Cholita Linda

You would think with how many times I've eaten at Cholita Linda (their Temescal location, this Alameda location, at their tent during the pre-COVID Old Oakland Friday markets, and through DoorDash deliveries), that I would have written a review on at least one of their Yelp pages. Alas, over half a decade of patronizing this business and I'm just getting around to it. Apologies!

First off, I think it's impossible to be or remain in a bad mood when you're inside. You may have gotten annoyed trying to find parking and walk inside a little aggravated because someone beat you to a close street parking spot, but the bright interior and great music (love Buena Vista Social Club's "Chan Chan") transport you to a better state of mind. My go-to order is usually three Baja fish tacos and yuca fries, but I've been known to order a sandwich (Cubano, Papito, Lechon, or Asado - all solid choices) and some chips and salsa from time to time, too.

If you order fish tacos through DoorDash, they've thought of it all and can put the crema and salsa on the side. They actually even have the option to put extra crema and salsa on the side, too.

My only gripe, and it's ridiculous, is that I wish they gave extra lime wedges with the tacos. Or maybe by now I should already know to bring one of my own lol.

Food is quick and definitely reliable. There's never been a time when I've felt like an order was off flavor or texture-wise.

In the trenches of life with a newborn, my husband and I went straight here on a cold, dreary weekend in February and found comfort in having a solid meal that didn't leave either of us feeling too heavy or still peckish. Our newborn was also a bit stunned into silence by all of the activity and liveliness around her (this is definitely a popular weekend spot).

Thank you, CL, for being such a bright spot - literally and figuratively.

This review is specifically for their tacos; I went there with a group and we got a combination of carne asada, fish, and carnitas tacos. The fish tacos were super crunchy with with a thick batter and the fish was bland. The lime wedges were also quite small.

The carne asada and al pastor were fine, but each taco comes with a good amount of cabbage/radish garnish and sour cream. I would have preferred more traditional tacos, where the greens didn't overpower the meat.

Maybe their sandwiches are better...but we live in the Bay there's no need to get tacos here.

Super disappointed.

We came in here after seeing all the rave about the fish tacos.

Unfortunately we were beyond disappointed.

The fish tacos was mostly batter and tasted extremely hard. I couldn't even swallow it. See photo.

The chips and salsa were great

The roast beef sandwich was decent 7/10.

Parking was easy. Ordering at the counter. Food came out fairly fast.

Probably won't come here for fish tacos

We came here for dinner on a Tuesday night. There was no line when we got there. You order and pay at the counter. They had plenty of seats available in the dining area. The place was clean and tidy.
We both ordered the pescado frito which came with/ rice, your choice of beans, salad, pickled onions and plantains. I ordered a very delicious mango agua fresca and he ordered a margarita. It took about 15 minutes to get our food. The whole plate was delicious. The fish was nice and crispy, the salad was perfect and before I knew it, I had finished my plate. I was stuffed and the food was perfectly portioned for me. We bussed our own plated and that was the whole experience. Will definitely be back.

Food was so good! The tofu taco was flavorful and tasty! Also loved the plate with bananas. Everything was light and loads of textures and flavors. I didn't have that oily film residue that can linger with heavy foods. Service was very fast before the lunch rush. Tons of high schoolers come at lunch time, if you can avoid that- I would recommend or you won't have anywhere to sit. Also lots of people working nearby on lunch. Otherwise, the restaurant is super fun with colorful decor. I also had a margarita- which was nicely sweetened- not too sweet. I will definitely come here again! Had a great experience!

For as long has I've lived in Alameda, this Cholita Linda location has been so reliable and consistently good. I always get the most bang for my buck and the food is amazing.

I can eat indoors in their wonderfully decorated restaurant, or out around the corner for some communal outdoor seating.

Here's what I always order:

BAJA FISH TACOS - $3.85
Crispy fried fish, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, baja crema.
The best fish tacos ever! The batter is crispy and this taco is full of flavor. Ask for extra crema and salsa roja.

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE - $5.45
Your standard house-made chips that is thick, crispy and lightly salted with a scoop of delicious guacamole. Great one to share!

ASADO SANDWICH - $12.50
Peruvian style roast beef, caramelized onions, organic arugula, aioli and jack cheese on grilled French bread.
This rich sandwich can easily be shared. It's jam packed with all the goods--the roast beef and onions, and it's cheesy and they don't skimp on the aioli. It's my go-to sandwich choice here. It's a hefty one, and heads up, it's' wonderfully shiny (greasy, hehe).

Every now and then I get beverages:

STRAWBERRY AQUA - $3.85
Sweet, refreshing and the kind of drink that always hits the spot!

SANGRIA - $6.50
Also sweet and refreshing! So good!

I can easily order online or at the counter. Staff is always friendly and efficient. I appreciate how reasonably priced this place of quality is. I love you Cholita Linda, I'm so happy you opened one near me.

What I ordered:

10/10: Baja Fish Tacos - $3.85 each
10/10: Strawberry Agua Fresca - $3.85

Cholita Linda is my go to spot for fish tacos in the Bay. Parking on Park St. is always difficult to find so I recommend parking around the block and walking. There is plenty of seating available, but you may still have to wait for one especially when it's busy. The service is always great and the food comes out quickly!

My favorite thing to get are the fish tacos. The batter is light, airy, and incredibly crispy without being too greasy. The fried fish is balanced out by the acidity from the lime. You have to add the hot sauce when eating the tacos too! The strawberry agua fresca is also one of my favorites. They use real strawberries and it does not taste artificial at all.

Overall, I highly recommend Cholita Linda if you're in the mood for fish tacos. They also offer other items that never disappoint!

Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 5/5

Best fish tacos around, and we can fight if you disagree!

While I've tried other items here, it's the fish tacos that keep me coming back!!! So Crispy and perfectly balanced and delicious! I also like their margaritas! Their sangrias are good but a little too sweet for me.

You order at the register and you get a number that vibrates when it's ready to pick up. Food is always wonderful and decently priced, and I always get the same wonderful flavors. We love consistency!

Back in the day, we used to frequent their other store in Oakland.

Cut and pasted from their website:
"Cholita. In Peru, it's a term of endearment that means a girl of native or mixed heritage and "Linda" means pretty or sweet."

Quality/Quantity -
Plantains - Good, fried well, moist and tender on the inside.
Two Pollo Al pastor - Generous quantity, good flavors.
Baja Fish Taco & Carne Asada Taco - Also good flavors and good quantity. Actually, the chicken, fish, and beef all had the exact same flavor... The biggest difference was the breading on the fish.
Yuca Fries - Fresh out of the fryer, so be careful it is temperature HOT.

Atmosphere - Fast casual. Counter service. Self service water, self bussing tables. No one cleaned during our lunch meal. All the local high school kids also started coming in.
Semi open kitchen, you can peek in the doorway, see picture, LOL.

Service - Counter service, almost full service.

Price - $27 + generous tip for counter service.

Owner Suggestion - Congrats on your success with your 3 locations.

THE BEST fish tacos I've ever had. I crave them all the time and can't recommend enough.

The age old question "What should we eat?"
This. This is what you want.

Good variety to satisfy a group. Such a fun atmosphere and service has never disappointed.

I would give them 6 stars if I could.