Cholita Linda

I’ve only had a chance to try the Oakland and Berkeley spots, so this review is all about the Berkeley location. It’s a huge space, perfect for grabbing lunch or an early dinner. The staff are always super friendly, and the food usually arrives within 10-15 minutes when they’re not swamped. I’ve had the Cubano, Asado, and Lechon at both places, but the Papito is definitely the star, especially at the Berkeley location. Seriously, the steak is always cooked to perfection and tastes amazing. The caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and plantains combo really brings out the savory and sweet flavors when you pair it with the steak. The bread is always grilled perfectly and soaks up all the juices. The sandwich is so filling that it’s more than enough to keep you going! If you’re feeling super hungry, I’d recommend trying their sweet potato fries with just a sprinkle of salt. It’s a great way to keep that sweet and savory taste going with the Papito over the Yuca Frita.

Crushed three tacos here each one is a pretty big portion too! The fish tacos are hella good and the steak sandwich here also slaps. The hot sauce is a must as well. 3minute walk from campus fast easy and delicious. 🤙🏽

The food is great but they constantly leave items out of the order for my door dash deliveries. Second time tonight for my diet coke. Its not that difficult to read diet coke on the order. Do better. You have lost my business New update: This one was wrong also, they sent chips and salsa instead of chips and guac. So tired of the errors. Will stop ordering here.

The decore in this place was great. The bathroom didn't have paper towels and the toilet seat was up and the rim was urinated on. There was a weird lock that made me feels insecure and couldn't tell of the door was actully locked or not. Their carnitas taco had way too much meat and ot was dry and it had no flavor. The Pescado Frito was piece of fish, not the entire pescado. Oh and it was covered in a batter and then fried. So this was misleading for me. I expected a whole fish, fried in oil. The beans tasted like straight up canned beans and I couldn't eat them. The rice looked like it was a steamed rice but it was actually seasoned with salt. The margaritas had nasically no alcohol. I won't be returning to this place to eat, there was nothing special about it. I should have known when we showed up and the place was basically empty. They do have high chairs but there is no diaper changing station in the bathroom. My sister had to line the floor with toilet seat covers and the put her coat on the floor to change my nephews diaper, that was upsetting.

My friend said that the fish tacos here are the best ones she’d ever had, and Cholita Linda didn’t disappoint. I ordered 2 tacos and chips and salsa and it was more than enough for me. The tacos were rich in flavor and I really enjoyed them. I was surprised at how much the chips and salsa/guac cost as they are frequently complimentary at many Latin restaurants.

Relatively healthy food at relatively affordable prices! This place makes for a great lunch spot. What I tried was a little spicy, including the guacamole. That said, it was still pretty good! I also loved their rubber tablecloth - that just screams “efficiency” (and, in a twisted way, “style”)!

Everything was delicious. The rice & beans, plantains and chicken plate are delicious. Cuban sandwhich was delicious. I loved the fish tacos & yuca fries. Very light but delicious

I love this spot, it’s delicious, clean and pretty. The food is great quality and the prices are really generous. I come here all the time for carnitas tacos, the ensalada and the Cuban sandwich.

The food here is amazing. I like going here always fresh. The service is okay, not bad. Not overextatic, either though, but the food makes up for all of that. Sometime I sit in and eat sometime.I take it to go

Came here for lunch with a friend and it was perfect. I've eaten here several times at all 3 of their locations. Their decor is colorful and inviting. Today in downtown Berkeley we ordered the chica pica sandwich, 2 fish tacos, an order of chips and guacamole. We ate in the restaurant and bussed our table after we ate. Everything was delicious. I love their fish tacos and can eat them every week. Sometimes I order the bean and rice or a side of plantain-always good. Reasonable prices and good food.

Let me start off and say that this restaurant is aesthetically beautiful. The color scheme is very vibrant and if you're looking for a change of scenery, this is the right place to sit down and clear your mind. The staff are also very friendly and carry very positive attitude. Food wise however, I'm stuck somewhere in the middle of good and bad. I ordered a Cubano and the texture was excellent, but the flavor was a bit off. It was oversaturated with mustard that literally hijacked the majority of the flavor. It didn't help that the pickles blended in with it to make it a bit overpowering. I also felt that the price that I paid for what could've been a more fulfilling sandwich was definitely a bit high. It makes me wonder if I can make my own at home and actually give it better flavor. When it comes to their tacos, my wife ordered two Carne Asada and two Fish. I did enjoy the flavor of the fish better than my Cubano, but it definitely lacked in seasoning. My wife didn't like her fish tacos at all, but did the Carne Asada, which I thought was near flavorless. What's unfortunate about their tacos? Is that you're literally eating hardly any of the meat as they pack each one with lettuce, cilantro, and radishes that end up taking over 70% of each dish. For that price while they are filling, you definitely aren't satisfied and like my Cubano believe that it could be made much better. Where my wife and I were in Universal agreement was that we both enjoyed our freshly made frescas. Mine was pure strawberry while hers was strawberry lime. For us, those were the highlights of our meal. My verdict is this, Cholita Linda has lots of potential if they can just add more seasoning to the food. Being in Berkeley, unfortunately the prices are about right but for what you are getting in return it comes off too high. While I don't see us returning here anytime soon or at all, if I'm ever in the area and read reviews that actually the flavor both of us should be happy to come back here. 3/5.

