La Penca Azul

Reviews

• Warren K.

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  La Penca Azul is a notorious Mexican restaurant in Alameda. This place is a must if you are looking for great Mexican food because this place has a huge menu with soo many items on their menu and the dishes they serve are just better than almost all Mexican places I have ever eaten. When people from out of town visit the east bay and are looking for Mexican, this is the place to go. I always order the carne asada which usually means I take some left overs home, because they serve large portions.
  
  Check this place out if you want bomb Mexican food, you won't regret it.

• David G.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 20 May 2026

  It's rare that I put in a bad review but not much has changed since my first visit a year previously.
  A year ago I ordered two large burritos ($15.99 each) with pork and whole beans to take out. We arrived around 6pm on a Saturday. The place wasn't busy whatsoever.  I don't live in California and was visiting a friend.  The bartender was miffed that we didn't order drinks while waiting.  The wait for the burritos was long but we still didn't order drinks. The bartender brought out our order and we left. The drive back to my hotel wasn't quick enough as I was starving. We opened up the containers and found a large burrito that was full. I cut into it and found rice only. No meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Rice only! My friends burrito had rice only!  I was stumped and very hungry. We drove back to the restaurant only to find it closed. I called the restaurant the next day and was told "So, what do you want me to do about it".
  
  They refused to give me back the money I paid for both or make us new ones. I left and told myself I'd never go back.
  
  One year later my nephew was having a birthday day party there in late June.  I went and once again had a poor food experience, rice and very little meat in enchiladas. The sauce was much too hot (I asked for mild sauce) I couldn't eat it. Never again.

• Ikaika C.

  star star star star star 19 May 2026

  Fun place to come for great drinks. Enjoyed my time with friends over a pitcher of margaritas. Music was great with a fun atmosphere. Went on a Sunday evening and it was quite busy with people but seating was fast.
  
  The only downfall was the small bathroom, but that won't stop me from returning. Great prices and the quesadilla was very filling. Will recommend to others to stop by this place.

• Ida H.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 17 May 2026

  Oof! Saw 2 LPA; I meant to go to the taco bar next door but accidentally went here instead.
  
  Service is friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great and the setting is  relaxing, fun, and cool.
  
  What was ordered:
  
  Tortilla chips and salsa (Free): I like the salsa. The chips tasted like any generic ones you find at the grocery store. Nothing special but not bad either.
  
  French Fries Nachos ($14.99): The value is there - this dish can feed 2 people and you'll still have some food left over. However, I didn't like how they used potato wedges (it got soggy fast). They topped this dish with a ton of guac and sour cream and I thought that was a little overwhelming. It would've been nice to have more salsa and/or vegetable based condiments. The beans were a miss for me. The carnitas wasn't fried the way I'm used to and it was just a clump of pork.
  
  Overall, I think I've had better. Will come back to try the taco bar (next door).

• MaryJ N.

  star star star star star_border 15 May 2026

  I come here almost everytime I'm in Oakland.  Chips and Salsa good.  Crab enchiladas could have been better but I do like the place the burritos are so large you cannot eat in one sitting. Prices are so so.  The plate was 20 bucks or more the drink about 10 bucks. But the atmosphere is great and the customer service is great to.  It's a large place but it does get pretty full.  No Happy Hour.  Y'all know I be looking for the HH.  #Drinks