Cholita Linda

Good spot for a quick bite. I tried a few of their tacos and they were all pretty good. I would say the asada was my least favorite only because it had a Chipotle flavor to it. Which I am sure many people like.

The Cubano sandwich was one of the best we’ve had in the Bay Area. An excellent balance of meats and mustard and the bread was crispy and very fresh. Beer and wine and sangria too.

Cholita Linda is super delish with options for everyone! But- the reason I cannot give them the 5 stars I so desperately want to after dining here for 7 years straight is: The portions for take out are SIGNIFICANTLY less than dine-in. To the point I am hesitant to bring home food for my family from them anymore. Dining THERE is perfect, but ordering? You will get the measliest amount of food for premium prices. Especially the rice (which is arguably the cheapest item in a platter). This change happened over the pandemic where I assume the portions dwindled to save money & keep them afloat. But business is booming. A new location in both SF and Walnut Creek denotes they’re doing well post-pandemic. Fix the take out portions, Cholita and i’ll update my review to a 5 star! I’ll include a picture.

One of the best things about this place was the atmosphere. So bright and vibrant that it's comforting. The food was great. Ate the Cuban sandwich and fried plantains! Came from an hour and half away and would come here again!

Very cute and clean dining area with small outside patio in the back as well! The tacos are always fresh and bursting with flavor.

This is my goto spot for tacos when I am in town, the found is delicious and tasty, good portion sizes, the fish tacos are on point. I have done both eat in and take out, the food is always great. They have a nice outside courtyard area if eating in. Parking can be found off street you may have to circle a few times but generally ok, when ordering to go, it’s always been quick. Recommend this place if you are looking for some good Mexican food.

This spot is definitely a gem for north Oakland. Not your traditional Spanish food but a must try. I had the plantains, fries, fish tacos, steak tacos and Cubano sandwich. All were delicious.

Fried fish was raw…. My gut is fine so far but absolutely disgusted:( I usually love this place but this is just not okay

I have always loved dining at Cholita Linda. It is one of my favorite places to eat. My son graduated from SF State and I wanted a place to celebrate his accomplishments. I wanted a place that had a dedicated space and the Telegraph location is absolutely perfect. It has a patio area that has a retractable roman style awning. It was a windy sunny day, but I was very thankful they closed the awning. The decor is so cute and they're catering services was absolutely great! The owner (I believe her name is Vanessa) was so sweet and her staff was excellent! I had a taco station that included, fish, pollo and carnitas. Excellent! Fresh! So tasty. I also had rice, black beans, salad, guac, chips and plantains. All of the food was so good. I also had a drink station where Mango Juice (freshly squeezed), sangria and margaritas. The highlight was the service. They were all so helpful and it almost felt like family. Vanessa was also a SF State graduate so she loved the decorations I prepared. She hugged my son like family and congratulated him. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you to the Cholita Linda team. My event was a success because of you! I highly recommend having an event at the Telegraph location!

4/5 stars because of the slower service, even with a pretty empty dining space. Food: Delicious food! They have a mix of tacos, burritos, and sandwiches. They have food here is more American fusion and they have less drink options (sadly no Horchatas). They have a good variety of Agua Frescas and are made fresh! Service: Dining in is a lot faster than takeout! I had a short lunch break for work and takeout took about 20-30 minutes to get food, whereas dine in was way faster! Ambiance: There is a lot of indoor seating! Will definitely fit groups as big as 10 people. I went during a weekday at lunch and the sit in area was very open. There is a lot of natural lighting indoors. Parking: limited street parking. Make sure to allocate time to find parking!

