La Pinata of San Leandro

Ever since La Piñata in Burlingame closed about 15 years ago, I’ve been desperately seeking Chile Verde that matched theirs. Well, after scouring the Bay Area I finally found it at, La Piñata in San Leandro. They also have a location in Hayward that serves the same tasty food. I’ve also ordered their chicken enchiladas which are excellent. The Hayward location is tiny so if you don’t get there early you’ll be waiting for a table. San Leandro is quite large but also gets very crowded because of the bar. You can order and eat in the bar but it is very noisy. Parking can be a challenge at the San Leandro location but you can always park at the Kaiser Hospital right across the street. Their lot is huge and the spaces close to the restaurant are never occupied with hospital patrons so don’t feel guilty by taking one. Do order the Chile Verde.

Good ol’ La Piñata. I’m AMAZED that they are open from 7am-​3am! That’s insane lol
Came here once with my sister for drinks and noticed it was hella crackin! They have a huge parking lot but its usually full. Drinks were good. I don’t remember ordering food that day though.
I went there again for dinner with my grandparents and boyfriend. I ordered some carne asada tacos with rice & beans. But first, I loaded up on ALL the chips and salsa (which were delicious!). Everything was really good.
I live down the street and had my grandparents came by afterwards. Within 20 minutes, my stomach was a wreck! Instant food poisoning. I know it was this place because I barely ate that day. My stomach is sensitive as it is, so this really sucked.
So sad because everything was good!

They have one of the best breakfast specials in the area, and it’s VERY inexpensive too!
The only problem that I have, if you really want to call it a problem, is that the service (waitress/​waites) are sometimes slow as snails! I almost have to seat myself, get my own chips/​salsa and water before someone FINALLY comes over to acknowledge me and take my order! BY THE WAY, I could certainly understand if it were at peak business times but at 11:00am and a dining room that is more than half empty… come on! REALLY… SERIOUSLY.?? During my last trip I actually waited 18 minutes with no menu, no drink order, no nothing! I resolved that by leaving. The waitress tried to snooze me as I was walking out by saying «oh I’m sooooooooo sorry, I can take your order now»… ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???
Sad to say but I’m on to another one… It’s been real la Piñata-​San Leandro

The food is great the deep fried fish last night a friend of mine and I have our own was great join if you’ve never tried the fish before I highly recommend you give it a shot when they bring it to the table everybody’s eyes on your plate but for some reason you just can’t try it they just don’t know what they’re missing give it a shot you won’t be disappointed. The restaurants clean most of the servers are very polite and nice there some there is not to be desired at all in fact they’re kind of smart asses but if you can get away from those individuals you’ll be doing fine their burrito from Moses are big and very tasteful chile verde nice Chile Colorado right now give it a shot you won’t be disappointed try the deep-​fried fish if you like this you definitely won’t be disappointed

I’ve been coming here for a number of years.
The service is hit or miss— sometimes my order is incorrect, and other times it’s perfect. I order the same exact thing every time I come here, the vegetarian super burrito with black beans.
The drinks are good, particularly the Peach Passion mojito. One thing that surprises me here is that THEY DO NOT CHECK IDS FOR ALCOHOL!
Sometimes my coworkers and I go out to dinner after work. Several of them are under 21, and the waiter (s) never check their IDs when they order alcohol. Some of them come here to drink because they KNOW they will not be carded! Serious business risk…
FOR VEGETARIANS: The rice is most likely cooked with animal fat– the distinct taste is there at least. Ask your waiter/​waitress just to make sure. When I asked my waiter if the beans/​rice were vegetarian, he assumed «yes» because they didn’t contain actual pieces of meat. Just to be safe, I order my food without the rice and with black beans only.
The women’s bathroom is nauseating. It could be really beautiful if kept up, unfortunately, I’ve never seen it without paper on the floors, and «stuff» smeared on the sides of the stalls/​seats. I suspect mildew is growing behind the walls, because something in there always smells musty. The lighting is beautiful, the sinks feature gorgeous tiling, and the panels on the walls are ornately hammered metal tiles… come on guys, keep it clean!

Very good Mexican food here. My wife and I tried this place when we wanted to Door Dash dinner. We get kind of nervous when trying new Mexican restaurants since they tend to be a hit or miss,
mostly miss with our luck. However, we were lucky this time. We ordered their super burritos (shredded beef and carnitas), and they were delicious! Liked the fact that they added the sour cream and guacamole on top of the burrito. We will be coming back here for sure.