Torta was very good (4.5/5) according to my friend. Carnitas taco was good but not like a traditional taco (3/5). Margarita was fairly good. Chips and guac are fairly good. You're getting what you paid for. Service was pretty fast and the decor inside is pretty cute and on theme

Cholita Linda opened recently in Stand Up Burger's vacated space. Infrastructure, seating similar. Decor changed. Instrument music in background. C.L. Is a local mini chain with 6 locations. Offerings (Mexican): tacos, desserts, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, plates, booze, Aqua Fresca.. Ordered at counter, pd. Food ready to pickup at pick up station in 10ish minutes. Bites: Baja fish taco, pollo taco @4.25 -crispy fried batter fish was a single long slender piece of flaky tastiness while morsels of the spit roasted free range chicken lacked unami definition. The +onion difference didn't matter. -the common ingredients of Roja salsa, cabbage slaw, Baja crema amplify the fish, did nothing for the pollo (chicken). Baja fish the star here. -service quick, courteous, helpful. Meter parking iffy. $4.00 per hour. Free on Sunday. *would maybe repeat with a sandwich.

Been here 3 times in the past 2 weeks and I'm obsessed! Not super familiar with Latin American food, so it's nice to have a new option in the Berkeley scene. Everything is tasty, reasonably priced (~$15 per person), and makes you comfortably full. You have different meat options (beef, chicken, pork, fish, tofu), all well seasoned, and prepared in different styles (taco, sandwich, or plate). My personal favorite is their fish which is super most inside even though it's fried. I prefer the plates since it includes sides (salad w/ tangy dressing, black/pinto beans, rice, and sweet plantains) You order at the counter and then get a buzzer to pick-up when it's ready. You help yourself to water, utensils, and cleaning up. It can get kind of busy, so be mindful if you need to order in a rush. The inside has a bunch of vibrant colors, upbeat music playing, and a good place to grab food with a friend/smaller group.

I pass by this place all the time, so I figured it was time to try it out! I was looking at their website and I realized I could order my food online. The website was easy to navigate and order from. When I got there to pick up my food, I saw how spacious and clean the restaurant was. There are a lot of tables and counter space to sit down and eat at. From our brief interaction, I could tell that the staff was really nice. I ordered the Papito sandwich and a side of french fries. I loved the sandwich; the plantains tasted amazing, bringing a soft sweetness. At times, they overpowered the steak a bit, but they both tasted really good. It's a rather big sandwich that would have been a filling meal on its own, but I did want to try out their fries. The fries are some of the best I've had, they're not too salty and have a slight crunch to them. It's located in downtown Berkeley. There's a small parking lot out to the side as well as street parking nearby, but it may be difficult to find a spot right next to the restaurant. I would love to come back again and try other items on the menu!

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, 12:00 Cubano ($13.50): pulled pork, ham, mustard aioli, pickles, grilled French bread - very standard, everything was tasty but unremarkable Chips & Guac ($6.45) - I think the chips were home-made, very yummy! - guac was very fresh and heavy on the lemon/lime Plantains ($4.95): 5 pieces - a bit too oily but had good flavor Service: - order at the counter, grab a table, and pick up your order when your buzzer goes off - self-service water, utensils, and napkins - staff was friendly Ambiance: - vibrant interior with ample seating

I've eaten at Cholita Linda more times than I can even count. This is my goto spot for a quick, cheap bite at Berkeley. Cholita Linda never fails to deliver on quality, taste, and portions with their tacos. My goto order is 2 Baja Fish Tacos!!--I've had all of their other tacos but their fish taco is simply the best. Great portions for the price, and the fish is always perfectly crispy and comes with ample toppings and an addicting and creamy sauce. They also often have promos on Doordash for togo and dine-in making them a great option for college students on the go. The restaurant's interior is very festive and spacious, making it a good dine-in spot for larger groups as well. Cholita linda you have a special place in my heart~

LOVE LOVE LOVE CHOLITAAAAA. Been to all their other locations (Temescal, Alameda, Walnut Creek, and SF) and this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Will be a staple anytime I'm in Berkeley and craving fish tacos haha