Went there for dinner tonight, got the Cuban sandwich. Wait it wasn't actually anything spectacular, but it was tasty! The guy at the register wasn't great. He kinda seemed like he had an attitude and didn't really want to be there. We weren't greeted when we came in. So 3.5/5 for the service 4.5/5 for the food

Cholita Linda?? Why? Why would u serve me guacamole with that zing taste at the end? This means it was old. I ordered to-go and was half way on the freeway before I realized hmmm.. "this guac tastes a lil funny.." have u ever had cut fruit or vegetables that tasted a bit fermented ? Well. That was the guac. I also ordered a side of rice and beans, which I do at every Mexican restaurant I go to. I love it. BUT HERE WE GO WITH THE BS.. white rice? At a Mexican restaurant? Nvm.. All in all the food is adequate but my experience personally was not.

Both my son and husband said the Cubano here is the best ever. Ambience is cute and portions are decent size. Just be sure the person at the counter gets your order right.

My comment is unrelated to the food or service. I suggested that the cashier that a VACANT/IN USE lock in the bathroom should be install instead of the current lock that is not suitable for its intended use. When I brought this up, the cashier responded that it wasn't her responsibility since she isn't the owner. First, this was a suggestion not a complaint. Second, the suggestion should be address to the owner. I'm making this suggestion because with the existing lock, someone might try to enter the code and open the door while the bathroom is occupied. This is uncomfortable both for the person inside and for whoever is trying to enter. Most importantly, the cashier's duty is to communicate customer suggestions to management. I don't want to hear excuses about not being the owner nor her responsibility, or not caring about the her job, the business, or customer feedback. Thank you.

We came here on a Sunday afternoon. It was pretty busy and a line out the door but their speed of service was on it! We ordered and got our food shortly after. I ordered three tacos: carnitas, asada, and fish. I would rate them in that order as well. I was disappointed by the fish taco and felt like over all for the price food was okay. My husband has the chicken chicharro. He enjoyed it. Our other friends got different sandwiches and tacos. I didn't get to take a pick of our actual food or the decor of the place which is really cute. It gave Puerto Rico vibes. We did get a couple aguas frescas and they were really good. Don't know if I'd go back but was satisfied with my experience if that makes sense.

My first time here and met some friends here for lunch. I was the first one here as I took ride share as I didn't want to hassle with parking. But my friends managed to find parking close by. I found some tables in the back patio and it is rather spacious so I put 3 tables together for 7 of us. The only thing is that the door to the patio is rather heavy to open. There is water with cups and some utensils available in the patio. You order near the front door and they give you a numbered buzzer but they don't use it as a buzzer but rather a server comes by to deliver your food. We ordered two orders of guacamole and chips to share as well as some sweet potato fries. One person ordered the Asado, another the Cubano, some fish tacos and I ordered the Pollo de Cholita which is not fried and it comes with either pinto or black beans, free range boneless chicken thighs, rice, organic salad and sweet potatoes. Enjoyed my plate and took half of it home.

This place used to be so good. I would always get the Papito sandwich. It would be decent size chunks of thinly sliced steak. Now it's kibble size bits of Carne Asada.

Just simply the best. I've never had bad Mexican or even decent Mexican food here, but good food all around. Service is helpful and the ambiance is unique. This is the original location to my knowledge. I've been coming here for over 7 years.

Sort of a modest, understated storefront that gives way to a big, bright, happy interior. The music, lighting, colors, decorations and food make me think of my time in Miami when I was younger. You place your order when you come in at the register and then take a number and they will bring you your order. Let me get this out of the way right away so I don't forget - ORDER THE FRIES! They are the best fries in the universe. The tacos are also absolutely delicious (I can only eat 2 or maybe 3 if I am starving). I have had the carnitas, carne asada, fish and chicken tacos and they are superb. The meat is glistening and moist, perfect cook and beautifully seasoned and served with their own salsa, onions, slaw and crema. So good. I have had the guacamole many times and it is very good as well. Whenever I want something a little different and special, I'll bring a friend to this delightful restaurant. I love it. and...I can't get over how good their fries are.

Food, service and ambiance was great! Indoors can get loud but there's outdoor seating in the back! Portions for pretty big for the pricing, was super full after finishing my plate.