Eh. Very conventional Mexican food — premade, gloppy, cheese-​laden, greasy, salty food. Had a chile relleno and enchilada. Ate about half of it. My wife had fajitas and said they were dry. The first bunch of pages were alcoholic drinks. Very loud.

These guys are the BEST
We jut left as in I am writ this review in my car. We had a huge party, and wow… Are they accomidating. I couldn’t have asked for better service.
We did a larger private event in their back room, they let us come a bit early to set up, bring our own cake and best of all, a lot of the guest ordered at different times and they were so so so kinda and just kept bringing out food, as it was ready. Also they are super accomodarong to kids. So coming back here again!!! And great drinks!

I’m from out of town wanted a good Mexican breakfast this place had an a great Mexican buffet from Mexican nopales with huevo chilaquiles just like my abuela made the pork ribs with salsa were my favorite got fresh fruit with Mexican pastries also. I loved how everyone came to our table to make sure we were happy with the food all friendly and fast thanks I’ll be back again!!!’

I live around the corner to over priced ass la p and ordered menudo to go and at first they tried to charge me 14.79 then magically dropped it to 12.41 for a small container soup barely any meat a salsa cup of rice an 2 tortillas anyway before I got in my car I looked at my food smh now I know why I don’t go over there… stay ways unless u want to be over priced

The waiters aren’t always attentive and it tends to get packed but the atmosphere is loud and fun. When the line to be seated starts getting long I head to the bar, there is self seating in that area that doesn’t fill up as quickly as the the other side. Drinks are semi strong and the food is good.

Great location for meeting friends for lunch or dinner. You can hang out in the bar/​happy hour menu or the main dining room. This place is always hopping. Great good and great service. Call it what you want: La Piñata or La Penca Azul. If eat here so should you but leave the tux at home!

I will go ahead with the bad news first. This place has a very run down appearance and an extremely small/​inconvenient parking lot. That is why they do not get 5 stars.
Here’s why they get 4 though: The staff were incredibly friendly, and welcoming. Almost everyone had a smile. Wonderful service, very refreshing these days.
Now on to the food. I don’t care for their salsa, it has a very smokey chipotle flavor. I’m working on shedding some baby weight so I went with the chicken vegetable soup. It was savory and even better than I expected. Filled with moist, white, chicken. So tender, no oil floating around in my soup. It was very satisfying and it tasted like someone’s Mama made it. Two thumbs up! My skinny friends had enchiladas, tacos, and relenos. They were all saying the same things. The food was fresh and delicious! My weirdo kids had chicken strips and fries (I know, I know), and they also really enjoyed their meals. Tasty looking cocktail menu, and the kids really enjoyed their Jarritos sodas. I can’t speak for dessert, I’m currently trying NOT to look pregnant.
I would absolutely, positively, 160% come back here again.
Muchas Gracias La Piñata!

To my friends and family, La Piñata has always been a place for hanging out, good food and lots of drinking. They praise it for its chill environment. And after a few visits myself, I can see why they love it.
The food portions are much better than a different Mexican restaurant that I visit whenever I visit The Bay Area. I love the atmosphere, and I especially love the quick service — sometimes I can’t even look at the items before the waiter/​waitress asks what I want to drink.
I personally like that the bar and the dining area are located far away from each other and in their own rooms.

They food is so nasty. They give you dry burritos I will never send anyone there period.

I placed an order over the phone to-​go. When I got to La Piñata about 30 minutes later, the food was ready. I went up to the man who was very nice I must add. He repeated my order correctly and I paid. I went all the way home, which is a 30 minute drive only to realize that my order was WRONG. And not that good.
I had originally ordered a torta de milanesa de asada. I got a chicken torta de milanesa.
I wasn’t too angry about it until I took a bite of it and it was SUPER dry. The tomatoes were white & I personally like my tomatoes red.
Pretty much tasted like a Wendy’s crispy chicken burger & was double the price.

I’ve been going to this La Piñata for awhile now. Their food has never really satisfied me but their drinks have always been strong and delicious… Until today. I’m not sure if La Piñata has been on their high horse for far too long but their service and quality has gone downhill. I ordered a top shelf margarita and was surprised to see it was served in a much smaller and shorter glass. I asked the waiter about it and he mumbled about it being the same amount of alcohol which was a lie seeing as my drink tasted like lemonade. And when my friends and I all finished our drinks and food we waited AN HOUR for our waiter to come back with the check. I honestly was going to walk out without paying if it wasn’t for one of my friends backing us out of it. Instead, we waited an hour and left without tipping a single thing.

