Taqueria El Paisa

Taqueria El Paisa

4610 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601, United States

+1 510-368-5403

Mexican restaurant
(3651)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Oakland, Taqueria El Paisa delivers a deeply authentic Mexican dining experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico City. Specializing in classic Mexican fare, this taqueria is a haven for lovers of rich, traditional flavors crafted with care and passion.

The menu is a celebration of time-honored recipes and bold tastes. Customers rave about their standout dishes like the Sincronizada Chilanga, the tender and savory Tacos Al Pastor, and the indulgent Carne Asada Burrito. Not to be missed are the Suadero Tacos Mexicanos, which offer a perfect harmony of melt-in-your-mouth beef tongue and juicy pulled pork, while the Super Burrito De Carnitas beckons with layers of flavorful, slow-cooked pork enveloped in a warm tortilla. Complementing the hearty mains, the fresh and slightly tart Aguas Frescas provide a refreshing balance to the robust spices.

What sets Taqueria El Paisa apart is the unmistakable homestyle quality found in every bite — the sizzle of meats on the grill, the fragrant steam rising from freshly made tortillas, and the popping hues of radishes and cucumbers adding crispness and color. The little details like their house-made hot sauce and traditional Tres Leches Cake dessert round out the meal, leaving a lasting impression of genuine Mexican craftsmanship in each dish.

The atmosphere complements the food perfectly. Whether you choose to settle in the classic Mexican-inspired indoor dining area or soak up the lively vibe in the outdoor seating space, you’ll feel welcomed by the warm, unpretentious charm of the taqueria. Many visitors note the joy of watching chefs expertly prepare dishes just steps away, enhancing the sensory excitement from sizzling aromas to the rhythmic sound of chopping. The friendly, attentive staff add to the overall inviting ambiance, making it an easy spot to savor comfort food with a burst of authenticity.

Repeatedly praised by regulars, Taqueria El Paisa is more than just a place to eat — it’s a portal to fond memories and cultural tastes brought to life. Whether you’re craving tacos that make your eyes water with vibrant salsa, or simply longing for hearty rice and beans that evoke childhood warmth, this taqueria answers with a comforting embrace of flavors that resonate deeply. It’s a culinary gem in Oakland that both locals and visitors treasure for its genuine soul and dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine.

For those exploring the Bay Area food scene, a visit to Taqueria El Paisa at 4610 International Blvd is a must. Call ahead at +1 510-368-5403 to place an order or inquire about availability, and prepare to indulge in one of the most flavorful, sincere Mexican dining experiences the region has to offer.

Service options
Outdoor seating On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Usually a wait Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking On-site parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Alex Ortiz
    1 week ago

    One of the most authentic taquerias in the Bay Area I've been to. The asada tacos were extremely flavorful and delicious. The tacos has a homemade feeling about it and that's why I love it so much. One of the magical parts about being in this restaurant and smelling all the flavors and you can see the chefs preparing your food right in front of you. If you're in Oakland, do not miss this place, it's a 10/10 everything.

  • WinZ Oroz
    1 week ago

    Food was very well prepared. I had 6 tacos 2 al pastor, 2 buche and 2 carninitas! Also a pineapple agua fresca. The atmosphere was nice very chill relaxing vibe. The layout of the restaurant was very mexican classic looking, From the food pick up to the indoor / out door eating areas. Over all a great experience with very friendly and welcoming staff!

  • Jasmin
    3 week ago

    I’ve been looking for a good taco that reminds me of childhood. Something with flavor and salsa that actually makes my nose/eyes water. I found it at this place. Even the simple rice and beans make me think of being a kid eating at grandma’s house. A taco is $4.50 at the moment but given our economy and surroundings it makes sense. But worth it. Really good authentic food. They also have a parking lot and boy do they get really busy during the weekend. Would highly recommend and definitely coming back.

  • Prat Prathnadi
    1 month ago

    IMO, one of the best and most authentic Mexican restaurants I have been to. Great tasting foods. With cacti’s leaf and what I think is traditional roasted whole onion? The food so so very good and if I am in Oakland again, I will definitely go there. The location is a bit of a concern but they have uniform security guard. Come day time if it’s your first visit. We ordered pastor taco, asada taco, super burrito and my kids ordered some more exotic dishes, I forget the name. All were very good. Hands down must visit if you love Mexican and prove me wrong. You will thank me.

  • Daniel G
    1 month ago

    don’t often feel at home unless I’m actually back in the giant, restless sprawl of Mexico City. But stepping into Tacos El Paisa gives me a small reminder of it. The smell of meat on the grill, the shine of puddles on the pavement, the cumbia drifting through the air, and the steady chop of the cleaver on wood all pull me straight back to CDMX for a moment. I come here about once a month for the suadero with a sprinkle of chorizo. It hits the same every time: salty, rich, a little acidic, the kind of simple street food that reminds you why tacos became a national obsession in the first place. Even when the line gets long, it moves fast, and the place keeps its rhythm no matter how chaotic the parking situation is or how serious the security guard looks. But you can’t ignore what time has done here. Prices have climbed, portions have shrunk, and inflation shows its hand more clearly than anywhere else on the menu. Still, if you want a small taste of what Mexico can feel like, the noise, the energy, the honest flavors, El Paisa delivers. Smaller tacos or not, it’s worth the visit.

  • Beasteastbay
    3 month ago

    Excellent tacos here, very flavorful and well seasoned. Beef head and beef tongue tacos I ordered and there is a large selection of meat to choose from. I also bought the super burrito steak to go and It was delicious, so huge. I like the spicy guacamole salsa too. Great authentic mexican food here everyone should try this taqueria.

  • Tristan Springer
    3 month ago

    Insanely fresh, colorful and tasty vibes and food. An absolute explosion of flavor and culture in this authentic Mexican joint, highly recommend

  • jeremy sanchez
    4 month ago

    This place was very authentic. I had asada, lengua, chorizo, and al pastor tacos. It was pretty good. However, it felt as if something was missing from the spice for me! But the food was pretty good and cooked in front of you.

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