The other night I got an email saying Cholita Linda opened their new location in Berkeley. What?! I screamed and then texted it to many friends lol. Cholita Linda is my favorite place for fish tacos and the fact they have a new location 10 minutes away from me is dangerous.​ So of course, I had to pay their new location a visit with my cousin since we were both craving tacos! Being that this location opened the other day, there were similarities and differences. The exterior of the restaurant is unassuming and a giant red building, so it was a bit hard to find. Once inside, the interior mimicked all of their other locations. Colorful, loud, and fun! It's a pretty open and spacious restaurant with lots of tables, communal tables, and booths. I already know this is going to be a prime setup for Cal students once school is back in session. Similar to their other locations, ordering is done at the front register, and you receive a buzzer. Once it buzzes you grab your food versus them bringing it to you. There is also a bathroom, but a code is needed. Overall, the service by all was extremely friendly and efficient. We came during a quiet weekday evening so we were one of the only customers. Of course, I got what I always get, Baja Fish Tacos! My order consisted of two Baja Fish Tacos with Light Crema and a Mango Agua Fresca. I've been rocking with this order for 10 years now and it always hits. The tacos here were phenomenal--crispy yet light, perfect ratio of protein to tortilla, and well-seasoned. I was worried about the quality being it was a new location, but everything tasted great. The agua fresca was refreshing, fruity, and delicious. My cousin loved her carnitas tacos. We'll be coming back in the future for more! Cholita Linda is a staple for fast-casual Latin American food in the Bay Area! This is their newest location in Berkeley off of Kala Bagai Way. Parking can be found around but it's either restricted for 2 hours, metered, or residential (free after 6 p.m.). I'm looking forward to coming back again and again with more friends and family!

This new Berkeley location is now my favorite one. I liked the layout. The staff were attentive. I ordered the fish tacos. The fish was made to order and flakey. The tacos were delicious. I am definitely coming back.

I've heard of and seen Cholita Linda locations around the Bay Area and was excited to see one open in Berkeley! They really turned the space around. The decoration is amazing. You order at the one cashier, receive a pager, and wait for your food to be ready for pick up at the counter. It was a bit busy during lunch rush but there was still some seating available. I got the Baja fish taco and carne asada taco for $4.25 each. The tacos were packed. I liked the fish taco the best. The fish was juicy and had a good breading:fish ratio. The carne asada taco could've used a little more meat filling. My friend also got the churros to share. It comes with 4 pieces and they were some of the best churros I've had in awhile. They came out piping hot. Overall, an extremely pleasant experience. I'm excited to go back. I'm already craving the fish tacos!

The cashier was very friendly and provided excellent service. She was kind, quick, and made sure everything went smoothly., The food was delicious. Great service and good vibes all around! great experience overall at the Berkeley location Cholita Linda!

Great food. Fast service. Comfortable ambience. We enjoyed our meal after a matinee show at Berkeley Rep.

I wanted to give this place a 4.5 star. Both sandwiches we ordered we delicious but are they the best Cuban sandwiches we ever had? No. But are they the best we could find in the Bay Area? Yes. And I'm happy they have a vegetarian option which a lot of restaurants servicing their version of Cuban food don't have. Brownie points for making the tostones crunchy like they should be. Nothing is sadder than a floppy toston.

Something for everyone. The Cara Cara Orange was next level good! Plain ol flavors were solid too. The service was super sweet and patient. We had 4 kids and two adults in the group and no one knew what they wanted. Fun pics of pups on the walls. Quick take away options in the fridge. I hope this place survives. It's the 3rd ice cream establishment in 6 years?

Amazing ambiance and great food. Parking is tricky but that's typical for the area. Very nice staff.

Underwhelming. Ordered salsa but got Pico de Gallo instead. I'm confused. I thought they were different? Also, the guacamole was average at best. It would've been nice to see tomatoes, onions and jalapeno. Especially for $5. The only highlight was the margaritas. Overall, it reminded me of Chipotle.

This has quickly become my weekly craving, just about every week. The Papito steak sandwich is simply perfect! The savory steak, the creamy sauce, the sweet plantain, all perfectly complimented by the tang of the arugula (and I normally am not an arugula fan). If you are looking for a hearty, warm, umami sandwich...look no further! The fries are deliciously seasoned and their drinks are always tasty. Great great food!

I tried their Pollo de Cholita plate, which contained chicken with heavy herbs and spices. I preferred plainer pollo. Plantains, rice, and beans were all authentic compared to what I ate in Miami. Their food was clean and not greasy. Guacamole was fresh and had a strong lime flavor. Ambiance was fast casual with great service.