Went here on a Friday night.
The parking lot is straight out of hell.
First off, there is such limited parking, it might not seem like it but WOW.
Second, people in this parking lot are on their own time & don’t care for anyone else. This was solidified when you had a car put their hazards on & blocked the whole roadway and then you had a car reversing into it. Good lord.
Oh! Don’t park at the hospital parking lot because security has nothing better to do there than to parking lot pimp in the area that is closest to the restaurant.
Alright, The bar area was full. OBVI.
We waiting 15 – 20 mins. Not bad for a Friday night.
We were seated by the kitchen.
I ordered a cheese quesadilla and guac & chips, my go-​to.
It was … yeah, it’s cheese on a tortilla dudes. Can’t really go wrong with that.
& Guac … same thing.
I will say that when we got up to pay, there was what looked like a salad bar area in the middle of the restaurant and it was filled with DIRTY DISHES. Like gross, dirty dishes. It was in the sight and in the middle of the restaurant so I didn’t understand that. & I was super disgusted. If I was seated right by there, I would have left. For losing my appetite. So gross bro.
Meh…

Came here after work with a friend and got the carnita nachos and when I say it was as big as my head, it was literally as big as my head. Like when I was full it looked like I barely made a dent, and this was an appetizer! The service was friendly and the place was PACKED for 10:30pm on a weeknight! Will def be back on those late night Mexican cravings. Only downside is the price. It was about $ 13 for a plate of nachos (which is good for the size, but some of the other stuff is pretty pricy)
Carnitas nachos came with guac, pico de gallo, refried beans and sour cream

So yummy for my tummy. This is the SPOT for Mexican food or just happy hour. Hence, the consistent crowds of people. There is consistent delicious food always at this establishment. Honestly, everything and anything that I have eaten has been on point. AND the margaritas are just YES!
FYI there is an option for a brunch buffet on Sunday.

I like coming here for happy hour, they have good specials and their food is really good.
the reason for the 3 stars is because it can get pretty ratchet in there. some customers just don’t know how to behave.

I wish I didn’t have to give a star…
Within recent years, this place has seriously gone downhill:
–the food is NOT good anymore.
— the portion sizes continue to get smaller
— the prices have gotten ridiculous
— and the service is usually terrible
— carry out orders, at happy hour prices (during happy hour), are no longer allowed
Last night, myself and a friend decided to have dinner and drinks. I ordered nachos and a house margarita. My nachos were «ok» but the shredded beef lacked flavor and the sour cream, guacamole, and pico portions were very small. As for my margarita, I’m sure there was no alcohol included in the mix. I even sniffed the drink a few times, and still no traces of alcohol. My friend ordered food and a $ 13 Hennessy Mojito type drink. Again, the drink was flat.
When our waiter stopped by to ask how were things, we expressed our concerns about our drinks. He informed me that the margarita mix is pre-​made, with alcohol included. I accepted and didn’t say anything else. My friend asked if she could have her drink remade, without the lime, which the drink was heavy on. She never asked for more alcohol to be added to the drink. Our waiter left, and an older guy came to our table. We reiterated our concerns and he told my friend, «you’ve already drank half of the drink (which she had not) so what do you want, more alcohol?» My friend reminded him that her complaint was about the lime, not the alcohol. He continued by saying, «well you’ve already drank ¾ of the drink so I have to charge you $ 4.00 for that.» At this point, I had to laugh. I’ve never dined in a restaurant and had a manager be so petty and rude. He then offered to make her a new drink, but reminded her «you have to pay full price for the second drink.» Again, she reminded him that she never had an issue with paying for the drink. She also declined to have the drink remade. Just to add more insult to paying customers. Before leaving the table, he stated, «I must remind you that this is not an alcohol tasting facility, you can’t complain about your drinks and have them remade without a fee.» At that point I was pissed and reminded him, yet again, that we never once mentioned not paying. I also asked him where are free alcohol tasting facilities located. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive an answer. Lol.
Our server returned to our table and offered his apologies. He even mentioned that he had never heard of the ¾ policy and has never seen customers be given a hard time like we were. We accepted his apology, while commenting on the rude customer service we received from his manager.
Needless to say, I will NEVER spend my money at this location again. I will continue to take the trip to the Alameda location. The service and food is much better and I’ve never had a problem with my drinks.