They are KNOWN for their fish tacos and don't be scared to try the spicy orange sauce. Today, I got the salad. It's mixed greens, black beans, tortilla strips, salsa, cream, cotija cheese, and a light vinegrette that's hers to describe. it's super light in taste. I didn't add any tryna protein but I'm sure it's good with it. The service is consistent and they are nice and fast. It has an old vibe that puts you somewhere not in California. It's a nice feel.

If the day is nice, definitely take advantage of their backyard patio. The colors are very vibrant and there is a mini garden in the center (where they possibly grow some of their own materials??). Anyways, the previous reviews speak for themselves. I think one of the Google reviews I read stated that they had taken the sweet potato slabs/fried out of the Lechon, but that was not our experience. We were recommended this over the Cubano, and it was a great choice. The dense fries + meats coupled with a toasted bun and light greens was honestly a very interesting flavor experience. I also really enjoyed the Mango Limeade Agua Fresca. Made in-house and super refreshing. Our friend also got the Yucca fries and churros. I would definitely recommend the latter. The fries were decent, but I've had better, so not necessarily the most worth it (in my opinion). However, the churros were super soft and well fried, and the sauce on the side was velvety smooth and delicious.

Cholita Linda is one of the spots I've bookmarked for not just months, but years. I don't know why it took me so long to visit/review but it was well worth the wait. Firstly, the food. They primarily sell sandwiches and tacos, as well as some other small bites. I ordered the Lechon sandwich and got a bite of my friend's yucca fries and churros that he shared with me. The meat on the Lechon sandwich was very tender. I wish it had a tad more flavor but the quality and freshness of the ingredients, overall, were really solid. I found the addition of sweet potato in the sandwich unexpected but surprisingly tasty! The yucca fries and churros were also divine. The churros, in particular, brought me back to my trip to Guanajuato's roadside churros -- the dipping sauce they served with it really sent it to the top of churros I've had in the States. The amabiance is the final thing I'll note. If the weather permits, definitely sit outside. The setting felt whimsical -- I saw someone taking care of the plants amidst the gorgeous, colorful, sunny seating area outside. It's simultaneously spacious, yet cozy. Definitely the perfect spot for an afternoon lunch, or an early dinner.

We came here for lunch, and loved the aesthetics of Cholita Linda! Inside you walk in to order, and you are given a number to find your own seat. They have such a nice back area filled with flowers. It is super pretty and makes you feel like you are in a tropical forest/beach. I got the Baja Fish Tacos, and they were okay! The fish was well seasoned and had all the necessary components of a good taco. I wouldn't say it was anything too special though. My friends got their sandwiches though, and those were delicious. Nice, warm, and juicy. I would opt for a sandwich next time. Overall, this was a great dining experience!

You order your food first then sit, the outside seating area is absolutely thee vibe. The sangria was super yummy! So was the mango juice! Plantains were perfect and my fish taco was delicious!! Not too saucy and the orange sauce they put on it is not spicy and sooo flavorful. 2 of those babies and i was stuffed! The plantains were super sweet and soft and the perfect sweet treat with the cream. I would 100% come back.

My nurse buddies and I would always order from here when we worked night shift in Oakland, and I have to say this is some of THEE BEST Mexican food I have ever tasted and I am MEXICAN :) Cholita Linda has MY vote ... I recently ordered for pick up from their Berkeley location and the food also did NOT disappoint. Even my boyfriend loved their food - the tacos de pollo, carnitas, guacamole & chips, as well as their desserts are simply amazing - fresh corn tortillas, fresh meat and veggies, and a delightful dessert... what more could you want? Oh and the price was just right, for now that is.. heh

Hella delicious food! Everything we got was tasty and fresh. I liked the outdoor space. The service was fast and the food cane fast too. A casual, quick too in here will leave you so satisfied. 4.5/5 FOOD- crispy, yummy fish & simple/ beautiful Cubano. The colorful food was so mouthwatering. 4/5 SERVICE- super casual , self serve adjacent where you pay first. 4/5 AMBIANCE- Indoor is communal tables ...Outdoor patio , heaters, plants, laughter. The door to get in snd out is really heavy & sticks.

