Otaez Mexican Restaurant - Alameda, Alameda

Just completed a very good lunch at Otaez Mexican Restaurant in Alameda. Both my wife and I were very impressed with the quality of the food, cleanliness, and service. This restaurant has been recommended to us for some time and I can see why. We have dined at many of the local Mexican Restaurants, this one has got them all beat.

This is probably the the best / most authentic Mexican food that I have found in the Bay Area - reminds me of the Northern Mexican cuisine that I grew up with. Far, far better than La Pinata. The homemade corn tortillas are delicious, as are the frijoles and the menu boosts a range of dishes one doesn't find in the run of the mill Mexican eatery, such as Birria (goat stew). Other favorites include the Caldo de Pollo, crab enchiladas, Mole de Pollo, and the Filete a la Plancha. The only dish that has been a disappointment was the posole, which didn't have the depth of their other soups and stews. While the service can sometimes be spotty, I have to agree with another reviewer that it gets better as the staff begins to recognize you. My partner and I eat whenever we have a craving for Mexican food.

Otaez does not have the 'buzz' of La Pinata, but it also doesn't have the wait or the noise or the parking problem. A big bowl of chicken soup with a bowl of rice is comforting. There are big pieces of chicken breast in the soup as well as zucchini, carrots, celery and cabbage. A bit salty, but still good. They make sopes, which are some of my favorite Mexican foods. I like that you can get anything on the menu any time of day, no cutoff time for breakfast or lunch. The Huevos Ranceros a really good. The chicken tamale is a bit better than good, and my husband loves the chicken mole. Since he has been on a diet, he has been ordering the Pollo Pechuga, a grilled chicken great with grilled green onions and peppers, served with a corn sald, beans and your choice of tortilla. He adds some salsa. You have two kinds of salsa brought to you table with chips, a choice of chopped tomato and chili salsa, or a blended smoked tomato salsa, both of which are muy cliente for my taste, but savored by my family members. Otaez has a full bar and the Pina Coladas are better than La Pinata. They have a good beer selection. I find the service good, and as the guys get to know you, the service seems to get better. I have a friend from Berkeley who joins me at Otaez and she is always trying to make substitutions. Substitutions are not always easy. The plates of food are pretty to look at and there always seems to be more than one meal on the plate. One of my sons always has to take 'a rest' in the middle of the dinner so that he can finish the large amount of food on his plate. I have never been able to finish a plate. I don't have small kids, but the kids there seem to be having a good time and there is room for them to move about. The back of the restaurant has some booths which are good for families. We sit back there when my son and his family with 2 small children visit.

I really enjoy both Otaez restaurants, but I do like the Oakland branch a bit more, has a homier feel. Still very good for Alameda, so much better than Acapulco! Friendly service, fresh food, and an all around pleasant vibe. Homemade tortillas and savory refried beans give plates that down-home comfort food warmth. The burritos are amazingly huge, and the variety of tequila on offer at the full bar is impressive indeed. An extensive menu that goes well beyond all the overdone standards--tender carnitas, spicy al pastor, fresh mariscos, solid soups, especially the caldo tlapeno. Bravo on the Sunday brunch! lots of choices and the buffet did not feel tired, even at noon. Not sure a mimosa goes well with Mexican food though, maybe offer up tomato beer as more authentic Sunday alternative. Don't let the poor reviews below deter you, this is quality, authentic Mexican food, far better than most other choices in Alameda, go and see for yourself.

Everything there including food and service was really bad. In a plate called Pollo Rito, the chicken ordered was not tasty and it was over priced. There were two flour fried drumsticks and one wing which were all small and I received a small glass cup with little ice without any refill or anyone coming back to check on me. My accomplice had to on call a waitress for some soft tortillas that were to compliment every meal. Without those, the store bought, low quality hot sauce and condiments would have been the only additions to my meal. At home, chicken and everything is much better because they are more quality-made. Yeah, forgot about that unmemorable side rice which was plainly seasoned with spices and vegetables. O forgot about the very plain side beans and low-grade fries, too. If one becomes too lazy, do not use your energy to go over there when you could have better and more food even if they are simple. Recommend that no one with real taste for food and care to save money not go there. Waste of money- not good.

there food is awful! I tried it several times and it really sucks!

Looking for FRESHLY MADE THICK CORN tortillas - Otaez is the place! I am normally a flour tortilla kind of gal, but at Otaez I always ask for CORN!

I actually have gone there a lot, the people are friendly. The food is fast and great. I love the veggie burritos.

Otaez is the restaurant to calibrate your voting - it is the definition of a 3-star eatery. I will eat there on occasion when I am too lazy to head elsewhere, but I will not have high expectations. Food is mediocre but usually edible. Service is very uneven. The Caldo Tlapeno is the only dish I can readily recommend. The spicy chicken soup is great when feeling a little under the weather. The patio is nice to sit out on when it is a warm day. Just make sure you only order beer from the bar - mixed drinks are over-priced and horrible.

Great food, good service, but a little noisy when they rent out the party room upstairs and the music is blasting!