Decided to check out the sister restaurant of the one in Alameda, and I was satisfied by my visit.
I ordered the vegetarian small super burrito if I remember correctly, and my boyfriend ordered the grilled chicken bowl. Both were generously portioned, yum!
I added on guac and jalapeños to my burrito, mmh yes! It was delicious and hit the spot. The grilled chicken was just fine, nothing to rave about but good overall.
I’d have to say I prefer the Alameda restaurant, because there are more places to go afterwards (either for dessert or coffee, etc.).
Also, the chips they offer aren’t warm like how the chips are at the Alameda one.
Overall, it was a nice visit and definitely hit the spot for a craving of Mexican food. The restaurant is very big, with lots of seating. And the waiters are attentive, too. If I wanted Mexican food and I was in the area, this would be my first stop!
However, I must warn you, the parking lot is quite small!

Been going to this place since I was a kid and must say the food has really gone down hill. The service still seems to be ok, although today it took like 30 mins to get my bill after we were done eating and never was asked to refill my drink. It was lunch time so maybe I’ll chock it up to that but over all this place has gone downhill for me. The bar is good and the drinks are good and atmosphere is nice (if you don’t mind loud bars).
The chips and salsa have always been my favorite here but lately it seems the chips are stale and the salsa recipes has changed along with the smaller basket. I usually always order the green enchiladas with cheese or chicken because honestly the beef and carne asada are really dry.
I’ll prob still go here once in a while but I’ve moved onto La Penca Azul in Alameda.

Worst service ever. So slow. So NOT mindful and feels like you’re forgotten. It’s freezing in there (late December — no heat on). Food is good, so that’s why I gave 2 stars.

Love this place been coming here for years. Garlic crab is a must !!! Comes with enough for two people and rice beans tortillas and salad. Soooooooo worth it. The sauce they use on that crab is amazing my mouth is in heaven every time. Service can be bad sometimes.

Was here for lunch a couple of Saturdays ago with my sisters. The bar area is large but cozy with a indoor fire pit in the center. We got immediate friendly service with free chips. We order a pitcher of margaritas to sip while we par oozed the menu – immediate buzz…:-). The food quickly arrived hot, fresh and deelicious! This was my 1^st visit here and I will definitely be back and have been praising this place ever since.

My friend an I went on a Friday night so it was pretty busy, be aware the parking lot is tiny so we had to park behind it. When we walked in the hostess said it was about 10 – 20 min wait for two or self seating in the bar area. We poked our heads in but there was no seating in the bar so we decided to wait or a table in the dining room. They sat us at a tiny table against the wall near the kitchen entrance. I kept feeling like I was going to get hit with something!
The service was great! After maybe 5 minutes of sitting down we were asked about 3 times (by different employees) if we needed something to drink.
The food itself was a lot and pretty good. I got a taco salad in the tostada shell, my friend ordered the quesadilla which comes with two so it was a lot of food. We did order a small guacamole and chips after we ordered our food so it came out maybe 2 minutes before we got our food, which was our bad.
The worst part of my experience was when we were leaving we notice that right in the middle of the dinning room, there was what looked like an old buffet island that was filled with bussed dishes. Thankfully we didn’t sit there or we would have walked out.
I was slightly bummed by the experience because I’ve heard so many great things about this place! I’d defiantly come here again, maybe on a not so busy day?

We came here for late night food after a concert. The food totally hit the spot! I’m not super in love with their food, but it may be because I’m not used to eating so much that late at night. At the moment, I remember it to be good. They also have all you can eat chips and salsa dip to start. The salsa is kind of spicy! You’re already full by the time your food arrives.
They have a wide selection of food. The portions are quite massive. I would recommend sharing a dish if you don’t go with the a la carte.
The service is quick and speedy! They are quite efficient. We were in and out! Satisfied and ready to go to bed.

The epitome of ratchet.
1. The booths ALWAYS smell like sweat. I’ve been here numerous times, why — because its inexpensive, and the booths always smell like a group of football players slept in them after a FEW practices. Disgusting. Please clean your booths every few hours. You can easily wipe them down because of their material. And this would make your guests happier.
2. The people that come here act a fool. Last time I was here, I got asked to borrow my phone. Upon saying no, I’m pretty sure these two big guys were ready to fight us, or at the very least start acting disrespectful. lol. REALLY? At the waiters just stood by watching.
3. Though they have 30 people on staff at all time — they never check on you or bring you your bill unless you flag them down.