I'm not self-prescribing myself with any mental illness because I'm not qualified for such a thing, but good sandwiches to me have the same mental salve provided by exercise or water or cannabis or a french fry. Is that delusion brought by nostalgia? Desire shaping reality or its perception? Who knows. cholita linda has a great sandwich that doesn't spill out when you bite into it and is surprisingly dense given the thickness. Honestly, I don't even remember what it tasted like because I was so impressed by its construction. The price is a little steep, but as we sink deeper and deeper into the necrotic walls of this nation, a good sandwich is always welcome.

Very good place for sanwiches and such. I got the Lechon sandwich and it was amazing. Great sauce, great garlicy flavor with good bread and vegetables. if you're craving a good sandwich in a nice sit-down restaurant with plenty of space, definitely go here. I think that the prices are fair, and service is good.

The Baja fish tacos are amazingly delicious. Crisp, hot, and a little tangy with the crema and crunchy radish toppings. At $4.50 a taco they're also an amazingly reasonable meal deal. My food was served super quick but my friend was waiting almost 40 minutes because I guess they lost her order. Very fun and colorful interior, but the music is a little too loud for comfortable conversation. Consider outdoor seating if you want to chat with friends.

i ordered the fish tacos and it was so good and filling! the service was great and they brought out the food pretty quickly. i really enjoyed dining outside their patio, it offered nice shade and the decorations outside was really pretty!

The Cubano sandwich and the fish tacos were super delicious!! The ambiance and decor is so cute. It makes you feel like you're in a colorful neighborhood!

i LOVE cholita linda - both the oakland and berkeley location are great such a fast, easy meal with a lot of different options including tacos and sandwiches :-) its open seating, so you just order at the counter and they'll call your number out when it's ready (for berk location) and bring it over (for oak location)! theres also an outdoor patio area which is super cute when its warm out w drinks and your friends,, i always get two baja fish tacos with a side of chips and guac!! sometimes i change it up, but i always return back for the super flaky soft fish w the crispy coating and the fresh slaw to cut out any heaviness... ugh yum water is also self serve! & once you finish eating, just separate out the trash and dishes, place them in the bins, and youre good to go this place never disappoints :-)

The food is really tasty and flavorful. The ambiance feels like you're in South America with the beautiful settings, art, the colors, and ancestry. The service is really good. Go check it out and enjoy the flavors and ambience. Cheers!!!

We were on the hunt for a good lunch & stepped in. Am I glad we did! I ordered the Chicharron de Pollo which comes w/crispy pieces of chicken thighs topped w/salsa criolla served w/rice & black beans, organic salad and plantains. It was outstanding! The flavors were a delightful blend of savory, crispy, tangy, and sweet, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience. The limeade agua was bright & so refreshing! The chips & salsa were the perfect start. The salsa was exploding w/flavor! Nice atmosphere, not too loud, nice music in the background & the staff were attentive & very courteous. This was a very memorable meal. I'll definitely be going back!!!

Really good fish tacos and they have a nice patio in the back. Staff was friendly. Wish they did a taco combo plate instead of al la carte only. The pinto beans I got were a bit under seasoned but the tacos we got were super good. Nice quick local spot.

Fast service good food me and my husband came here for a date night and thoroughly enjoyed the food. It is a Mexican style food with a Caribbean twist highly recommend.

This is my friend's favorite taco place in Oakland so he took me here to try it. What I tried: Papito sandwich (5/5) -- steak, caramelized onions, arugula, and Swiss cheese on crusty bread. This came out piping hot and is crunchy, creamy, sweet, acidic, savory all in one. With their orange sauce, is perfect and I was addicted to their garlic sauce they have in this sandwich Maizena de coco (5/5) -- Coconut pudding with passionfruit mango sauce. There's also a cinnamon topping option which I'm sure is just as good. The pudding was stiffer than what I imagined and was more jelly like because of how set it was. The coconut x mango was amazing Fast service, lively but laidback atmosphere, delicious food, and reasonable prices. Would come back here again for sure!!

