latina. So, even though dinner at Shan Dong left little room, nothing beats pork for dinner _and_ dessert. Carnitas taco: suddenly, the obvious choice.
"Favorite carnitas" is a bold (and inherently subjective) statement, but these are definitely worth trying.
Bonus: it's steps away from The Albatross, so if you get hungry playing darts, there's more than just popcorn to stuff down yer gullet.
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This place was so good that I'm taking my Chihuahuan-born Latina amiga here. She is always complaining that she has yet to find a decent taqueria that serves yummy mexican food that tastes just like her mama. This place definitely meets here standards.
I ordered a chicken tamale with mild green sauce...After reading about the huge portions I opted for a single tamale and was glad I did...because the platos here are HUMONGOUS and inexpensive. the cornmeal dough was very soft and the chicken was very tender. The sauce adds just the right amount of flavor, not too salty, not too spicy or over-powering.
My husband ordered the chorizo plato with rice and beans. I have never liked chorizo but my hubby told me that I HAD to try it. I guess the chorizo at all the other mexican joints that I've tried just was sub-par compared to this. The rice is fluffy and the refried beans are definitely homemade quality.
As for the pastries, they have a big selection and oh man, are they cheap. So worth it to give this place a visit.
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I have been coming here about once a week for almost two years. Every time I come, we get a variety of treats. We try to mix in one "new" pastry every visit. And still, we continue to encounter new and wonderful additions to the menu.
As a family of gringos it was daunting at first. Everything was unfamiliar. But now we are experts. Regulars. I cannot vouch for authenticity, and I still don't know the names of the pastries. But I can vouch for deliciousness.
Every time we go, I feel like we are robbing the place. Breakfast for 3 rarely exceeds $5 including coffee. It's a similar feeling that I used to get at the Downtown Bakery & Creamery in Healdsburg many moons ago.
Why not 5*? There are a few places I think casa latina falls short. Their burritos are lackluster and expensive - mostly at fault is their rice. And while the pastries are very delicious, they are not flawless.
My favorites:
A sheet of baked custard on a pie like crust (even though the crust is a smidge thick).
Crispy flaky pockets filled with pastry cream.
Bread pudding - especially the day after roscas (even though it is on the overly sweet side)
Peanut butter cookies that have an otherworldly texture (crisp, then sandy, then silky)
Egg yolk enriched rolls, stuffed with sweetened cheese
Their carnitas torta is magnificent. MAGNIFICENT. I could eat them all day, every day, if I had no heart and did not need to wear pants.
It's my favorite meat there. The taco's are super tasty, driven on the strength of the carnitas.
You must go. Be brave, bold robot. Just please don't come on Saturday mornings between 8a and 10a. That's when I am there, and it is hard enough to get one of the 4 tables already. But take out is good too.
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