Food is more elite 3.5 stars
Service and ambiance 4 stars.
Scroll down to ******** to read review of food.
We were trying to find a sit down restaurant in the San Leandro area that wasn’t expensive. I tried to find an Indian eatery since we were going to attend an Indian dance program at the San Leandro Library. It seems that the local restaurants that serve Indian food were in the $ 12-​$ 18 per entrée range.
So we chose a more affordable place – La Piñata.
Although we were there early –5 pm-​ish it was already bustling with customers, many families with young kids. I’m one of the rare people that love to see kids in restaurants even if they may not be in the best of moods. A young family seated near us had two kids (Ages 1 and 2+). I smiled and waved at the younger one and he gave me the biggest million $ smile.
Decided to start the review with the family info since there are Unilocalers and other customers who prefer not to eat at the family hour. Advice go at 7pm or later.
The ambiance is very homey and comfortable. I thought the ambiance was going to be more like «Chevy’s» or some other fancier place. The ambiance was more like 1960’s with piñata light fixtures and other metallic looking piñatas.
It was a mix of families, couples and groups of friends. Many of them seemed to be regulars who knew the staff. What I appreciated is that the staff was friendly to us newcomers too. Sometimes we’ve gone to places where the staff is super friendly to their regulars but cold to «outsiders.»
There were booths as well as tables. Mr Rinky and I brought our dear 90 year old friend, MG, whose brain and spirit are wise, funny and sharp.
************** Okay food review starts here.
As soon as we were seated we were given menus, water, chips and salsa.
The salsa was a wee bit spicy for my tender (i.e. lightweight non-​spicy) palate.
The menu is quite extensive with a la carte items to huge combo dinners.
There is food for Vegans to Carnivores.
Mr Rinky got his usual – a a veggie burrito dinner with rice and beans.
He liked it but declared it wasn’t outstanding.
I got the green chile enchilada dinner which also came with rice and beans.
I also ordered a side of flour tortillas. I thought it seemed small but I still couldn’t finish it all. i took ¹⁄₃ of it home. I liked it-​very homemade – but didn’t quite equal our faves in Richmond or Pancho Villa in San Mateo.
MG got a combo dinner with a chile relleno and a chicken tamale which came with rice and beans. It was too large for her so she took half of it home. She enjoyed it.
I also got a lemonade which came in a gigantic glass. I only drank ¹⁄₃ of it and it wasn’t for lack of drinking.
They have an EXTENSIVE drink menu including many types of margaritas, beer, tequila and many cocktails.
So overall, the food was very good not great.
The prices were in the $ 10 range for small plates and $ 12-​$ 15+ for combo dinners.
I’m not sure I’d rush back there since we don’t go to San Leandro that often.
But the would be a great place to go with your family or group of friends.
btw our sneaky friend, MG, grabbed the bill and treated us! You have to watch out for these 90 year olds!

This place has solid food and drinks and the pricing is on point. They are always crowded in the bar section and they have lots of televisions should you want to watch the game (s).
My most recent adventure here was with a group of about 10 person, after our stop at the new 21^st Amendment taproom. We ordered margaritas all-​around and asked for more chips and salsa since we were starving!
Service was quick and polite but the drinks took a while to come our way, but I’m assuming it was because they were very busy. We all ordered food, I got the chicken quesadilla appetizer and it was bigger than my head! Seriously, I though I’d get maybe a tortilla folded in half but it’s huge! Great for sharing but everyone had ordered themselves something different.
The women’s bathroom has a 3 stalls and is clean for the most part. It’s decorated nicely and right by the bar.
Overall, great place — love their chicken soup — but they have a small parking lot so either get there early or park down the street.

Open late so my friends and I always have a buffer when we want actual food during our 2am binges!
Décor is very bright and open; comfy booths. Everyone working always seems to be in a fantastic mood and tries their best to make you feel at home and happy with your time there. Unlimited amount of chips throughout your meal for da free and the salsa is sooo bomb!
Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, etc. and even their burgers are delicious! Definitely the perfect eats (and drinks!) for any time or any mood!

Hola muy buenas tardes es la peor comida mexicana que e probado no se los recomiendo ordene 2 caldos de camarón y una cazuela mixta como a mi abuela no le gusto el caldo ordenamos un pescado frito. Era una piedra de seco q lo dejaron. No lo recomiendo hay mejores lugares como el torito y la comida de pericos esta mejor q esta muy mala experiencia. Mi check total fue de 95.66.

Wow Muy Fantástico Lugar Es primera vez k Lo vicito
Y Wow es delicioso
Me encantaron los Camarones A La Diabla es so deliciosos
Su salsa riquísima., Se los Recomiendo !
Yes