Love the feel of this restaurant with their outdoor back patio. Their prices are decent which matches the quality of the food. The fish tacos are awesome, and I would always recommend/order anytime I come back. It is a big piece of fish with a lot of flavor that makes it taste fresh. I came here another time, and I ordered the cubano. I enjoyed that a lot, and I am curious to try the other items on the menu outside of the tacos. The chips and guac is really good and worth trying as well if you are with a group. The staff are really on top of everything. I always have questions on how they know exactly where each table is to serve their orders. They give a buzzer, but they bring you your place before it even buzzes.

Please go back to sweet potato slices on the lechon sandwich instead of sweet potato fries! I love this place, but the change to the lechon made one of my favorite sandwiches in the Bay 3 stars instead of 5. :(

After returning from a week out at sea, my partner and I craved a cozy spot for a quick and tasty dinner that reminded us we were back on Terra firma. I had the fish taco plate and he had the carnitas and we split guac and salsa (why do upscale Mexican places in Oakland do this? Kind of annoying). My plate arrived first so timing was a little off. But the atmosphere made up for the blip in service. Beautiful tropical vibe, spacious and airy, colorful and welcoming. Marguerita from the machine was ok, the sangria better. Service could use a bit more energy and enthusiasm. Maybe it just been a long hot day.

This place has been on my radar since it always pops up on my Yelp. I had high expectations but I left a little underwhelmed. I ordered the Pescado Frito, which is fried fish topped with salsa. There was nothing special about the fish flavor-wise. It tasted like I was having fish and chips but with a different batter. The dish is served with white rice, beans, and a side salad. Again, it was just plain rice and beans. The salad is tossed in a light vignette. I also ordered a side of tortilla chips. FYI, they do not offer free refills for chips. I might have to try something else next time.

Baja fish taco 10/10 Avocado dip 10/10 Cucumber lemonade 10/10 Glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem

SO SALTY OMG it's a ploy to get you to get agua fresca. I'll just get it anyway! salad should have lettuce btw

Came here on a Saturday night and it was super lively and busy inside. This location is super colorful and well decorated. I was super impressed by the quality of their food! I ordered 3 tacos and all were very flavorful. My favorite by far was the fish taco which was super crispy and a good amount of meat. I'll be coming back!

Came to this restaurant for a quick eat before a concert and was pleasantly surprised. The service is quick and it's free seating. The food was so tasty and flavorful and the place is so cute! I'll have to come try this place again and try other dishes.

Blown away by SOME of the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere! I really enjoyed the baja fish tacos and yuca fries! The yuca fries came out so fresh and hot, it could well burn your mouth! The tacos are a standout--especially the al pastor and carnitas, which are packed with authentic, bold flavors. However, I was not a huge fan of the carne asada and pollo al pastor tacos. The sides, like the chips and guacamole, are equally fantastic. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better. The cozy ambiance and Latin American decor create a fun and lively environment. Whether you're a fan of tacos or just looking for a great meal, Cholita Linda is a must-visit spot in East Bay!

Chalita Linda always gives what it needs to give! Service is great, the overall vibe is chill and causal, and the food is always delicious! It tends to be busy but I've never struggled to find seating if you're willing to sit outside. Went here on a date and it was a great vibe. Parking was daily easy to find as well.

