Los Portales

The servers were extremely hospitable and accommodating. The decor and music is fitting for a Mexican restaurant.The chips were fresh and the salsa was good. The few times I've been there, the meals have been less than average. To me, the things haven't tasted fresh, but possibly frozen and heated up. The meat had a strange off putting taste and the tamale tasted awful. The food just didn't taste authentic at all.I hope the food quality improves, so we can try it again.

Los Portales is a solid option if you want decent Mexican in Hayward. My family and I visited this week for lunch. It also helped that it was open on Monday of Memorial Day weekend. After perusing the 10-page menu -- seriously, so many options -- I ended on the Burrito Real on the lunch menu. This is your standard burrito with rice and beans on the side. For $12.99, this was a decent amount of food. Not the most spectacular burrito, but definitely hit the spot. My kids were also able to get chicken nuggets from the kids menu -- a godsend. Our food came out quick. The prices were reasonable. The restaurant was clean. We were able to get a table right away. I would definitely come back.

Highly recommend! Great food and service! Lots of space for seating! We plan to be back again!

Positives first. Very nice decor inside, wooden round Timbers added a Northwoods feel, very appropriate. All the staff appeared to be Hispanic. Service was friendly and efficient. Now, the rest- the "lime" margarita was a kind of bright green color and tasted a bit like limeaid. The guacamole came out with no tomato, onion or cilantro mixed in. It was a bit bland like that. The chips were thin and good. The salsa that came out with the chips tasted more like tomato sauce, although it did have some white onion. Little to no cilantro in it. I asked for a spicier one, it DID have more heat, but resembled hot sauce from a jar. I had huevos Mexicanos. They were ok, but had a very dark color to them that I could not figure out the source of the color. Never had them dark before. But they were ok. The beans were bland, the cheese hard melted on them. It came with tortillas, I asked for corn tortillas which were good.It's a pretty big place with a bar towards the back. Some outdoor seating.

Overnight stay in Hayward and this place hit the spot! Had the 22 ounce Golden Margarita and a bowl from the specialty menu that was out of this world! Can't remember the name (that strong marg doing its thing) but it was flagged "new." Definitely get the chopped guacamole. A meal in itself!

Yes!!!! Finally. Thank you for bringing authentic Mexican to the area. Hayward native- LA transplant. Spending summers here usually means giving up good Mexican food. This is perfect. I can't wait to go back and try other dishes.The Queso Fundido Dinner- so much goodness on a sizzling plate. The Carnitas were also cooked to perfection. If you are a fan of authentic Mexican and not Gringo Mexican- this place will not fail you. That's all.

First time at Los Portales and was not disappointed! Great menu with authentic Mexican dishes and generous portions. Oh, don't pass on the margaritas; delicious!

Ordered mixed fajitas, they were ok. Guacamole was good but a small portion. House margarita tasted like the mix with not much tequila in it. The Patron margarita is much better. Not much ambiance, seated in large room that is spread out.

So good!!! We've been here before but tonight the food was delicious!!! Ordered street corn and guac as appetizers and a pitcher of margaritas. Mix up the corn to melt the cheese. Simply delicious. My husband got enchiladas suiza and I had two streak tacos with fajita veggies on flour tortillas. As we were eating, 6 other tables filled in, in the room where we sat. That should give you an idea of the quality of the food.

Fast service and good food. Was in town for work and was starting next door. Hotel recommended it. The atmosphere is festive.