El Paisa

Food is always outstanding and one of the only places where I can get good Suadero. I didn't really have any experience with the customer service because I didn't order for myself.This place is a true hole in the wall, it is extremely tiny but food is amazing nonetheless.

This spot was recommended specifically to me when I asked for delicious Mexican eats in Oakland, and the time finally came where I found myself in the area. We stopped by on a Wednesday evening for dinner and the place was less busy than usual. I got three tacos, one suadero, one lengua, and one cabeza, as I had read these other reviews ahead of time and had a good idea of what I wanted to order.The cashier was very efficient, both in writing up the order and pointing me towards the salsa bar. The taquero had our order ready within a minute of us handing over the ticket, and while we didn't manage to find an empty table in the same section as the salsa bar there was plenty of open tables in the further adjacent rooms.The suadero was my easily my favorite out of the three that I got, highly recommend it! I appreciate how the tacos were served with a side of cactus pad and mini onions, they were both a nice touch of something a bit different. I heard that the salsas were particularly spicy, and I do remember them packing some good heat.The parking lot isn't the biggest, I imagine it fills up during busier times but there were a few open spots when we pulled in. The security guard gave off good vibes, I don't frequent the neighborhood here but we felt safe about ourselves and our car. Overall, a solid recommendation and one that I will continue to pass on.

Wow these tacos are pretty close to the best in Mexico! They have a wide variety of selection for taco meats, salsas, and even other entrees! I love how efficient they are for ordering tacos: you order the number of tacos you want and drinks then you go to the next station with your receipt and ask for the type of taco meats you want! The ambiance is super Mexican, with papel picado banners, a collection of skeletons in various outfits along a high shelf, and an altar with tons and tons of bouquets for la Virgen María.

If you're looking for tacos that are a cut above the rest, this might be the spot for you. At least a couple of youngish local YouTube vloggers cited this as the best place to get lengua (tongue) tacos in the Bay Area. I knew they were serious because they kept saying "hella" a lot like "hella good" and "hella awesome". I am truly a lengua aficionado, and I can assert that the $4 Lengua Taco was one of the most meltably delicious tacos I've ever had.Truth. I got two (photo: https://yelp.to/OVO2BYkmWT). Not nearly enough. The next best tacos were the Suadero (carnitas-like beef, slightly chewy) and the Cabeza (means 'head' but actually beef cheeks). Both were savory treats with unique textures and carnivorous flavors (photo: https://yelp.to/HQOeTubueY). The last set of tacos were predictably good. Who doesn't like Carnitas (pulled pork) and Pollo (chicken) Tacos (photo: https://yelp.to/r-83VtA4TZ)?I love how each taco came with a couple of delicious grilled pearl onions unpeeled. Now for all the tacos I bought, it did require an extended stay at the salsa island to scoop up the different kinds in mini-cups. There's quite a bit of seating in the enclosed patio and out on the terrace. Crowded AF. I have to admit the ordering process here threw me. I was supposed to submit my order to the woman at the register before telling the guys behind the counter. Clear as mud, I'm telling ya.FOOD - 5 stars...it's the power of the lengua cooked rightAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...pretty busy and not well organized SERVICE - 4 stars...I got my tacos quicklyTOTAL - 5 stars...it's all about the lenguaRELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

Food was 10/10. The lengua was my favorite, suadero and cabeza I tried for the first time and also so tender and amazing. So authentic and reminds me of all the taco trucks I used to go to in high school and cdmx. Area is not the best but the parking lot of fenced with an armed guard. Came here mid day and did not feel unsafe.

I was so excited to try this place that I forgot to take any pictures. We came in 3 cars and all found parking quickly. Went inside and ordered and were served pretty quickly. Everything was delicious. If you're in the area and are hungry, this will hit the spot!

Okay, first things first, don't come in looking for a cute modern set up. that's okay, flavor is well worth it. The space itself is an interesting set up. The sheer volume of cars trying to find parking should have been a sign of what was to come. You come in through the parking lot, around the back where there is outdoor seating and into another space with tables, heaters, Salsa bar and finally to a place to order. First you order and then walk down a small area that has lots of taqueros ready to make your dishes. I opted for the Chorizo Burrito, son opted for Sudadero and lengua tacos, basically soft meats. My burrito has Mexican rice, pinto beans, sour cream, salsa and a generous amount of really flavorful chorizo. My son's came with two tortillas, lots of meat, cilantro, onions. Both with grilled onions, chips. I also grabbed an agua fresca, Jamaica, tasted like a typical one, thankfully not overly sweet. After you grab your dishes go find a table, grab some salsa. Make sure you taste that salsa first, two were delicious but of so spicy. You can tell salsas are freshly made because they are still warm. If you know Salsas you know most will be warm when fresh because you have to cook the tomatoes/tomatillos/Chiles and then blend. It was all delicious, all of it. My son's came and I kept swapping and agreed we would be making a trek back. This is the type of spot your Mexican Compa would recommend. The actual decor is very vibrant, typically Mexican, lots of paper mache, Catrinas, pottery, Homages to La Virgen de Guadalupe, explosions of color, rustic.There wasn't a lot of interaction with staff but they were all friendly, efficient, smiling and tables were bussed immediately. Make the trek, it's worth it!

Can say this is my #1 place for tacos in the bay. Not located in the best of areas but this place is popular especially with locals. There's a small parking lot and ample seating.It's pretty quick to get your food as you order first, go to the counter where they make it right in front of you, then find a seat. They have a self serve condiment bar with sauces (love the spicy!) and other pickled veggies. Flavorful, juicy, large tacos - nothing like their suadero, lengua, asada, and other meats! There's sometimes live music as well. Highly recommend this place!

The name "El Paisa" says it all, this place isn't just serving tacos, it's serving a taste of home. If you're looking for authentic Mexican tacos, El Paisa is a little corner of happiness in the city. But don't get it twisted, this is not a trendy modernized taco joint. This is street food at its finest. There's something magical about the way the meat, tortillas, and salsas come together here, making every bite unforgettable. El Paisa isn't fancy, and it doesn't try to be. Stepping inside feels like walking into a taqueria straight out of Mexico City -- simple tables, a sizzling grill, and the unmistakable aroma of the tortillas heating up on the grill. The place is clean, though it can feel a little cramped when busy. But let's be real, you're here for the tacos, not the decor. Eager to dive into the menu, I ordered three tacos suadero, carnitas, and lengua along with a chorizo quesadilla. Each taco was decently sized, not too small but not oversized either. The suadero was perfectly seared on the grill, tender and juicy with just the right amount of fat to enhance the flavor. The carnitas had the ideal balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, as they should. The lengua? Soft, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. And then there were the salsas -- several to choose from, but the red one stole the show with a fiery kick that elevated everything. The carne asada quesadilla was generously filled, with gooey cheese stretching with every bite. The chorizo itself was rich and slightly spicy, making it addictive. On the side, I tried the nopales and grilled onions. The nopales were decent, but the onions were exceptionally soft, caramelized, and bursting with flavor. Service was fast and efficient, exactly what you'd expect from a great taco spot. The place does get crowded, so patience is key, but the wait is worth it. The prices aren't the cheapest, but they're fair. A $4.00 taco might seem standard but here the quality and portion size justify it. A $14 burrito or quesadilla might seem high, but the portions are generous and satisfying. Would I come back? I'm already planning my next visit. And next time. I'm not leaving without that super quesadilla with shrimp.

Best taco spot in Oakland. Try the pastor - you will love it!Also, the carne asada burrito was incredible!