It's not everyday I want to tell people about my regular go to places. I am a major foodie with high standards and don't like my places too popular- usually I like to keep them to myself and stick to them because I know they are good and reliable. But sometimes at one of these spots something goes wrong, like the order is so messed up! Then the way they fix the mistake so over the top amazing and special that I just want to shout it from the rooftops that this company can be trusted and should be supported! Good business is good people! Adel at Cholita Linda is that kind of manager. He understood my concerns, and why the spicy tofu tacos were NOT on the nights menu for my hubby who is allergic to spice! And especially after I had to get home to find that out and then have to drive all the way back, let's just say with with his calm assurance and way of handling the order snafu it was all fixed within five minutes and he diffused my tension and the situation superbly. I am so thankful he was on duty and he is good with the public! Having said all that, the food! Peruvian cuisine at its finest! I would recommend this fine restaurant to everyone. Either for a quick taco on a lunch break or eating with those out of town guests when you are looking to impress with them authentic temescal flavors.

Great tacos the Baja ones were my favorite! Service was quick food was hot. I will definitely return!

Wow that's all I have to say I should've taken a pic but those carne asada tacos and my Fresca made my day so much better and the girls had wonderful customer the Sunday ROCK!! I'm coming for more it was damn delicious your salsa is divine and they put a lot of cilantro and weren't stingy thanks expect the drink could've a little like a tease but other than that you guys have better tacos than the truck

Small portions but politely served on the counter no table service......so I don't tip. Won't be going back cuz dogs don't belong on chairs or benches. Dogs belong on floor. People using hand sanitizer and obsessing about the table top then put their dog on the seating???? WTH WHEN THE DOG THAT WALKS ON A FILTHY SIDEWALK IS permitted to sit where a customer sits....Hell no! This is what u get when children and greenhorns run your restaurant. I might order and take out but not sitting in there again

"PERUVIANS STAY AWAY" If you are Peruvian and are attracted to the name thinking they have peruvian food THEN STOP RIGHT NOW. I am born and raised in lima and i have a very highs standards for my Peruvin food. A couple weeks ago i tried the "lomo" sandwhich , i expected a traditional lomo sandwhich but it wasnt . The beef was flavorless and there was barely any onions (something was missing forsure) , then i decided to give the "Pescado Frito a try and i was once again dissapointed. The "Salsa Criolla" is just pickled onions, the side dish is plantains (instead of yuca like the traditional way) All in all a pretty dissapointing and misleading experience , they mention "Peruvian" a lot in their menu and there isnt 1 thing that is remotely close to peruvian , i gave it 3 stars because the staff was nice but im forsure never going back. Dont advertise "Peruvian" then give them something else, you are giving Peruvian food a bad name .

I have to come back. With someone I love. Because it's so good here. And we should enjoy this together! I arrived alone on a Saturday afternoon following a reiki session down the street (hello Berkeley!). I wanted something refreshing and healing and something that felt like home. As another Yelper commented, this helped bring me home to San Diego where I grew up. I ordered the fish tacos and when they came, I first wondered where the hot sauce was. Yo, it's inside-- they already got you and it's the perfect amount. The first bite to the last was heaven. The sangria was a nice "hit", soothing and chill. The outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing and journaling alone with your meal, or gathering with friends/family. On a brisk & sunny November day, the colors, lighting, and greenery brought a warmth and coziness that makes the meal experience feel complete. Salamat (thank you), Cholita Linda!

Me gusto mucho el plato con ensalada y plátanos. Nice place, good vibe. Order at the counter and your food gets delivered. Lots of seating, clean restroom, free parking on the side.

It's been awhile since I had fish tacos so I decided to get them here. I got 2 as well as a mango strawberry aqua fresca. The fish tacos were delicious! A nice chunk of fish, perfectly flaky, wrapped in 2 tortillas and topped with crunchy slaw and sauce. I also put lime juice and hot sauce on top. Each bite had a little bit of everything and I wish I got more! The aqua fresca was also great. Definitely on the sweeter side, which is fine with me but might not be everyone's taste, and tasted of mango and strawberry. Nice and refreshing on this warmer day. Food came out quickly and the tables were clean. You clean up after yourself at a station they have set up. Overall, I have never been disappointed here and can't wait to come back.

The fish tacos, agua fresca, and churros are great! It's cool that they bring the food to your table using a tracker thing that looks like a pager. Also, their guacamole is really good.