Their tacos are good. However, watch out for their POS system. After our meal, I went back to buy a single taco that came to 4.69 with tax, and I was prompted to tip $1 (21.3%), $3 (64%), or 5$ (106.6%!!!). Ok, that's bad enough, but they also reverse the order of the tip amounts so the highest amount is on the left, which is where we're all used to the lowest amount usually being. Come on, Cholita Linda. I'm a good tipper, but stop playing those games.

Just visited the new location and really enjoyed it. It is clean, with lots of room for seating. Staff is friendly and service is fast. Order at the register and they give you a buzzer and you pickup when the food is ready. They also have a self serve water area. I got 2 chicken tacos and 1 carnitas. Personally I felt like the chicken tacos were more flavorful, I would get those again over the carnitas. The churros came hot. We got the Papito sandwich as well which was good, just a bit rich for one sitting. Overall had a good experience and will be back!

Found this Cuban restaurant while walking around from the Residence Inn Hotel close by . Entrance and ambiance was very inviting! Very clean and spacious! The lady at the counter was very pleasant and friendly. They give you a number and pick up your order at the counter . I got the fish and el pastor tacos . Both very good , but next time I will order two fish ones instead . My family had the cubano and lechon sandwiches and reported that both were very tasty . Dessert was awesome with the coconut pudding topped with mango sauce. And churros . The strawberry and mango juices were very refreshing Will definitely return when we come back into town .

Cholita Linda has always been one of my favorite places to take people. Their food is absolutely delicious and the interior is so cute. Service is also fast and there are napkins and hot sauce available on the tables. Glad they opened another location!

As good as the Temescal location! Embarcadero doesn't quite hit in the same way but the fish tacos are on point here. Dare I even say, the best fish tacos in the Bay.

Great food and staff is super nice and understanding. Have to try the fish tacos if you are paying a visit

Food is good and the ambiance is so cute. Sucks that the employees are kinda rude and have no customer service skills. :(

Food is a 3.5/5. 3 stars for the GROUP of employees who all saw me waiting for 5 minutes for a simple pick up order. They let my food sit on the counter while they all had a conversation and were laughing. All you had to do was hand me my food? Sorry for interrupting your conversation and giggles? Won't be back.

Welcome to Berkeley Cholita Linda. I am a huge fan of their Baja fish taco and Cubano sandwich , but you can't go wrong with any item in the menu. Food is just as good as their Telegraph location and staffs are friendly .

Fish tacos, rice and beans are amazing, and I usually don't like beans... and the guacamole is so good. Not sure how they make it better then everyone else but it is!

Every course was unique, including the palate cleansing bites. The staff were very friendly, helpful and spoke great English.

Delicious, quality food. Make up your own com is, can mix an match. Tacos are yummy, live their beans. Easy seating at big family style tables.

Great food. Fast and quick and I love the look inside the restaurant! Really happy they are now in Berkeley!

From LA and I can vouch these are some of the best fish tacos in the bay! Highly recommend!! They also have such a cute ambiance! I'm so excited they opened a location in Berkeley. And this location did not disappoint!!

I love Cholita Linda! Wonderful new spot in Berkeley. I've only tried the chicken tacos and chips/salsa, but both were very good. The tacos are different in a really good way. Very flavorful. Friendly staff and I like their decor a lot with the fake windows! Great vibes. Try Cholita Linda!

Tried fish and carnitas tacos. Both tasty and a good portion size. Two enough for a reasonable appetite. The tacos are topped with a heap of cabbage and radishes, to make things a bit more healthy. Good packaging for takeout. The place has a whimsical, colorful decor (I haven't been to any other locations, but am told it's similar to their other outposts). Service friendly and prompt. Large open seating area with mostly shared tables or seats along the window ledges.

In the heart of Student Central, they offer lots of calories for not too much money. Haven't done their tacos but had both the Cubano and roast pork sandwiches. I think a Cubano should be on thin bread, so that the meat and cheese are the stars. But their sandwiches are served on thick (and tasteless) torpedo rolls. The ingredients get lost in the bread.

Yummy fish and tofu tacos! Beautiful interior, reminds me of a movie set! There was some trouble with the chips and guacamole but they gave us a free dessert (maizena de coco) which was delicious!! Definitely going back and ordering dessert next time.

Fish tacos tasted like burning + shrimp = old fryer oil. The guac and chips was whatever. The cubano was basically a ham and cheese with some dry shredded pork. The bread on the Cubano was actually really good and so was the red aguas fresca drink

Amazing food and great atmosphere! Service was fast and everything our group had was delicious.

I went today on my lunch break to get a Cubano sandwich and it was amazing. Service was quick and the staff was friendly. I'll be back with my family to try their whole menu.

Amazing food and service! highly recommended. We have visited multiple times over the last few years.

Cholita Linda is a great restaurant, but simple orders at the Berkeley location have now taken 20 min to prepare multiple times, at least four times longer than the Temescal location. Staff seems to need some guidance.